Better Than Therapy?

Imagine, having your own, personal therapist - and without the annoying cash payment each visit. The stuff of dreams, you say? Not any longer. Many medical experts feel that many health challenges could be wiped out if WE weren't so wiped out. In other words, if we could only cut back on stress and enjoy a full night's sleep. So, I put that theory to the test personally.

Recently, I picked up a "Sound Therapy System" from www.sound-oasis.com to see if my restless sleep turned into a happy snore-fest.

Result? Well, you know I don't waste time or text on something that does not work as claimed. So it's a pleasure to share good news about The "Sound Therapy System." This new creation helps block irritating noises and actually turns your bedroom into an oasis of relaxation. Advantages? Excellent variety of realistic sounds to choose from (20); alternate sounds (five more) that you can mix in with the primary sounds to further customize your preferences; and, a high-quality set of speakers with sub-woofer to help make the sounds ever more realistic.

Of course, the system includes an am/fm stereo clock radio as well. Now, you can fade off to sleep with the sound of waves lapping at the seashore if you wish. If you prefer rain, white noise, windy day, or many others - just push a button. Then to wake up, you can choose among welcoming sounds or your favorite radio stations - even a buzzer, if you have masochistic tendencies. Also set time periods for naps, pick continuous sounds to last throughout your sleep, or set a specific length of time for sounds to last until after you're sleeping peacefully.

Falling asleep is quicker and easier, which means I'm able to focus better during the day without nodding during the afternoon. With an alarm for you and another for your partner, the patented technology will likely help even the most stressful day fade comfortably into the background. Also comforting is the proprietary "bio-sync" sound technology. This was developed by world-famous sound therapy expert, Dr. Jeffrey Thompson. This is the key to helping block those jarring noises and creating a peaceful atmosphere. And, that's what you need to fall asleep easier, get better quality sleep, improve concentration, and feel more alert throughout the day.

By the way, you can now add a "Sleep Therapy Pillow" if you wish, that plugs into your system. That way, two extremely thin speakers embedded in the pillow will direct the sounds of your choice to you on an even more intimate level. What's more, it won't annoy a fellow sleeper.

So, try the "new" therapist in town. The "Sleep Therapy System" from www.sound-oasis.com and enjoy more restful sleep. Soon, you may want to retire your old-fashioned therapist. Just remember not to destroy your peacefull buzz by bringing work papers or laptop into bed with you.

Happy Light

Make that: HappyLite Mini Ultra. Mighty tired of all the rain these past few weeks here in the Northeast. Rainy days and Mondays always make me sad. Say, wasn't that a song lyric? Anyway, whatever the time of year, too many cloudy days and too little sun add up to SAD-ness. That is, "Seasonal Affective Disorder." Years past, we just called it the winter blues or mild depression. Doctors knew better and many now endorse light therapy to help eliminate those blahs. SAD can be a serious medical disorder as people react to limited daylight. Effects can include weight gain, sugar cravings, lack of focus or even problems sleeping.

Verilux to the rescue! (www.verilux.net) Using a unique natural spectrum system, this light therapy gem sits on your desktop spreading sunshine, without burning you with harmful UV rays. The Veriluxers developed a special combination of elements that put out the same type of light we enjoy (and need) from the sun. Also helpful, Verilux lighting eliminates the headaches and eyestrain from many fluorescent lights.

Using the www.verilux.net system may not only help you recover from jet lag, or changes in your work schedule - you might even qualify for some insurance coverage. If you're being treated for S.A.D. you could get reimbursed after getting a prescription for this type of "light therapy." Now, don't ask "Dr. Steve" cause I'm not really a physician. You need to take this up with a real doctor if you think you may qualify.

All I know is, using the HappyLite Mini Ultra for about an hour each morning, my mood has been super. Granted I'm generally an upbeat, positive character - but after all the gloomy weather, this Verilux product works so well , I'm a light therapy believer. You'll want to know that light therapy is currently recognized as effective by many researchers and medical professionals. This system may help boost your mood and blast away the blahs for about the price of a good desk lamp. And no, you don't sit and stare at the light. You simply place your HappyLite a foot or two away from your face at a slight angle - maintain your normal schedule and and keep working. You may find as little as 15 to 60 minutes a day - mornings are best - are all you need to start feeling results.

Don't start thinking you can just stare at an extra-bright bulb each day. Not effective and not good for your eye health. Special Verilux bulbs can last up to three years and use very little power. They even offer a special blue light system if you suffer with sleep disorder. Boost your HQ - your "happiness quotient" - with the HappyLite Mini Ultra, just one of the many "natural spectrum" daylight choices you'll find at www.verilux.net

Essential Cedar

Two things I miss about the house we sold: Terrific view of the ocean and ships sailing along the Jersey shore. And our huge cedar closet. No moths, no bugs, no stale-smelling clothes. But, when it came time to move on and become NYC apartment dwellers, we now live in a place just a tad bigger than our beloved cedar closet.

But, thanks to my Woodlore pals at www.woodlore.com, we don't need a massive cedar closet any more. These experts will help you maximize your cedar impact even with minimal storage space. You know, I still have a pair of shoe trees from my college days. Not thrilling info I realize. But that does prove how long good cedar products can last - and how they can make a big difference in how your clothes, shoes - even storage drawers smell. Consider also the increased lifespan it givesf your clothing.

Cedar wood is so wonderfully fragrant and sturdy, it has been enhancing lives since BCE. But the folks at woodlore keep coming up with newer, better ways for us to use this helpful aromatic. In addition to their line of hangars and shoe trees, they now carry cedar paper. Simple approach to trimming sheets of cedar to fit whatever size space you need. I still like the blocks and liners since you can sand them a bit to freshen the cedar scent whenever you wish.

If you catch this by Father's Day, glom their special discount offer. I could say they arranged that especially for you, blog reader, but - that would simply not be true. What IS true... you also want to try the shoe polish and creme. Best I have used in my years of polishing and spit-shining. So, don't stop with shoe trees. Also grab a box of their Shoe Fresh inserts. These even work on your workout shoes. Here you go: www.woodlore.com

Wow, Bacon!

For years, my favorite vacations spots were at all-inclusive resorts, especially in the Caribbean, for three reasons: First, waterskiing. Second, windsurfing (or sailboarding if you prefer). Third, and not least, bacon. You know the types of places. Breakfast, lunch, dinner - you sat with friends, gabbed and gobbled your unlimited meals. But for me, the most important meal was - and is - breakfast. I still feel sorry for the slam-down-a-coffee-and-run peeps. Me, I kept going back to that bacon buffet over and over each morning til I smelled like a freshly opened package.

You've got to respect the pig - and not just at breakfast! You do that by making certain that thick or thin - your bacon is cooked to perfection. For you, perhaps extra crispy. For me, a bit of moist, glistening fat, chock full of flavor and still sizzling. How to do that? A tasty and ingenious new method involves an amazing gadget called "WowBacon." Yes, it's at www.wowbacon.com and, it effectively let's you broil bacon in your microwave.

Previously, I had given up on microwaving bacon. Got tired of figuring cooking time according bacon thickness, number of slices, etc. Still, most batches turned out too dry, often burned or just ruined. It gets worse for a true bacon fancier if you occasionally splurge on expensive cuts from the green market. And who loves the hassles of cleaning splatter off the inside of the nuker - and wasting tons of paper towels covering the strips and sopping up grease? Another ghastly statistic: Americans ALONE account for three BILLION paper towels being dumped every year. We can at least cut that back dramatically.

WowBacon eliminates that challenge and others. This dishwasher-safe creation turns out perfect bacon with no splatter and no need for paper towels. As you'll see, it is completely enclosed and designed to easily cook bacon without those microwave burn spots. In addition to the better taste and consistency, you'll be eating healthier bacon since it doesn't wallow in the grease. The fat drips into the container during cooking. Speaking of which, if you grew up using bacon fat with your recipes like my family, WowBacon catches all the greasy goodness so you can save and store as needed.

Join me, bacon lover, in celebrating this grand invention: www.wowbacon.com You may also wander back to your glory days - bacon in the morning, bacon-lettuce-tomato sandwiches at lunch, and fresh bacon on your potatoes at dinner. Why not? Even the gang over at food411.com loves this gadget.

Green Garmentos are Great

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I know I'm getting carried away when I start telling my dry cleaners about a product they should be using. But if by doing so I can help cut back on plastic usage, why not?

Going green no longer has to mean spending more money. Here's a nifty item I discovered at the recent Hot Housewares for the Holidays show in New York. From the pictures, you can tell this is not just another garment bag. You get many bags in one. Use it as your laundry hamper; carrying bag with shoulder strap garment, duffel and reusable hanging garment bag. See: www.thegreengarmento.com

Pile in your dirty clothes at home then pull the cord and drape the handy strap over your shoulder to drop at your dry cleaners. Have them return your freshly cleaned items in your Green Garmento bag and you'll also be helping green our environment. Americans are dumping over a hundred million pounds of plastic bags in landfills - every year. You can help stop that by using this eco-friendly bag made from recyclable, water resistant material.

Yes, the bags are machine washable - cold water, please. And you can even wipe down your bag with a cloth and antibacterial spray as needed. It's time we all put more effort into "greening." You can save money and save your environment all in one with a bag that can hold up to 14 garments. Please pass this along to your dry cleaners so we can put an end to the waste from single-use plastic bags cluttering our beautiful country. You may be pleasantly surprised how receptive most dry cleaners will be. Truly a hot item you will quickly get hooked on: www.thegreengarmento.com

UPDATE: Like a FREE bag? Get one while this offer lasts. Go here now: http://www.thegreengarmento.com/BASE/SS/get-free-bags/

Lean, Green, Bean Machine

Are you one of the 40 million slurping java each day?  If so, I know you don't enjoy laying out $4 for coffee or the bitter after taste that often creeps down into your stomach causing acid tummy.  Also, studies show that even when brewing your own, you often end up pouring much of the fresh pot down the drain.  

Well now you can save time, save money and even eliminate bitterness as you enjoy fresh, delicious coffee.  How?  With a patented system that's attracting raves from consumers everywhere.

How is it possible to do all that and save money - not only on your coffee, but also on your electric bill?  Just change the way you brew.  Discover the timely Hourglass Coffee Maker (www.hourglasscoffee.com/)  and you can even preserve your left-over, fresh-brewed treat for at least two weeks - and it will still taste as terrific as day one.  Plus, you'll appreciate how drinking nearly 70% less acid gives you a happier tummy without flavor loss.  And no, you don't have to drink the coffee cold - unless you want to.

Before you scoff - listen:

Whatever you spend on gourmet brew for your home or office, you likely waste a fair amount.  But now, with the proven successful cold-brewing system, you simply save your extra in the (included) BPA-free container right in the fridge.  As they say on tv, "But wait, there's more!"  You can even use the same coffee grounds twice, giving you more mileage from your favorite blend.  And, because this is a cold-brewing method - no plugs, no cords, no electricity - you will only be drinking healthier, smoother, richer coffee.  Bye, bye bitterness.  If you're a little lazy like some of us, this is the only way to make coffee.  The Hourglass coffee maker does all the work for you with no mess.

Once you try the cold brew system from  www.hourglasscoffee.com  you may decide to switch to less costly brands.  That's because you can enjoy a rich, gourmet flavor even with inexpensive store blends.  Cold brewed coffee tantalizes your taste buds and relieves acid gut with this patented coffee maker.  And with no electricity and no replacing paper filters, combined with the ease of making single servings - your money saving options are magnified.

The entire system is wildly simple as you'll see on the website demo.  No bean burning and almost 70% less acid makes for tastier, healthier cup every time.  So, whether you brew enough for you - or your entire crew, you don't have to create a fresh batch each day.  Just pull out your Bean Kanteen (part of the system) from the fridge, add hot or cold water to make it as strong as you like and enjoy the richness.  And whether hot or cold, with your Hourglass the coffee you make may be the most memorable you've ever tasted.  Now, instead of paying bucks to fill your cup, this system can trim your cost to as little as 20 CENTS a mug.

Catch the video for the tasty details: www.hourglasscoffee.com  and stop wasting time brewing a new pot every few hours at the office - or even every day at home.  Brewing and saving with this system keeps your tummy topped off with the freshest, best-tasting coffee you can drink.

Warmer in Winter, Cooler in Summer

Even though I am not always first to get advance word on a product or service, when I do find something worth your time I send it along.  On this discovery, Runners World and other esteemed publications beat me to the punch.  But, in case you haven't seen all the other media yet, let's talk foot tech.

Socks, specifically.  I might be a tad slow since it took me years to realize cotton socks don't keep your feet warm in the winter - even heavily padded styles.  Nor does cotton allow moisture to evaporate well or keep your feet as dry - summer or winter.  Plus, other fiber combinations are far from perfect when it comes to dryness or zapping odors since they still retain moisture and keep your shoes and socks damp.

But look at this creation for your feet: Drymax socks.  (www.drymaxsocks.com)

Wet socks are not only uncomfortable, they can cause painful, annoying problems.  You've seen ads showing people with athlete's foot, fungus and hideous toenails.  And some companies admit even foot medications can take a loooong time to help.   But, what if you could wear socks that are both comfortable and also keep your feet drier and healthier?  Socks that don't slide around on your feet during the day, much less during sporting activities or working out.

Well, I have been using different styles of Drymax socks for weeks now, washing them regularly (you'll be glad to hear) and wearing them with different athletic and even dress shoes.  Terrific news - their marketing info is not hype.  The two special fibers created actually do wick away moisture and pull sweat off your skin.  Naturally, that helps keep your toenails dry as well.  These socks are so good, I have tossed out my old cotton and other fiber styles including poly/cotton/nylon/whatevers.  (You wouldn't keep out-of-date products in YOUR home, would you?)

You can run a marathon or simply walk around the office in comfort, knowing Drymax' patented blister protection system is still working, along with their "micro zap" odor controlling system.  We've previously discussed how silver is being incorporated into more products for its beneficial qualities.  Here, Drymax uses silver to help knock out bacteria-producing odor.  Dryer socks and feet mean less odor as well as healthier feet.

Man, woman, child - you don't have to be a golfer, runner, soccer player, hiker, etc.  All you have to be is someone who appreciates comfort, style and technology that does what it promises.  You'll find they have socks for any use.  From the unique flat-toe seam to the arch band that helps keep your sock in place - to their "True Fit" sizing method, I promise you will enjoy wearing Drymax socks.  

Something else to note: If someone you love is diabetic, they will find a style that does not reduce circulation or leave leg marks.  Even their padding does not interfere with shoe fit.  Common myth: extra padding does not help keep you drier or more comfortable.  Check the Drymax tech comparison charts against other socks, read testimonials and even see research and medical info on their website: www.drymaxsocks.com.  

I'll bet you've tried a huge variety of dress and sport socks over the years of using your feet.  But from my experience (and others you'll see online), these fit better, fight blisters better and keep my feet cooler and drier than any other fiber combination ever experienced in any socks - including various wool types.  You'll never go back to old-fashioned cotton or poly after wearing Drymax socks.  Frankly, you won't be able to because these fibers are likely to last much longer than older styles.  This is an actual scientific tech breakthrough that you'll be wearing.

One more comforting thought: Drymax guarantees their socks will keep your feet drier and more comfortable than any other sock.  If you think otherwise, you can even return them for a refund.  See the simple guarantee details on their site.

Happy walking!

Magical Organic Chocolate

Shocking confession!  As a kid, I wasn't nuts about chocolate.  Matter of fact, my favorite ice cream flavor was butter pecan and my favorite cookies (still) - oatmeal raisin.  However, in recent years I have come to see the error of my ways.  Perhaps just because I've been eating much healthier, my body craves more foods that nature intended us to eat.  (yes, really)  In a moment, I'll show you how to enjoy some of the world's finest chocolate at wholesale.

First - I know, you've read all about how chocolate contains a ton of anti-oxidants, is healthy (small amounts) and is considered in some cultures almost magical.  So, how did it get its bad rep in some quarters?  Perhaps when people - especially Americans - starting chomping so many bars that weight gains were easy to blame on chocolate.  HOWever... we now recognize what many cultures have known for thousands of years.  That is, small amounts of dark chocolate carry enormous benefits as well as fabulous flavor.

If you have yet to discover the magical taste of Shaman Chocolates (www.shamanchocolates.com), get ready for a super treat.  And at the same time, get ready to help your fellow humans as well.  When you buy Shaman Chocolates, you will taste an organic combination of ingredients you will want to share with all your friends.  Your money also helps support the Huichol Indians to survive and maintain their ancient traditions.  The Huichol have used chocolate for thousands (yes, thousands) of years in their ceremonies and to help maintain the Shamanic traditions and culture for which they are known.  Believe me, these people know chocolate and have a rare appreciation for Mother Earth.

Treat yourself to excellent chocolates that can rival many expensive brands and do your part to help support a rich cultural heritage.  The website offers fascinating information about the Huichol Indians and their culture, Shamanism - and of course, shows store locations nearest you.  Of course, you can buy directly from their website also: www.shamanchocolates.com   When you taste Shaman Chocolates, your taste buds will dance with joy - and you'll help the Huichol culture continue for another generation.  By the way, it's easy for you to get wholesale pricing on these treats.  Get a few friends together and spring for just four boxes of bars.  You'll get 12 two-ounce bars in one flavor per box.  Wonderful gifts and delicious, terrifically healthy eating.  Taste the difference that thousands of years of chocolate expertise can make at www.shamanchocolates.com

Kitchen Magic with Chef'n

Time to visit to a sad, but special room, one largely ignored by many people - especially New Yorkers. The kitchen. Yes, the lowly, often poorly designed, insanely small room that some people use solely for storage. I'm amazed by the number of people I know who rarely turn on a stove, preferring to order out for meals.

Naturally, you don't have to live in New York City to suffer from that syndrome. Call it laziness or the fact that cooking to many is considered either a time-waster or something they never cared to learn. Now however, as we search for ways to save a few bucks, the undiscovered kitchen territory is being sought after as an increasingly desirable destination. Other than dollars, here are a few examples of why magic is happening in the linoleum palace at home.

Go spend a few minutes with the folks at Chef'n: www.chefn.com and find products so well designed and useful, many are actual award-winners. Stop claiming you can't have fun, save money AND spend less time in the kitchen, creating marvelous meals. You can, if you visit their website.

After my better half and I ignored our diminishing bank account and bought an apartment in Manhattan, we realized that spending the fifty cents that remains in our wallets each week at restaurants - or on take out - are more challenging. What's more, even if you don't enjoy experimenting in the kitchen as we do, you may as well make the most of your time - and space - by picking up a few nifty items that turn chores into fun.

Turn your attention to four of our favorite discoveries: the VeggieChop, Garlic Zoom, SleekStor Large Colander and Salad Spinner. Each of these creations is easy to use, fun and a time-saver. And, if you've ever thought you could make a better salsa or guacamole than most restaurants - you're right! And, you don't have to use a sloppy slapping device with a third-rate cutting tool that's tough to clean.

Take a look at the short demo video at www.chefn.com featuring the VeggieChop. It really is as easy as it looks - and you'll get a lot of other ideas on what to use it for, too. You'll be surprised at all you can pulverize with the tough, super-sharp blades. Best part is, you'll actually enjoy putting it to work - even chopping items you never would with similar gadgets that can break easily.

Don't like peeling or chopping garlic? The handy GarlicZoom makes it easier for you to include that essential, healthy ingredient in with more of your meals since less touches your fingers and the process takes you much less time. Slip in whole cloves, snap shut, roll across the counter a few times and your chunks are peeled, chopped and ready to toss in your recipes.

Even if you're not short on space, the SleekStor Colander is another must-have. You will appreciate the large capacity drain bowl that pops up like magic from a near-flat position in your cabinet. Brilliant piece of work that carries over to a smaller colander as well as pop-up from flat measuring cups.

Know what? We even gave away our old, bulky salad spinner after using the Chef'n spinner. Lower, sleeker but still holds enough to make a large salad or whatever you need to whirl away moisture from. Plus, you don't have to yank a cord or spin a tiny knob. Chef'n decided that a push lever was the way to go. And with the non-skid base keeping it in place, I'm betting you'll agree this is an excellent choice. By the way, you'll also be proud to use the spinner's bowl to serve your salads.

Helpful product demo videos will open your eyes to a range of possibilities, all at: www.chefn.com Lots more fun than you imagined possible in the way of kitchen convenience - and not expensive. You'll find a wide range of fun products to save your fingers, speed your cooking and save you $$. Happy chef-ing, with Chef'n.

Fly – Like An Olympic Athlete

Always wanted to know what it feels like to be an Olympian, but not crazy about the prep? Well, this might be as close as you can come. I’ve been testing the super new men’s (and women’s) shoe line from Cole Haan, and my favorite so far called Zoom Flywire. Took me just one week, and I’m hooked.
(http://www.colehaan.com/colehaan/promo/flywire.jsp)

For me, shoes have to be both comfortable and stylish. And you’re likely even pickier than I am. With Nike’s well-known history of high tech performance, it won’t shock you to hear that these shoes are a terrific evolution. What may shock you is the fact that the Zoom Flywire is even lighter and more comfortable than it appears. And, it does appear light. What’s more, you might even have to speed up your pace a bit to keep up your aerobic regimen. These Zoom Flywires are that light.

You probably saw Olympic athletes wearing them in Beijing and wondered if mere mortals would ever be able to try them. Well, you’re in luck. Cole Haan now has a couple of styles available and if you’re anything like me, you may have trouble taking them off. That’s because you won’t want to take them off. You'll be stepping so lightly you may feel as if you're flying. OK, sort of. But, these puppies are uniquely light and airy.

As part of Cole Haan Sporting (a collection just launched that showcases a variety of shoes with several Nike technologies), the Zoom Flywire is unique in both design and construction. You’ve seen suspension bridges, which are partly stabilized and supported by cleverly designed cables. Nike's brilliant techs figured they could achieve similar results by using tiny high-strength threads for support where your feet need it most.

Now, you enjoy super support with the Zoom Flywire with less weight than you expect - even among sport-type shoes. Plus, the new streamlined design is a real head-turner as people check out the threads woven into the shoe and ask you what the deal is. Well, the deal is – you can be one of the first in your crew to sport these revolutionary creations – and, see other designs including Air Turin and Air Logan, the latter a must-have golf shoe, if you hit their website quickly.

You feet will thank you, along with your back, calves, etc.

Oh, if you’d like a 30% discount – you better fly yourself and act fast! Use this code: spsale09 – good for men and women, but not for long. (I have no financial stake in this)
(http://www.colehaan.com/colehaan/promo/flywire.jsp)