Stuff I Love

You know that old saying, “Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime.” Well that kind of good has come to women with the nonprofit organization, Hands Up Not Handouts. The organization aims to improve the lives of female artisans in developing nations by helping them to produce and sell on-trend bracelets and earrings.

Their belief is that when women make money they have say in their family and their community. More kids go to school and families eat better. Sounds like good for everybody.

So why not empower a gal in Rwanda or Palestine and wear a one-of-a-kind accessory.

HandsUpNotHandouts.org

Cuffs, $50

Urukundo means “love” earring collection, $30

I love finding a leather bag that has character and looks like I’ll have it for years and years to come. One that comes less shiny and brand spanking new and instead is more undefined by a brand. I want a go-to bag that is as comfortable to carry on a plane as it is to walk into a meeting or wander along city streets.

I found that bag in Will Leather Goods. Shoulder meet Will.

WillLeatherGoods.com

Dylan, $450

McQueen, $540

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

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

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

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.

Packing for vacation is always fun and when it encompasses days filled with swimming in the ocean, walks on white sand beaches and days chillin’ on a fancy boat it also brings up protection in my mind. Protection from the sun. Time to shop for the best ways to get a little shade besides SPF.

Eugenia Kim’s oh so nautical and hip, navy and white striped fedora with cream cord, $247

Hat Attack’s raffia traveler, $90
Wide brim to block the rays and roll up ready to go.

Eric Javits squishee IV hat, $198
It’s bendable, rollable and looks even better when it’s broken in. Available at Neiman Marcus.com

Helen Kaminski’s Indira canvas bucket hat, $75. I found this stylish option on TheFind.com. You won’t care if it gets wet in the ocean. Available at Bloomingdales.com

Madewell’s park bench fedora, $58. Chic and simple for days long past vacation.

A card, a phone call-those are some of the simple things mom would request from you this Mother’s Day, but this year step it up and give her a gift that really says thanks.

donni charm’s line of beautiful, airy scarves that give the perfect pop of color to any wardrobe, providing mom a great way to accessorize her day-to-day outfits. The line is designed by Alyssa Wasko in honor of her father, Donny, who passed away a few years ago. Each scarf bears a special charm, designed as a tribute to Donny who always referred to Alyssa as his “charm,” and provides a thoughtful way to keep loved ones close. Celeb mommies including Halle Berry and Isla Fisher are huge fans of the scarves, which all retail for UNDER $100. donnicharm.com

Two enterprising women teamed up to found CALM (an anagram of their names), a line of summery, pretty caftans handmade in Lebanon.

Each caftan is lovingly crocheted and sewn in the homes of underprivileged Lebanese women, many of whom are widows, of diverse backgrounds. These one-of-a-kind pieces intricately trimmed with beads and printed in bold solid hues or graphic botanical patterns are more than the perfect summer frock. The resulting caftans represent a means of financial support for the women who make them. $250, calmnyc.com

Looking for a personable, unique gift? Kindred Stones is a CUSTOMIZABLE jewelry line with necklaces for mom including the Kindred Pregnancy necklace (starting at $115), which is designed for expecting mothers (the baby’s gemstone is surrounded by smaller stones that represent each family member, and the necklace is accompanied by a small moonstone — a powerful feminine stone that promotes new beginnings, intuition and calmness) and the Kindred Tree necklace (starting at $70), which is perfect for a mom, grandma, aunt or other maternal loved one (her zodiac stone is hugged tightly by smaller stones representing each family member in this unique symbol of togetherness). kindredstones.com

Provide a place for her jewelry collection to grow. Each branch and leaf has been sculpted to hold rings, bracelets and necklaces, creating a well-ornamented tree. $70, redenvelope.com

A little out of the ordinary, but a gift that will last months and perhaps years. Instead of a vase with flowers that will be tossed after a week consider sending mom a small succulent garden. She can use it as a centerpiece, put by a window or replant it in larger pot for the patio. $45, proflowers.com

Gardens grow with a little help from Mother Nature and a lot of the right tools. This stylish garden tote keeps garden tools organized and easily accessible in one place. And more than her initials, her tote will bear her name. Add a few packets of seeds to get her started. $59.95 redenvelope.com

For the moms-to-be… Ms. & Mrs. is a mother-daughter company founded by two sisters and their mom to provide fun and functional collections for almost every modern emergency. The Labor & Delivery Survival Kit ($45) helps soothe and support moms on delivery day, providing 12 childbirth essentials (including a back massager, lip balm, slipper socks, breath mints, bubblegum cigars and more) all in a portable mesh tote. msandmrs.com

April showers may be abundant, but this is the time I wear a trench just about every day so when it rains I’m ready.

I don’t mind a bit of wet weather when stepping in puddles and staying dry are as simple as pulling on a few of my favorite rainy days items like these:

Cover up and strike a pose in one of these sophisticated trenches:

The ultimate classic trench. I bought this Burberry trench at least five years ago and it is the go-to coat in my closet.
A good trench with a removable lining can be worn all year. Perfect for keeping you dry when it rains and the ideal cover for dresses or just “make me look better” with jeans and a tee shirt.
Burberry $1,595
Bloomingdales.com

Because one trench is not enough. And the tip for belting is to not fasten the belt, but tie it.
Vince trench, $495
Bloomingdales.com

Dig this short version of the classic trench. I scooped up this stylish trench at Uniqlo for only $70.
Uniqlo.com

For casual weekends
Cole Haan, $375
ColeHaan.com

Pull them on and splash in a few puddles:

Love this one with the wedge heel. Far more sophisticated for stepping in puddles and wearing with your wardrobe.
Hunter wedge boot, $177.51
Asos.com

Nothing wrong with a bold shine during a storm.
Hunter wedge boot. $175
NeimanMarcus.com

And then you always need a chance to feel like a kid.
Sperry Topsider from Zappos.com, $68
Zappos.com