Snuggle Up. Relax or Reminisce
By Mary Q. Burton
Whether you are looking to treat yourself or want to surprise
someone with a special gift, we have found some new ideas
for you.
Early to Bed
As the day winds down, prepare for a good night’s sleep with
The Republic of Tea’s “get some zzz’s” herbal brew. A blend
of organic rooibos, chamomile, passion flower, and soothing
valerian ease you into a state of relaxation. The main herb,
rooibos, gives the tea its ¬crimson hue and is an antioxidant,
which contributes to immune system health; the flavonoid
present in passionflower is shown to have mellowing properties.
As an herb that has been used for centuries, valerian allays
pain and promotes sleep, making this tea the perfect bedtime
blend. (The Republic of Tea, $9.39 for 36 bags per 1.65 oz.
container, Whole Foods)
Early to Rise
For an invigorating pick-me-up in the morning or any time of day, Kiss My Face Early
To Rise shower gel and foaming bath will give you a head start. It smells great with a
blend of “aromatherapeutic” eye-opening scents that is as extensive as the
combination is uncommon. Imagine a mix of peppermint, spearmint, lemon,
lemongrass, wintergreen, bay, eucalyptus, basil, juniper, and grapefruit formulated to
make you forget your morning cup of coffee before facing the world. It’s the perfect
way to invigorate and smell great too. (Kiss My Face, $9.95 for 16 oz., Whole Foods)
Treat Yourself
Sweeten up your day with a bar of chocolate from Chocolove. Their smooth blend of
Belgian chocolate crafted from African cocoa beans satisfies even the most discerning
of chocolate lovers. The variety of flavors available is wide, ranging from orange peel
to cherries and almonds to crystallized ginger in dark chocolate. For something a little
different, try their latest creation, chilies and cherries in dark chocolate. And there’s
no need to feel guilty about indulging — dark chocolate contains heart-healthy
flavonoids. For even more fun, each wrapper includes a love poem for an extra dose
of sweetness. (Chocolove, $2.29 for 3.2 oz. bar, Whole Foods)
Where’s the Vinyl?
Just when you thought those records were never going to be heard again, Crosley
brings a blast from the past into your home with their Stack-O-Matic record player.
Styled in retro fashion, these turntables can stack up to six records at once, and play
7-, 10-, and 12-inch records, plus 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM disks too. An AM/FM
analog radio is included with the modern technology of dynamic full-range stereo
speakers, side mounted cassette deck, and programmable CD player. Music never
looked this good. (Mission Stack-O-Matic, $249.95, 3 colors, Crosley, www.
crosleyradio.com)
Days Gone By
Have you ever gotten so deeply into a routine that you not only lost track of the time,
but the day? Or maybe you’ve been on an RV trip or extended vacation where days
flow seamlessly into the next. The Day Clock has got you covered. Not only does it
keep the time (you can even opt for a second hand) but a special third arm on a 168-
hour cycle tells you what day of the week it is. It’s a great clock for “those who believe
the day is more important than the hour.” (Contemporary Oak Day Clock, $49.95,
available in four finishes, without hourly time $39.95, www.dayclocks.com)
Get Cozy
It’s easy to stay toasty while reading, knitting, or changing channels under a Cozy
Blanket from Nice ‘N Cozy. This cashmere-soft, double-sided fleece blanket is
generous in length and width, and covers from shoulder to toe with the convenience
of two 12-inch arm slits to free up your hands while relaxing without sacrificing an inch
of comfort. The blanket is a cinch to care for too. It’s machine washable, pill and fade
resistant. (Cozy Blanket, $29.95, available in a variety of colors, www.nicencozy.com)
Nice and Toasty
How do you keep those fingers warm when the temperature drops. Even when the rest
of you is warm, it can be especially difficult to keep hands from getting too cold with
the new heated gloves from Gerbing’s Heated Clothing, freezing fingers are a thing of
the past. The gloves are battery operated, with heat lasting up to 12 hours at 85
degrees, and up to 135 degrees for three hours. The Core Heat Transfer System
keeps the tops of hands all the way to fingertips toasty, and the batteries are
rechargeable! (Heated Gloves, $149 and up, snow and camouflage hunting versions
available, www.gerbing.com)
Reflective Reading
Looking for a fresh perspective.
“We Carry Each Other” by Sharon and Eric Langshur with Mary Beth Sammons is a
collection of stories from CarePages.com. The tales offer insight and inspiration to
those who have been touched by or are dealing with someone close with a serious
illness. (“We Carry Each Other,” $16.95, Conari Press)
“Grow Your Own Pharmacy” by Linda Gray is an easy to read guide to healthy living. It
gives detailed information on vegetables, herbs, berries, and fruit trees such as why
they are good for you, how to grow them, and tasty ways to incorporate them into your
diet. (“Grow Your Own Pharmacy,” $16.95, Findhorn Press)