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1. I’m no coffee snob, so while I appreciate a fancy French press or cold brew that’s been allowed to sit overnight, I’ll happily drink the drip offerings at McDonald’s or my neighborhood 7-Eleven.
Freeze-dried instant coffee doesn’t scare me either, especially when it’s made from 100 percent Kona beans by Island Vintage Coffee. All it takes is a teaspoon of freeze-dried crystals mixed with 12 ounces of hot water to give you that distinctive Kona flavor and caffeine jolt needed to make it through the day. I like how I can customize the strength of my cup, too, depending on how big a scoop I choose to use.
And home cooks don’t have to just drink this stuff — the next time you’re marinating steak or braising short ribs, add a concentrated cup of coffee to the mix for an extra layer of flavor.
Find the coffee at Island Vintage’s Haleiwa Store Lots location for $13.95 per 1.75-ounce bag. Call 637-5662.
— Jason Genegabus
2. The wanderlust moon child in you will love Iratik Jewelry. Designer Krystle Ganotisi of Kapolei creates one-of-a-kind pieces from acrylic, brass and silver.
If you’re looking for something earthy, check out the silver or brass Gypsy Soul necklace ($70); for something trendy, I recommend Pineapple Princess earrings ($30) in black acrylic or wood, or the wooden Moon Phase plate necklace ($35).
Visit shopiratik.storenvy.com.
— Jermel-Lynn Quillopo, Honolulu
3. Don’t be fooled like I was by Zara’s high-end neighbors: The Spanish clothing store’s prices are about as reasonable as you’ll find at Ala Moana Center these days.
On my first visit there I was surprised to discover the retailer’s line of fragrances priced below $23. Whether you like fruity, spicy, grassy, musky or other notes, there is a Zara perfume for you.
I chose Nude Bouquet Eau du Parfum ($22.90 for 3.37 fluid ounces) because its light floral scent was closest to my expensive designer brand. With such affordable prices — and travel-size and rollerball versions available — I was tempted to experiment with other scents.
— Christie Wilson
4. When juggling work with orthodontist appointments, baseball practices, art classes and school functions, the only way I can keep everyone’s week organized is with my Mom’s Family Calendar.It displays each month as a grid over a 12-by-24-inch space.
Mom, dad and each kid get their own column, so at a glance I can see that dad is working Sunday and Kid 1 has ukulele practice while Kid 2 has karate. There’s also a handy pocket that hangs below the calendar for birthday party invites, field trip forms and whatever else is coming up.
Decorated with quirky critters from Sandra Boynton’s books, it adds a dash of cute to the chaos. It also comes with two sheets of appointment stickers. I get mine every December at the mall calendar kiosk for $14.99. The kiosks have all closed now, but it’s still available at workman.com for the sale price of $7.50.
— Donica Kaneshiro
5. My husband constantly samples what he’s cooking but seldom finds a clean place to rest his spoon. Enter the graceful Mini Supoon, a teaspoon with a bowl that, thanks to a clever crooked handle, doesn’t touch the stovetop or counter when set down.
Being made of silicone, it’s heat-resistant and cools quickly, reducing the risk of scalded lips. Plus, it was actually designed to scrape jars and bowls clean with its flat-tipped, flexible bowl, so you can use it for that and measuring, too.
Mini Supoon by Dreamfarm is $10 in orange, yellow, green or blue at The Compleat Kitchen, Kahala Mall, 737-5827.
— Mindy Pennybacker
“5 Things We Love” is a shortlist of newly discovered stuff you have got to see, hear, wear, use or eat. Please keep in mind that featured products may be in short supply and may not be available at all store locations; prices may vary. Tell us what you are loving by emailing features@staradvertiser.com.
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