Working from home can be fruitful, necessary and enjoyable, but sometimes it can also be frustrating. In the best of scenarios, you are able to close the door and get your work done. Realistically, you are probably prone to disruptive background noise and cords that tie you to your desk.

With the Sennheiser OfficeRunner, you can cut down on background noise and talk on the phone as far as 400 feet away from your desk. An international technology company known for making wireless headsets for professional singers and bands, Sennheiser now brings this headset into your home.

The OfficeRunner's noise-canceling microphone cuts most background noise and features high definition sound quality. Compatible with almost any desktop phone, it features 64-bit digital encryption to keep calls secure and safe.

Offering multiple adjustable wearing styles, this convertible headset guarantees a comfortable fit for any user. The silver headset weighs under an ounce and lasts for 12 hours on a single charge. A lighted black cube functions as the charging base; it seems to allow the headset to float in midair as it charges on the base.

The OfficeRunner is a perfect fit for the home as well as in large corporations and small businesses. In the home, the OfficeRunner increases productivity as one headset works for both the phone and computer, thus eliminating the need to buy two headsets and continually switch back and forth. In the business office setting, the OfficeRunner is a great tool for companies looking to provide optimal interoffice communication and customer service.

It is very simple to connect two OfficeRunner headsets to one base, allowing a trainer to sit in and assist a customer service representative on a call. One-on-one training used to require a cumbersome Y-Cord. But with OfficeRunner's unique wireless technology, you can toss the cord.

Another technological asset to the OfficeRunner is when it is coupled with the ORL 12, a handset lifter that attaches to the desk phone. It allows the user to remotely lift the phone handset off the cradle, so an incoming call can be answered when the user is away from the desk.

Available for 60 days free, the OfficeRunner retails for $300 and comes with a two-year replacement warranty. For more information, call 800-HEADSETS (800-432-3738) or visit www.headsets.com.

FLOR DE CANA

Traditional spices and herbs can easily be translated from the plate to the cocktail glass with the most awarded rum in the world. Family-owned and handcrafted in Nicaragua, Flor de Cana rum wants you to celebrate with a homemade spiced rum that uses only fresh ingredients, and you can add flavors to make a creation of your own.

"The tradition of adding spices to rum dates back to the earliest rum distillers," says Ed Hamilton, founder of the Ministry of Rum. "Cinnamon, clove and nutmeg are just a few of the spices commonly found in handcrafted spiced rums. Flor de Cana's mellow base notes make it perfectly suitable for the addition of spice." Further titillate your palate with fresh herbs, including rosemary, sage, thyme, pine and cilantro.

With mixologists around the world infusing fruits, vegetables, flowers and spices into their cocktails, why not add your own Nicaraguan flair? It's all about starting with a high-quality rum, such as Flor de Cana Grand Reserve 7 Year. Simply add some spices and herbs to make your own signature cocktail.

"The roasted nut and subtle vanilla flavor of slow-aged Flor de Cana Grand Reverse 7 Year is a good place to begin to make your own 'Spice,'" says Hamilton. "Add a little fresh ginger, rosemary, citrus zest or your favorite spice to a few ounces of rum in separate mason jars. Then taste your spice every day as you learn how the spice and rum interact. Blending the contents of these jars is the fastest way to perfecting your ultimate spice recipe."

Spiced rum is a great holiday gift. You can either make your own for a present or give someone everything they need to create their own personalized blend.

Retail price is $23. For more information and recipes, visit www.flordecana.com.

Cut out background noise and increase your productivity with Sennheiser's OfficeRunner wireless headset. Photo courtesy of Sennheiser.

Starting with Flor de Cana Grand Reserve 7 Year rum, create your own spice cocktail concoction. Photo courtesy of Flor de Cana.

Maggie Reed may be reached at [email protected]. To find out more about Maggie Reed and other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit www.creators.com.