1. Like many in Honolulu, we live in very close quarters and are always scolding each other to turn the TV down so as not to disturb the neighbors. With ambient city noise and our “senior” hearing, this can make TV watching a frustrating exercise.
The Clarity TL100 TV Listener solves the problem with comfortable, lightweight wireless headphones. Set-up is easy: plug the compact transmitter into your TV or cable box, attach the power cord and you’re good to go. The Clarity Listener is Bluetooth-enabled so you can take calls or listen to music from your smartphone.
Unlike headphones you plug into your set, the sound stays on for others in the room or you can mute your TV for headphone-only listening — ideal for late-night viewing. Other features: an 18-hour charge, a range of up to 30 feet and voice prompts that alert you to incoming calls, battery charge and connection status.
All the tech stuff aside, it’s been a revelation to discover the richer sound we’ve been missing. I’m hooked and use it almost every night. At $179.95, the Clarity TL100 TV Listener is pricey, and cheaper, lesser-quality TV listening devices are available, for sure. But Clarity, a division of Plantronics, is known for its assistive-listening devices, and this one doubles as wireless music headphones. Order at clarityproducts.com.
— Christie Wilson
2. Making tea can be a messy business. Unless one is into reading fortunes, loose leaves are rarely an option. And bags? What to do with the soggy creature after it has been dipped in a hot bath?
“Downton Abbey’s” rigid butler Carson would certainly not approve of silicone tea infusers, but modern tea-time companions like Gamago’s green turtle and Fred & Friends Mr. Tea do all the work. Once filled with loose tea or a teabag, they perch on the rim of your cup likes it’s a soothing hot tub. Ahh, the civility of it all.
Available at Thinker Things and Bed Bath & Beyond starting at $6.
— Cindy Luis
3. When my beloved Kerasilk Instant Silk Fluid reformulated last year and became less effective in Hawaii’s humidity, I started polling friends and coworkers about what defrisant they use.
Everyone named a hair oil product, but I find oils can weigh down your hair when reapplied and end up looking greasy. Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream works on wet or dry hair and is light enough to be used repeatedly without buildup. The argan oil hiding in the light cream leaves my hair shiny and cuts through frizz.
Available at the Salon + Spa Marsha Nadalin at Kahala Mall, $15 for 2.53 ounces or $38.50 for 10.2 ounces. Call 737-8505.
— Donica Kaneshiro
4. When I first set eyes on this fringed Pupuka round beach towel ($85), I loved the artistry of it: a flock of iwa birds taking flight toward a center point, or piko, in a blue sky. Kaneohe mom Pekuna Hong hand-carves the stamps used in her prints, which also decorate coverups, onesies and shirts.
I love that the 60-inch towel/blanket is big enough for two and is velvety soft to touch, making it perfect for wrapping around the ones you love.
Find Pupuka on Facebook and at mkt.com/pupuka. Email: pupukaco@gmail.com or phone 729-7001.
— Nina Wu
5. On a friend’s suggestion, I tried Insight Timer, a free app that offers guided meditations ranging from yoga nidra and shamanic journey to peaceful relaxation sound therapy and mindful breathing. I’m so glad that I did! There are thousands of tracks to choose from so I can pick a meditation depending on my mood or situation.
When logged on, you can see what other members are currently listening to and view a world map that shows you where the app is being used. You can also use your profile to join “insight groups” to communicate with like-minded individuals. Groups include “Be Here Now,” “Beginner’s Mind” and “Rumi.”
Visit insighttimer.com or search Insight Timer on the iTunes or Google Play app store.
— Nancy Arcayna
“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.
