Lusty Monk Mustard

Rebecca Sulock, A&E editor: Original Sin original recipe mustard from Lusty Monk. $5.95. “I’ve tried many a mustard in my time, but the mustard buck stops with Lusty Monk. It’ll burn you, in the most brilliant and delicious way. You’ve not had mustard like it before.” (http://www.lustymonk.com)

Mannie Dalton, Calendar editor and supplements coordinator: Gabriella’s Handmade Jewelry Designs. Prices vary by item. “The owner/designer’s name is Gabrielle Egan, and she sells her work on nice days outside of the Grove Arcade, and indoors at Kress on not-so-nice days.” (http://www.gabriellashandmadejewelry.com)

Gabrielle Egan earrings

Jeff Fobes, Publisher: A reservation for a hot tub soak at Hot Springs Resort and Spa. $40 for use of a deluxe tub, after 6 p.m. “Hot springs are magical places, a rarity in the U.S. east of the Rockies, a warm (or hot) gift of love from mother earth—and we have one of these sacred spots within an hour of Asheville.” (http://www.nchotsprings.com; 622-7676)

Green Girl Basics

Alli Marshall, A&E reporter: Sunburst Lotion from Green Girl Basics. $12. “The tropical citrus scent is an instant mood-elevator. It’s like a Caribbean beach vacation in a bottle.” (http://www.greengirlbasics.com)

Jewelry by Una Barrett

Patty Levesque, Office manager: Jewelery by Una Barrett. Prices vary by item. “She specializes in copper and silver jewelry as well as various leather pieces in unique designs. I love her stuff.” (Woolworth Walk, 25 Haywood St., Asheville)

Ginger Grass Soap

Laura Ladendorf, Production manager: Ginger Grass and Silk soap from Faerie Made Soaps. $6. “Fun for giving. [Owner Tina Glenn] does come out with new scents regularly. My favorite at the moment is a bar soap called Ginger Grass and Silk.” (http://www.faeriemadesoaps.com)

Sammy Cox, Distribution manager: A gift membership to The North Carolina Arboretum’s Educational Explorations. Prices vary depending on program. “This may be one of the best-kept secrets and unique garden/nature-oriented programs in the Southeast ... coiled basketry, garden-design seminars, dyeing with mushrooms, birch-bark book-binding, plein air painting, twig-wood trellises and more.” (http://www.ncarboretum.org)

French Broad Chocolates.

Anne Fitten Glenn, Edgy Mama columnist: Chocolates from the French Broad Chocolate Lounge. $9 for a nine-piece caramel assortment. “French Broad’s chocolate-covered salted honey caramels are absolutely amazing and contain both local honey and Celtic sea salt from a locally based company.” (http://www.frenchbroadchocolates.com)

Imladris blueberry jam

Margaret Williams, Contributing editor: Blueberry jam by Imladris Farms. $7. “My pick is any and every jam sold and made by Imladris Farms, but blueberry’s a fave.” (http://www.imladrisfarm.com)

Astral Buoyancy Green Jacket

Jeff Tallman, Distribution assistant manager: Astral Buoyancy Green Jacket PFD. Approx. $209; price may vary by dealer. “They just got U.S. Coast Guard approval of their ‘Green Jacket’ rescue vest.  It is named after the local Green River Narrows Class V run that is world famous among whitewater boaters.” (http://www.astralbuoyancy.com)

The Faces of Izzy’s Coffee Den

Jon Elliston, Managing editor: “Asheville photographer Michael Traister pays loving tribute to the Lexington Avenue java shop in The Faces of IZZY’S Coffee Den, his new book of 100 portraits. Shot against stark white backgrounds, the images offer vivid depictions of the distinctive variety of customers who get their caffeine fix—and plenty of fellowship—at IZZY’s.” Paperback and hardback versions available at michaeltraisterphoto.blogspot.com.

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