Cool for the cold
Brrrr.
It's cold. Even in this office.
If you're like us -- chilly whether you're indoors or out -- you might want to pick up a few 180s products.
This company sells some of the most creative, stylish and practical cold-weather products we've seen all winter.
The best are its Tec Touch Gloves ($50). They come with silicon gel pads on the thumb and forefingers so you can operate your cell phone, iPod or Blackberry without removing your gloves. There's slip resistant material in the palms.
The ExoLite Heat Ear Warmers ($35) come in a cool camouflage style, and are designed to be warm yet light enough so you can actually hear through them.
Then there are 180s' Puffy Quilt Ear Warmers with Headphones ($40). The built-in headphones and detachable cord work with any MP3 player, not to mention hats and glasses.
180s products are sold at many major retailers. See www.180s.com for locations and additional products.
Steve & Barry's sale
If you thought the clothing at Steve & Barry's was cheap before, it's even cheaper now.
The store is in the midst of a huge promotion in which almost everything in the store is $8.98. That includes items from the lines by Sarah Jessica Parker, Ben Wallace and Amanda Bynes. You can even get a winter coat for $8.98.
The sale started last week, so hurry in before the pickings get too slim and the prices go back up.
Clinique test
If you like Clinique moisturizers and aren't turned off by their heavy marketing campaigns, consider buying their Zero Gravity Repairwear firming cream.
I tested it out recently. And while I'm not convinced it repaired or firmed anything, it was a really nice moisturizer. My dry skin just drank in the thick, smooth, unscented cream. Perfect for January in Chicago. ($52.50 for a 1.7-ounce bottle, at major department stores)
In the name of love
Bono, the rock star/peacemaker/do-gooder, is out with a new T-shirt to raise money for charity.
Proceeds from his new "edun LIVE" T-shirt -- which he designed to include a fish jumping through the moon and stars, along with his signature -- is made of 100 percent African cotton. Thus, it will benefit African cotton farmers and African garment workers.
The T-shirt is part of Hard Rock International's Signature Series, which includes T-shirts for charity by everyone from Shakira to Green Day.
Bono's shirts are $24-$26 at www.hardrock.com/rockshop and at two Chicago locations: the Hard Rock Cafe, 63 W. Ontario, and the Hard Rock Hotel, 230 N. Michigan Ave.
If you love bubbly
All this month, the Asha Salon & Spa at the Streets of Woodfield in Schaumburg will offer a Pink Champagne Pedicure.
The warm bubbly water will be infused with "champagne oils," you'll get a pink champagne foot scrub and, best of all, a free non-alcoholic champagne fruit sorbet to eat during your treatment.
The pedicure is $65, and a pink champagne manicure is $32. Call (847) 592-5000 to make an appointment.