Never See 'em Blink!
Nikon's COOLPIX S550 is a compact digital camera that has 10 megapixels,a 5x optical zoom, and a bright 2.5-inch LCD display. Not only does the S550 have beauty, it also has some brawn.The COOLPIX S550 comes equipped with Smile Detection, which programs the camera to take a picture only when your subject is smiling, and Blink Warning, which will alert you when someone in your photo has blinked.

These two features make it easier than ever to capture great portraits of friends and family. The S550 costs $229 and comes in three hip colors, Cool Blue, Plum and Graphite Black. For more info, visit www.nikonusa.com

It's a Bug Repellant, no it's a Lantern
The ThermaCELL Patio Lantern is both an insect repellent device and an outdoor lantern, with both functions being usable separately or together. Providing a 15x15 ft mosquito-free zone, it is 98% effective (tested and used by the Department of Defense and the U.S. Army). It is also non-toxic, safe and non-intrusive, being DEET-free, silent, portable and odor free. Perfect for patios, backyards, decks, picnics, barbecues and campsites.

Rather than a harmful toxin, ThermaCELL utilizes allethrin, an artificial version of a natural insecticide found in chrysanthemum flowers. The butane cartridge which powers the mosquito repellent provides 12 hours of power and is located on the interior for aesthetics and ease-of-use. The light switch is located on the base of the lantern and is powered by 2 AA batteries. Retailing for $29.99, it can be purchased online at www.mosquitorepellent.com or at Home Depot and Walmart.

Sitting in the Rain
The centuries old rain gauge is getting a bit of a technological makeover. Garneer Industries has launched the EZ Read Illuminated Rain Gauge. The Gauge works just like any other rain gauge by collecting rainwater and determining amounts, but that's where the similarities end.

The Illuminated Rain Gauge sports three LED bulbs positioned to light up the inside and outside of the water column making it easy to read in dark conditions. The Gauge is powered by two AAA batteries (included) and works with any infrared remote control in the house. Simply point the remote at the gauge from as far as 30 feet away and hold down the power or volume button. The Illuminated Rain Gauge will light up and automatically shut off after 5 seconds.

The rust free Illuminated Rain Gauge can be mounted in the ground by use of a decorative Oak Leaf detailed mounting stake, or it can be placed on a fence or patio. The product comes with a high visibility float Debris Guard Funnel, precisely calibrated brightly visible markings and water magnification for easy reading of rainfall totals.

The Illuminated Rain Gauge sells for $24.95 and is available at: www.LEDraingauge.com

Chocolates for Mother's Day
Recently featured in O Magazine, Theo Chocolates has a Mother's Day gift box that is sweet on all levels.

Each gift box includes three 3400 Phinney Flavored Chocolate Bars: Bread & Chocolate, and brand new flavors Hazelnut Crunch and Fig, Fennel & Almond. It also includes a Theo 6 piece Confection Box including these flavors: Burnt Sugar, Lemon, PB&J, Fig Fennel, Mint & Ivory Coast. Moms will also receive a Sweet Beauty Pot de Creme, a rich chocolate body creaminfused with—you guessed it— chocolate!

Finally, the gift box also includes a Limited Edition3400 Phinney Character magnet that features the Momma Cat and Kitten from Theo's Bread & Chocolate Bar. Gift boxes are available direct from the Theo Store (3400 Phinney Ave. N. if you happen to be in Seattle) or at www.theochocolate.com. Price is $49.99. Theo Chocolate is the only true bean-to-bar maker of organic and Fair Trade Certified chocolate in the U.S., and one of only 12 companies that are "makers" not "melters," meaning they transform the cocoa bean into the finished products they sell. Theo never uses soy lecithin or other additives, relying strictly on pure, organic cocoa butter to enhance the texture and maintain the integrity of the finished chocolate.

Theo Origin bars also contain beet sugar for a pure, clean sweetness that complements rather than interfere with the nuanced flavors of the beans. Beet sugar production also has less impact on the environment than sugar cane processing. Theo Chocolate is a privately held company headquartered in Seattle's Fremont District.

Uncomplicated Yoga on DVD
Pranamaya, Inc. has released a new yoga DVD called Yoga Link: Easy Access to An Ageless Art, a series of DVDs by yoga teacher Jill Miller who is known for her yoga workshops and playful, innovative methods.

There are three DVDs in the Yoga Link series: Core Integration, Hip Helpers, and Shoulder Shape-Up, each of which targets specific regions that Miller says tend to be areas of chronic weakness and congestion: "We spend too much time sitting idle at computers and in cars with poor posture. With these techniques, anyone can create healthy balanced hips, shoulders, and a powerful core to break through the cycle of pain that stems from our everyday habits."

Miller leads viewers through an in-depth exploration of all major and minor muscle groups that comprise the body's core, which she refers to as “physiologic and energetic hub of activity that gives us physical stability and digestive regularity. It's also a vital source of determination, will and purpose in our lives.” There are also special exercises that bring more awareness to the abdominal diaphragm, the muscle that governs respiration. The poses and exercises that Miller demonstrates strengthen and lengthen all the core muscles and mobilize the spine.

The Yoga Link DVDs are available in select retail stores and online for $19.95 each. For more information, visit www.pranamaya.com