Jane’s Lane: What’s New, Pussycats?

Hip Dipping

Curious about cold plunging? You’re in the right place. This region is riddled with nature’s tubs in which to dip like you’re Lady Gaga or Jack Dorsey. “You just lay back and float,” enthuses local massage therapist Beth Rose, who first dipped in October in Great Barrington’s Lake Mansfield, “and when it froze, we moved on to the rivers.” The operative word here being “we,” as nature dips should always be done with a buddy—ideally one who knows CPR?

Their Name Is Mud

It’s too warm for Bogs these days, but it’s not quite slides weather yet—welcome to mud season. Until May finally pulls out its proverbial Swiffer, these hardy rubber clogs will get you from your car to your destination without the effort of lacing up, bending down or worrying about splatters.

• For the Cotswolds dreamer: Barbour Quinn Clogs $70

• The mood lifter: Fitflop WonderClog $80

• For the dapper dude: Hunter Men’s Play Clog, $85

• The most clog-like: Dansko Kane EVA Clog $85

Just Don’t Call it Japandi

Unassumingly nestled next to SoCo Creamery on Great Barrington’s Railroad Street sits a tiny minimalist’s dream. Curated by Dennis Iodice who was inspired by Cambridge’s erstwhile Design Research and visits to Milan’s Salone del Mobile, Berkshire Dry Goods contains the chicest fill-in-the-blank—watering can, wall clock, cutting board, kitchen towel, even room fragrance—mostly of Japanese or Nordic origins. “My focus is on the timelessness of the designs with the intention of buying fewer but better things,” says Iodice. Though currently open only on weekends, contact Dennis@BerkshireDryGoods.com. I bet he’ll make an exception for you.

Solid References

Who hasn’t unzipped their weekend bag to discover that their sunscreen/shampoo/moisturizer/whatever has exploded during the trip. These mess-free items will vanquish that buzzkill.

Lather Up  Mix a dime-size amount of Everist The Body Wash Concentrate in the shower, then pat yourself on your virtuous back for not adding to that growing landfill
of bottle pumps.

The face race You’ll never know how much you needed the soothing sensation of Kate McLeod Face Stone Solid Moisturizer, but once you glide it over your skin, your complexion will be hard pressed to return to its formerly beloved face cream.

Swipe Right  Toss Salt + Stone Sunscreen Stick SPF 30 in your ski jacket or hiking pocket for needed touch-ups or extra protection. Also available in an SPF 50 tinted formula.