LYRA MAG.

A new year often ushers in vows for better beauty habits. The reality...those new routines-often including at-home beauty devices- can have metaphorically,  short shelf lives.  via GIPHY For longer term pro-aging facial boosts-way under one hour procedures, FDA cleared-with little or no downtime...require less effort-and get results, PDQ.

Executive Chef Vito Gnazzo Shares His Exclusive Holiday Recipes From  Il Gattopardo and The Leopard at des Artistes FINALLY---t wo recipes for hearty and flavorful dishes from two of our favorite restaurants...   The Leopard at des Artistes ’  Christmas Salad Of Clams, Mussels, Shrimp, And Octopus In A Fresh Lemon Dressing  and Il Gattopardo’s  Artisanal Lobster Raviol i -  that add Italian flavors to holiday feasts. AND will dazzle the tastebuds of guests-as well as leave time to enjoy their bon mots too! Courtesy of Leopard at des Artistes' Executive Chef Vito Gnazzo...who conjured up probably one of the best meals we have ever eaten anywhere. ( Review )

Keep warm-in classic jackets-of longer length designs - but made of new materials for weather worthy wear -that won't date. via GIPHY HELLY HANSEN, FREE PEOPLE,  FJÄLLRÄVEN Helly Hansen LONGYEAR PARK $500-Norweigan heritage lends SERIOUS weather beater cred-waterproof, windproof protection w/  Allied Down 80/20 600 Fill insulation, YKK® zippers,  detachable faux fur collar, reflective pops on sleeves w/ adjustable cuffs (and hood)-and big exterior pockets, hand warmer pockets- plus interior ones. Men's sizes-M-XXL FREE COUNTRY-kinda an under the radar hipster label defies the elements-men's KEYSTONE DOWN QUILTED JACKET on sale now $69.99...80/20 down/feather fill, ez care-machine washable- stain resistant polyester fabric shell, wind resistant chin guard, removable hood w/ drawcord, storm placket+storm cuffs, loads of zipper close ex-interior pockets and dual zipper and button closure. Swedish label Fjällräven durable jackets made from unique fabrics that...

WHAT TO EAT BETWEEN binge-like bursts of celebratory calorie loaded holiday fare that may not be  so great , calorie-wise-or even taste that good. via GIPHY TRY INSTEAD...A gluten -free  Creamy Rich Protein W/O the Calories & the best slim Crunchy Sweet To Eat Without Feeling 'Deprived.' Say cheese :-) to the old is now new revamped image (and taste)-of the ideal protein packed pick- a diet staple, cottage cheese... Picky eaters, feline or otherwise...will love MUUNA ..(tip)-serve chilled-as creamy slightly chewy texture...enhanced cold. FYI-if like us, cereal qualifies as dinner...(so easy)...we suggest stocking up on MUUNA for more healthy, protein option that is very satisfying, taste buds wise. Above-MUUNA 4% milk fat-Classic Plain delivering a meaningful 14 grams of protein/15% calcium needs- and only 110 calories half cup human  serving-4 human sized servings per 16oz container. 

  L.L. BEAN, K2, ABUS, HOBIE, KidPik, STIO, UGGS      Cause they're more tech savvy than you... so WHY BOTHER? via GIPHY SURPRISE THEM Opt for  new stalgic outdoor FUN Mad for plaid ---L.L. Bean outdoor toys with style include...snazzy water repellent cushion- plaid cover  $55 ($65) for the timeless kid's pull sled  w/ rope tow...in 2 sizes-$149 small-$179 large= smooth vertical snow sailing. Made of kiln dry no warp hardwoods finished w/clear water based lacquer. A real keeper.  L.L. Bean SONIC snow tube ...pile in opportunities for solo or group rides on hard packed or fluffy snow...made of 1000 denier tough nylon protects the heavy duty inner butyl rubber tube, a cold impervious semi-rigid polyurethane base, sturdy handles, straps+nylon webbing tow for going back up the hill.  Plaid, plaid world...courtesy of L.L. Bean Rollerblading -aka inline skates-ready for a comeback(?)-K2's for fast mobility speed fien...

Limited Edition-Hand Crafted Boots by a legendary men's shoe maestro celebrates 80th anniversary of iconic Vibram's Carramato lug design. Timeless too -Vibram's Italian born Megagrip rubber lug outsole...is a game changer...for those wishing to remained upright when on the move in incremental weather. YUP-those hand wrought details abound in this men's only (wha????) lace-up brush leather suede lace-up hiker hybrid-by cult fav Japanese streetwear label...VISVIM-the  Jibari -takes a day to make. $1200 DESIGNER HIROKI NAKAMURA credit J.Dicuollo. Where: Pop-Up shop at 180 Duane Street-Tribeca-a spacious white gallery with those soaring ceilings-brick walls of areas cast iron architecture...temporarily aligned with retro-style hand crafted apparel/footwear-a stunning fusion of folklore, an urban -cool Asian aesthetic-plus world friendly silhouettes (like the handsome kimonos having a fashion moment-again). VISVIM -has a huge fan club that travels-give...

L.L. Bean, Adidas Outdoors, Carhartt, ULU Boots, OBOZ Slush, snow, ice-for a few days-or a few weeks-require focused footwear.  Top picks for weather beaters, boot wise-with enough style to wear weekdays-week-ends. via GIPHY

TOP PICKS: CHACO, PIKOLINOS, KEEN F/W selections to wear practically year round-with any outfit-JUST IN CASE warming climates limit (eliminate) the absolute need for burly snow boots-yet work JUST IN CASE inclement weather makes a brief appearance.  PS: &  travel well too . via GIPHY CHACO's year round men's kicks-love how the non-marking white blown rubber outsoles-practical skid resistant tread design in a  year round temps' appropriate pop of color-with dark brown nubuck+full leather grain uppers-white contrast stitching. Pictured in the front-men's THOMPSIN SLIP $115-with the brand's men's specific durable+ removable Cloud PU footbed. In back Pinecone shaded THOMPSON CHUKKA $135...also comes in a cool gray. Similar to aforementioned-with round waxed cotton laces. CHACO's women's HARPER LACE $110 - pictured in Caribou brown- nubuck+full grain leather upper-with skid resistant non-marking rubber outsole-hits the right note via a 3 ...

THE Cereal worthy of every meal OUR FAVORITE NEW FOOD PRODUCT -has officially, nutritionally and uniquely elevated cereal is our idea of a crunchy dinner entree courtesy of this addictive sweet  NAKED NUTRITION Protein Cerea l-that hopefully will be sold in larger boxes soon!!!!! Feline approved...PLUS  Naked Nutrition Protein Cereal  is small enough size = good for little kids... the 411...protein comes from Whey Protein Concentrate (dairy source fyi)...plus organic crunch from cinnamon sweet dried apples, plus organic brown sugar. Love this cereal-non-GMO, 120 calories per package...15 grams of protein and 5 g of BCAAs per serving. A Captain Crunch slayer. Available now-6 pack $14.99. This is ALSO the perfect travel food- and is ideal for endurance athletes...pre/post race or during a long bike ride/hike/day on the slopes.

BEST HOLIDAY SWEETS, TREATS  Panettone is the 'it' newstalgic holiday chewy-moist cake-y baked 'bread' treat...with Americans discovering how this traditional Italian holiday staple should taste.   FLAMIGNI PANETTONE can 'feed' a crowd-with this pictured 10kg size (or small)...with selections made in classic Milanese style-and other delicious traditional iced (or not) selections featuring Italian regional fruits that aren't candied.  Available online-including nifty online destination of Seattle's   CHEFSHOP  and GourmetItali an.

CAT FOOTWEAR x EXTRA BUTTER Details, details...3-D embroidered "Extra" + "Butter" across the strap ... Sneaker Boot hybrid=the Urban Delta ($160) by hipper than thou Extra Butter-a destination emporium of sneakers to line up for... (120 Orchard St, LES, NYC)...and the iconic COLORADO work boot by Cat Footwear Heat embossed CAT imprint in back-atop tough high abrasion ballistic nylon, full grain leather upper + micro perforated suede, reflective pops, cross strap buckle+clip, semi-translucent outsole with CAT EASE technology built in flex for guys on the go. IMPRESSIVE!  Available now  online...and in store

Gift apparel ideas-for the guy who lets his limited edition, pristine  perfected sneakers do all the wardrobe talking & walking ... via GIPHY Part of the aptly coined 'Peaked to Pavement' Men's Spring collection-5:11's Aerial S/S shirt -is made of feather weight 4.5oz enzyme washed 100% cotton oxford fabric...there's a left chest pocket, and w/ the brand's RAPIDraw™ for ez access. For colder temps the Endeavor L/S flannel -soft cozy 8.55 oz 100% poly flannel-with design features including welt pocket for smartphones, +pen guides chest pocket. $59.99

Women's casual APPAREL  - when a  " The Future Is Female " top =                                                    THE   statement! via GIPHY Gift ideas -L.L.Bean, Adidas Outdoors, Crafted by Lee, Wrangler, 5:11, STIO. Mountain Khakis L.L.Bean's Whisper Lodge Flannel -limited time offer $49.99-other color waves $59.95. Cozy warm  comfort in a lightweight cotton/Sorona poly blend with Western style snaps, feminine, slightly fitted silhouette, moisture wicking-and with stretch-good choice for outdoor movers as well as indoor only types. Easy care-wash/dry.

SAMUEL WAXMAN CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION   COLLABORATING FOR A CURE Annual  Dinner HONORING IN MEMORIAM WILLIAM  S.  GORIN FORMER CEO, MFA FINANCIAL, INC The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation   (SWCRF)  celebrated the  20th Anniversary of its annual Collaborating for a Cure Benefit Dinner & Auction  at  Cipriani Wall Street , posthumously honoring  William S. Gorin , former CEO of MFA Financial, Inc., and featuring a musical performance by  The Avett Brothers .  Avett Brothers-a little bit rock, country, roots and a lot of bit- harmonies. Awesome live band Gorgeous table settings-BYROBIN The gala also introduced SWCRF’s new Partnerships for Aging and Cancer Research Program, in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute on Aging.  Chris Wragge , co-anchor of  CBS 2 News   This Morning , served as master ...

Tis the season to shine on-and glam it up... Top picks that easily dress up the basics... Snow-free footwear options-lustrous pearls trims, glittery diamonds, and wearable heels that guarantee blister free nights.  via GIPHY Butter -wear these with---just about everything.  Made in Italy...pointy toe mules-rich metallic or satin...on chic kitten heels... ARIELLE Slides ---polished toes share pearly presence-on block heel.. Summit Italy leather or suede options. $165 LOVE these elegant embellished- oversized square buckles -NINA -deep side cuts-festive flats are Red Carpet gorgeous!

Prostate Cancer Foundation:  2017 New York Dinner . ..featuring guest host  Whoopi Goldberg with special musical performance by  Grammy and Academy Award-winning singer Jennifer Hudson Honoring Peter and Laurie Grauer Legendary actress, comedian, and television host  Whoopi Goldberg   -with PCF founder Michael Milken and one of the distinguished veterans honored. The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) , a nonprofit organization founded by  Michael Milken  dedicated to identifying and funding groundbreaking cancer research programs, hosted the  2017 New York Dinner  at  Cipriani 42 nd  Street  New York.  The night concluded with Grammy and Academy Award-winning singer   Jennifer Hudson belts out her signature  hit songs including “Love You I Do,” “Spotlight,” “And I am Telling You,” and a Whitney Houston medley. WOW!!!!!!. (Patrick McMullan)

Right up there with '...Raindrops on Roses ..." Peppermint flavors are a fav thing,   taste-wise - for the holiday season. via GIPHY TIP: Add authentic Peppermint flavor to baked goods, homemade candies (drool worthy Peppermint Patt ies alert), festive cocktails +/or  an aromatic accent to hearty winter dishes of lamb-poultry-pork... with Nie lsen-Massey 's purely delicious Peppermint Extract.   Kosher certified, gluten and GMO free -and free of allergens...available in 2-4 oz sizes. Insta-holiday extract-real taste you can actually taste-a drop-or a tsp- go a long way! 

NEW easy eats- on the road -or grab and go...portable options that are tasty, ...helps to dissuade reaching for those sugar loaded/artery clogging options. via GIPHY Organic IMAGINE broths are familiar occupiers of our kitchen cebinet-but the new creamy smooth soups-Super Reds + Super Greens-make those blender whirling creations we attempt to make, irrelevant. Nutritious ingredients abound (carrots, onions, beets, potatoes, celery, red lentils, red bell peppers sweet potatoes, cranberries-Red...broccoli, potatoes, onions, peas, celery, spinach, carrots-Green)...and just the right amount of spices... both healthy options will hit the spot (we 'nuke to heat) -especially for those picky eaters who 'snack' vs sit-down meals. The texture is creamy -pourable, not super thick. The Super Reds-is warmly fragrant with hints of garlic/ginger---and the Super Greens-spiced up-touch of cumin (we think), garlic and ginger -with a tad of sea salt. USDA Organic/Vegan/Non-GMO/Dair...

New Shelf Stables -For Fast Eats For The Van Life / Home WHEN WHAT YOU REALLY WANT IS: Personal Chef--a specialized maestro for each course... Pasticcieri Siciliani Chefs (Dessert should be first course) Sous Chef Entremetier Chef de Partier-Royal Chef-plus clean -up crew DUH But what you really have is ... via GIPHY A bowl of milk (vodka) +   cereal =Cocktail Hour/Dinner MEAL Combo Some other approaches for a delicious -healthy meal, fast.