Shop 'til You Drop: Treat Yourself During Winter in the Hamptons
In the depths of winter, keeping little things of cheer on hand goes a long way. Whether it’s an aromatic tea or delicious café con leche, a bobble-head that sits atop your desk, a brightly colored piece of costume jewelry or even a rich hand crème—maybe it’s all of the above—small tokens can keep us leaning toward the light. Thanks to Saints Valentine and Patrick, we have two holidays to get us through the months of February and March—marked with chocolates and beer, respectively—to look forward to.
We’re not against chocolate sampling at the Dan’s Papers office! On the fourth 20-degree day in a row, a basket arrived from Lucas Candies, the 118-year old chocolate and candy maker in Haverstraw, NY. It could not have happened at a better time! Late in the afternoon in the winter is definitely a good time for a square (or three) of chocolate. The gift basket, called the “Sweet Six,” makes a great Valentine’s Day gift for a co-worker or pal. But we advise that a man never give the best-selling “P.M.S.” bar to the apple of his eye.
Also included in the basket are: the Honey Badger bar, the Gone Bananas bar, the In Therapy bar, a milk chocolate Straight Up bar, and a dark chocolate Straight Up bar. Surprisingly, the P.M.S. bar was a hit—”smooth, lightly crunchy, salty in a good way and attractive.” In Therapy was also among top applause with comments like, “soft, really good, chewy.” If you like dark chocolate and spice, go for Honey Badger—made with honey, pretzels, peanuts and cayenne pepper. Order Lucas Candies online at lucascandies.com or call 845-947-1220. Or, make a stop in Haverstraw next time you’re road tripping up the Hudson!
Handmade “kitties” of wool and local, organic catnip are offered for sale exclusively at Canio’s Books at 290 Main Street in Sag Harbor and at the Southampton Historical Museum (which re-opens in March). caniosbooks.com
I’m really taken with my new scarf from Casana by Carrie Chen, a luxury collection of fine cashmere scarves and wraps crafted from natural, sustainable and eco-friendly materials. Mine features a taupe nature-inspired print of roses and birds on a cream background. It’s the rare neutral accessory that can transition from winter to summer because it’s so light-weight. The Casana collection features timeless pieces that retail from $148 to $1,200, ranging from a traditional scarf, to a beach wrap to a head wrap. Chen employs artisans in Nepal to weave the collection in environmentally friendly facilities adhering to strict ethical standards. It was during a visit to the deeply spiritual nation of Nepal that the Casana collection was born. At the end of Chen’s trip, she was presented with a beautiful khatha, a scarf that is a traditional Tibetan gift of appreciation. Inspired to share the warmth of this gift, Chen created the Casana brand. Chen donates 10% of all proceeds to support charities that aid the education of children. Five percent supports charities in the Pacific Northwest and 5% is earmarked to support the children of Casana’s workers in Nepal. To view the entire Casana collection, visit casana-designs.com.
Is your skin suffering from dehydration? Mine is. I went to exfoliate and wound up with redness and irritation. I thought a rich moisturizer would help but it resulted in breakouts. I’m throwing in the towel and calling in the professionals! Luckily Geomare Wellness Center in Southampton is offering winter specials Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays (except holidays) with 15% off facials, waxing, endermologie, body scrubs and body wraps. Relief is in sight! Call to book your appointment today! 631-287-9352 or visit geomarewellnesscenter.com. Geomare, 80 White Street in Southampton.
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