I’m leery of "nutrition" bars, so I generally avoid them. A lot of the popular ones are high in sugar, so I perked up when I discovered Mediterra nutrition bars offering up aspects of the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet and ingredients I love in combinations like apricot and pistachio, orange and honey, and black olives and walnuts. The sweeter bars have about 14 grams of sugar and contain ingredients I recognize, including roasted sesame seeds, fig paste, raisins, sunflower seeds, yogurt and apricots, instead of a list of chemicals. While it could be difficult for some to adjust to a savory bar, the black olive and walnut bar is a tasty 170 calories, with only 3 grams of sugar. And, important for many, the bars are gluten-free and contain no GMOs. Buy them at Whole Foods Market for $2.49 each or about $24 for a case of 12.

–Nadine Kam

Bargain beauty box offers array of trial sizes

Drugstore beauty aisles are packed with bargain lotions, serums, cleansers and cosmetics. The options can be dizzying under the harsh fluorescent lights. But I signed up for Walmart’s quarterly beauty box and received a selection of product samples in my mailbox for a mere $5 shipping fee. The products are the perfect size to stash in my carry-on for weekend island hopping and encourage me to break out of my beauty routine to try something new.

Sign up online (beautybox.walmart.com) and receive an email four times a year when your box ships. The summer box included a bright red Revlon lipstick, Dove body wash, Clear shampoo, Aveeno sunscreen, Neutrogena gel moisturizer and mascara, Olay moisturizer and a trio of L’Oreal Total Repair 5 hair-care samples, plus coupons to buy full-size versions of my faves.

–Donica Kaneshiro

Tamarind tree pencils add whimsy to your desk

These colorful, quirky Crazy Head pencils caught my eye at TJ Maxx. I especially liked Broom Head, who sports a nose ring, and Bohemian, with hippie flair. The pencils are made in Thailand from the branches of tamarind trees after the fruit is harvested. The topper is made of reclaimed rubber wood painted with nontoxic, water-based paint. I snatched them up at a bargain price of $1.99 each but also found the pencils online for $8.99 at shop.siammandalay.com.

–Nancy Arcayna

T-shirts honor queen’s memory, aim to teach Hawaiian history

Pay homage to Queen Liliuokalani on her birthday Wednesday with this T-shirt by Hawaiian Hostage depicting a Kingdom of Hawaii postage stamp from the late 19th century, with minor alterations. Kea Morse says he started the apparel brand "to teach and honor Hawaiian history," passing it on to younger generations through his designs. I stopped by his booth at the recent Made in Hawaii Festival, but the shirts can be purchased for $25 at Hawaiianhostage.com, and T&C surf shops just started selling them as well. (Follow Morse on Instagram at @HawaiianHostage.)

–Christie Wilson

Series chronicles 20 years of Miles Davis’ music

Miles Davis was one of the most innovative and influential jazz musicians of the 20th century. "Miles Davis at Newport 1955-1975: The Bootleg Series Vol. 4" (Columbia Legacy, $49.98) was released this month to commemorate Davis’ first appearance at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1955 and documents his musical odyssey through several genres of modern jazz in the two decades that followed. Four CDs capture almost five hours of performances during eight festival appearances. A beautifully illustrated 34-page booklet puts the recordings into their historical context and provides some visual context as well.

–John Berger

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 this week by emailing features@staradvertiser.com.