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.
Boulangerie bakes up cute creations
For my birthday, I had everything I wanted: friends, loved ones, drinks and karaoke. But a couple of absent friends surprised me with the delivery of something I never knew I wanted — a doggie cake from Boulangerie Bakery. No, it’s not a cake for dogs but a small cake made to look like a dog, with little dot eyes and an adorable snout. Topped with chocolate ears and strawberries, the light, Asian-style cake was as cute as it was delicious. At $25, the 6-inch cake is a little pricey, but worth it for the presentation alone. Boulangerie Bakery, 1495 S. King St., has other cute creations, such as a mini Hello Kitty cake ($15) and panda and bear cupcakes ($2.99). Call 949-1588. — Stefanie Nakasone
Stash stuff in FlipBelt during workout
FlipBelt has become my new exercise buddy. The machine-washable belt, made of a stretchy spandex blend, has four slits to hold my keys, phone, cash and other belongings. The sleek design eliminates bouncing and chafing that may occur with a fanny pack or bag. Place your items in the pockets and flip the belt against your waist to lock everything in place. It’s great for hiking since you can stash granola or protein bars in the pockets. FlipBelt comes in an array of bright colors and sizes small to extra large. Order it for $28.99 at amazon.com or flipbelt.com. — Nancy Arcayna
Utensils, size make handy meal kit
I got a surprise package in the mail from my dad a few weeks ago, and it’s turned out to be pretty fantastic. I love that the Smart Planet Collapsible Meal Kit comes with a spoon/fork/knife that snaps into the lid and that the container’s compartments accommodate adult-sized portions. The kit is available at various online stores, including walmart.com for $12.99. — Krystle Marcellus
Carle sketch books get kids fired up
My kindergartner is obsessed with Eric Carle books. Whose kindergartner isn’t? These little sketch books themed to the artist’s most popular books “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” and “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” get him excited about practicing his letters and drawing while riding in the back seat of the car. The tuck-in, matchbook-style covers make them easy to tote around in my purse. The 40-page, 3.5-by-5.5-inch Lil’ Sketch books come in a variety of Carle characters and sell for $2.21 at Fisher Hawaii downtown and in Kakaako. — Donica Kaneshiro
Chocolate snack offers health boost
I’ve been enjoying barkTHINS with blueberries, quinoa and dark chocolate for months now. I reasoned that it was semi-healthy since all three ingredients contain antioxidants. Plus, quinoa is a good source of potassium, protein and manganese, which is necessary for the body to protect its cells. Now I have another choice for my midday pick-me-up: barkTHINS Dark Chocolate Almond with Sea Salt. Like quinoa, almonds are considered a superfood with fiber, protein, healthy fats and other nutrients, including vitamin E, which protects against free radical damage. BarkTHINS can be found at Costco for $8.99 to $9.29 for a generous 17-ounce bag. — Michelle Ramos