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I’ve noticed more and more smoothie establishments opening in our area lately. They have the consistency of milk shakes, but can also be a health tonic or breakfast food to start your day right. Blend berries, fruits and other good tasting foods for kids that don’t like to eat, and they will never know they are having something healthy. Of course, I always thought you could make the drink with a blender, ice and some berries, but on further investigation, I found this wasn’t necessarily true.

I found recipe books at Barnes & Noble Booksellers that give you step-by-step directions. The books I liked best were “500 Smoothies and Juices: The Only Smoothie and Juices Compendium You’ll Ever Need,” by Christine Watson (Apple Press, $15.95) and “Ultimate Smoothies: Delicious Recipes for Over 125 of the Best Smoothies, Freezes, and Blasts,” by Donna Pliner Rodnitzky (Prima Life, $12.95). Both authors told readers that there’s more to the world of the home smoothie than strawberries and bananas. They were both easy to follow as you attempt to take on the smoothie giants of the world.

I found the Premium Margaritaville frozen concoction maker ($379.95) at Williams-Sonoma. At 9 by 14 by 20 inches, it’s going to take up some counter space, but it’s got all the bells and whistles any smoothie connoisseur would want: From a large ice reservoir, an ice shaver, preset drink buttons and controls that let you select the beverage’s strength and thickness. It’s certainly pricey, but if you really like energy drinks or love to entertain, this is for you.

While I was shopping for the high-tech blender, I saw some Williams-Sonoma glassware that is big enough to hold a large smoothie. The DuraClear is a heavy duty plastic that looks like glass and is guaranteed to not cloud, discolor or crack. The 17-ounce size is six for $68 with a three-letter monogram or $48 without. I also really liked the Siena tumblers, which are made in Spain. The 17-ounce set of six is $27. You can also get a set of 24 that includes six each of the 5.75-, 8.25-, 13- and 17-ounce sizes for $76.

These sleek drinks smooth the way for your whole day.

Where to shop

Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 5377 U.S. 41 N., Naples, 598-5200 and Coconut Point, 23130 Fashion Drive,

Williams-Sonoma, Waterside Shops, 5415 U.S. 41 N., Naples, 514-2213; and Bell Tower Shops, 13499 U.S. 41 S. Fort Myers, (239) 415-4222.

Ike Likes It

Gadgets are something that can take up room in the drawer or something you find you can’t live without. The motorized ice cream cone ($9.95) can be either: It depends on your mood.

The verdict: My husband thought this wouldn’t be that good, but kind of cute when company was visiting. “I also thought it was for lazy people, but I do like it,” he said. “It’s fun and amuses me and anyone watching.” He mentioned it also helps eliminate the dripping and licking around the edges of a cone. He liked being the center of attention when it starts spinning. “Heck,” Ike said, “aren’t we all children at heart?”