News Taffy

Time for my annual Christmas gift giving guide for those fitness buffs and healthy foodies on your list. Some of these gifts can be found locally but if you like to shop in your jammies at 2 a.m., you can find some of these on the internet. Just place your orders soon so they will arrive in time to whisk them under the tree.

I love love love the personalized yoga mats at mycustomyogamat.com! These bright cheerful mats would make anyone happy to exercise. You chose a mat color, then the thread color and finally a font for your monogram. Place your order by December 15th to get it by Christmas or order a gift certificate by December 17th and let the recipient choose. I checked around town but have been unable to find these locally or anyone who can at least monogram a mat. Please let me know if you’ve spotted these in Jonesboro.

Give the gift of relaxation. Most people I know really enjoy some pampering and a massage can be therapeutic as well. There are several fine salons around town that offer massage packages at this time of year; call your favorite salon, check the paper or listen to the radio for advertised specials.

Food Network Iron Chef Michael Symon has a new cookbook out this year, 5 In 5, that is perfect for those who want to eat better but not linger in the kitchen. Symon shows how to stock your pantry so cooking is easier; the rest of the book is filled with recipes with no more than five ingredients that cook in five minutes. Or maybe a bit longer but it is a great cookbook for busy people who want a decent meal for their family.

Gearhead Outfitters has built their reputation on having the best and latest bike and running gear but they also have some fun T-shirts that will appeal to just about anyone on your list. Check out Gearhead’s own line of T-shirts, the 1836 T-shirts (1836 refers to the year Arkansas became a state), Nativ or the Fayettechill line. The runner in your life will appreciate the KnuckleLights which you carry in your hands so oncoming traffic can spot you in the dark and at $39, they make a good stocking stuffer. The friendly staff can help with other ideas as well. Gearhead is the only store in our area that provides a specialized bicycle fitting service; in other words, they will help you select a bike for your size and needs that will make riding a joy.

The newly opened EveryDay Chef carries a line of fine olive oils and just about any cooking gadget, dish or pot you can dream up. Head there for the cook in your life.

If you’d like to provide a meal or two for someone who may need a break during the holidays, pick up a homemade dinner from Meals For Moms. Owner Lindley Pipkins always has a selection of fresh and frozen meals or gift certificates. Contact her at 934-8881 or mealsformomsjtown@gmail.com for more information.

Good luck and get shopping!