Do You Want Cream with That?

On a cold wintry night who doesn’t love a warm, frothy mug of steaming hot chocolate? Marshmallows, of course, are optional. Or maybe that blistering cocoa is a bit too childlike for someone with your grown up good taste. Still everyone from little kids to middle aged people to empty nesters likes a mug of something toasty and warm that soothes you right down to your toes and comforts deep into your very soul. Does the smell of brewing coffee remind you of that weekend you spent in Vermont? Does a steaming mug of ginger tea bring you back to your grandma’s warm kitchen? Not only are hot beverages soothing but many of them – namely, tea and coffee – offer health benefits as well. So, you can have your tea and drink it, too! Now isn’t that a great reason to pour yourself a big cup of java in the morning? And it doesn’t hurt to have a cute mug with a sassy saying on it to perk you up with that AM joe.

Squeeze This!

The stress of watching the stock market rise and fall like the tides is enough to make anyone's stomach do flip flops. Should you move your money out of your mutual fund or will you just spend the rest of your days watching that money drip out of your IRA? It is enough to make you reach for an antacid while sticking your head back under the pillow when the alarm clock goes off at 6:30 AM. Not to worry, not to worry. Forget the alarm clock and consider the one stress reliever that doesn't cost $85 per 50 minutes or make you contort into an odd position called downward dog at the local rec center. Try out a stress reliever that fits in your hand and lets you squeeze away your anger, frustrations over the stock market, and disgust at having to see your in-laws again this upcoming Sunday. And remember that even if your own car gets repossessed, your little hot rod of a stress reliever will always be there for you -- maybe not in your garage or with a cute blonde in the passenger seat -- but there on your night stand or desk, just waiting for that next Nasdaq dive.

Drink Up!

With the winter cold settling deep into your bones and the forecast calling for snow, the furthest thing from your mind these days is a comfy chaise on the back deck, cocktail in hand, with a couple of good friends watching the sun set, the kids play, or the fireflies dance. Summer’s warm evenings and fruity drinks seem like light years from the reality of brutal January nights which are usually spent indoors with an electric blanket cranked to the highest setting. Yet, no one ever said you couldn’t have a margarita in the middle of the winter and dream of warmth, sunshine, and beaches. Invite a few friends over, get out that blender hidden deep in the cupboard, whip out your margarita glasses, and let the drinks start flowing. Heck, put on your favorite pair of sunglasses to get the full effect. You’ll be reminded as to why summer is so much fun and how winter doesn’t last forever.

Pooches Rule

Once again, everyone’s favorite yet incorrigible pooch has sniffed his way to the top of the box office. Marley and Me is still sitting pretty since its Christmas Day release. Not bad for a dog who demolished more sofas and tore more curtains than a twister pounding its way through Kansas. If you had the chance to catch the movie – which is based on real life writer John Grogan’s years with, obviously, a very misbehaving lab named Marley, you were probably laughing at the antics of the dog, who despite all the bad publicity, really was lovable and well-loved. The flick may have even made you a bit lonesome for your own pet – who was happily waiting at home while you noshed on popcorn and devoured an entire box of Sno-Caps. Don’t you feel guilty now? If your conscience is about to do you in, don’t fret because we have great things like pet food scoops, dog leashes, and collar reflectors to show your favorite canine that even though you were out for a few hours, you still know who’s the top dog.