Take a break - from spring break - with ViB

Looking for a cheap alternative to spring break?

Well, the first thing you should do is forget the "staycation." For one, it is sooooo 2008. And two, you probably can't afford it anymore.

No, 2009 has seen the birth of new vacation alternative, one perfect for this cheery time we affectionately call our worst economic crisis since the Depression. It's called ViB, which stands for "vacation in a bottle."

No, not THAT kind of bottle.

This new "functional" drink is supposed to be packed with B vitamins and antioxidants from lightly carbonated pomegranate and berry juices. But it also contains something called L-theanine, which ViB (stop saying "vib" because you're supposed to pronounce it like "vibe") representatives claim "doesn't only relax you but it makes you more alert and attentive."

Yes, at the very same time.

In fact, representative Emily Penate said, "You can drink three or four bottles at your desk to stay focused."

But when you get home and night and want a restful night's sleep, you can chug another and "the L-theanine makes people feel like they have slept longer than they have actually done."

In case you still feel confused and skeptical, you may be comforted to know that the drink brand's investors include Jessica Simpson.

ViB is available from drugstore.com for $1.99. Because nothing says "Woohoo, Spring Break '09!" like buying a lightly carbonated, non-alcoholic beverage on the Internet. *