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. Kitchen user’s guide has it all

I’m no expert, but I do believe everyone should have basic cooking skills, so one of my favorite gifts to give is "How to Cook Everything," by food writer Mark Bittman. This 960-page collection covers all the basics of navigating the kitchen, from pots, pans and implements to stocking a pantry and simple cooking techniques — not to mention delicious, easy recipes. The hardcover 10th-anniversary edition is $35, but cheaper editions are also available on amazon.com. — Joleen Oshiro

2. Wall-mount bottle opener makes cool gift

When I was wandering through the fish market next to Nico’s at Pier 38 restaurant one weekend morning, Island Design’s wall-mount bottle opener caught my eye and made me think of my father. Dad loves to garden and has been known to occasionally reward himself with a beer after a hot afternoon spent weeding the tomatoes and squash. I thought this shaka-embellished opener that could be screwed into the outside wall of his garden shed might be a useful tool for him. The design, seemingly inspired by Heineken, an island favorite, includes an imprint of the islands and a blazing sun. It makes for a good-humored souvenir. Get it for $6.95 at Nico’s; call 983-1263. — Elizabeth Kieszkowski

3. Tired? Just add water!

Zipfizz is an all-natural energy drink mix that gives you a boost to endure a tough workout or as an afternoon pick-me-up. The kick comes from 100 milligrams of caffeine extracted from guarana seed and green tea. The sugar-free mix, packed with vitamins, minerals and amino acids, has only 10 calories and 2 carbs. Each tube of powder can be added to 16 ounces of water, more or less to taste. Sometimes I use only half a tube at a time. Zipfizz is available at Costco for $27.99 for 30 tubes in pink lemonade, grape and orange flavors. — Nancy Arcayna

4. EarPlanes ease pain of flying

As much as I look forward to packing up the family and jetting off on vacation, I always dread the squirming agony the kids go through as the airplane takes off and lands. They whimper and wince as the pressure in their ears builds, and there seems little I can offer beyond gum, lollipops and bottles of water to relieve their suffering. Then just before we left for our summer trip this year, a friend turned me on to EarPlanes, silicone earplugs fitted with a ceramic filter. Much to my surprise, the takeoffs and landings on the four plane rides it took us to get to Florida and back were completely pain-free, and I have been singing their praises ever since our return. EarPlanes, $7.99 at Longs, come in both child and adult sizes, and the kids’ version was recently re-branded to tie in to Disney’s "Planes" movie with a picture of Dusty on the carrying case. If you forget to pack them, look for EarPlanes at airport shops. — Donica Kaneshiro

5. Swim diaper briefs, just in case

The swimming pool is the last place you want to have a potty accident. Take proper precautions with iPlay swim diaper briefs and trunks for boys and girls. I love that they look like regular swimwear but have built-in layers of waterproof, absorbent, wicking material inside and microfiber material on the outside in fun colors and prints. They’re comfortable for my son to wear and have proven to be durable. (I double them up with the swim brief under trunks just to be on the safe side.) Prices range from $13 to $21 at Baby Showers Hawaii, 600 Kailua Road, and online at www.iplaybaby.com. — Nina Wu