I checked out a brand new store in Red Hook, NY called Living Eden recently.  The co-owners Bobbi Jo Forte and Bonnie Scheppe were both there, and their enthusiasm for the fair trade products, and made in the USA items, gourmet goodies they sell is contagious. (Watch out or you may end up buying a lot of cute stuff you didn't plan on buying!). 

There are organic cotton shirts with foreign names and their meaning on them, gluten-free play-dough in their small kid's section. Tucked away in a side room is a gluten-free market, with shelves of super healthy gourmet gluten-free items. This beautiful locket with a local map got a great buzz on the Hudson Valley Good Stuff page. It's a fun store for browsing and gift shopping. Stop in and check out Living Eden next time you're in Red Hook. Living Eden, 29 West Market Street, Red Hook, NY (845) 475-2619

Media relations liason Christina Liv Towle from Topricin, a business located in Rhinebeck sent me a few product samples to try out. Since I have chronic dry skin and random aches and pains, I always keep different lotions around the house, but I have to confess I usually just grab a lotion at the drugstore. 

I tried the Topricin Rapid Foot Pain Relief on my feet after a post-workout shower, and the cream is very soothing on the feet. My feet felt re-energized! I gave my husband a neck rub with the Pain Relief and Healing Cream since he complains about his stiff neck a lot. (I think this is from too much laptop usage).  It made him feel a bit better. Then I tried it on my own shoulders, and it felt great. There is none of that Bengay-sting. It just feels good.

I just tried the Junior first cream once on my daughter's itchy back and elbows after being in the yard, and it relieved a bit of the itching. Those who are very sensitive to smells, will appreciate the totally scent-free nature of this lotion. The lotion is patented for neuropathy, homomeopathic and safe for children over 2, pregnant/nursing moms, and the elderly, as well as those with Diabetes.

One more thing I like about the medicine is the fine print on the back of the box that reads: Questions/Comments? Call us at (845) 871-4900 or P.O. Box 494, Rhinebeck, NY. Topricin is Made in the USA, and is a Rhinebeck-based business. You can order Topricin online or buy it at Mother Earth's Storehouse, and many other local retailers in the Hudson Valley and nationwide. They are celebrating their 20th business anniversary this November.