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Times of the Islands Magazine

WHAT’S HOT IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA (July/August 2021)

Jul 14, 2021 04:28PM ● By GINA BIRCH

MAGIC DATES Dates are known as nature’s candy and are the base for these nutrient-dense snack bites. With walnuts, coconut and cacao, they satisfy sweet cravings with no added sugar. In a variety of flavors including a new line dipped in chocolate, they are also vegan and dairy-free. Three-pack sampler $30, magicdatesbites.com 

 

HEALTHFUL JERKIES Paleovalley’s meat sticks are made with health in mind—they are non-GMO and free from grains, corn, soy and dairy. The beef comes from grass-fed cows and the turkey from pasture-raised birds. They pack a lot of flavor from organic spices. They’re also easier to digest, thanks to natural fermentation of the meat. Four-pack $20.99, paleovalley.com 

 




MOUNTED MASSAGER Vertiball is the first mobile, wall-mounted massager that can affix in seconds to almost any surface. Adjust the height and the pressure to accurately hit tight spots and trigger points in hard-to-reach spots such as the back, neck and shoulders. $49.99, vertiball.com 

 


FREE SPIRITS Mocktails are growing in popularity, but these spirits take crafting nonalcoholic cocktails to a new level. Made to resemble the flavors and feel of bourbon, gin and tequila, Free Spirits are also designed to boost your mood with B vitamins and amino acids. $37, drinkfreespirits.com  

 

 

SOFASTUD  Solving the problem of where to put your drink while lounging on your couch or watching TV, the SofaStud spill-proof cup holder features a slim paddle that slides between cushions. The broad circular base holds a 12-ounce can, bottle or a variety of plastic cups and glassware. $9.99, sofastud.com 

 






SUMMER IN PROVENCE If you can’t travel to the South of France this summer, you can certainly channel the vibe in the new Provence dress from Rungolee. A brand known for its feather-light cotton fabrics and feminine style, this newly released pattern and style is perfect for summer soirees. $279, rungolee.com 





 

TENNIS ANYONE? The Ashby dress from Club and Court is one of those fashion pieces that can transition from on to off the tennis court, for shopping or lunch meetings. Sporty and classic, the scoop-neck dress has a comfortable ribbed waistband and at 30 inches long, shows off just enough leg. $128, clubandcourt.com  

 





EGALITÉ TOTE This stylish, woven basket is perfect for the beach, boating, picnics and farmers markets. Mer-Sea’s new line of “motto” baskets are embroidered with expressions that serve as reminders to be kind and loving. When translated, the French word égalité means liberty and equality. $79, mersea.comLulu's, Fort Myers, shoplovelulus.comJ&K Collections, Naples, jkcollections.net

 

PATRIOTIC BOARD SHORTS Stand out at the beach with these red, white and blue board shorts from SA Co. Feather-light and with four-way stretch, the material also has a water-repellent finish and drawstring waistband for comfort. For convenience, there are side pockets and a zipper pocket in the back to keep essentials close at hand. $64.99, safishing.com 


SIDEWALK ART A creative escape for the entire family, Doodle Hog’s new sidewalk chalk stencil kit includes reusable stencils of rainbows, avocados, good vibes and pineapples. The chalk sticks in vibrant colors are washable and nontoxic. Also fun for decorating driveways, fences and parking lots. $9.99, doodlehog.com 

 



GUESS IN 10 An educational way to pass the time during road trips, Guess in 10 games from Skillmatics allow players to ask up to 10 questions guessing a different item shown on each card. The cards contain hints and clues that teach kids new facts about animals, modes of transportation and more. Collect seven cards and you win. $13.99, skillmaticsworld.com/guess-in-10/ 


 



HANDS-FREE TRAVEL Juggling a phone and wallet while pulling a suitcase through airports can be a nightmare. This crossbody phone case from Smartish has a built-in wallet for credit cards and IDs to keep your essentials within easy reach. Styles and straps range from casual to classy, depending on your mood or taste. $29.99, smartish.com