Fruity sips
Honest Kids beverages from the Honest Tea Co. are certified organic and keep calories low (40 per 6.75-ounce pouch). The drinks don’t use artificial ingredients or sweeteners. Though the three flavors (Tropical Tango Punch, Berry, Berry Good Lemonade and Goodness Grapeness) are admittedly low-voltage they’re still a nice habit to get into for anybody trying to improve their beverage choices. An eight-pack costs $4-$6.50 at SuperTarget, some Target stores, Whole Foods Markets and peapod.com.
Slices of autumn
We love bread and we loved La Brea’s Apple Raisin Spice Loaf, a seasonal bread from California-based baker/restaurateur Nancy Silverton. Cinnamon and nutmeg flavor the apple chunks and raisins in a bread that can travel from savory to sweet, depending on what it’s served with. A 1-pound loaf is $4 and available through October in the bakery department at Jewel supermarkets.
Signature stems
Wine Lines waterproof drink tags from Fred are terrific: Their phrases — such as “nutty with a kick” and “quietly dignified” — can describe the wine or the drinker. They’re easy to put on (another big plus) and wipe clean. Some of the text faded after a few washings, but no matter; the bright, kicky colors keep them effective. (We just added new phrases with a felt-tip pen.) A package of 12 is $6 at Sur La Table stores in Chicago and Naperville, and amazon.com.
