Pretty necklace wafts aroma
This locket diffuser necklace by SimplyQuinns of Pensacola Beach, Fla., is lovely and functional. I add a few drops of lavender oil to the small leather patch inside the locket and enjoy hours of aromatherapy on the go. The 22-inch sterling-silver-filled necklace is adorned with sea foam chalcedony gemstones and freshwater pearls for $39.50, replacement patch included. Find it and other ocean-inspired jewelry at etsy.com/shop/simplyquinns for $39.50.
—Nancy Arcayna
These bags are totes cute
With a plastic bag ban going into effect on Oahu in July, you’ll need to start stocking up on reusable tote bags — the cuter, the better. I love Happy Town’s durable market totes made with recycled cotton canvas and large enough to fit all the ingredients for several meals. The newest tote in this locally designed line features a perky "Aloha" and a pineapple with the recycle symbol for its eyes. Perfect for Earth Day — or a day at the beach. Hey, that’s celebrating Earth, too! The bags are $25 at Red Pineapple at Ward Centre, Eden In Love Boutique at Ward Warehouse, Biasa Rose in Paia, Maui, or online at happytownhawaii.com.
—Catherine Toth Fox, Nuuanu
New ceiling fan uses less energy
Living as green as we can on a tight budget, my husband and I try to use as little electricity as possible, which includes replacing energy-hog appliances with efficient ones. So the bright side of our bedroom ceiling’s sudden collapse was the demise of our wobbly plantation-style ceiling fan. I was thrilled when my husband came back from Home Depot with an Energy Star-approved fan and light for $179 that qualified for a $35 rebate from Hawaii Energy. The 52-inch Home Decorators Collection Windward IV ceiling fan in brushed nickel came equipped with two CFL light bulbs and uses 75 percent less energy while producing 40 percent more airflow than standard fans and turns with a smooth and quiet action. This mod number also looks and feels fresh as a daisy and comes with a remote control. It’s a breeze! Find other eco-friendly options at Energystar.gov.
—Mindy Pennybacker
Images of NBA stars adorn socks
The NBA playoffs are starting, and what better way to celebrate than with socks from Stance emblazoned with images of NBA stars? I especially like that these socks feature players of yesteryear, so you can use them as an excuse to talk about Larry Bird, Julius Erving and the other guys who made the league what it is today (good luck explaining those short shorts). The socks are a new item at the Sports Authority at Ward Villages for $16 a pair, or check out stance.com
—Steven Mark
Cellphone charger is a necessity
Most soon-to-be graduates can expect to become free-range adults who will be spending a lot of time on the job or in the classroom, not to mention at the beach or other locations that do not provide access to a dedicated power source. So yes, you will need this: a portable cellphone charger that will double your talk, text and social media availability.
It’s no fun carrying around a clunky power pack, so chargers small enough to fit in a pocket or purse are most convenient. I found some of the best prices on eBay and via Groupon; locally, Longs Drugs offers SoundLogic chargers in a variety of colors for $14.99. (Accessories such as car adapters in matching colors are also available.)
—Elizabeth Kieszkowski
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.