the goods - Brief Article

Shiny Happy People

There's a healthy new way to get a glow on. Use Trillium Herbal Company's Organic Body Polish ($16/8 oz.) in the shower to clean, exfoliate and moisturize your skin. Organic safflower oil and vitamin E oil provide the moisturizers, and phospholipids repair free-radical damage. (800) 734-7253; www.bodypolish.com

Bug Out

Prepare yourself and your family for summer's twin threats: biting insects and sunburns. All Terrains natural, non-DEET Herbal Armor repellent ($4.95/2 oz. pump spray) features a time-release formula. And the new Terra Sport and Aqua Sport lines of sunscreen use zinc oxide to block UVB (burning) and UVA (aging and cancer causing) rays. (800) 246-7328; www.allterrainco.com

Dishing It Out

Your favorite meals will look even better set against Cafe Strada's striking black-and-white-checked dishes ($3.99 to $17.99 per item). In addition to its Cafe Strada collection, Signature Housewares offers dinnerware in other patterns, as well as a variety of pitchers, mugs and whimsically styled dog bowls. Visit this 15-year-old company's web site to check it all out. (805) 484-6666; www.sighouse.com

Grub Scrub

Fresh fruits and vegetables are among life's great pleasures, but the specter of pesticide residue can spoil any appetite. Rinsing produce in plain water isn't totally effective, and commercial rinses often leave a chemical after-taste. Wash Dem Veggies has a solution: a produce wash ($2.59/16 oz.) made from completely natural coconut and olive oils, essential oils, liquid aloe and rosemary extract. (802) 388-4302; www.vermontsoap.com

What a Card

The most difficult trick of all might be finding a Father's Day card that's not too goofy or sentimental. Keep your eye on Avanti's new 4U collection ($2.25 each), with its bold colors and playful images. In addition to the Father's Day card, you'll find more great pet-oriented themes with greetings for friends and family. Printed on recycled paper. (800) 228-2684; www.avantipress.com

Little Shaver

A touch of Parmesan cheese adds a lot of flavor when melted into soups or layered on bread. And elegant shavings of chocolate can transform an ordinary mug of instant cocoa into a gourmet treat. Getting the right amounts used to be difficult, but now there's a simple way to achieve the perfect texture: the Kuhn Rikon Cheese and Chocolate Grater ($20), from Professional Cutlery Direct. (800) 662-5882; www.eurocooking.com

Wag the Dog

Rover will flip for these treats, and so will all his friends. Dogs, cats, birds--even some editors--love to snack on Tia Chips ($6.95/16 oz.). Choose from three totally vegetarian varieties (Nutty, Oaty and Barley), developed by a panel of animal nutritionists. (530) 474-4800; www.tiapetfoods.com

COPYRIGHT 2000 Sabot Publishing
COPYRIGHT 2000 Gale Group