Dolls represent hapa kids

Growing up hapa-haole, I always wished I had a kokeshi doll that looked like me. But we now live in a multicultural world and Iida’s, at 1202 Kona St., has custom-designed a line of kokeshi for hapa kids. This 5.75-inch cottonwood cutie ($45) has light-brown hair, while others sport blue eyes. Hapa girls are available, too. With Boys Day next week, it’s a great time to check out the store’s dolls (smaller ninja versions are $36) or shop online at iidashawaii.net. Check the website for store hours or call 973-0320.

—Donica Kaneshiro

Dr. Bronner’s soap is Earth-friendly

Looking for an Earth-friendly soap that’s effective, versatile, organic, fair trade and made in the USA? Look no further than Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap, which keeps it simple with essential oils and natural fragrances. You can use the soap in so many ways — as body wash, hand soap, all-purpose cleaner and for dishes.

Dr. Bronner’s, named after founder Emanuel Bronner, a German Jew who brought his soap-making mastery to America in 1948, uses bottles made from recycled plastic that can go into your blue recycling bin when empty. Hemp almond is my favorite but other choices include citrus orange, lavender, eucalyptus, rose and unscented. Once found mostly in health food stores, the soap is now widely available at Longs Drugs, Marukai and other variety stores. A 32-ounce bottle is $12 to $15. Visit drbronner.com.

—Nina Wu

Beverage made from kale tastes good

The Creamy Kale smoothie at Jewel or Juice in Kailua is delish. Made from locally grown kale, pineapple and banana, it also supports our farmers. Almond milk gives it silkiness while a dose of whey protein benefits my bones and muscles. A 16-ounce smoothie is $4.85. Additional supplements are extra and include blends for energy, immunity and fiber. The juice joint is located at 305 Uluniu St. (262-1900), with another location at 3619 Waialae Ave. in Kaimuki (734-1700).

—Michelle Ramos

Thai sandwich cookie features jam

The closest thing I’ve had to Singapore’s famous pineapple tarts is a Thai sandwich cookie available at Pacific Supermarket in Waipahu. Butterfly brand’s Coconut Biscuit cookies are shaped like little flowers with dark, chewy pineapple jam in the center. The coconut taste is mild, but for me, the blend of the nutty biscuit and sweet, slightly tart jam is cookie bliss. Pick up a 17.63-ounce jar for $4 at the market, located in the Westgate Shopping Center, 94-300 Farrington Highway; 678-2828.

—Craig Gima

Pinedrops IPA is one tasty beer

When it comes to beer, it doesn’t take much for me to fall in love, but I’ll admit I’ve always found IPAs to be an acquired taste. The higher amounts of hops and alcohol used in India Pale Ales can create a distinctive, bitter flavor that may challenge your taste buds. Deschutes Brewery, which produces beer I’ve long enjoyed, recently introduced Pinedrops IPA, supposedly inspired by the smell of the forests near the Bend, Ore., brewery. Well, you could call that a marketing ploy, but it’s as tasty a beer as you will find — and taste is all that matters. It’s crisp and light, as advertised, with just the right amount of bitter. Look for Pinedrops IPA in Hawaii grocery and liquor stores — $9.99 for a six-pack of 12-ounce bottles — as part of the brewery’s early rollout. Food pairings include Philly cheesesteak sandwiches and spicy lemon garlic shrimp, but I think I’m going to try it with spicy ahi poke.

—Mike Gordon

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.