Thera Cane Work hard, play hard. Many Missoulians live by that motto, but we often forget one nasty little addendum: pain. As in, sore muscles, nagging knots and looming aches. In lieu of a personal massage therapist, check out the simple-looking but miracle-working Thera Cane. This green thing is like a back-scratcher on steroids, making it easy for anyone to go to work on their own hard-to-reach delts, traps and IT bands. A handy booklet comes with the purchase and details dozens of additional ways to mend what ails so your loved one can get back to working—and playing—hard. How much: $38.95 Available at The Trail Head, 221 E. Front St. photo by Cathrine L. Walters
Shimmerwing pendants
Handmade Himalayan salt lamp Ancient cultures believed salt to be the gift of the gods. For hundreds of years, people have lauded its healing properties. The idea behind the salt lamp is that it emits negative ions, electrically charged particles that, according to lamp manufacturers, purify the air and promote calm, while also relieving migraine, allergy and respiratory problems. When touting the benefits of salt therapy, advocates point to Eastern European salt caves used to treat a variety of infirmities and the contentment of Himalayan salt miners. Such claims—and the fact that this lamp emits a warm orange glow—make us wish that someone would give us a salt lamp for Christmas. How much: $29.99 Available at Rockin Rudy’s, 237 Blaine St.
Leave it to Butterfly Herbs, one of downtown Missoula’s best stores, to stock something that features actual butterfly wings. These stunning pendants are made in Peru. (No butterflies were harmed in the making of these; we’re told they died naturally.) The wings are placed between two pieces of glass and fashioned into a pendant, creating a natural and unique bit of bling. Consider this for someone who has everything because no two of these pendants are exactly alike. (Also available in earrings for roughly double the price.) How much: $34-$68 Available at Butterfly Herbs, 232 N. Higgins Ave.
Breakfast with Santa Some choose to wait in line in a crowded mall for a few fleeting moments on Santa’s lap. But the savvier Christmas devotee might opt for a more culinary interaction with jolly old St. Nick. A Carousel for Missoula hosts a fun and affordable opportunity to do just that. On Dec. 21, treat someone to a special holiday breakfast complete with unlimited carousel rides. Santa rolls up at 9 a.m. via pony cart to collect those eleventh-hour gift requests, but the experience seems like a gift unto itself—one that comes complete with coffee. Alternatively, the Carousel is offering free rides Christmas Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. How much: $6 for adults, $4 for children over 3. Kids under 3 are free. Available at A Carousel for Missoula, 101 Carousel Dr. photo by Cathrine L. Walters
Stiff Nights Compared to Viagra, which costs upwards of $25 per pill, Stiff Nights is inexpensive and, we’re told, doesn’t trigger some of the nasty after-effects that pharmaceuticals do, such as headaches. One Stiff Nights capsule lasts up to three days, with erections occurring only when the user is aroused. The product promises increased stamina and delayed ejaculation and is one of many herbal performance enhancing pills to gain popularity in recent years. “We have repeat customers for it,” says one Adam & Eve staffer, “so it definitely works.” Though effective, one should use caution when taking supplements. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2009 found that Stiff Nights, though branding itself allnatural, contained a chemical similar to the active ingredient in Viagra, which if mixed with certain prescription drugs can cause “dangerously low blood pressure.” We’re not deterred. If your sweetie is healthy, your holiday could be a little more fun by stuffing a stocking with Stiff Nights. How much: $8.95 Available at Adam & Eve, 1401 West Broadway
Montana is for Badasses bibs and onesies
photo by Cathrine L. Walters
Because it’s never too early to build the little one’s self esteem and colorful vocabulary, right? How much: $20 for bibs; $25 for onesies Available in multiple colors at Green Light, 301 N. Higgins Ave.
missoulanews.com • December 5–December 12, 2013 [15]