LYRA MAG.

TRENDS  NYC Artificial anything-particularly re: ingredients and food colorings-a disappearing act on snack food labels...even on crunchy eats which as tasty as they are, don't pretend to be nutritious-but a "Lesser Evil"-i.e. baked, healthier oils, non-GMO, organic (the real deal kind-USDA certified), and gluten free. The name says it all "Lesser Evil"=Buddha Bowl Foods...USDA organic (that means non-GMO certified too)...in one of the 'hot' food categories-gourmet salts...Himalayan Pink Salt  (or Sea Salt) on everything... Bottom Line: the emphasis is def. on the flavors (spicy is big)...and the textures. Highlights: Some crunchy sweets: From Morocco-crunchy buttery Orientines  Palmiers+crackery Craquants  Dip-able hybrid-melba toast- biscotti fusion- Almondina Toastees -no preservatives, no cholesterol, dairy free...4 flavors the best part of brownies - duh -the crunchy top-edges parts---violà-this genius 'invention...

NYC: Comfort fashionable shoes are NOW the norm for American gals -even those chic city ladies-coinciding with the whole athleisure clothing boom- we don't remember a time when all but the tiniest fraction of men ever put up with uncomfortable shoes. Reasons abound-including more female urbanites taking mass transit, walking and/or biking to work...plus the acceptance of casual summer office attire-paired with lifestyle sneakers and sandals with cork footbeds, setting a high bar for bearable, wearable all day wardrobes, year round. Colder temps do mean different head to toe ensembles...and foot-wise, three lines previewed certainly offer many stylish feet worthy shoes that are pavement pounding, durably acceptable-and affordable. Highlights: WALDLÄUFER -a German brand (aka Forest Walker), is putting down roots on this side of the Pond...with quality classic styles and boots for men and women. Made in Europe ---the WALDLÄUFER selections we saw had signature comfo...