Carolina Girls is a funky and fun ecofriendly line that uses materials like bio-based Preserve Foam from Hickory Springs and fiber made from recycled plastic bottles, green fabrics, and wood frames. It’s a luxurious look for a great price, and Furniture Affair is the only place to find this line in Phoenix. $199 for benches and up to $1,399 for sectional sofas. carolinagirlfurniture.com or furnitureaffair.com

What is luxury without a little pampering? The One Barbershop offers an enticing Signature Package, which includes a traditional haircut, a perfect shave, an ozone facial steam, a deep-pore facial cleanse, a relaxing shiatsu massage, and a signature hair grooming. The package will get you over an hour in a massage chair and, at $100, won’t tax your wallet. (480) 621-8088 or theonebarbershop.com

It’s a new way to think about speakers! Tunebug Vibe is a portable “surfacesound” generator that turns just about anything it’s placed on into a speaker. Tunebug Vibe can be connected to any mobile device that has a 3.5mm audio jack. The LiPoly battery, which is charged via the included USB cord, gives you about five hours of playtime. $69.99 at store.tunebug.com

This is Arizona, and if you love golf and are not yet a member of a country club, you should really look into joining one! It’s a great way to stay involved with your favorite pastime, socialize, and improve your game. Check out the Country Club at DC Ranch, which began as a desert camp cattle ranch in the early 1900s. The club features not only a beautiful, traditional golf course but also a tennis and recreational pool facility. Social events and activities for both adults and children are all part of membership, which starts at $5,000 for the one-time fee. Monthly dues apply. ccdcranch.com

The first and only solar-powered robotic swimming pool cleaner was invented right here in Phoenix and has just become available to the public. Solar-Breeze skims the pool’s surface, removing dirt, debris, pollens, and even suntan oils. Solar Breeze utilizes the sun to power its motors and to charge its batteries, which means that this handy device works long after the sun has gone down. What’s more, advanced PC software directs Solar-Breeze to the areas with the most sunlight. $499 at solar-breeze.com

Now you can lie poolside and watch your favorite movies and other videos—all the while protecting your eyes from the sun and looking cool at the same time. VUZIX Wrap 310 is the very first sunglass-style video eyewear. Compatible with iPod, iPhone, portable DVD players, and almost every portable video source, it has 2D and 3D widescreen video capabilities. It features built-in earbuds and an adjustable nose bridge. $245.95 at vuzix.com and amazon.com

If you’re a music enthusiast or have a pianist among your family ranks, a custom-built piano could put your talents and your home décor ahead of the rest. Ravenscroft pianos are exquisite instruments that can add a little something extra to your home or your facility. spreemanpianoinnovations.com

Everything old is new, and it’s time to again embrace the ’80s with Urbanears: Tanto Headphones, the retro headphones that you don’t have to stick in your ears. These little pieces of technology instead feature custom microphones and remote compatibility with the iPhone and Nokia, HTC, and Blackberry phones, as well as two extra cable extensions. Available in fourteen colors at karmaloop.com, Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters, and more. $39.99. urbanears.com

It’s hard to get up for school, but the Moshi Voice Control (VC) Digital Clock Radio makes it easier. It’s the alarm clock you can talk to, not talk back to. No programming, no buttons. It responds to twelve voice-activated commands and features high-quality stereo sound, six station presets, three alarm and three sleep sounds, and AUX-IN to play any MP3 player (like an iPod). Available at moshilifestyle.com, target.com, and amazon.com for $69.99.

Locker or no locker, it’s tough to survive school without a backpack, and we all know how we’re supposed to make our backpacks a reflection of our individuality. The booq: Mamba shift L is a lightweight, functional backpack with internal and exterior water-repellent coating, accessible pockets, and a roomy interior. Available at booqbags.com and various retailers for $149.95.

With the latest Twilight installment racking up its customary megabucks, the merchandise is as hot as ever. The Twilight Cullen Family Crest USB Drive is a fully-sculpted 3D USB 2.0 drive and features the entire New Moon soundtrack. Various storage capacities available. 4GB $34.99, 8GB $44.99, and 16GB $59.99 at tymemachines.com.

Take advantage of the sun’s power when it comes to your new iPhone. The Solar Surge by Novothink is the world’s only Apple-certified solar charger carrying case that doubles battery life of the iPhone. It automatically sends a charge when needed and when there is sufficient power reserved. $79.95 at novothink.com

Posture in Style’s ergonomic chair is the perfect piece of furniture for your kids who are weighed down with homework. Bad posture is a big problem today, and this chair is designed to help children sit properly. Posture in Style is fully adjustable to accommodate children from preschool to high school. It features 100 percent synthetic fibers in removable and washable seat and back covers. Priced around the mid $700s. (877) 609-5688 or postureinstyle.com

Who says the kids are the only ones in need of back-to-school goodies? For you parents, it’s back to a dozen trips to and from school, extracurriculars, and friends’ homes every week; packing lunches and making dinner; and helping with homework. And after all the actual back-to-school clothes and school-supply shopping you’ll be conducting, it’s time for a little respite. That’s where a romantic, kids-free dinner out comes into play. Ocean Prime serves up a savory selection of steaks, fish, and cocktails that will have you relaxing in no time. (480) 347-1313 or ocean-prime.com

It’s back to school for the teachers, too, and one way to work off the stress of a new school year is to—yes—exercise. But exercising can be fun, and one Anthem gym provides the perfect environment for shedding pounds, staying in shape, and working off stress. Check out Sweat and all it has to offer at sweatchallenge.com.

FOR HER

Women can never have too much jewelry, so consider this 14k white-gold custom ring with two-carat heart-shaped pink sapphire and diamonds for the special woman in your life. $3,000 at Treasures Custom Jewelers. (623) 486-7875 or treasuresforyou.com

It’s true that (most) women love chocolate, but not just the chocolate that comes in a box. Or in ice cream cartons, in fancy-restaurant desserts, and coating fresh strawberries. Chocolate facials are one of the many other delightful forms of chocolate, and Par Exsalonce is offering one such tempting treatment for Valentine’s Day. The antioxidant-rich chocolate smoothes and refines skin and is a wonderful stress reliever. At a special price of $120, but must be ordered by February 13. parexsalonceaz.com

FOR HIM

Treat your guy to some high-quality pampering at one of V’s Barbershop’s seven Valley locations. Yes, you could get him that much-needed haircut or a straightedge shave, but V’s also carries some top men’s grooming products, framed sports-themed artwork, and more. vbarbershop.com

Keep him on time with a Luminox EVO Navy SEALs Dive Watch from Cabela’s. It’s a handsome timepiece with highly scratch-resistant sapphire glass crystal—perfect for when he’s out working, playing, or hunting—and a stainless steel case that protects it from moisture to a depth of 660 feet—most desirable for when he takes you on that trip to the Caribbean….$549.99 or $649.99 (steel bracelet) at cabelas.com

FOR BOTH

For more personalized, individual gifts or those that are rare or hard to find, consider antiquing! The Brass Armadillo Antique Mall boasts over 600 antique dealers and features aisles filled with collectibles of every sort, from Depression glass to military items to Star Wars memorabilia. It’s the perfect place to shop for either men or women. (602) 942-0030 or brassarmadillo.com/phoenix

Exotic trips are a special way to celebrate love, and India is rich with romantic getaway spots, gorgeous architecture, festive traditions, vibrant dress, intimate dining, and sensual spices. It has more than the enchanting Taj Mahal to entice couples looking for a new and exciting experience. tourindia.com or india-unveiled.com

Perhaps you and your special someone would rather not stress over dinner reservations and would prefer a romantic evening in instead. Hire a personal chef for your Valentine’s Day meal! Private cooking lessons are also available and are an interactive culinary treat you might consider. chefdujour.com, seasoningsbyrex.com, azcustomcuisine.com, hireachef.com

FOR SINGLES

The single life is an exciting one! No pity gifts necessary. But if you wish to treat your single friend to something nice for Valentine’s Day, a gift certificate to his or her favorite store is a great option. It’s something they can take advantage of alone or with friends, and it gives them money they must spend on something fun, something they like, and something that makes them feel great about themselves!

Forget your own single status and pay a visit to those who are aware of their single status daily. Nursing homes and similar facilities are good places to consider, but you may know of someone in your community or your neighborhood who has lost his or her life partner and could use a little company on this particular day. Go together to a place or an event that was special to your friend and his or her partner, or create brand new adventures for yourselves. Everyone should feel important on Valentine’s Day, and making someone else have a good feeling is one of the greatest gifts you could give.

This top-grain leather armchair with table rock copper chenille fabric goes for $1,999 at Valerie’s Furniture and Accents. The suede pillow with silver-button conchos and leather detailing is a nice touch at $189. (480) 483-3327 or valeriesfurniture.com

You spend one-third of your life sleeping, so it makes sense to sleep on a mattress that is not only supportive but also organic! Organic Mattresses, Inc. (OMI) mattresses are made with cruelty-free Eco-Wool, certified organic cotton, and 100-percent-natural rubber latex—all renewable, biodegradable sources that are grown, processed, and manufactured without toxic chemicals. Both natural rubber and innerspring options are available in a variety of firmness options. organicpedicbyomi.com

We’re transitioning out of winter, but we use hot water year-round, and Eternal Hybrid is an effective water-heating system that delivers hot water faster for multiple applications at once than do tankless units. It’s small, self-cleaning, and maintenance-free. eternalwaterheater.com

It’s about time you found a way that expresses you and reflects the style of your home when display your growing wine collection. EuroDream Kitchens and Design Gallery in Scottsdale will help you build your vision—take what’s in your mind’s eye and fit it in the space you have available in your home. (480) 998-0244 or eurodreamkitchens.com

If you like to cook, you may want to consider a Gaggenau appliance. Gaggenau innovators have secured three hundred patents and produce restaurant-grade appliances designed for your home. Some of their innovations have included the first-ever built-in oven, the first glass ceramic cooktop, and the first pyrolytic self-cleaning system. gaggenau.com/US_en/home.do

Hardwood floors can be your home’s best feature, and Old World Floors installs high-quality hardwood, bamboo, cork, engineered wood, and laminate flooring products as well as accent stone veneers. Wood floors add value to your home, are easy to maintain, and provide a rich ambience that makes living in your home pleasant day in and day out. (480) 233-HARD or oldworldfloors.net

Summer is not too far off, and even with this cooler winter weather, the 100-plus-degree weather is not so distant a memory. One of the best ways to enjoy the Arizona is in the water—it’s about time you got your own custom-built swimming pool! Tribal Waters Custom Pools & Spas can build your pool to fit the size, shape, and style of your yard, and include decorative stonework, waterfalls, and streams to your taste and whim. (623) 587-8500 or tribalwaters.us

A 2010 trend in kitchen style is traditional (with contemporary a close second), and inset-door–style cabinets reflect that trend well. 101 Cabinets & Interiors supply and install these versatile, timeless cabinets, making your kitchen a sleek and inviting room you’ll enjoy spending time in. (602) 971-1715 or 101cabinets.com

By Cassaundra Brooks

For the exotic, beautiful, useful, and easy- (and cheap)-to-mail, check out Ten Thousand Villages. Consider this multistrand glass pendant necklace handcrafted by artisans in India, for $20; or this floral cutout lamp straight from Bangladesh, for $28; or for the uniquely unique, this dried-flower mistletoe ball beautifully crafted by hand in Lima, Peru, for $24. tenthousandvillages.com

Luxury Japanese-made PRPS denim makes a temporary stop in the Valley with the opening of Hub Holiday, a “pop-up” storefront joining sister shop Hub Clothing inside Scottsdale Fashion Square. Special one-time pricing means that you just might find a $500 pair of hand-woven, distressed, individually adorned jeans for an unheard-of $99. Open through the end of 2009. (480) 970-0707 or hubclothing.com

These Arizona-raised gourds, which range in size from nine to eighteen inches, were hand-painted by a local artist. The Hohokam-painted Batea measures twenty inches and is indicative of the fine local creations available at Valerie’s Furniture. They’re great for out-of-state family and friends desiring a taste of Arizona! $59–$129 and $79–$99, respectively. (480) 483-3327 or valeriesfurniture.com

This one-of-a-kind ladies 18k white-gold ring with a rare 4.87ct purple sapphire accented with 1ct white diamonds and rare purple diamonds has special holiday pricing: $12,000 down to $8,000. At Treasures Custom Jewelers. (623) 486-7875 or treasuresforyou.com

The stress of the current economy paired with the stress of the holiday season means that your giftees will appreciate some pampering more than ever. It’s the perfect treat for anyone in your life who could use some relaxing treatments and special attention. Treat those on your list to a spa package from Par Exsalonce or give them a gift certificate so they can choose from an assortment of spa treatments and hair and nail services. (480) 860-0717 or parexsalonceaz.com

Give the children in your life a gift that will last them a lifetime. Kidpreneurs is a fun and interactive book that breaks down the concept of entrepreneurship for kids and helps them to turn their ideas and passions into money-making ventures! $12.95 at kidpreneurs.org

The gift of grooming comes with a gift certificate to V’s Barbershop, voted Best of the Valley by Phoenix Magazine seven times! And with seven Valley locations, your family and friends across the Valley can enjoy classic, old-fashioned barbering services like straightedge shaves, facials, and haircuts. It’s a guy thing! vbarbershop.com

Add some green to your holidays with a gift for the environmentally conscious on your gift-giving list. The Sierra Club recently launched a program in which people can sponsor a national park. Pick one in honor of your friend or family member, and he or she will be sent a certificate of protection and cute stuffed animal that represents the chosen park. Choose from Giant Sequoia, the Grand Canyon, the Everglades, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Acadia national parks. Sponsorships are available at different levels. sierraclub.org/wildplaces

Introduce your child to computers the safe way with a PeeWee PC. Not only are they fun and physically resilient, they come with built-in security features, time limits, Internet filters, and age-appropriate software packages. peeweepc.com

Dolce & Gabbana’s newest fragrance for gentleman, The One, is described with such adjectives as sensual and sophisticated. It is a spicy oriental fragrance with bright top notes of grapefruit and basil and morphs into ginger and orange blossom, leaving behind the scent of cedarwood and tobacco. dolcegabbana.com

Photos by Mark Susan
Saba’s Western Wear 
(480) 595-0959
sabaswesternwear.com

These Lucchese 1883s are made in the US of A and come complete with vintage distressed leather soles and sanded wingtips. $395

This Cripple Creek black-leather jacket sports studs on both sides and a leather cross on the back. $350

Try these on for size: black and white scalloped Hairon Belt for $95 or Spur Raul belt with studs and bling for $99.

Valerie’s Furniture & Accents
(480) 483-3327
valeriesfurniture.com‎

This Mad Cow leather settee with acid-washed cowhide has natural nail-head trim and a vintage leather seat. $6,499
Hairon hide cowboy-cutout pillow with silver conchos and leather fringe, made by a local artist. $259

This red rustic copper cabinet by a local artist is solid alder with copper doors, copper nail head, and carved-rope trim. $929

Feeling patriotic? This leather executive office chair swivels and tilts, boldly displaying stars and stripes and accented with dollar coin and nail head trim, complete with rolling wheels. As you may have guessed—made in the USA! $5,089

By Alana Stroud
Samsung Reclaim from Sprint

Made up of 80 percent recyclable materials and sporting a fabulously green appearance, this cell phone does everything you need it to, from texting to getting directions. The Reclaim has a sliding keyboard and one-touch access to ecofriendly applications, as well as a 2.0 megapixel camera. (623) 587-9350 or eprowireless.com

Reusable Water Bottles

It’s no secret that bottled water uses a lot of plastic and fills up landfills quickly. Americans would do better to purchase their own refillable, reusable water bottles and fill them with filtered tap water. Not only will this save you money, but it will also help save the Earth! (888) 507-SIGG or mysigg.com

Green Sunscreen

Traditional sunscreens contain chemicals and scents that wash off and contaminate the pools, lakes, rivers, and oceans that we swim in. You may not think it’s that harmful, but recent studies have shown that it is. Sunscreens with natural ingredients are free of chemicals, environmentally friendly, and safe for all ages. Prices vary depending on bottle size. (866) 535-1610 or greenboatstuff.com

Biodegradable Plant Pots

Gardening has never been easier, or more ecofriendly! Is your plant starting to outgrow its pot? Simply plant the whole thing in the ground and let it go. Biodegradable pots are decorative, easy to move around, come in sizes up to 24 inches wide, and weigh as little as five pounds! Prices vary by size. (888) 281-9337 or greenhousemegastore.com

Oxygenics Showerheads

Go green in the shower and save up to 30 percent of water and energy without losing the water pressure by using an Oxygenics showerhead. With four different spray types that change with the touch of a button, the Oxygenics showerhead is also handheld for maximum water coverage. (800) 344-3242 or oxygenics.com

Henckel Knives

Quality kitchen gadgets are necessary for creating gourmet meals. This ten-piece block set of steel ergonomic knives includes all you need to chop, carve, and slice your way to culinary perfection. $945 at jahenckels.com

Charlotte Thomas Bedding

We (supposedly) spend a third of our lives sleeping, so why not sleep in style on the best bedding? Charlotte Thomas’s Bespoke collection is interwoven with 22-karat gold thread and backed with Indian silk. A pillowcase goes for $2,350, while a king-size duvet cover costs $12,760. charlottethomas.co.uk

27,000 Square-Foot Estate

A single-family home this size offers plenty of space for privacy! Enjoy seven bedrooms, nine and a half baths, pool and Jacuzzi, indoor tennis court, and two detached guest homes on a ten-plus acre lot in Scottsdale, all for the fair price of $15,900,000. frankaazami.com

Microsoft Surface

Love your iPhone and wish you had something larger that could do the same stuff? Enter Microsoft Surface, a digitally interactive touch-table with a 30-inch display that can connect with other networks, printers, and more all by the stroke of a finger. Currently only available for commercial purchase. Begins at $12,500. microsoft.com/SURFACE

Ravenscroft Pianos

If you’re serious about your music, you’ll want a Ravenscroft. Pianos like Model 275, base price $280,000, are all handcrafted and can even be customized to your specific sound and cabinet style. All materials are imported from around the world and assembled in their state-of-the-art Scottsdale facility. spreemanpianoinnovations.com

Private Jet

Tired of bustling airports and conforming to a preset schedule? Bombardier SkyJet will set you free with the use of their SkyJet membership, which allows you to charter a private plane at your leisure. You need give only twelve hours notice and a $100,000 deposit using your SkyJet card. skyjet.com

Fancy Frames

These gold and wood frames are layered in white gold, boast six diamonds on each end piece and another eleven diamonds on the bridge, and have temples made from buffalo horn. $1,700 at Optical Gallery Arizona. (623) 362-8642 or opticalgalleryaz.com

Custom Pool

This peaceful paradise by Tribal Waters Custom Pools & Spas offers a resort-style atmosphere with the privacy of home. A raised spa with an overflowing water feature pours into the pool, a lovely grotto feature adds tranquility to the whole backyard escape, and the large barbecue/kitchen area for cooking is topped with a Ramada/Cabana providing much-needed shade from the heat. $160,000. (623) 587-8500 or tribalwaters.us

Jewelry for the home Cabinet hardware provides the finishing touch and can add the same spark of color and style that your fashion accessories do. Pictured are from the Bella Forma collection (forged solid brass) in the polished-nickel finish with black scrolls. Cup pulls are $23.95 each, and the knobs are $17.95 each. Available through 101 Cabinets & Interiors. (602) 971-1715 or 101cabinets.com

Barbecue This twelve-by-eight-inch barbecue with a floating table from R&R Evergreen is covered with stacked stone, with travertine tile. It will run on special for $7,999 for a limited time. (602) 505-0263 or rreverclear.com

Lighting at its finest The Lilium Lamp with hand-painted leather shade in colors of bronze, greens, and gold makes a great addition to your living quarters. New selections also available. (480) 656-0635 or casapaloma.net

Get some shade The Arizona sun can be brutal, and shade is a favorite place for Arizonans. AZ Shade specializes in the highest-quality custom-designed shade structures, all made with durable cloth fabrics. These custom shades can be professionally installed for both residential and commercial uses and are available in a range of attractive colors. Prices vary. (623) 670-3292 or azshade.com

Glass for the shower Custom-made frameless glass shower doors in shapes and sizes that accommodate your unique bathroom design give your bathroom a look like no other. Midwest Glass is a great place for these original bathroom additions and carries most finishes that match your fixtures as well. Prices vary. (480) 990-1360 or midwestglassaz.com

By Cassaundra Brooks

Sports

As this issue prints, our very own Arizona Cardinals battle the Pittsburgh Steelers for the coveted Super Bowl rings and all the glory the bowl bestows. They’ve made history this season, and what better time than now to set your Cardinal-crazed stud or sweetie up for next season? Call (602) 379-0102 or visit azcardinals.com to purchase season tickets or see about special ticket packages.

Pets

Why not add to the family this Valentine’s Day? The Valley is filled with canine companions and feline friends in need of families, and adopting a pet can be a joint venture for couples. Make sure the rest of the household is onboard with a new pet, and then go as a couple or family to visit local shelters and societies from which to choose your new friend. Check out our featured animals on page 90 or contact the Arizona Animal Welfare League at (602) 273-6852 or aawl.org and look into bringing home a fuzzy friend for Valentine’s Day.

Trips

People are staying a little closer to home and budgeting more, and that means some great deals are beginning to pop up to encourage travel. Romantic cruises are reasonably priced right now, whether you fancy a short three-day or weeklong cruise out of LA or a longer cruise to popular places like the Caribbean. The cost of nonstop flights to Hawaii has dropped as well. Of course, romantic excursions out of the country to warm tropical islands, snow-covered European cities, and summery Australia and similar hot spots are always a lovely choice. Contact Elan Travel at (623) 561-1111 or elantravel.com to explore your options.

Art

Artwork is a nice addition to any home, and with the selection of quaint galleries and art festivals in the Valley and surrounding areas, picking up a beautiful painting or intricate sculpture for your significant other is easy. This romantic gesture affords opportunity to showcase how well you know your girl—or guy—and to give her—or him—a well-thought-out, personalized gift.

Jewelry

Jewelry is not always a fail-safe option for the special woman in your life—make certain you have an idea of what she typically likes—but jewelry is timeless, and almost every woman likes shiny, glittery body ornaments! Hearts are a classic symbol of love and a good reminder of a special Valentine’s Day. Consider these or other heart-shaped pieces from Cornelis Hollander: 18K white-gold ring with 1.76-carat pink sapphire and diamonds for $14,735, silver bracelet with ruby charm for $390, or stingray bangle with sterling silver and black diamonds for $670. (480) 423-5000 or cornelishollander.com

Beer

Perhaps your favorite guy is a beer connoisseur. Members of the Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club receive lightly distributed, hard-to-find microbrewed beer each month, and have the option of ordering their favorites at discounted prices. Four types of membership are available; members also receive the Brew Harvest Review newsletter with information about breweries and featured beers. beermonthclub.com