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.

Nanoblocks can make a fitting gift

Growing up I was never a big Lego fan, but about a month ago a co-worker brought in a panda she had made out of Nanoblocks (micro-size plastic building blocks by Ohio Art). I intended to buy just one set for myself, but after seeing the assortment of cute kits at Haku­bundo in Ward Warehouse, I soon had eight in my arms: one for my cousin who loves penguins, a macaw for a friend who loves birds, and other kits for animals and musical instruments. At $11 apiece I settled for three: the macaw, a rabbit and a horse (since it is the Year of the Horse). The horse was easy to put together. It took me about an hour while watching "Sherlock." Just make sure not to dump all the pieces out of the bag, because they can be hard to find if they fall on the floor. The kits, from $10 to $30, also can be found at Toys R Us in Aiea. — Michelle Ramos

Keurig offers coffee from Kau

Thanks to an extremely generous friend, I was given a Keurig coffee maker, the magical machine that turns tiny cups of coffee grounds into delicious single servings. I had long considered purchasing one, but the thought of not being able to drink Hawaii-grown coffee kept me at bay — until now. Ka‘u Coffee Singles by Ka‘u Coffee Mill and Ka‘u Coffee Trading Co. provide a cup of pure Kau coffee with delightful fruity notes and a smooth yet bold flavor. A 12-pack goes for $18.95 at the Trading Co. in Hilo, Hama­kua Macadamia Nut Co. in Kawaihae and at kau­cof­fee­mill.com. — Joleen Oshiro

Spacey plays power-mad politician

The meanest man on TV has returned for a second season, and it might surprise you to learn he’s not a serial killer, a meth dealer or an international terrorist. He’s a U.S. congressman. That’s right, Francis Underwood is back as the scheming star of the Netflix series "House of Cards." As played by Kevin Spacey in the Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning series, Underwood is a man who will stop at nothing in the pursuit of power, from murder to taking naughty photos of his mistress. All 13 episodes of the second season were released Friday on Netflix, and if Spacey isn’t enough of a draw, the political thriller also stars Robin Wright, the hottest middle-age woman on TV. She’s just as mean, too. — Mike Gordon

Learn African-American ‘Hair Story’

February is Black History Month, and although we all know black history happens year-round, that makes "Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America" (St. Martin’s Press, $16.99) timely as well as fascinating. Authors Ayana Byrd and Lori Tharps begin with an overview of the social importance of hair and distinctive hairstyles among the African peoples who were brought to America as slaves, explain how the divisive concept of "good hair" (straight or wavy) versus "bad hair" (kinky) began in slave times, and reveal that the first female millionaire in the United States was a black woman who made her millions selling hair-straightening products. The book recalls the days of "conks" and "do-rags" and describes how afros and dreadlocks went from being cultural statements to fashion accessories. It continues on through the eras of cornrows, the Jheri Curl, wigs, extentions and weaves. They also show how the choices made by high-profile black women — from Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey to Beyonce and Olympic gymnast Gabrielle Doug­las — resonate across black America. "Hair Story" provides an unforgettable look at the social, cultural and political aspects of "black hair" for blacks and nonblacks alike. — John Berger

Cruiser bike provides gentle rides

Whether commuting to work or school or just tooling around the neighborhood, there’s no smoother two-wheel ride than this classic Allant 7 cruiser bicycle by Trek in espresso. The cushy seat and handlebars provide upright comfort, and the sleek aluminum frame is strong and lightweight. Puncture-resistant Bontrager Hard-Case tires are sure to keep you rolling through road debris, and the fenders protect you from mud and water. Also available in blue and gray for $549.99 at the Bikefactory at 740 Ala Moana Blvd. (596-8844) and 94-1388 Moani­ani St. in Wai­pio (678-1800). Visit www.bikefactoryhawaii.com. — Nina Wu