Playing Footsy

I just booked about 5 trips - some business, some pleasure, some quick jaunts, some long journeys. I've become a fairly savvy traveler and know that there are 3 Golden Rules when it comes to having pleasant travels:

1. Comfort

2. Simplicity

3. Having a Plan

That's why these are on my wish list:

footzy rolls

These non-slip, outdoor worthy, waterproof ballet flats roll up and slip into a small pouch that you can throw in your pocket or purse until it is time to take off the cute but painful shoes and unroll your way to comfort. Perfect for a long flight.

I also think they would make a good stocking stuffer or a bridesmaid gift so that everyone can dance the night away without wincing.

Deli Style

My favorite morning sustenance since moving to the city is some sort of bagel/egg/cheese/maybe bacon sandwich. Recently, Lucinda Scala Quinn was on Martha Stewart demonstrating a recipe from her cookbook, Mad Hungry (cute name, right?), that she whips up for her sons.

Bacon, Egg, & Cheese Sandwich

You don't really need a recipe to make a tasty breakfast sandwich, but it is a nice reminder that you can have your own deli at home. Don't forget the hot sauce!

Can I Be Seven Again?

So, I was paging through the weekly ads included in the Sunday New York Times, and what do I see in the Target circular? This:

Banzai Wave Breaker Water Park

For sale. As in, you can actually own it. What?!? For real? From Target? When I was seven I usually got a beach towel, maybe a Debbie Gibson tape, or often some Keds from Target. I think if my parents brought this home I would have fainted from excitement. I think my parents would have fainted from the price tag.

And then I go online to make sure I wasn't imagining the creation and I see these:

Banzai Twin Drop Falls Water Park

Blast Zone Rainforest Rapids

Banzai Drop Zone Water Slide

Oh, what I would have given for my very own water wonderland. I mean, I thought a slip 'n slide was the bee's knees.

The Target site claims they are "puncture resistant". Hmmm...

Opening the Windows

A few things on my radar as May leads to June:

Metallic Nail Polish. Glam and oh so sparkly in the hot sun. Ginger & Liz have some outstanding metallics, as well as a rainbow of other eco-friendly hues.

 Swagger Nail Polish

Rosé Wine. Supposedly it is making a comeback. No longer only a spirit for sissies or Valentine's Day, there are some surprisingly mature choices perfect for sharing with friends al fresco.

 Rosé Wine - the kitchn

Basil Soap. With the fresh air coming through the windows, I actually am inspired to clean. I love this basil scent from Mrs. Meyer's. Hard to explain the earthy yet fruity scent but it is original and fresh.

Mrs. Meyer's Basil Liquid Hand Soap

Tunic Dresses. Pair with leggings or skinny jeans if out and about, or just some strappy sandals if lounging for the day. I love the feather detailing below.

Mink Pink Dress - Penelope

Homemade Marshmallows. I have been spotting these everywhere from high end grocery stores to Brooklyn coffee shops. Glad they are so readily available since attempting to make them at 3505 would result in white fluff stuck on the ceiling. The best thing about these chalky chunks? No hot chocolate needed.

Marshmallows - Smitten Kitchen

Luke's Lobster. A lobster roll instantly brings me back to the days of docks, sea, sun, May, June, July, and August. After a terrific experience at Mary's Fish Camp, we are planning to compare another NYC attempt at this Maine staple.

Lobster Roll - Luke's Lobster, NYC

Time to get started on this list!

Oh Lolli, Lolli, Lolli

Lollipop!

(popping sound)

Ba-doom-doom-doom

See's Lollypop Box

Just back from a trip to San Francisco and surroundings where I saw family, friends, and many of my favorite sights. San Francisco has been sort of a second home over the past four years and I'm glad to go West as often as possible. I hope to have a few posts devoted to my likes of the area, but for now I will leave you with a sweet and long-lasting treat recommendation: See's Lollypops! The dense flavors include chocolate, cafe latte, butterscotch (my favorite), and vanilla. Sugar on a stick. Yum.

BoBo

I am here:

I will be back. Probably.

H-2-Ole!

It's Cinco de Mayo, perhaps one of my favorite holidays of all time. Margaritas, guac, and mariachi bands? What's not to like?

That being said, since I easily incorporate the above into my life (¡es verdad!), I should focus on something I have trouble making a daily habit:

AGUA.

So important.  Here are a few ways I'm going to remind myself to get 6-8 servings a day.

SIGG Bottles: So many sizes and styles to choose from, lightweight, and spill-proof. No more wasteful plastic water bottles.

SIGG

WaterGeeks: Cute name. When I'm not around fantastic New York State tap water, I can trust these BPA-free bottles which come with built-in filters to clear out any odor, chlorine, or other contaminants in my water. Cool, easy to use design and the filters supposedly last up to 800 refills.

WaterGeeks

Carafe & Glass Combos: How lovely is this by the bedside or on your desk? I would go for a semi-sturdy version hoping it could survive a tumble when I accidentally swipe it while trying to reach for my snooze button, half awake.

Bedside Carafe - Grasshopper 510

Spa Water: Reminiscent of a trip to the spa or the W Hotel's lobby, "fancying" up my water tricks me into thinking I'm indulging. Here are two super easy additions to your hydration:

Cucumber-Orange Water - CHOW

Spa Water

And if all else fails, down a few margaritas. They have water in them...right?

Hungry?

Need some inspiration?

Go here:

http://www.tastespotting.com/ 

i.e.

And that's just the first page.

Put A Ring On It

Bold, bright, free, and fun. That's what I expect of my summers. May 1st is almost summer, right?

From the moment I saw this new scent in Marc Jacobs' line of perfumes, I knew I had to have it by summer. I loved the name, I am in a purple phase, and the outrageous bottle top was just ridiculous enough for me to crave it. I didn't even care if I liked the actual scent.

LOLA by Marc Jacobs

But luckily, I did. Pear, peony, tonka bean (what?) and pink peppercorn (what??) lead the way with vanilla, geranium, and musk following along. Not long ago, the perfume was taken to a new level when put into solid form and hidden inside a fanciful cocktail ring:

LOLA Solid Perfume Ring

This flirty bauble reminds me of the days when shady ladies would hide various lethal substances in their poison rings. Not exactly the same concept, but having a secret compartment is always fun.

A month ago, Douglas and I went bowling with my friend, Laura. The cashier misheard her name and so for the entire game "Lola, it's your turn" flashed across the score screen. It gave us quite a laugh, but her game improved once her name was corrected. I guess "Lola" wasn't much of a bowler.