Just the other day I had a retailer tell me they think consumers are sick of the recession. The result? A return to pre-recession habits, including not being as conscious of how much gas they spend, eating out more, and in-general not being as value conscious as they have in the recent past. Well, speculation aside, it’s holiday season – and whether viewed as “splurge time,” or time to “pinch pennies,” a good gift is always in style. And this year’s list of suggestions doesn’t disappoint, offering items for the thrifty as well as the, well, let’s say “thrifty at heart.”
Sambazon
Harness the health-packed power often touted by both Mediterranean and French lifestyles and one would stumble across the health benefits of the Acai (pronounced Ah-Sigh-ee), a fruit found gracing the tops of 50 foot Amazonian palm trees. Of late, the miracle-fruit has been hailed for its low glycemic-index, omega-fatty-acid-possessing deliciousness, which one company has ingeniously packed into a no-sugar, no fuss puree perfect for smoothies, breakfast bowls and waistlines. About $2 each, the frozen product is overnighted packed in dry ice. Visit Whole Foods or Sambazon.com
StClair Designs
I’m not a purse person. But the one-of-a-kind, handcrafted, so-eco-friendly-I-even-use-carpet-remnants-to-line-the-bottom-of-my-computer-bags beauty of Megan DeSmidt’s line of purses truly is awe-inspiring. Created of no less than three fabrics each (read: also three separate fabric designs), DeSmidt makes sure to each one has the utility of its plain-Jane messenger bag counterpart–replete with ubiquitous pockets, storage and organizational efficiency-with style befitting a BoHo Paris runway. She even makes her creations a family affair, cutting the oak handles in her Woodland Park studio with her father, who taught DeSmidt woodworking as a teen. Perfect for overnight bags, diaper bags, quilting, knitting or an every day purse-these beauties are like the fabric version of a clown-car, where unbelievable amounts can stuff inside, but the outside still looks good. The prices aren’t for the faint of heart, but her designs and well-thought-out practicality will make you swoon. $179-$229, repairs guaranteed for life. Available at Denver’s Karma Yoga Center, The Lamb Shoppe, or www.Stclair-designs.com
TRX Suspension Training
Training for a bodybuilding competition, I was surprised when my trainer, a six-time world-champion fighter, nixed the weights and opted for body weight suspension training with these two straps anchored to his wall. “We’re building your base muscle,” he said, as I looked on, incredulously. Two months later, imagine my shock to know my abs were rock solid, triceps visible through my clothes, and my cardiovascular system as toned as when I was running competitively. With such impressive results, TRX is sweeping the nation and the company’s home system is a standout-no trainer necessary! The TRX pro-pack provides a compact two-pound powerhouse, able to fit in the smallest apartment or airline carry-on while packing a workout punch worthy of the most sadistic gyms. Easy setup, easy to use, it comes with a video to make working out seamless. Hang it on a door with the optional door anchor, or anchor it to a load-bearing wall and hundreds of exercises for strength, flexibility, core stability and metabolic conditioning are at your disposal. $140-190 at TRXtraining.com or Amazon.com
Clarsonic
Who knew there could be science to washing your face? The makers of Clarsonic skin cleansing systems say so. Created by the lead inventor of the Sonicare toothbrush, Clarsonic uses this same sonic technology to work with skin’s natural elasticity and gently remove impurities that traditional methods leave behind. The result, they say, is softer, smoother, more beautiful skin with fewer fine lines, diminished pores, and faster-fading dark spots. The patented sonic frequency uses more than 300 movements per second to remove six times more makeup and twice the dirt and oil than hand cleansing. The makers say buildup from hand cleansing can damage skin’s appearance and compromise its health while wasting money on skin care products as they aren’t able to work as they should. The sonic system allows products to absorb into skin more quickly and effectively, giving more “bang” for hard earned dollars. Graduating to this product from a department store system, I noticed the difference immediately – cheek pores reduced practically overnight, and my facial products no longer sit on my skin for minutes as I dress in the morning. In one use, the difference is clear. There’s even a 90-day money-back, 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. $119 – $225 depending on model; available at Sephora Stores or clarsonic.com
Artist Deidre Hardin
From her time in undergrad at Colorado State University, Deidre Hardin had a way with her hands. What developed was a love of design that has translated into unique statuettes and eventually, exquisitely handcrafted jewelry that have been lauded by celebrities as well as friends. Her hands effortlessly transform into agents of design, twisting metal, melding rock, bead and bone into inspirations worthy of display as art. Whether you choose to wear these as jeweled art or hang them to adorn a wall, one thing is certain: The compliments won’t stop coming. $14 – $150, facebook.com/iamdeidre
Three Minute Egg
Unique name, revolutionary shape, phenomenal performance – that about sums up the Three Minute Egg, an alternative to square “yoga blocks.” Though the product is marketed to the yoga crowd, don’t be fooled, its ergonomic shape contours the body, yet provides firm support to stretch tight areas and provide foundation for weak ones (for instance, the wrists). Envisioned by Jason Scholder, who endured back pain for decades, he developed the shape to stretch his back in a way that yoga practice couldn’t. Placing six individual eggs under the low back, supporting the head, cradling the back of the knees and lifting the arms provide an excellent, relaxing reclined position that rejuvenates and restores. For gymnasts, acrobats, yogis and others who wrest on the wrists for pushups, handstands, and the like, the egg is easily modified to support and protect the many delicate bones that can lead to carpel tunnel syndrome. These blocks look funny, sound kooky, but boy do they work. $59-$119 for specific block sets at ThreeMinuteEgg.com.
Doni Luckutt is a lifestyle expert who believes by enhancing interpersonal connection, we can stop simply living, and become Simply Alive! If you have a suggestion on what brings you to life, connect with her on Twitter @SimplyAlive, via e-mail Doni@SimplyAliveWorld.com or on her blog:
