1. There are plenty of stainless-steel lunch containers on the market, almost all promising an airtight seal that keeps hot food hot — and that’s the problem. Most twist-on caps seal so tightly, little hands have trouble getting them open at lunch time, especially when the heat inside acts to seal the container even tighter. It’s frustrating when my child returns home hungry with the lunch I lovingly packed unopened and spoiled.
Blue Water Bento’s Splash Box ($22.50 at Target) keeps food hot, while the leak-resistant silicone covers in bright ocean-inspired patterns are easy to open. Measuring 4-1/2 by 6-1/2 by 2-1/2 inches, it’s the perfect size for a hearty lunch.
For more options, head to bluewaterbento.com, where I picked up the Seal Cup Trio ($29.99) nesting bowls with covers for side dishes or snacks. I love how the littlest bowl tucks neatly into the Splash Box to keep sauces separate.
— Donica Kaneshiro, Star-Advertiser
2. Delightful wooden wall clocks ($48) at Red Pineapple in Ward Centre would make a fun addition to a child’s room or gift for a young-at-heart grown-up.
The 12-by-15-inch pendulum clocks, made in America of lightweight birch wood, come in 20 styles, from pirates and mermaids to penguins and bumblebees. My favorites are the whale and lion: I love how the lion’s tail wags and how a cute crab pendulum keeps time for a polka-dot whale.
The clocks require one AA battery (not included).
— Nancy Arcayna, Star-Advertiser
3. With Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell signing Bill 59 last month, the clock is ticking for consumers resistant to bringing reusable bags when shopping. The plastic bag ban at Oahu stores goes into effect in 2020, but why wait? Foodland’s new Local Puns 2 reusable bags feature dancing bottles of shoyu and guava jelly alongside puns like “Let’s Do the Hokey Poke,” “This Is Kalbi Do It” and “You Gotta Get Your Guava On.”
The bags are $2.99 ($1.99 with Maika‘i Card), or buy a Sunday copy of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser at Foodland by Aug. 13 and get one free. An insulated version is $7 for two bags. Check 808ne.ws/local-puns-2.
— Jason Genegabus, Star-Advertiser
4. I love the bustling scene on Fridays at the Sig on Smith pop-up shop, where downtown dandies vet and preen in the new, limited-edition aloha shirt of the week. Available only at Sig on Smith, the Honolulu offshoot of Sig Zane Designs’ beloved Hilo store, each edition comes in an exclusive print, and when the shirts ($120) sell out, pau — no more.
There are also kapa-print rubber slippers ($34) for men and women and T-shirts (about $26) with the triangle logo designed by the store’s founder, Kuhao Zane, plus beach towels, bedding and more.
Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays only, 1018 Smith St.; @sigonsmith on Instagram.
— Mindy Pennybacker, Star-Advertiser
5. Ever since I had my first taste of the Black Garlic Original Ramen ($11.50) at Golden Pork Tonkotsu Ramen Bar, no other ramen compares. With perfectly roasted garlic, noodles that stay firm no matter how long they’re in the hot broth and a few pieces of ono house-made char siu, this ramen just can’t be beat.
My favorite toppings are cheese and a marinated egg. At dinner the tender meat of the Samurai Ribs adds amazing flavor to the soup.
The restaurant is at 1279 S. King St.
— Janica Marie Pascua, Pearl City
“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.
