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.
Surf burqa wards off sun damage
I enjoy being out on the water, but I don’t want to increase my chance of getting skin cancer. Coating my body with sunscreen is not fun, and it washes off in the ocean. The solution is what I like to call my surf burqa. It’s actually a shaded hoodie rash guard by Quiksilver. Yes, it looks dorky, but it makes it possible for me to surf, paddleboard or sail without worrying as much about sun damage. Even with a hat, the average rash guard leaves your neck and ear areas exposed. With the surf burqa, all I do is put a little sunscreen on my face and I’m good to go. It’s available on quiksilver.com for $64.95. — David Butts
Chocolate stout serves up winning combination
If your dad loves beer and chocolate, toast him on Father’s Day with Young’s Double Chocolate Stout. I’m not much of a beer drinker, but I do love my chocolate and when I tasted the stout I was pleasantly surprised at how smooth and chocolatey it was, without a bitter aftertaste. The can states it should be serving slightly chilled. Young’s Double Chocolate Stout can be found in 14.9-ounce cans ($4.75) at The Liquor Collection in Ward Warehouse and in pint bottles at Whole Foods ($6.99). — Michelle Ramos
Colorful sandals offer Dad a classy, comfy alternative
What does dad really want for Father’s Day? Chances are it’s neither something you can afford nor understand, whether he’s a fishing, golf or tech nerd. And forget about a nice new shirt. He’s likely got dozens stockpiled for the handful of special occasions when he’s forced to dress up. But you can subtly up his wardrobe game by swapping his rubber slippers for a pair of Island Slipper’s dapper sandals using such luxe materials as leather, suede and Madras fabric. Depending on his persona, choose from solid color, multicolor, camouflage, plaid or print styles with prices ranging from $54.95 to $94.95. Made by hand, the slippers feature the kamaaina company’s unique molded rubber outsole, which provides durability and a strong foundation. Shown here is Island Slipper’s classic weave Sassari leather sandal ($99.95). Island Slipper stores are at Ward Warehouse (593-8229) and Royal Hawaiian Center (923-2222). — Nadine Kam
Homemade beer is satisfying, easy to make
I couldn’t decide whether brewing my own beer at home was a good idea or a disaster in the making. I had friends who made their own beer and insisted it was simple to do. But for me the drawback was that the typical recipe called for 5-gallon batches. Then last Father’s Day I received a small beer-making kit from Brooklyn Brew Shop that came with everything needed to brew a 1-gallon batch except the bottles or growlers for the finished product. My family bought me Bruxelles Blonde, a light-bodied Belgian ale with "a gentle malt sweetness."
Making it was easy. Cooking the grains was just like making oatmeal. All you had to do was keep an eye on the thermometer provided in the kit. The 1-gallon glass container is small enough to store in a closet for the initial two-week fermentation but large enough to produce about a coldpack. After bottling, store the brew for another two weeks to build carbonation. Then drink it.
I’m ditching all modesty here: My beer was amazing, and maybe that’s because it tasted like beer, had a head of foam and gave you a good buzz.
Brooklyn Brew Shop sells 10 different kinds of beers in $40 kits. Everything is online, including instructional videos. And once you have the basic fermentation kit, all you need to do is buy the recipe ingredients, which you can do locally or at the Brooklyn Brew Shop’s website (brooklynbrewshop.com) for $15. — Mike Gordon
Parenting, according to father of 4
Richard Greenberg, author of "Raising Children That Other People Like to Be Around" (New Generation Publishing, $14.99), is not a child psychologist or therapist. He’s simply the father of four grown children. With his wife of 36 years, JoAnn, he advocates an old-school, common-sense approach to raising children — no psycho-babble. That means parents are the boss (not the kids) and that children should treat others with respect. He’s also a big advocate of leading by example. Greenberg offers simple tips and advice from his own experience, all delivered with a sense of humor. Find it on amazon.com or visit commonsensedad.com. — Nina Wu
