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.

1. Illustrated book recalls Chinese group’s start

The Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii is commemorating its founding in 1911 with the publication of a beautifully illustrated book. "Celebrating 100 Years" covers the history of the group and profiles individuals who are promoting Chinese culture in Hawaii and contributing to the growth of the business community. Anyone who has regular contact with Chinese cultural groups or the Chinese-American business community in Hono­lulu will know many of the people whose lives and contributions are recorded here. A section titled "Good Health" reprints pages from the chamber’s 1961 Golden Jubilee book, and it’s fascinating to read what was being said at the time and see photos of the community leaders and top business people of the era. To buy a copy of "Celebrating 100 Years" ($50), call 533-3181 or email info@chinesechamber.com

—John Berger

2. Earbuds come in sizes for better fit, colors for more fun

I gave up on earbuds and switched to headphones because I couldn’t get them to stay in place, particularly when active (and by active I mean walking). But I’m back to buds after discovering Koss FitBuds. Especially designed for women, the U.S.-made product is 33 percent smaller than your average earbuds, which means a solid seal for your listening pleasure. FitBuds have a soft, rubberized housing, come in five fun colors and include three sizes of ear cushions for an even better fit. For women to whom active means something a little more intense, Koss FitClip features soft, flexible clips that rest comfortably behind your ear. Find both for $29.99 at Walmart and Sears, and online at Koss.com.

—Christie Wilson

3. Bag your yoga mat, other belongings neatly

Fit your yoga mat, garb, water bottle and other workout stuff into one of Gor­geous’ chic yoga bags. The Beverly Bowtie style with pleats (pictured) comes in slate and creme. It has a key clip so you won’t have to rummage through your bag at the end of class in search of your cars keys, a shoe compartment and plenty of pockets for a cellphone, wallet, MP3 player, sunglasses and other necessities. It’s on sale for $82 at www.ogorgeous.com with free shipping.

—Nancy Arcayna

4. Listen to Clayton’s unsheltered talent

One of the great things about "20 Feet from Stardom," the documentary about overlooked backup singers now playing at the Kahala 8, is getting reacquainted with some wonderful artists like Merry Clayton. Best known for her riveting vocal on the Rolling Stones’ "Gimme Shelter," she went on to pursue an impressive, albeit abbreviated, solo career. "The Best of Merry Clayton" (Ode/Legacy, $8.89 at amazon.com) features some of her more memorable singles and album cuts, including her sinewy and soulful 1970 version of the Stones song that made her famous.

—Gary Chun, Hono­lulu

5. Tambo broom makes short work of sweeping

Before the Swiffer there was the walis tambo broom from the Philippines, still a mainstay at my house. The fine reed strands of this low-tech cleaning tool pick up even the tiniest specks of dust, and because they’re so soft and flexible, they easily swirl into corners and around chair legs for a thorough but zippy cleaning. Find the tambo broom, often casually referred to as "the Filipino broom," at Wai­pahu Festival Marketplace and Don Quijote Wai­pahu for $9.77 — and imagine, no disposable sheets to replace.

—Joleen Oshiro