If it’s only you who love rock ’n’ roll, try this self-contained amplifier for your electric guitar. It keeps the good vibrations for your ears only. The Bass Rockman can also be used as a regular amplifier with a standard public-address system. $299.95 at Arnold and Morgan,3068 Mockingbird. 363-0277.
Hikers with wet feet need suffer no more. Gore-Tex, a surgical fabric, can now keep your mountain-top experiences dry. Pores in the fabric are larger than water vapor molecules, but thousands of times smaller than a drop of liquid. So perspiration seeps out, but puddles, streams and thunderstorms pose no threat to gloves, boots, jackets and other items. Waterproof boots $4795 at Backpackers’ World, Keystone Park, 13931 N. Central Expressway, Suite 330. 783-0311.
“Quivet” is a newborn noun, a cross between a quilt and duvet cover. It’s a lightweight cover on its own, but its secret is a hidden zipper that encloses a comforter or blanket to let this bedroom accessory span the seasons. This pattern is “Hampton Court.” Prices range from $275 to $375 at Gabler and Kramer, Highland Park Village. 522-3492.
Iron covers in the Texas tradition -as they say at A&M-of “oysters on the half-shell.” S15.50 each at Noah’s Ark Animal Extravaganza in NorthPark.
Care Packages, filled with TLC, are selling like hotcakes at Over the Rainbow. The store’s staff will create a specially designed package for the age, sex, interests and favorite colors of your out-of-town spouse, hospitalized niece or friend who’s been transferred out of town. You name the price, and the staff will help you choose the goodies. This package is designed for the teeny-bop set-everything’s recognizable except, perhaps, the Bloogle Tube. It’s a roughly refined musical instrument capable of such favorite melodies as The Worms Go In, The Worms Go Out. 5930 Royal Lane. 692-8250.
To the relief of those who know no greater fear than being left alone with a woven waist wrap, JSL Fabrics offers a S10, one-day smorgasbord of tying, winding and knotting ideas November 24 called “Creating Original Accessories”. It’s dressing for art’s sake: Store owners Shirley Cunningham and Jacquie McConnell assist customers in creating personalized, tailored fashions from fabrics selected from designer showrooms. They mix, match and alter patterns as you desire A four-session hand tailoring class ($75) begins November 12 with a full curriculum that gives the phrase “she sews her own clothes” an entirely favorable meaning. Oak Lawn at Blackburn. 522-1571.
There’s no need to wing it when it comes time to baste another bird this Thanksgiving. Butterball Turkey Talk-Line is toll-free and ready for gobbles of business about stuffing, and cooking and carving. Ask them anything: 1-800-323-4848.
Another speak-easier invention is the ALPHA X memory telephone. Carry it wherever you go. Just plug it in, and dial friends and clients by typing their names on the small keyboard. Check, money order or AE, M, V. $550. P.O. Box 2444, Norton Heights, CT 06820. (212) 420-9519.
Air France offers a shopping tour in Paris this winter, including a week of professional advice in selecting and acquiring an up-to-date wardrobe, combined with sightseeing and fine dining. $2,495 per person, double occupancy. Write Michel and Solange Kim Columbo. 2707 Stemmons Freeway, Suite 160, Dallas, TX 75207. 630-5317.
Improve your parenting skills during drive-time with a cassette magazine, Parent Talk.Mary Blair, mother of three, has put together practical child-raising advice from a wide range of publications and family therapists. The 90-minute tapes are produced monthly; a subscription is $10 per month. Call 424-9158 or write P.O. Box 863517, Piano. TX 75086.
The Adolpbus Cookbook, by Joanne Smith (Taylor Publishing, 824.95), offers the expected fancy recipes along with some choice bites of historical trivia. Available at the Adolphus, Neiman’s NorthPark or major bookstores.
Finding electrical outlets is what some toddlers do best. The commonly used plastic safetycaps leave much for parents to desire. On GuardCo. offers a wall plate designed for the standardelectrical receptacle with two spring-loadedrotating discs. When the outlet is not in use, springtension keeps it safely closed. To open the outlet,simply insert the plug and twist. Available inpackages of six in brown or ivory. $14.95. P.O. Box16126, Chattanooga, TN 37416. (615) 344-5567.
Ford has a better idea for the mobile telephone. A hands-free cellular phone with the mouthpiece located in the sun visor of the new Continental Mark VII. Suggested retail price $3,700.
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