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TFG DEPUTY EDITOR AND BEAUTY DIRECTOR CHELSEA KAPLAN GIVES YOU THE GOODS ON
HOW TO LIVE LARGE
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| Every morning I wake up to my alarm clock blaring some pop song, which always totally scares me! The alternative, an annoying beep, isn’t much better. Is there a way to wake up that’s a little less chaotic?—Penny, Utica, NY | |
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For a peaceful – really! – morning’s wake, check out the handsome Digital Zen Alarm Clock from Now and Zen ($99.95-$111.95, www.now-zen.com). Instead of music or a beep, the clock emits a gradually-increasing, soothing chime progression sequence, which the clock maker claims will help you begin your day with “grace and beauty.” A bonus: the clock’s chime can double as a timing device for yoga, meditation and bodywork. |
| My husband and I are loving being outdoors and playing outdoor sports, but we live in a really buggy area. We do the bug spray thing, but it isn’t enough. Can you recommend anything we haven’t thought of?—Simona, Monroe, LA | ||
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I live in a buggy area too, and it’s brutal. Almost enough to make you want to stay indoors all summer, isn’t it? In addition to using a really effective bug repellent (my favorite is Avon's Skin So Soft Bug Guard Towelettes, which are $5.99 for a pack of eight at www.avon.com), you must grab yourself some of Ariat International’s Buzz Off clothing. This sleek, sporty line from the brand my friend Connie calls the “Porsche of riding gear” features breathable, lightweight, machine-washable pieces with a bug-repelling finish. Try the Buzz Off Zip Top for day, and the Buzz Off pullover for night ($54.95 and $59.95, go to www.ariat.com to find stores and online retailers). I know it sounds too good to be true, but trust me, they really do work. | ![]() |
I just redid my home office and chose white furniture with a hip, mod look. The one thing I’ve been unable to find is a comfy yet modern-looking desk chair. Where should I look? —Danielle, Oakland, CA |
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I adore the modern look too, but with it, sometimes comfort gets sacrificed for design. If you’re planning on sitting at your desk for a good part of the day, choosing a comfortable chair is a must. My recommendation: the Think Chair, which boasts the marriage of a gorgeously sleek design and unparalleled comfort. Unlike most office chairs, the Think Chair is available in white, which should complement your new office perfectly. What I love most about the Think Chair is its soft, comfortable mesh material, included in which are innovative back and seat flexors that track your natural movements and respond intuitively, creating a truly comfortable chair. Not only is it comfortable and cool-looking, it’s green too: conceived, developed and produced for maximum sustainability, the Think Chair is made of 44% recycled material and is 99% recyclable by weight. Al Gore, eat your heart out! The Think Chair can be purchased at www.store.steelcase.com for $699. |
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| Some friends have invited us to their beach house this summer for a week’s stay. Can you recommend a nice hostess gift for us to bring?—Carol, Charlotte, NC | |
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I’m always a fan of bringing food—especially a sweet treat, as it’s something everyone can enjoy together. I’ve never been a chocoholic, but after trying the gourmet chocolates from Boule, a Los Angeles bakery, I may need a 12-step program. Not only are these little works of art beautifully packaged, but their flavors are deliciously unique (think Sicilian pistachio, fleur de sel caramel, scotch bonnet pepper and kalamansi lime). My only warning: you may become addicted too. A 25-piece gift box of assorted chocolates is $55 at www.boulela.com. |
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