Hello Friday. Pour me one of these, please.

Spending your summer at home can still feel a little indulgent. Find relief from the heat and make summer backyard gatherings a chic affair with a sparkling drink, a frothy drinkable dessert or one of myt favorites for summer, rose or vinho verde wine.

NUVO Sparkling Sunset, a delicious, fruity drink perfect for a warm weather get-together.

Nuvo Sparkling Sunset

3 oz NUVO Sparkling Liqueur
3 oz pineapple juice
Splash of fresh lime juice
Top with sliced fruit of your choice

Or for a drink that tastes like dessert choose one of my favorites, the mudslide. This reminds me of the yummy drinks I recently had on my boat trip off of Panama.

Baileys Mudslide
For one serving

Wino Weekend:

If wine is what you’re looking for set your sights on a rose or vinho verde. Leave the reds for fall and the buttery whites until Labor Day. This summer keep it light, crisp and bubbly.

Some of my favorites:

2010 Adega Cooperativo Regional de Monçao “Trajarinho” Vinho Verde, $8.99

2010 Adegas Cooperativos de Monção “Muralhas” Rosé Vinho Verde, $9.99

2010 Domaine Begude Pinot Noir Vin de Pays d’Oc Rosé, $12.99

All from KLWines.com

When I was a kid, my main mode of transportation in the summer was my bike. It got me to the Dairy Queen with Franny and Cathy after dinner, to Beacon Hill Road to play soccer with the boys and have water fights and allowed me the freedom to get around my town without having to ask my parents for a ride.

Nowadays, kids have plenty of options from bikes to scooters to “surfing on land” and I showed off several options on KTLA in Los Angeles.

Ben (10 yrs old) and Bryce (9 yrs old) have already been surfing for several years. Yeah you heard right, several years. Now no matter the time of year they can get the feeling of surfing in the water and now on land with Hamboards. It’s a family that came up with the idea of producing these boards and has turned into an international phenomenon. They’re the perfect surf trainer, a cool way to get from point A to B and they also sell paddle sticks to allow to paddle surf on land. I may have only photographed the kids, but there were several adults riding the boards as well. Hamboards $375-$435, Paddle sticks, $159 Hamboards.com

Naomi (6 yrs old) is ready to create her work of art. She liked her scooter so much she went through the first sticks of chalk in less than an hour.

Now, kids can make the sidewalk their canvas and leave their mark with the new Razor Graffiti chalk scooter. Razor took their iconic kick scooter design and added a three-pronged Chalk Bar to the back. With the press of their foot, riders can lay down a trail of color.
For riders ages 6 and up, Razor Graffiti Chalk Scooter $59.99 Razor.com

Sebastian (almost 3 yrs old) was already successful with the three wheels we figured he’d be ready for two soon. The Wishbone Bike starts out as a three wheel bike (for age 1) and then converts to a two-wheel balance bike. With its sustainable design and innovative 3-bikes-in-1 feature, it’s the ultimate pre-bike. Balance bikes teach children how to ride a bike better at a younger age. Start with the trike then switch to the bike. A balance bike is a two-wheel bicycle designed for children 2 - 5 years of age that does not have pedals. Why no pedals? The concept is simple. Learning balance is the most critical element to learning how to ride a bicycle.
Ages 1 – 5, Retail: $229, www.tykerider.com

Most of the kids were wearing the coolest helmets. No boring ones in the bunch, but instead a character or animal creation from dinosaurs to sharks to bunnies to even a red mohawk. A statement maker to stay safe.
Raskullz helmets, $25.99 are sold at Target and Raskullz.com

Evan ( 8yrs old) is creating sparks as he rides. Literally! The electric-powered scooter just got hotter with the new eSpark. Step on the Spark Bar and watch real sparks fly. You can reach speeds of 10mph, get up to 40 minutes of continuous electric-powered use which for kids is great since they’ll probably move onto the next toy soon enough,twist-grip acceleration control and hand operated front brake.
Ages 8 & up, $179.99, Razor® eSpark™ electric-powered scooter, Razor.com

Matthew (8 yrs old) is riding Razor’s souped-up reinventions of classic go kart. Riders can do burn-outs and fast 360-degree spins, thanks to a high-torque motor and super slick rear wheels. With speeds up to 12 mph, riders will be crowned the neighborhood drift king – or queen. Plus it’s multiple toy awards.
Ages 8 & up, $299, Razor® Ground Force® Drifter, Razor.com

Watch the KTLA Los Angeles segment:

http://www.ktla.com

Shopping the Larchmont Farmer’s Market on Sunday is part of my weekend routine and one recent Sunday my gal pal Judy Ludy (master of cook & baking) and I were inspired to create a meal of fresh ingredients that were almost solely from the market. My husband came along to document the experience and, of course, eagerly await the food.

On the menu for six guests:

Dinner:
Roasted chicken (we bought rotisserie chickens from the grill guy at the market. It saved us time in the kitchen.)
Japanese Eggplant, Mozzarella & Tomato (Slice the eggplant length wise to wrap around the cheese and tomato-hold closed with a toothpick to grill on bbq)
Roasted Squash and Zucchini (so simple-long slices grilled with evoo, sea salt and pepper)

Two desserts: Just because!
Peach Cobbler with vanilla bean ice cream (Judy’s trick-cut out a 1/3 of the sugar)

Berry Trifle (blueberries, strawberries and raspberries heated in a pot with some lemon juice and a little sugar will reap plenty of juices to be soaked up by your choice of cubed pound cake or angel food cake. I make fresh whipped cream with a touch of vanilla and sugar and then I fold in a jar of lemon curd to the mix. Judy baked a lemon pound cake for the trifle that was awesome, but you can use store bought to save time. It’s all about the layers.

And plenty of wine from Rose to Vinho Verde.

YUM!

My favorite flowers, Peonies, are abundant at Trader Joe’s. For $21 bucks I was able to create gorgeous, simple arrangements. Just snip, snip and voila! Don’t hesitate to add flowers to your home. They may only last a week, but you’ll notice them everyday they’re with you. And they signify wealth, luck and happiness. I should be so lucky to get them every week.

When I’m vacation bound it means packing bikinis, coverups and sandals for sun drenched days and beauty products to protect and keep my glow going day, night and for when I return to “the real world”. Once at my destination you’ll likely find me in the water or on a lounge chair with a big hat on and book in hand. (May I recommend, Tina Fey’s Bossy Pants.)

In the Sun

Sunscreen for face and body with high SPF that avoided the burn, gave me great protection and didn’t cause any skin outbreaks.
Laroche-posay.us, $29

I adore this product, particularly when I know I’ll be spending more time outdoors. It gives me more protection that a tinted moisturizer and my skin has a lovely glow.
Perriconemd.com, $50

Sun Relief

A no-rinse mask that is lightweight and smooth.
Kohgendocosmetics.com, $90

After Sun

A soothing chamomile mist that both my husband and I enjoyed after a day of sunshine and swimming. Cool and refreshing.
Jurlique.com, $21

I turned to this after I washed my face with a gentle cleanser. A nighttime treatment to help resurface and regenerate your skin and repair sun damage while you sleep.
Arcona.com, $42

Ask Alison:

Hey Alison! Been keeping up with you, girl! So cool how many people and places you are charming with your sweet self. You are rockin’ it! Way to go. My oldest son is getting married in July, outside at a country club. It is a 4pm ceremony.
As you might recall, the ladies are large! I have dropped from a size 22 down to a 16 since I saw you last, but am still on the heavy side. What would you suggest? And what about a hat? I so appreciate any ideas!

-Becky, Keystone Heights, Fl

Answer:

Hey Becky,
Outside in July means there will be heat and humidity to deal with, especially if we’re talking about Florida. If indeed the country club is in Florida then I would suggest skipping the hat unless it’s lightweight, medium to wide brimmed raffia in a pale woven color. Then you can add a ribbon or flower of your choice to match with your dress. While we’re still letting thoughts of Kate and William dance in our heads remember that affair was held in a cool interior and most women dressed in conservative suits. The hats were fun, but most of the outfits were a bit dull. Most important is to choose the dress and you can think about a hat later since depending how long the ceremony runs it can lead to a hot, perspiring mess under the hat and flattened hair.

There’s rarely I stripe I haven’t loved. Any walk into a J. Crew store has me unconsciously pick up a striped tee. A reason to walk into Petit Bateau is for a striped boat neck top and Marc Jacobs, Splendid and Ella Moss always have stripes no matter the season. Pick up a striped anything and you can add your theme whether it be parisian, nautical, prep or just simply classic.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Simone stripe dress
Saks.com, $628

Striped lagoon dress
Madewell.com, $98

Linen and cotton stripe
JCrew.com, $68

Cashmere striped sweater dress
JCrew.com, $250

Petit-Bateau.com, $78

Charming dress for the french riveira
OpeningCeremony.us, $265

Mini rugby dress
Splendid.com, $87

Stripe Elisa jacket
JCrew.com, $178

Striped maxi
JCrew.com, $98

Ami Dans La Rue striped cardigan
Shopbop.com, $75

Ask Alison:

I need help finding a white bandeau to wear with a new maxi dress this summer.
-Laura (New York City)

Answer:

Laura,
So simple. If you feel your maxi is too low cut and you need a little coverage and perhaps some oomph of support try these simple, but still pretty bandeau tops. And you’ll avoid the uni-boob effect.

Thanks, Alison

DKNY Classic Beauty lace trimmed bandeau
Nordstrom.com, $28

White lace bandeau
Topshop.com, $26

Free People Scalloped lace bandeau
Zappos.com, $28

Barely There Bandini-this style comes in white and the straps easily hide next to the bandini.
BarelyThere.com, 2 for $26

Have a question for Ali? Send to: [email protected]

Devastatingly Delicious, Decidedly Naughty and Wickedly Addictive Dessert

Dare I tell you about the infamous Seven Layer Bars that have taken over our home for the last few days?

Yes, I shall share the tale of the outrageous, foodgasm that erupts in your mouth each time you take a bite of one of these sinful pleasures. Sinful is where this short story starts. Our friends invited us to a glam affair to “Ring in the Rapture” although as we all know it The Rapture didn’t happen so it turned out to be a chance dress up and partake in sinful drinks and sweets. I made two desserts-devil’s food cake mini cupcakes with vanilla icing and red drizzled pitchforks and the seven layer bars which I like to think of as 7th Heaven.

I made two batches and kept part of the second batch back home when I couldn’t figure out how my husband and I could balance more than four trays of desserts. AND, that my friends is how at around 3pm each afternoon I start hearing a voice beckoning me into the kitchen to open up a tinfoil lined container housing these decadent little treats. I confessed to my friend, Jesse Brune who also happens to be a classically trained chef and my trainer that I should just throw them away. He, who has a love of sweets as well, agreed, “Throw them away or you’ll be doomed.” OK, he didn’t say doomed aloud, but he and I can communicate telepathically.

So after my training session today I went home and ignored the container until 4pm (oh, how strong I am) when I went into the kitchen and chose two squares and slowly ate them while taking a break to read the Hollywood Reporter. I went back into the kitchen and unwrapped the foil again to just take a look, a last look was the plan before I threw the rest away. Then I thought, perhaps I should freeze all the rest, but four squares. Only fair to let my husband have his share before they’re packed away for a few weeks until some fated night he suggests cupcakes for dessert or a mad dash to Milk for the blondie sundae and I say, “We’ve got bars in the freezer.” And guaranteed he’ll say, “Those will do. Those will definitely do.” And yet, I still haven’t packed them yet in freezer bags. Maybe just one last look, one last bite before they hit the cold.

So here’s the simple recipe for the wickedly addictive bars:

Seven Layer Bars

1 stick of butter
1 cup of graham caracker crumbs
1 cup of shredded coconut
1 package of chocolate chips
1 package of butterscotch chips
1 can of condensed milk
Your choice: 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or 1 cup of mini marshmallows

How to:
Melt the butter and pour into a 9 X 13 pan. Layer graham cracker crumbs on top (they will soak up the butter). Then layer the various chips. I admit I also added in peanut butter chips as well. Add the coconut on top of the chips and then add your nuts if you choose to use nuts. Then pour the condensed milk over the layers. Bake at 325 degrees for 20-25 minutes. If you want marshmallows add them halfway through baking scattered on top. They will soften, get a little oozy and turn a light brown on top.

Take out of oven and let cool. Once thoroughly cooled you can put the pan in the fridge for 10 minutes to make them easier to cut into bars or just go for the soft melty goodness that will happen.

Enjoying a naughty good time at the Ring in the Rapture party. Me, with my halo and Daysun with his horns.

Your favorite high end designers, some of whom you can only afford on sale, have now stepped into the kids designer arena and are offering up plenty of style with princely prices. Whether you choose the high price or the affordable, these kids are so darn cute.

Here are High/Low looks with fashion-forward style for kids straight from my TODAY show segment.

8 year old girls: Hamptons Getaway

Steal (Olivia): Calypso for Target khaki embroidered dress, $16.99; Havaianas flip flops, $14
Splurge (Jacqueline): Stella McCartney khaki embroidered dress, $152; Jack Rogers pink sandals, $98

4.5 year old boys: City Strollin’

Splurge (Christopher): Gucci white button-down shirt, $275; Gucci gray t-shirt, $95; Armani jeans $120; Gucci slip-ons, $185
Steal (Conor): Old Navy oxford shirt, $14.50; H&M t-shirt, $5; Gap jeans, $17.99; Old Navy slip-ons, $15

7 year old girls: BBQ Chic

Steal (Eden): Carters Cap-sleeve Graphic Tee, $11; Carters khaki shorts, $9; Old Navy gold flats: $13
Splurge (Devyn): Little Marc Jacobs cap-sleeve graphic tee, $62; Stella McCartney shorts, $72; Prada gold flats, $220

11 year old boys: Nautical Beach Club

Splurge (Sevrin): Burberry Navy Jacket, $325; Burberry Navy Logo Tee, $70; Burberry Plaid Shorts, $125; Sperry topsiders, $45
Steal (Griffin): Old Navy jacket, $25; Old Navy jacket logo tee, $10; Old Navy jacket cargo shorts, $27;
Old Navy boat shoes, $17.50

One year old girls: Pretty in Pink

Steal (Bryn)(carried by friend and mom of Bryn-Dana): Calypso for Target Dress, $15 pink Zappos loafers, $43
Splurge (Ashlyn): Burberry plaid pink dress, $175; pink Tods slip-ons, $123