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.
Anklet bells jingle your outfit
This silver anklet, imported from India, has miniature bells and intricate details, including a paisley design. It can be worn with either a casual or dressy outfit. Available for $49 at Ocean Queen Himalayan Handicraft Tibetan Shop, 66-145 Kamehameha Highway in Haleiwa.
— Nancy Arcayna
Elastic, prints ease summer rompers
I’m no fashionista, so when it comes to finding things to wear, comfort is as much a criterion for me as style. That’s why I was excited to find the Kanoe Romper by Lauwa’e for $80 at the recent Made in Hawaii Festival. This strapless romper, made of 100 percent hand-painted rayon, is perfect for staying cool on the weekends. I love the bold prints, the colors and comfort of an elastic waistband. If the design looks familiar, you may have seen it at the MAMo Wearable Art Fashion Show. Designer Nalani Downing is a hula dancer and yearly attendee of the Merrie Monarch Festival. Her motto is "Stunning … Sassy … Sooo U’i" (beautiful). Available at craft fairs or by appointment. Call 343-2528, email lauwae@live.com or visit www.fb.com/lauwaedesigns.
— Nina Wu
Private car service cranks up
If you’re tired of hitching rides with friends or endlessly waiting for a cab to pick you up, download the Uber app for your smartphone and discover a new way to travel by private car. Now available in 40 cities in 15 countries, Uber connects people who need a ride with a network of drivers. No reservations are needed; simply sign up in the app, enter your credit card information and you’re good to go. The app will automatically assign your reservation and inform you, in real time, where your driver is and how long it will take to get to you. The service even sends a text message once the driver arrives — although you’ll probably have more fun watching the GPS tracker as the driver heads your way.
As Uber is a private car service, you’re going to end up paying more; along with a $7 base fare, users are charged 80 cents to $3.80 per mile, depending on speed. In town, expect to wait about 15 to 20 minutes for a ride.
On a recent trip I waited about 10 minutes for a Cadillac Escalade to show up at my front door. After jumping out to open my door for me, I was offered a bottle of water and asked if the climate control settings were to my liking.
Uber is wrapping up its soft launch on Oahu, so there should be more drivers available as the service gets up to full speed. Follow the company on social media (@uber_honolulu) for the inside scoop on special discount codes that will make your first ride more affordable.
— Jason Genegabus
Mango flavor lifts lavosh
The crunchy texture of lavosh — a crisp flatbread common to Middle Eastern cultures — makes it an appealing snack. It’s also kind of like the tofu of breads, easily accommodating various flavors and seasonings, like sesame seeds and sea salt. I especially like the mango flavor made by La Tour Bakehouse. I buy mine at the KCC Farmers Market for $6 a package.
— Steven Mark
Hitchcock films offer tricks and treats
Consolidated Theatres once again thinks outside the programming box with "Hitchcocktober," featuring four of my favorite films by the master of suspense. First up: Thursday’s screening of "North by Northwest" with debonair Cary Grant, a cornfield, Mount Rushmore and a train suggestively barreling through a tunnel. That is followed by the mummified mother of slasher films, "Psycho" (cue the shrieking violins!) on Oct. 10; "Vertigo" (named best movie of all time by Sight & Sound film journal) on Oct. 17; and "Rear Window" (Grace Kelly is to die for) on Oct. 24. All screenings at 7 p.m. at Ward Stadium 16; tickets are a bargain at only $7.
— Christie Wilson
