LYRA MAG.

David Venable words/images Judith Ecochard Truth be told-we had never watched a QVC anything---though we know people who have been on this mega-shopping information channel-and know the super strict vetting process that everything on that on air/on line retailer goes through. As in top quality for everything for sale- that keeps the customers happy-what you see is what you get. AND for us -that was impressive. Now-we are beyond impressed with one of QVC's affable host's-David Venable-a guy who know his merchandise and understands his viewers' lifestyles to perfection...via extensive dialogues with viewers, and an active social media outreach effort. Kitchen Aid Appliances in a rainbow's worth of colors AND we know this...because we had the good fortune to attend a media invite of all things " COOKING IN THE KITCHEN WITH DAVID ®," including generous samples of super tasty bites that we couldn't have enough of, sips of a lovely Chard...

words/images Judith Ecochard 14 West 57th Street, NYC Steps-off the holiday traffic clogged Fifth Avenue- is a calm fanciful oasis of Victorian charm, bundled up in a boutique displaying tastefully indulgent, hand crafted decor, lighting, table top and furniture wares -the likes of which are simply transporting to another era. Chock full of the practical/whimsical---or both---- items for every room in the home, Mackenzie-Childs'  welcoming boutique in Manhattan-certainly got us in the Tis' The Season  mood as soon as we walked in...

Outdoor Retailer, SLC words/images Judith Ecochard NAU is a  hip modern apparel/accessories label, made for active types who might just hike a few miles or cycle to work at some fab cool company. Unlike most brands we see at the OR tradeshow-who make performance wear that could be worn off the trail...but aren't particularly modern-NAU truly is a fashion brand in our opinion...and the best kind- as the fabrics are mostly made of recycled/sustainable materials, the details/cuts are thoughtful- so as to give the piece an edge and to flatter ---and every piece boasts of functional elements- and good looks...in the hipster mode. We have a jacket of theirs that we live in---to wear around the city and go hiking in on weekends---PLUS-we have received many compliments on it-the Shroud of Purrin- from our fashionista pals and our outdoorsy friends who wouldn't know Prada from Prana. HIGHLIGHTS: Men's -modern pieces-so handsome! ...