LYRA MAG.

Post Thanksgiving-even the dedicated (or  suffering ) foodie cooks need a break-so whether one is 'over' preparing elaborate meals, switching to healthier eats to void the average 7lb(!!!) holiday weight gain, or just prefer the company of humans vs the food preparation chores... easy entertaining can be tasty, practical, budget friendly-and a breeze to clean up. This is the answer to our soup prayers...as delicious as homemade-and in our case- waaay better!  Hearty winter offerings by easily found  IMAGINE SOUPS ...are made from real ingredients-with  organic selections (NO PRESERVATIVES, NON-GMO ingredients or PESTICIDES-also selections that are vegetarian, vegan, gluten free-kosher etc) and come in sealable  conveniently packaged cartons though we doubt there will be left overs, once open. Plus-add a few ingredients -spices of your own-to any of their organic creamy or chunky soups--- or organic broths/stocks like the richly flavored vegetable one-  we sip like tea

MIIR, PRIORITY BICYCLES, THULE, CAPRI DESIGNS, BACK TO THE ROOTS, KINDER-VILLE, DOLPHIN ORGANICS, PABLOVE PRINTS  Part 3 MIIR ...modeled itself as a Certified B company that donates with every item sold---including these kids'  BAMBINI  $95 available in 4 colors-5% of revenue goes to  trackable projects  -like building water wells in developing countries. Details on a cool ride=a steel  frame/fork bike that is durable, adjustable septets and handlebars, EVA foam tires, that never go flat, front and rear fenders keep kids dry when cruising through puddles+rain. PRIORITY BICYCLES  -easy to buy, assemble, maintain...Priority Start for kids $245 freewheel construction for kids 4-8-with grease and rust free belt drive, 16" Slime Self-Sealing tires, dual hand brake, rear freewheel, front/rear v brakes...and comfy seat +grips-weather resistant. NICE. when parental units are doing all the physical output...the  THULE   Chariot CX   is an insane machine ---top of th

I nside or out...children's toys/clothing-gets more colorful and creative every year...whether tech-y-ed out or not. AHHHH....21st century birthdays-have its pluses! Part 2 L.L. Bean,  OBERMEYER, TRANSPAK, CHAOS HEADWEAR,  HANGAR COUTURE,SIMS SNOWBOARDS, ALUMINATI SKATEBOARDS, NEVER SUMMER LONGBOARDS-SNOWBOARDS, COGNITOYS, LOST MY NAME, NUMBERS ALIVE, HAMMACHER SCHLEMMER,  kids of all ages-in snowy spots-L.L Bean Snow Saucer -$49.95 lightweight to haul back up the hill (3lbs8oz) and durable-non slip foam interior provides traction L.L.Bean Snow Tube XL $149.95 (also in regular size)-semi-rigid polyurethane base good for packed or fluffy snow-sturdy handles and built in tow strap makes it easy to carry and haul up a hill...super durable rugged shell protects inner tube...and available in FUN colors/prints OBERMEYER has a slew of on trend and tech fabric-perfomance-well made-toddlers-teen jackets/pants/mid-layers for winter fun. Bonus the "I-Grow" exten

Chalk Me Up, AFFENZAHN, ERGOBAGS, HydroFlask, Carolee, WRANGLER®, L.L. Bean, Energizer Bunny Slippers. The Original Muck Boot Co. Part One The best gifts for kids-is always time well spent together...of course-but well wrapped brightly colored objects that add some practical fun to their growing lives...always the sweet icing for them. via GIPHY Ideas: TOP PICK-guranteed to have adult clamoring for 'my size?!?'- Chalk Me Up T shirts-come in bright saturated colors-all cotton with a black board in a bunch of shapes...can be drawn on. Delivers with a 12 pack of chalk....brainchild of mom-preneur Shelly Henshaw....easily wipe off the backboard part...and launders ez in cold water. SMART. adorable- AFFENZAHN Chummy Friends. ..made partially from recycled PET bottles...fun features like pull-out tongue, front mesh pocket, secret pockets, reflectors, soft should roads, height adjustable chest strap... AFFENZAHN Chummy Friends breathable mesh back, adjustable

Leonor Greyl, Petal Fresh, Mirai Clinical, Dr. Marder Skincare, Pura D'or, VK Nagrani Part 2 HAIRCARE...still shaking your head in disbelief---or making a flip statement- .good looking hair- is always the 'correct' vote. via GIPHY TOP PICK With swoon inducing scents-Leonor Greyl Paris lusciously rich Hair Masques have a cult following...even among the professional hair types under contract to some other brand-use this premium French company's deeply hydrating offerings. BEST BET? Tie a bow on the Masque Quintessence -a shiny rose gold translucent jar full of thick creamy deep nourishing treatment from hair healthy vitamins, indulgent Cupusçu and Manketti healing oils and aroma that hints at exotic locales -mock orange -linden...a mash-up of a truly brilliant savior for damaged dry hair. FYI- all products are free of SLS, parabens, silicone, and coal tar-musts for treated or colored locks. How to use: Apply to dry hair-let it sink in for a minimum of ten

ORLANE PARIS, NOTE COSMETICS, TALIKA, VOTRE VU Finding it tough to perk up for the holidays? Putting on a happy face...may not be authentic...but putting on a new lipstick-or other beauty-hair products...imo- proven mood booster ...that won't break the budget. Part One: via GIPHY source xovain.com BEAUTY TIPS: Privately owned premium French brands are some of  the highest quality beauty products in the world.  ORLANE Paris    year round guaranteed sun glow- comes in this pretty compact brighten up any skin tone. The Powder Multi-Soleil =4 complementary luminous colors-in formula packed with skin healers like moisturizing hyaluronic acid and vitamins a, c, and e. Paraben free too. (Giftable for sure- gift wrapping available).

 FINIS, J.F. Lazartigue, Van Der Hagen, Billy Jealousy, JUARA Skincare GEAR and GROOMING (Plus Holiday Gift Ideas) Whether on a team, in a Master's meet-up, zen- ing (zoning out) a few times week, or perfecting one's stroke with focused, dedicated lessons...swimming in colder climes - indoors - requires a slew of musts (gear and body care). via GIPHY FINIS -entire MO is swim swim swim ...and if you think 'building' a better swim cap, goggles and training paddles-like building better mousetraps = just an expression- think again.  Truly the best we have ever used of ALL the aforementioned ALL made by this California based company ... goggles/caps for racing +fitness-pictured-left- Silicone Swim Cap $7.99-durable -comfortable not a battle to get over long hair-yet provides an excellent fit...reduces drag, Lightening - Performance Racing Lens-with low profile, fused together lens/frame=low profile-eye gaskets provide a watertight seal without i

 CRAFTED BY LEE, WRANGLER, KONUS We get a Miley C moment with these fab denim overall jumpers - "Shortfall"-in Aquarius...Crafted by Lee (exclusive to Target)...doesn't deliver till Spring '17-but we LOVE it as a year round apparel must-pair with wool tights/turtleneck/boots in cooler temps, over bikini bathing suit-with flip-flop-for the other extreme of weather. Some wardrobe staples we saw this week-are multi-month wear- to wear wherever -doesn't break the bank, has built-in 'cool' -and delivering in denim and basic neutrals...have layer on/under +dress-up potential. via GIPHY

Fluctuating and hotter Fall -Winter temps-changes up wardrobe needs-for half the year-and the easiest way to add some pizazz to any outfit--is with accessories...that provides just enough warmth- in case ... CHAOS HEADWEAR, GLERUPS, GIESSWEIN, APRILMARIN, COLDWATER CREEK via GIPHY source imgur.com

The 18th Annual Cranksgiving takes place in New York City on November 19 th All donations benefit The Bowery Mission WHA T Cranksgiving is a food drive on two wheels - part charity, part bike ride, and part scavenger hunt. It began in New York City in 1999, and there are now nearly 100 other Cranksgivings taking place around the globe, sharing the unique mission of helping those in need through the joy of riding a bike. The ride will cover most of Manhattan – Harlem to Battery Park – and welcomes everyone looking for a rewarding way to help those in need - from seasoned bike messengers to families out for a casual ride. Last year in New York, 350 riders collected over 1,900 pounds of canned soups & vegetables, cranberry sauce, potatoes, stuffing, corn, pasta, baby food, pies and eleven whole turkeys for The Bowery Mission. "As Cranksgiving continues to grow, we have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of generosity from the cycling c

 FELLER, OBERMEYER, RENEWAL WORKSHOP Hitting the streets or the slopes with style-privately owned brands deliver on the fashion function equation-superbly!!!! via GIPHY FELLER-founded by a fashion industry vet-has signature prints/patterns in weather tough waxed cotton including our top pic-this   SEATTLE CAPE $483 (with bold purple  lining=FUN) ...currently available on pre-order in solid and a print-though not the one pictured... NOW. OBSESSED 

EX OFFICIO, OUTDOOR SURVIVAL CANADA, L. L. BEAN, VICTORINOX SWISS ARMY Versatile crossover outerwear pieces-have to work for ...work, travel, and layer well- it's just not a solid cold winter anymore... via GIPHY source nothing-elsebut-happiness.tumblr.com Ex Officio goes urban urbane- women's  outerwear-  EMEI Trench -sleek clean lines, fleece lined, zippered hand pockets, cozy collar, fully taped seams, storm flap center zip and snaps-weather proofs a multi-tasking layer friendly style. $200 Men's Cosmino Jacket  packable quilt jacket with Thinsulate® insulation, internal travel pocket system, zippered hand pockets,and chest pocket-with articulated elbows-helps you move-whole jacket rolls up into a neck pillow. $180 Ex Officio-Men's Triberg-Ex Officio $150 bonded micro fleece is warm and  water resistant, -interior and chest pockets-clean shirt look-last forever! OSC ( Outdoor Survival Canada ) majors in serious outerwear clothing f

 WALLS, WRANGLER, CRAFT BY LEE, MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR, TONIA DEBELLIS, KRIMSON KLOVER Lighter outer wear pieces and knits  that are all layer friendly are a smart wardrobe way to deal with winter temperature swings...without breaking the budget. WALLS -takes on Carhatt with workwear attire that works off-duty too....V intage Duck Barn Jacket with premium 10oz duck fabric that is sanded and stonewashed-for a weathered effect-that in reality can stand up to the weather too. $121.99-style points with cord collar...and plenty of pockets adjustable cuffs-practical.  Vintage lined duck pants  $51.99 Buffalo plaid lining, right leg pocket, hammer loop on left leg and utility  loop on waistband... Crafted by Lee at TARGET Dreamsoft® denim -is softer than traditional denim with an extra smooth hand feel. Now with Lycra® beauty fiber for great shape retention. The jackets...in harbor blue-horizon-true value versions of this classic silhouette....with spandex in the fabric blend

27 th  RALLYE AICHA DES GAZELLES DU MAROC  Hosted a US Launch Party FEATURING GUEST OF HONOR: Mrs. Christine Lagarde Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Dominique Serra gets a hug from supporter Christine Lagarde EVENT HOSTS: Abderrafie Zouiten  - Director General of the Moroccan National Office of Tourism Mardochée Devico  - Président Directeur General des Conserves de Meknés Dominique Serra  - Founder of the Rallye Aïcha Des Gazelles Du Maroc     

SNOW PEAK, AVALANCHE, CRAGHOPPERS Part 2 Outdoor lifestyle labels are getting very stylish these days-beyond their technical features- granted ...but Japanese label- Snow Peak...always embraced the beauty aesthetic---a winning combo of Asian simplicity and European sophistication. Matagi Riders Jacket $2000-made of 100% Mouton-3 pockets, lapel snap buttons-a keeper!

NAU, HELLY HANSEN,  FJÄLLRÄVEN, MOUNTAIN KHAKIS , BERGANS of NORWAY,  CAUSE even mild winters have their frigid moments ... via GIPHY source reddit.com Eco minded NAU-uses sustainable fabrics+ repurposed down for it cozy outerwear selections-that deliver in mountain town to sleek urban style.

DARE 2B, SKEA, SNOWMAN New York, ALPHA INDUSTRIES Winter worthy outerwear- assuming it might get cold --- has sleeker silhouettes this season -courtesy of warmth without the bulk functional 'smart' fabrics / insulation that keep wearers dry in all sorts of weather-and heartbeat rates... moving out moisture from output activities ( Primaloft Gold/Silver/Black, Polartec's Alpha , 3M's Thinsulate)-keeping wearers from chattering teeth when still, encased in stretchy easy to move in textiles embedded with wind/water stopping tech  that breathes (slew of Gore-Tex® technologies , Pertex Quantum + Shield)- to name just a few name brand textiles. via GIPHY source comedycentral.com AND although harsh conditions/extreme destinations require the utmost tech wear to survive...most other jaunts-whether to resort mountains or city bars...can be served by multi-tasking-fashion-y-stylish pieces-that are  versatile- durable-and protective enough. we've reviewed several

Preview looks from SPEEDO, NEW BALANCE, BROOKS RUNNING, UNDER ARMOUR Outdoor Retailer Athletic brands acclaimed for one sport are branching out into others-notably in offering apparel for active output activities like trail running. via GIPHY source wifflegif.com All deliver 'smart' multi-functional pieces-think  moisture  wicking breathable tops, non-chafe seams, easy care, built-in anti-odor protection,  stretchy fabrics made for movers,  logo reflective pops...jackets that are super light-weight and packdown -great for travelers too...and notably more loose items like men's baggies-board short length- (not just the 'thin' mannequins pictured here). After all clothing cut bigger-make them more versatile......including doubling as streetwear...or after workout bar hopping. Speedo---traditionally known for swimming-shows off running/gym clothes in solids and prints... New Balance-baggy shorts jacket-ready for indoor activities too-inaddtion to the

 WHAT: Announcing…the Debut of the Accessible Art Fair New York Brussels' Acclaimed Artist-Led Art Fair Presented by U.S. Partner MvVO ART November 1-25, 2016 at  the National Arts Club   In Collaboration with Media Partner  Artnet MvVO ART is proud to present the inaugural debut of the Accessible Art Fair New York, following ten successful years in Brussels. An expert jury has selected 60 rising-star artists, painters, sculptors and photographers from the rich and varied talent pool of New York and around the world. The work of these artists on the cusp of discovery are now on display -through Novemebr 25th, 2016-in one of New York City’s most enchanting venues — The National Arts Club-a historic limestone townhouse right on Gramercy Park.   Tickets available at  Eventbrite  or at  www.accessibleartfairnewyork. com . This year part of our ticket proceeds will be donated to Friends of Materials for the Arts. “ The Accessible Art Fair  New York