Gift guide 2009: Here are a few of our favorite things for ChronicBabes

by Jenni Prokopy, the Editrix

Once again, it's time for the ChronicBabe Gift Guide. The 2009 edition includes products and services we've tried out, and others we've heard are awesome. We run the gamut from home to work, travel to hermitting, food to drink...you name it, we cover it. If you think we left something super awesome off the list, just let me know and we'll add it!

Do some good with a gift

Lather has joined forces with the National Headache Foundation to create a lavender-themed gift set that donates $5 from each sale to working for headache awareness. The candle is super-mild and delicious smelling, the soap is a nice, calming way to get clean every morning after my workout, and I can't wait to plant my lavender seeds so I can grow my own. What a fab gift to give and receive!

Let's get gorgeous!

Long-time readers know I'm a big fan of Bare Escentuals. They have everything you need to look gorgeous year-round, and their products last and last. I love how their foundation covers my rosacea and is great for sensitive skin types. Their Sweet Obsessions is a collection of nine gorgeous eye colors. I would love to have these in my collection!

And while you're making yourself pretty, why not smell delicious, too? Philosophy makes so many yummy-smelling shampoos and body washes it's hard to choose, but I am a big fan of their Holiday Cookbook collection of six, including gingerbread and double rich hot cocoa. When I'm eating a restricted diet these can sometimes make me feel like I'm still indulging!

Don't forget your feet: Wear awesome shoes, even if you've got foot troubles. I'm a big fan of Naot, which makes incredibly comfortable and beautiful shoes. I'm currently in love with their Pleasure style in black; it's the perfect day-to-night shoe. Merrell also makes some awesome shoes, more sporty for sure but still really great for everyday fashion. As I write this I'm enjoying a pair of Brios (pictured left), which are super-comfy and warm and look great with a chunky sweater and jeans. Finally, Dansko has some fantastic new styles for the fall and winter seasons, including boots that are so sexy I just want to, oh, never mind. Just get some!

And for under those shoes? Nothing but Smartwool, Babes. I'm addicted and you will be too, especially if you have Raynaud's phenomenon or any other condition that keeps your tootsies cold. They make socks, dress socks, sport socks, knee socks, tights, long underwear...basically anything you want. If I could wear a Smartwool bodysuit all day I would.

And...look left to check out the gorgeous clothing I discovered, created by my new pal Jacqui Cheng. (We both attended the same Halloween party dressed as Bjork; how weird is that?) I am in love with her bamboo kimono-style dress, and I'm having one made in pink and orange. It's gonna rock! Check out her goods and see if there's a style that's right for you.

Not feeling so hot?

Time to warm up. Literally. Start with my favorite heating pad, the EndoFEMM heating/cooling pad for pelvic pain. It's not just great for your girly area; I use it on my back, neck, shoulders, hands...anywhere I need to warm up. And the company recently released a bunch of new colors and styles...including my fave, orange! I've used mine for a few years now and it's just as awesome as the first day I received it.

Or maybe you just need to cuddle up under something warm. How about The Slanket? It's the original blanket with sleeves, not that knock-off you see on TV all the time. Trust me, I've checked out both and The Slanket is the only way to go. They offer tons of different colors and they are super comfy and warm.

Show your ChronicBabe pride

Grab you (or your best friend) a gorgeous ChronicBabe tote or handbag made by our pal Cinnamon Cooper of Poise. Not only are these bags beautiful, but Cinnamon makes each one by hand and can do custom orders, too. And they last and last...trust me, I've taken my tote everywhere, washed it a bunch of times and it still holds up beautifully.

Or try one of Blue Buddha Rebeca Mojica's beautiful chain maille ChronicBabe bracelets, also made by hand. They are lightweight but substantial-looking, and they really make a statement.

Or stay simple and just grab a ChronicBabe t-shirt from our CafePress shop. We've got a ton of styles, for almost every size and taste. We even have ChronicBabe undies (blush)! And if you're looking for a daily reminder, check out the mugs, journals and other accessories. Seriously—we've got you covered.

On the road...

We're falling in love with HubWear, a Chicago-based company that makes "roundtrip t-shirts" with your favorite airport abbreviations. Pick the place you most love to go and design the perfect t-shirt (also available in kids' sizes). That's creator George on the left...if you order one, tell him I sent you!

While you're dashing through the snow, I hope you're carrying your goodies in a wheely bag. Luggage innovations have made it easier than ever for you to get your stuff around. Case in point: the Samsonite Padma Carry-On 22-Inch Spinner. It might not be the world's cutest suitcase, but it's tough, fits in the overhead compartment, and will get you where you need to go easily.

Staying home?

reuseful objects on etsy Beautify every room of your house. Seriously. You don't have to shop 'til you drop...just find some unique pieces that fit your unique style. I adore drinking glasses from ReUseful Objects, like these beauties made from old wine bottles and etched with a cute fish pattern.

You know who else has cute decor for your home? Amazon. They've got a whole department just for home accessories and decor that will kind of blow your mind...they have everything!

Not sure what to get for that special someone? Snag an Amazon gift card. You can buy them in any denomination, and have them emailed, snail-mailed, or print them out to hand over in person.

How about using scents to create a wonderful atmosphere at home? Just because you might have to stay in doesn't mean you have to feel blah...lemongrass and orange can inspire, or cinnamon can give you a homey feeling. This collection of six popular aromatherapy candles is great to keep or give away. In fact, you can split the set, keep one and give the others to five friends. Thrifty and delicious!

Decorate, ChronicBabe style!

At a craft show last weekend I spotted a letterpress print from Shimmer Studio that I'm just KICKING MYSELF for not buying. I'll just have to order it. If you can't handle profanity, cover your ears: It says, "Bitches get stuff done" - a quote from Tina Fey. These prints are fairly priced, beautifully crafted, and simply gorgeous. You'll feel powerful every day when you give it the once-over.

And for your kitchen, I suggest you grab some hand-printed dish towels from Art Goodies, another local crafter I'm loving lately. In my kitchen I have the cupcake towels, but there are also lots of holiday-related options too. You can even create your own six-pack of towels from any of their creations!

Couch + book = wonderful

When I have a little downtime I love to curl up on the couch (perhaps in a Slanket?) and catch up on some reading. One book I've been looking back at lately is Life Disrupted: Getting Real About Chronic Illnesss in Your Twenties and Thirties by Laurie Edwards. I'm a little biased (because I'm in it) but I think the stories there are truly inspiring.

The Kindle. It's what I most want from Santa this year; it would be awesome to download books on demand and store a ton of them in a tiny amount of space. For those of us who have pain issues and can't carry heavy luggage or handbags, this is a great alternative to a hardback book (or 12).

And if you're planning holiday meals and want to check out some gluten-free options, may I recommend Gluten-Free Girl: How I Found the Food That Loves Me Back...And How You Can Too by Shauna James Ahern? And hey, look—you can read it on the Kindle. Awesome!

Get your workout on

polar ft60 I'm trying hard not to pack on the pounds this season. In fact, I joined my gym's holiday challenge; if I maintain my weight and measurements through the new year, I get a prize...and the satisfaction of knowing I did something really healthy. A couple goodies are helping me stay fit.

The Polar FT60 heart rate monitor/watch is my birthday present to myself this year, and I'm loving it already. You can train it to help you learn your optimal heart rate, and then it helps you optimize your fitnesss program. Plus: It's cute! I have this watch in a deep magenta/pink sort of color, but it's available in a few colors. An investment to be sure—but totally worth it!

It's hard to find a reason NOT to have a good yoga mat around the house. Even if you're not a full-fledged yogi, you're probably doing some stretches, or lying on the floor to watch TV or read a book. Or you're totally doing downward-facing dog. I'm digging the Bean Products Phthalate-Free Yoga Mats in super tasty colors. And the price is right! chronicbabe gear at cafepress

Cute workout clothes are a must. I know it's hard to stay fit during the holiday season, but perhaps some cute workout clothes will motivate you? I know I have more fun exercising if I like how I look. (So vain, I know! But at least I'm being honest about it.) And...you'll need a ChronicBabe t-shirt, 'natch. And maybe one for your best friend, or your sister, or your mom. Or a hoodie. Or some boxer shorts. Or a thong. Seriously, we can nearly dress you head-to-toe in ChronicBabe gear!

Did we find enough goodies for you?

Wow. If you can't find something here that fits your ChronicBabe needs, then you better let me know so we can add more cool stuff.

Posted: 11/30/2009 in Cool Tools | Also posted in: Announcements

Dear Diary, I wish you were as cool as my ChronicBabe journal. Buy yours today in our CafePress shop!

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