Columnist Muriel Stevens: Gifts are creature comforts

Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2004 | 8:12 a.m.

If you're panting, not from passion but from racing around in search of the ideal Valentine's Day gift, take a deep breath and relax. I've got some new ideas to share with you.

Sootheze bears, bunnies and other beasties are not only adorable, these aromatic soothers are herb-filled and ready for heating in a microwave. Sootheze are part of the recently-introduced Christine James spa product line.

James is a trained massage therapist. Her unusual menagerie of fragrant critters (and pillows) "combine the therapeutic benefits of hot and cold compresses with aromatherapy."

There are many gift items in this intriguing line. The animals can be heated in the microwave, then wrapped around an aching neck; store eye pillows in the freezer (in a freezer bag). Relief is just minutes away.

Sootheze can be found at the Canyon Ranch Living Essentials shop in The Venetian at the Canal Shops. My favorite bunnies (especially the floppy-eared variety) usually appear in time for Easter. Sootheze can also be found at the Spa inside Paris Las Vegas and the spa at the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas.

Or order from Femail Creations, a catalog and webstore only, go to www.femailcreations.com or call 739-6172.

Tiffany & Co. heart key rings: No one can deny the cachet of a gift in a signature blue Tiffany box. (Remember the scene in "Sleepless in Seattle"?) Tiffany was the first to offer the sterling silver, split-heart key ring ($125-$150). The Valentine gets the key ring and gives one half to his/her partner.

Each half can be engraved, but with time so short you might have to do this after Valentine's Day. Single sterling silver heart key rings were still available Monday at Tiffany & Co. in the Bellagio shopping promenade. Prices vary.

Eddie Rodriguez at Fashion Show: Eddie Rodriguez had just opened his first namesake shop at the Fashion Show mall when I spoke to him Monday.

He was sitting outside the store admiring the scene and was happy to tell me why we needed another men's and women's clothing store.

"I wanted to create a truly unique shopping experience for the customer, including the store design and ambience," he said. "I was born in Cuba and raised in America and am a true Cuban-American.

"My store and merchandise captures the vibrant colors, the textures and the sensuality of Latin America."

It all translates into a hip, hot concept that's geared to the fashion conscious who like to go from work to play without missing a beat -- a Latin beat, of course.

"This is the first of its kind," Eddie said. "In my opinion we really have something new to say."

Eddie Rodriguez is the kind of shop that offers the whole enchilada: Men's and women's clothing; accessories, including belts, ties and handbags; eyewear; decorative items, pillows, candles and more to come.

Prices are moderate. A well-made Pima cotton T-shirt with a scoop neck and cap sleeves is $28. All of the merchandise is designed by Rodriguez and is not available elsewhere. Locations for stores in Boca Raton, Fla., San Francisco, San Diego and New York have already been acquired.

Eddie Rodriguez at the Fashion Show mall will host a grand opening celebration Feb. 19. Eddie will be there.

Eddie Rodriguez is on the second level of the Fashion Show near Neiman Marcus and next door to Ann Taylor Loft. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. For additional info, call 735-4866.

Teddy Bear Tea at Four Seasons: Buy tickets now for the Teddy Bear Tea and Fashion Show, a benefit for the Lied Discovery Children's Museum on March 28. This event is a family affair so bring the grandparents and children of all ages. Tickets are $75 per person.

With the purchase of a table for 10 at $750, a child can be a model in the fashion show. Included are afternoon tea, the fashion show and other activities. Teddy Bear Tea begins at 1 p.m. For ticket and other information call the museum at 382-3445.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone.