1. The vinyl “album” gave cover-art designers a full square foot of space to work with, and from the middle of the 1960s some of them moved into the surreal and the bizarre.

“Vinyl . Album . Cover . Art,” by Aubrey Powell (Thames & Hudson, $40), documents the work of the Hipgnosis design studio, leaders in the movement, which was founded by Powell and Storm Thorgerson in 1967. This 50th-anniversary retrospective includes a complete catalog of their work, including the revolutionary and sometimes controversial designs for Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and Paul McCartney.

An 1977 vintage essay by Thorgerson, “How to Design an Album Cover,” about the development of the art for 10cc’s “Deceptive Bends” album, a chapter by Hipgnosis staff member Marcus Bradbury and a forward by client Peter Gabriel add other valuable perspectives.

— John Berger, Star-Advertiser

2. As my mother tells me, “Growing old is mandatory and growing up is optional.” I try to stay in touch with my inner child by having little plush friends to keep me company while I work.

My favorite is the pink Sharka Baby Plush from Crazy Shirts. This 6-inch plush shark with surfboard and leash is the perfect size for a desk companion. It’s available in several colors (and in a yellow version carrying a pineapple) for $10 at Crazy Shirts stores and crazyshirts.com.

— Janica Marie Pascua, Pearl City

3. Looking like a polished professional on a regular basis is a challenge for many of us.

One of my particular hurdles in this regard is that my face tends to be, shall we say, dewy. OK, it sweats. Makeup can be a messy proposition.

But Merle Norman’s Ultra Powder Foundation ($31.50) keeps my face dry and polished-looking, without caking. It is so much better than anything else I have ever tried.

Merle Norman’s Hawaii store is at Ward Centre; call 591-1131.

— Stephanie Kendrick, Palolo

4. Riana “DJ Tittahbyte” Stellburg and Robin “DJ Revise” Taclas aren’t just in a committed relationship; they’re also business partners in a streetwear boutique, About the Goods, which they started in 2012. Last month they moved from McCully to a 913-square-foot space at 1145 Bethel St.

“It’s been awesome,” said Stellburg. “People think we’re brand new.”

The new Chinatown shop is more refined, as are some of the T-shirts, snap-backs, aloha wear and other accessories available there, and I love that parking is easier than at the previous location. Call 744-4606 or visit aboutthegoods.co.

— Jason Genegabus, Star-Advertiser

5. I thought my mom was the only one who ripped open boxes of Cheez-its and tossed them into the oven on a cookie sheet for more bake time.

Apparently not, since Sunshine Cheez-it crackers now come in an Extra Toasty variety. They are slightly browner, crisper, smokier and, well, toastier.

Find them in the cracker aisle at your local grocery store. I bought mine from Safeway, $5.99 for a 12.4-ounce box. Now if only someone would make extra-toasty shrimp chips.

— Donica Kaneshiro, Star-Advertiser

“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.