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.
Duo of books turns an eye on Psy and other K-pop favorites
Korean pop music, that commercial blending of American teen pop and hip-hop performed by carefully coiffed, costumed and choreographed groups, is one of Korea’s biggest and most popular cultural exports. The newly published “Stars of K-Pop” (Watermark Publishing, $24.95, shipping included) — with separate “Boys” and “Girls” editions — provides a fan-oriented view of contemporary K-pop hitmakers, including, of course, Psy of “Gangnam Style” fame. Each volume features 15 acts and hundreds of full-color photos. Fanatics can pick over minutiae in the commentary or take issue with some of the editors’ choices, but either book is a fascinating introduction to the world of K-pop. Call Watermark at 587-7766 or order online at www.starsofkpop.com. — John Berger
Fruity sweetness fills bottles of Malibu Swirl
Malibu Swirl, one of Malibu Rum’s newest concoctions, is an amazing blend of the brand’s signature rum/coconut liqueur mix with strawberries and whipped cream flavors. I like to drink it with cream soda, but the liqueur is so sweet and smooth, it can be enjoyed simply chilled or on the rocks. I found my bottle at Don Quijote for $13.99. — Stefanie Nakasone
Kendama skills shine with toy that glows
Does your kid already have a kendama? Mine does, too. But does it light up the park at dusk, with both ken and dama parts glowing brightly? I broke this one out at my son’s baseball practice, and within seconds the whole team had lined up to give it a try. Spinning, flipping kendama tricks take on new pizazz when lights emphasize the player’s deft movements. I found this one at Iida’s, the same Japanese import shop that charmed families for generations in Ala Moana Center but now operates out of a smaller space in a blue warehouse at 1202 Kona St. The light-up Catchy LED Kendama ($25) is perfect for packing in an Easter basket or as a gift for Boys’ Day, but the store boasts an impressive array of other kendama, including mini, jumbo and glow-in-the-dark models. Call 973-0320. — Donica Kaneshiro
Toothbrush holder keeps germs at bay
I don’t consider myself a germaphobe, but I’ll admit I was a little freaked out to learn that flushing your toilet can spray bacteria far and wide, even onto your toothbrush. While closing the lid when you flush is a good start, I took it a step further and purchased an OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Toothbrush Organizer. It keeps your dental-care items safe from the airborne assault (and cockroaches, eeewww) while providing easy access to up to four toothbrushes and a tube of toothpaste. The internal divider can be removed for cleaning. Even if you don’t buy into germ paranoia, it’s a stylish addition to your bathroom counter for $19.99 at Macy’s. — Christie Wilson
Mexican anthurium found in Waimanalo
My first encounter with Anthurium brownii was in San Francisco while visiting a family member who had one showcased on her fireplace mantel. The plant’s heart-shaped, rippled-edge leaves were more than a foot long, perched on tall, slender stems. Its graceful foliage seemed to dance with the space it occupied. That was almost two decades ago, and I had not come across one in a local garden store — until now. The New Leaf House and Garden in Waimanalo, interior plantscape and exterior landscape contractors, has them in limited supply for $48 to $80. If they run out, be patient; the store is nurturing a supply and hopes to bring in more. The hardy, slow-growing Mexican anthurium (its common name) does best in partial shade, according to New Leaf proprietor Al Fiddler. Translation: perfect indoor plant for me. Fiddler, with 30 years of business under his spade, is usually at job sites, so shop hours are by appointment. Call 262-1982 or email alfiddler@newleafhawaii.com. — Ruby Mata-Viti
