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© St. Petersburg Times, published November 29, 2001
More than ever these days, Americans are turning to the comforts of home. When the world beyond our borders seems uncertain, it can be consoling to feather the nest. Why not help soothe those you love with things that feel soft, smell good and look pretty? These gift ideas are for the cocoon, be it in the boudoir, the back yard or somewhere in between.
-- MARY JANE PARK, Times staff writer
Soft cotton terrycloth is the perfect at-home wrap. Machine-washable Laura Ashley robe, in white, pink, light blue, yellow, hunter green, cranberry and navy. Fits women's sizes 8-20. $27.98. Sam's Club.
Take off your work shoes and pamper your feet in colorful slippers packaged in matching silk bags. One size fits most. Silk slippers. $24 per pair. Being, 115 Second Ave. N, St. Petersburg; (727) 822-6252.
Almond-scented soaps in seashell shapes closely resemble beachcomber finds. Gifts of the Sea bath soaps. $24, set of three (two nautilus, one scallop). Caswell-Massey, International Plaza, Tampa; (813) 348-0772.
Perfect for cuddling on a sofa, in front of a fire or out on the porch to enjoy a starry night, 100 percent polyester throw is machine washable, nonallergenic. Fleece for Two Berkshire Blanket. $19.99. Bed Bath & Beyond.
The gemlike stones in these picture frames shine alone or grouped together and provide a grand setting for the most important faces in your life. Red and green, small oval and round frames, about $15 each; large oval frame, about $25; miniframe with flowers, about $15. All by Two's Company. Gift, department, specialty stores.
Vanilla-scented, heart-shaped rubber hot water bottle soothes aches and pains, warms cold feet and takes the chill out of sleeping bags. Heart hot water bottle. $18. www.gifts24.com.
An extraordinary indulgence of softness and warmth for anyone feeling under the weather, or just in need of extra pampering. Traditional hot water bottle and cashmere cover, in pink/gray or sorbet stripe. $98. Garnet Hill. Toll-free, 1-800-622-6216; www.garnethill.com.
Record sparkling conversations in a journal covered in tiny, shiny beads. Tuck in favorite photos, concert tickets, flowers and other keepsakes. Beaded notebook. $28. Dylons, 136 Fifth Ave. N, St. Petersburg; (727) 898-5575.
The flicker of firelight offers solace to weary souls, and Florida's balmy weather is no reason not to enjoy it. Cast-iron fireplace sconce holds eight 6-inch pillar candles, sold separately. Iron twig sconce (11 inches wide by 14 inches long by 6 inches high). $68. 6-inch pillar candles. $8, set of two. Gardeners Eden. Toll-free, 1-800-822-9600; www.gardenerseden.com.
Peace of Mind collection's tension-releasing vapor bath contains essences of basil, peppermint and eucalyptus to relieve tightness in the neck, shoulders and back. $22.50, 6.7 fluid ounces. Everything Nice cream bubble bath captures holiday aromas in vanilla, cinnamon, clove and nutmeg. $22.50, 16.9 fluid ounces. Origins at Brandon TownCenter, International Plaza, Old Hyde Park Village, Tampa. Dillard's at Tyrone Square in St. Petersburg, Countryside Mall in Clearwater, Citrus Park and University Square in Tampa. www.origins.com.
The sound of gently splashing water tames tension indoors and out. Pair a large bowl or container with a flowerpot fountain for a party or for a restful moment in sunshine and fresh air. Sun Face Flower Pot Fountain kit. Around $30, home and garden centers. Toll-free 1-888-232-5388; www.888beckett.com.
A good rocking chair is the epitome of calm in furniture. Bucks County Twig Rocker. $549. L.L. Bean. Toll-free 1-800-221-4221; www.llbean.com.
What could be cozier than a letterboxed fireplace? Well, quite a few things, but this DVD has everything for stoking your fire except a chimney and heat. The star is a ravishing fire, plus the year's best supporting log. The camera fixates on the flames for an hour while an unbilled orchestra plays Christmas standards and classical pieces on separate audio tracks. Or select a nonmusic track to hear each hiss, crackle and pop. Marshmallows not included. Fireplace: Visions of Tranquility DVD, about $20, available at brick and click stores.