5 Things We Love

5 Things We Love is a shortlist of newly discovered stuff you have got to see, hear, wear, use or eat. What are you loving this week? Send a brief description of your latest favorite thing, where to find it and how much it costs, along with your name and contact info to features@staradvertiser.com.

1. Bendy buckets are great multitaskers

I really like using this Tubtrug for my kitchen sink, especially since it comes with an airtight cover that keeps odors in and critters out while my dishes soak in there all day. Tubtrugs are soft, pliable and come in a variety of shapes and colors, although the covers come only in the 151⁄2-inch size. I got another one to use for yardwork; they also would be great as beach carryalls or for laundry. Find them at tubtrugs.com for $9.99 to $31.99. (Unfortunately, shipping from the mainland will add $26 to that, so you might want to check out Liz Dunn’s recommendation, below, for shopthe48.com. Or maybe a local retailer will carry them?)

—Steven Mark

2. Medi-Tan line from Kauai pampers, protects skin

After spending far too many summers frying in the sun, I finally got the memo about sunscreen and now religiously slather it on whenever I’m headed outdoors. But I have trust issues with a lot of the familiar brands that just don’t seem to provide substantial, long-lasting coverage. That’s not the case with Medi-Tan Natural SPF 30 Sunscreen ($20), created by the Jasper family of Kauai. The formula contains zinc oxide, argan oil, shea butter, rose hip oil, vitamin E and other ingredients that provide UVA and UVB broad-spectrum protection and keep my skin hydrated. My daughter prefers Medi-Tan’s Argan Tanning Oil ($25), with coconut and kukui oil, because it absorbs nicely, unlike similar products that leave you feeling greasy. Medi-Tan also makes a Natural Sunless Tanner and After-Sun Aloe Lotion — all with a pleasing coconut and mango scent. If you’re on Kauai, find them at the spas at the Grand Hyatt and Marriott resorts and Me Time Day Spa at Harbor Mall, or order online at www.medi-tan.biz or call 808-632-0933.

—Christie Wilson

3. Cute purr-ses a global hit

Charming cat coin purses from India can be found at Ocean Queen Himalayan Handcraft Tibetan Shop, 66-208 Kame­ha­meha Highway in Hale­iwa and at Ward Warehouse. Made from water buffalo leather, they’re hand-painted and embossed and come in different colors for $10. Being a Hello Kitty fan, these naturally caught my eye. The store associate said they’re a big hit with Sanrio fans and Japa­nese tourists.

—Nancy Arcayna

4. Wood chips add flavorful flair to barbecue

I’m obsessed with my barbecue grill. Given half a chance, I would use it every day. When a friend gave me guava wood a few months ago, I discovered the smoky flavors it infused into everything I put on the fire. Now I’m hooked on trying everything I can find. I used apple chips on a steak that was seasoned simply with salt and pepper. The mild, sweet flavor was remarkable, and the meat paired nicely with a blue-cheese salad with green onions and cranberries. There is a wide choice of woods: peach, hickory, cherry, pecan, oak and even chips from barrels used to make Jack Daniel’s whiskey. I’ve seen them for less than $5 at City Mill and other stores and online for $19.95. The best part about all those choices? I get to barbecue more.

—Mike Gordon

5. Website helps isle shoppers save big on shipping costs

Shopthe48.com is a godsend to those of us in the 50th state who love to shop online, only to be told that "we don’t ship to Hawaii" or the shipping fees are three times the cost of the item. The discount shipping service can save up to 70 percent off shipping costs. I shipped a 7-foot cast-iron Christmas tree I ordered for just over $40 after the dealer would not mail it to me, and I no longer have to divert online purchases to my family in Boston so they can send them to me out here. (Alaska, Guam and AFO/FPO addresses are also served.) A bonus: HawaiianMiles members can earn miles every time they use shopthe48.com.

—Liz Dunn, Hono­lulu