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Best sunrise alarm clocks for spring

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Hatch


Getting out of bed doesn’t have to be hard now that Daylight Savings Time is here. Invest in an alarm clock that won’t just wake you up, but one that can wake you up feeling refreshed by simulating a natural sunrise.

We’ve found sunrise alarm clock models that can get you up and out of bed with soft light, noises, music, meditations and more. Some of these alarm clocks will also help you wind down and go to sleep.

The following top-rated alarm clocks from Hatch, Loftie and more can help anyone rise and shine on time — even the deepest of sleepers. All of these bedside essentials feature many positive customer reviews.


Jall wake up light alarm clock

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Amazon


The Jall wake up light alarm clock is an Amazon bestseller, with a 4.3-star rating (over 25,600 reviews). When it’s time to wake up, the clock will play one of seven sounds and gradually adjust its light from 10% brightness up to 100% over 10, 20 or 30 minutes. It has a dual alarm feature, so two people can wake up at different times. There’s a weekend mode, too, if you prefer to sleep in on your days off.

There’s a built-in FM radio, and the light can be used as mood lighting — there are multiple color options and 20 levels of brightness to suit any mood.

Regularly $53, right now you get this Amazon bestseller for $37 after coupon.


Philips SmartSleep wake-up light

Philips SmartSleep wake-up light

Philips via Amazon


Dr. Kristen Casey, a licensed clinical psychologist and insomnia specialist, told CBS Essentials that she feels that “everyone should have a sunrise wake-up alarm. It has the option for sound but some of us are able to wake up to light only. Our circadian rhythm is regulated by consistency and light. Bright light in the morning is important to stop melatonin production and assist with our final awakening.”

The Philips SmartSleep alarm clock simulates sunrise and sunset with five natural wake-up sounds to choose from. It includes an FM radio, tap snooze option and an automatic dimmable display. It can also function as a bedside reading lamp with 10 brightness settings.


Loftie

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Loftie


The Loftie alarm clock has a dimmable display, nightlight and a two-phase alarm. The first alarm phase is gentle, while the second phase really gets you up and at ’em. You can customize your alarm tone, volume and day-of-the-week settings. 

The Loftie also functions as a white noise machine (or a provider of nature soundscapes). Its Bluetooth speaker plays music, podcasts and more. And if that isn’t enough, the Loftie also offers a sleep timer, blackout mode and wellness content, including breath work, meditation music and guided meditation. 

Regularly $150, it’s on sale at Loftie now for just $119. 


Hatch Restore 2

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Hatch


Wake to a gentle sunrise, with light that gradually brightens before your alarm sounds. The Hatch Restore 2 features a library of alarm and meditation sounds, a reading light with 22 color offerings and reduced blue light to encourage relaxation and cue your body for sleep. Choose from three colors. 

The Hatch Restore 2 has a nearly five-star rating on the brand’s website. One reviewer wrote, “I used to be so tired in the morning and constantly hit snooze. The rain sound helps me fall asleep at night and the light/noise in the morning is so pleasant. I feel more well rested and not groggy when I wake up in the morning! I love Hatch!” 




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What makes a martini a martini?

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Nowadays, what makes a martini a martini? Robert Simonson, who wrote a book about the martini, said, “It’s funny: it’s strict and loose at the same time.”

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Ten Speed Press


Everyone seems to have an opinion about the cocktail: “Ingredients, proportions, garnishes – it’s all subject to debate,” Simonson said. “I’m a purist. I would think it needs to be gin and vermouth. But I’m willing to bend and say, ‘Okay, vodka and vermouth as well.’ [However,] if there’s no vermouth in there, I don’t know how you can call it a cocktail.”

Simonson says the martini was probably named after a vermouth company. It was invented in America in the 1870s or ’80s when bartenders mixed gin with vermouth, a fortified wine made with herbs and spices. “It’s a very big player in cocktail history,” he said.

In the early 20th century, the “very-dry” martini became very-popular: Ice cold gin or vodka, garnished with a lemon twist, or an olive, or an onion, but only a little vermouth (or maybe not even a little).

Samantha Casuga, the head bartender at Temple Bar in New York City, says the reason why many people might not want vermouth in their martini is because, for years, vermouth was stored improperly. “It should be in the fridge,” she said.

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Samantha Casuga, the head bartender at Temple Bar in New York City, prefers stirring a martini to shaking which, she says, adds more aeration: “I like the silkiness.” 

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Casuga’s classic martini is two parts gin, one part vermouth, with a twist of lemon. She suggests that you probably shouldn’t order it the way James Bond does – shaken, not stirred. Casuga says she’s always stirring, but some people like the show behind the bar when a bartender shakes their cocktail. “Definitely, people love a good shake,” she said.

People also love to have a martini made just the way they want it. But Casuga understands why they might be so specific: “To have your own preferences, not only listened to and then executed, is, like, that’s luxury itself.”

Writer Robert Simonson says that a martini can also add a little luxury to your Thanksgiving. “It actually makes very good sense for Thanksgiving,” he said. “It will whet your appetite for the meal to come.

“There are very few American inventions more American than the martini. So, an American holiday, American drink.”

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Robert Stevenson’s martini.

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Story produced by Mary Raffalli. Editor: Remington Korper. 


“Sunday Morning” 2024 “Food Issue” recipe index
Delicious menu suggestions from top chefs, cookbook authors, food writers, restaurateurs, and the editors of Food & Wine magazine.  



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NATURE: Turkeys in South Dakota

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NATURE: Turkeys in South Dakota – CBS News


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We leave you this Sunday with some VERY happy turkeys, at South Dakota’s Good Earth State Park. Videographer: Kevin Kjergaard.

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An Italian masterpiece: Cacio e pepe

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An Italian masterpiece: Cacio e pepe – CBS News


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A centuries-old pasta dish made with pecorino romano cheese and cracked pepper is a tradition in Italy, but getting it right is tricky even for the most experienced of chefs. Correspondent Seth Doane talks with Gabriele Giura, head chef at the famed Roman restaurant Roscioli, about preparing this simple but wondrous dish.

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