Posted by Peter Brady on Thu 19th October 2006 at 06:00 AM, Filed in Cool Gadget Gifts
Do you know someone with a vast vinyl collection? Well, they might just be forever grateful for this little gizmo that converts LPs, 12"s and singles into MP3’s.
Retailing on Firebox for a very reasonable £119.95 ($220) they say:
“Digital music is great but isn’t it a pity you can’t transfer your old records on to your computer? Well guess what? You can! That’s right vinyl lovers, thanks to the ingenious USB Turntable you can put all your LPs, 12"s and singles straight into your digital library.
Simply plug this chic little turntable into the nearest USB port, fire up the idiot-proof Audacity software and start converting your collection. Forget about clumsy adaptors, special drivers and mismatched software. It’s easier than, er…well, it’s easier than putting a record on!”
This treatment sounds perfect for a group gift. Say you have some hard working secretaries at work and you want to treat them to a bit of R & R - why not send them off for an Alpine Hay Chamber spa treatment? They’ll come back refreshed and smelling kinda herbie!
But what is it? Thermae Bath Spa say:
“Up to 4 people can enjoy the social and soothing aspects of the Kraxen Stove - a time-honoured tradition from the Alpine area. The specially imported hay is held in a back grate and gently radiates heat to the back and shoulders. Perfect before a body treatment.”
Sounds great and only costs around £38 ($70) for 30 minutes.
What on earth is Watsu I hear you say?
It is often described as “an idyllic underwater massage and manipulation with a sensation of womb regression”. The Watsu web site says:
“Watsu is a gentle form of body therapy performed in warm water, (around 35oC.) It combines elements of massage, joint mobilisation, shiatsu, muscle stretching and dance. The receiver is continuously supported while being floated, cradled, rocked and stretched. The deeply relaxing effects of warm water and nurturing support, combine with Watsu’s movements, stretches, massage and point work, to create a bodywork with a range of therapeutic benefits and potential healing on many levels.
Moments of stillness alternate with rhythmical flowing movements, which free the body in ways impossible on land. The warm water relaxes the muscles and supports the spine. With this support and without the weight of the body, the spine, joints and muscles can be manipulated and freed in a way unique to water work. The effects include a very gentle, yet deep stretching and a release of muscular and joint restrictions, along with a state of deep relaxation, which encourages the release of stress and tensions.”
Watsu is widely offered for around $100 (£55) and might be a great gift for any friend or family with persistent aches and pains.
Don Ed Hardy the legendary tattooist set up Tattoo City in 1977 and has gradually built an iconic reputation for beautiful Asian inspired designs.
In 2004, French designer Christian Audigier whose background included working for the celebrity favourite Von Dutch - applied Hardy’s inspired designs to a variety of merchandise including T-shirts, caps, shoes and even an energy drink.
Stores are now distributed globally in far off places like Japan, Dubai and of course New York.
The popularity of Ed Hardy caps in particular is gaining huge momentum with celebrities like Madonna, Paris Hilton and Britney Spears seen wearing the iconic head wear. The great thing is that their not going to break the bank either with a basic “love dies hard” cap like the one shown above retailing for $50 on their website.
If your interested in a sybaritic hot oil massage then the Pantai Luar treatment is right up your street!
Described as:
“Two treatments combined. Radiant skin is revealed through the ritual of anointing the body with warm exotic oils while you relax on a heated surface. The Pantai Luar special massage is done with two heated dumplings made up of the world’s highest quality oils, fresh herbs, coconut and lime providing a warm and exotic fragrance during the massage. First the heated dumpling is passed over the body quickly, then slower rolling movements trace the body several times as the dumpling cools. Gentle pressure massage begins as fine essential oils penetrate the skin. The beneficial effects include the deletion of defective cells at an almost inconceivable rate. The existing cells become activated and the production of new cells begins. This system is initiated by the Pantai Luar process. A spectacular alternative to traditional massage.”
The treatment takes up to 50 minutes and is usually offered for around £55 ($100).
