LYRA MAG.

Part 2 ALOYOGA, lucy, ONZIE via GIPHY Street to studio, or skip the workout and just be casual comfy-wearing performance wear aimed at the yoga-pilates-gym pursuits...aka athleisure wear...is a celeb clogged category-but our top picks are from the smaller labels that showed great Fall 2017 pieces--- that would really work year round...less super hot times. ALOYOGA Moto Legging is our most coveted item---available now in six colors $114-and adding more next season (pictured above). Mixed matte shine fabric with mesh detail, hidden key/card pocket in waistband, and spot on-moto inspired quilted stitching legging. A big plus the comfy wide band high waisted, and functional high wicking, four way stretch, anti-microbial material. LOVE.

MPG, RHONE Part One The NY version of the sports-yoga-workout wear focused Active Collective had loads of terrific athletic style-that anyone would wear on or off the courts, in a gym, or outdoors on weekend downtime. IMO-athleisure is a permanent lifestyle apparel category...and we saw plenty of multi-tasking pieces made from tech fabrics for Fall 2017-in subdued autumnal colors, fewer prints (than what we have seen for Spring)-but interestingly enough...a bunch of bold black/white items at several exhibitors. MPG ( MODETTA PERFORMANCE GEAR ) started as a fashion savvy- dancer focused collection of studio separates to wear off th barre- but has grown into a brand for athletes pursuing various activities-with performance pieces for runners, gym-heads, yoga buffs and dancers---and comfy casual wear that also doubles as versatile travel pieces. In the front-cozy long knit cardigan for woman-belt it for wearing to an office-or keep it loose for downtime comfort, In back tech j

a bountiful display of gourmet chocolate bars...from around the world... AN invite for a gourmet chocolate-wine pairing tasting-count us in! via GIPHY yes-chocolate is that good... A worthy reminder that single source and refined blends of planet earth's most fav 'food' -has caused worthy destinations-like the chic sleek Italian style coffee (ILLY) café 2Beans (Manhattan based-including convenient right near Grand Central station)...to offer discerning and curious customers-an outstanding assortment of chocolates from around the world-in custom confections -by the piece-or in beautiful packaged bars-to go..

WOLVERINE Heritage, CAT Footwear, SUMMIT Shoes via GIPHY Wacky weather keeps us shuffling up the winter worthy layers and warmer temps wear-from the ankles up-but less the slush, snow, ice-we would wear these fab new booties-year round-soon to deliver for Spring. WOLVERINE Since 1883- Delaney -$165 -deep V ankle cut-out trimmed in leather on suede boot two tone options in full-grain leather.)..white stitching welt construction...one of our fav booties for Spring-can year round. Leather inning, 1.5" heel 

Endurance Athlete Essentials: Travel All that training for a multi-hour triathlon/marathon-can be ruined when on the road...by eating/drinking foods prepared by others. Which is why we now travel to destinations afar with our own mini-coffee pot and pick up packaged pre-race basic eats at a local grocery store.  Unless there's a Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham in the area---as the thoroughly affordable lodging alternative allow guests to serve up their own tasty meals---made easier with Homemade@Hawthorn™- a new chef-driven in-room cooking program designed for guests to feel at-well home-when on the road.  Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham tapped acclaimed culinary minds Chef Hari Nayak – a New York-based chef, restaurateur, author and culinary consultant – and Chef James Rigato (pictured)  – former Top Chef competitor and owner of the award-winning The Root Restaurant & Bar and Mabel Gray in Michigan – to create exclusive flavor-driven recipes designed for hotel living that an

Wind swept shady beaches -blessedly free of humans, on the street parking that securing a spot= IS NOT akin to a competitive sport, winter season lodging discounts in plush accommodations- and even empty seats at gourmet hotspots-no wonder most people we know-including rent it out in the summer  homeowners-only go to the acclaimed East End of Long Island-waaay off-season. via GIPHY Winter time specials for relaxing staycation are found at the highly rated spa destination  Gurney's Montauk -located on a beautiful stretch of Atlantic ocean beachfront property in hip Montauk. Choose from recently renovated  rooms, sites and cottage lodging options---AND maybe a tougher choice-a complete menu of indulgent spa options  /healing treatments-that put their ocean-fed-seaweed indoor pool to good use...and fitness/wellness activities that will put the flow or burn (chill or work-it)-  in one's life. The  Southhampton Inn  a classic East End destination (90  deluxe rooms ) combi

Part 2 The perfect counterbalance to arguably the greatest city -is the largest pristine wilderness preserved area in the lower 48-in the same state...and that would be the 6 million acre" sized,  easily accessed Adirondacks area...home to majestic mountains/lakes and recreational facilities that are Olympic worthy and tailored to thrill seeking kids of all ages/sizes... and challenging for dedicated backpackers-as well as more leisurely pursuits for those looking to relax and calmly experience the outdoors. Where to stay? Roughing it - camping out spots are numerous- or indulge in the luxurious plush accommodations at the acclaimed mega star  log cabin cozy The Point - Saranac Point. In between---loads of options from hotel chains to quaint B+Bs. Tip: Book ahead for the popular Whiteface Inn -in Lake Placid-minutes from the Whiteface Mountain slopes (that can challenge top skiers with the "the Slides"off piste terrain- as well as providing FUN for those looking

Sure, the hometown Big Apple gets most of the glory- in a way -but massive New York State offers up loads of winter fare ...from fun-active outdoor activities in this country's largest protected area in the lower 48- the majestic Adirondacks , to stimulating and/or plush-to-basic indoor options, culinary treats from the exotic to simple homemade deliciousness-and literally hundreds of 24/7 travel options for all kinds of budgets. Part One: Hudson Valley via GIPHY source blingee.com Hudson Valley: Blue Skies-easy to reach-Thunder Ridge Ski Area-with kid friendly Terrain Park For do it in a day (from NYC) outdoor fun-kid friendly Mt. Peter or Thunder Ridge Ski Area - and spa worshiper 'must' destination-AND nature- hiker's paradise, the stately Victorian 'castle' Mohonk Mountain House are easily reached via Getaway Packages from  public train transport Metro-North-including pick up/drop arrangements, lift tickets/Learn to Ski/Snowboard deals/Tub

Part 2 Besides boasting of a Senator who can still hit a jump (sorta) shot via GIPHY source bostonmagazine.com -the beautiful green state of Vermont offers up outdoor destinations for all budgets and desired experiences (alpine -nordic skiing, ice skating, snow shoe adventures, antiquing,  shopping, reviving spa treatments)  ..and tasty culinary choices too. For going with a crowd of party hearty friends ( Killington Resort ,   Mad River Glen ),  active kids ( Okemo , Sugarbush , Bromley , Smugglers Notch ), independent minded teens ( Mt. Snow , Stratton , Magic Mountain ), going solo-or with a special someone-( Stowe Mountain Resort, The Hermitage Club  Suicide Six Ski Area/ Woodstock Inn )...the variety of mountain resorts packed with serious snow making trails, plus daring or relaxing off trail fun...beckon all- with sweetened up enticements of mid week bargains, learn to ski/ride options, and night-time on slopes activities. Some ideas: Ski Vermont pairs wit

The Nov-Dec holiday travels are typically for family gatherings-the rest of the winter months though- yay - it's all about fun-and/or relaxing getaways-aka ME times...with or without a chosen a few... Close by domestic USA destinations abound...that don't break the budget..and are easy enough to get to and fro, no passport needed. Part One: In Colorado: via GIPHY source vimeo.com "Days of MyYouth"/ Red Bull Media House and MSP Films The majestic Rocky Mountains beckon outdoors' types -and this year the snow is REALLY deep. In beautiful Colorado...lucky travelers or luckier locals- can partake of freebies courtesy of Colorado Ski Country's 22 members' resorts.** Wolf Creek Ski Area Free Horseshoe Bowl Snowcat to Reach Expert Terrain To help guests take advantage of powder that can usually only be reached by hiking, Wolf Creek offers a  Snowcat shuttle. The Horseshoe Bowl Snowcat Shuttle picks up skiers and riders at the Dog Chutes a

Practically an American holiday-Sunday playoffs -for football-and B-Ball games leading up to March madness...are best watched with a another (or others). Best bites choices can be fast, easy and creative- to compensate for potential boredom. via GIPHY Some ideas that bring some sophisticated international flair for sophisticated palates...that pair up well with many kinds of beers/wines Chewy  Spanish Sabor olives -fresh green olives -are delectable on their own (or as the 'dirty' part of a chilled martini)-but for party-festive occasion...add some life...with fast dress-upped selections - stuffed with  smoked cheese/nuts/basil ,  goat cheese/chopped green apple ,  jalapeño, or classic pimento. Widely available Jalsberg 's delicious classic taste-mild, mellow and a bit nutty...naturally lactose and gluten free -now can be had in individually wrapped Cheese snacks -3/4oz in stick format-perfect for piling up in large serving bowls -right along side a bowl

Tis' the season. via GIPHY Whether hosting or bringing beverages and eats for a playoff tv viewing crowd -chances are attendees have elevated expectations for sustenance-right along with their increasingly sophisticated palates. For a change from usual Buds: Sparkling wines with the elegance of French champagne-without the costs? We say stay within France for handy party sized splits...that are worthy alternatives- at half the price (at least) by Burgundy based Le Grand Courtâge -conveniently available online and in many states. Pictured-the delicious bubbly Grand Cuvée Blanc de Blancs (crips granny smith apples, honeysuckle, strawberry and heady bread-y hints that we love ) made from a blend of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc (honey, citrus), Colombard (high acid, structured-mineral-y), and Ugni Blanc (fruit) and the Rosé Brut-a terrific fruity fresh sip of berries- strawberry-raspberry and floral aromas-courtesy of a blend of Chardonnay, Ugni Blanc and Gamay grapes. IMO-sparkl

  Starting a new year usually ushers in vows of better fitness, health and nutrition-particularly in the eats and drinks category.  A worthy resolution-get a better buzz on-our top pick USDA ORGANIC Chameleon Cold-Brew . Since our first sip of refrigerated ready coffee from vending machines in Japan-decades ago(!!!) the buzz in a bottle/can has deliciously evolved to satisfy more sophisticated palettes -with a smooth less acid drinks. Stop choice -Chameleon Cold-Brew made from small batch, air roasted rich coffee beans slooowly processed (drip by drip for 12 hours)- with filtered Texas Hill country water. CHAMELEON COLD-BREW comes in 10oz RTD sizes of original USDA Organic Black Coffee, Vanilla-sweetened with cane sugar, and the complex Mexican flavor-has a rich blend flavors-almost almond-y...when we added unsweetened almond milk-the results were as tasty as a milk shake but with a lot less calories. Other flavors not pictured: Caramel, Mocha and Texas Pecan. Drink it cold