LYRA MAG.

What to bring when the accommodations are more grungy camp Burning Man...and NOT the glammy Bahamian yachts that was paid for ( grrrrr) ... via GIPHY source imgur.com Portable inflatable hammocks...take a load off... WIND POUCH GO  $79.99 or  WIND POUCH Lite ™ $55.00 that weighs only 2.6lbs with a pop-up head rest...m ade with durable Poly-HEX™ hexagonal ripstop polyester.  GCI Outdoors have portable camping/beach chairs- but for those nosebleed views...get better comfortably-for humans up to 250 lbs via Bleachback Lumbar Stadium Seat  w/ handy pouch pockets-single buckle bench attachment...3lbs-folds up for carry with a shoulder strap. $30

via GIPHY Height without the pain-and bone altering consequences-a solid block heel merger of shoe/sandals- lifts off for Spring...with sophistication. Our affordable favs... Open toe-shootie/bootie...a fav versatile shoe-PIPER from Wolverine 1883 -full grain leather upper-sophisticated "sandal" with adjustable buckle-can show off that pedicure -while keeping it professional enough for most city offices. 3" block heel makes for solid steps. $175 leather/rubber outsole Bernardo1946 Bennet -B/W stripes -fun red tassel fringe detail-2.5" heel and padded insole=fun trendy slide goes with all of our casual wardrobe-jeans, black leggings we live in-and lightweight summer dresses of patio parties$175 Bernardo 1946- HAYDEN - 3 inch geometric block heel -2 strap sandal -with suede upper-Italian chic + elegant -for upscale day or after hour occasions-without stiletto suffering $219 

GORE-TEX®, LYCRA® Organic Cotton-Recycled Plastic, OrthoLite, Polygiene Favored apparel labels of  Millennials -includes hybrid athlete- athleisure brands...which imo...implies a casual lifestyle AND clued in consumers -reading the info mandated on labels...like listing country of origin (manufacturing), garment care, fiber content and other finishings/treatments. Just like reading the ingredients label on foods/liquids...savvy customers demand transparency. Hangtags that hang with those of the maker- usually adds to a garment's caché...and  helps explain the prices commanded by premium products-in apparel and footwear. Some of the most common that we see... Gore-Tex ® was the first lightweight waterproof/breathable membrane addition to our winter wardrobe ...back in the 80s. Their GTX appearance on hiking and winter boots=game changer. via GIPHY source imgur.com Today there are many Gore-Tex fabrics with varying degrees of windproof/waterproof/breathable-from pro...

OFTEN IMITATED-NEVER DUPLICATED...the original BIRKENSTOCK Arizonas get metallic -shiny 'snake'  flair, covered toe kicks, soft footbed options...and  platform wedge styles-seasonal highlights. via GIPHY source: casagirl.tumblr.com ARRAN -in sparkling white leather-Men's $210-leather lining, corked footbed, rubber outsole THE signature contoured corkbed footbeds in Birkenstocks coddle and support feet-miraculously so as these shapes work for all kinds of arch heights-something that cannot be said for other comfort footwear brands. Deep heel cups and cushioning outsoles complete the shock absorption proposition- that makes this brand beloved by many-and a good travel choice for summer trips. Arran with textile upper-for men/women-in multiple colors  Barrie -women's slip-on (L, R)-stretchy elasticized sides- for ez on/off, sued footbed lining, rubber outsole, and Original Birkenstock footbed for all day comfort and good choice for the pedicure-free toe...

Jun-Inoue Live Painting at Backwoods Gallery The Asian aesthetic-specifically Japanese - is a very distinct point of view that translates into the visual arts and fashion: it's reflective of nature in its wondrous simplicity and complexity. With this month's Costume Institute - Metropolitan Museum of Art honoring the Japanese fashion icon Rei Kuwakubo (Commes Des Garçon+Dover Market's leading light) -we found three footwear styles that would pair well with any of her apparel designs-aside from those of her own collab with NIKE... Vibram's FUROSHIKI Original style-inspired by the Japanese custom of packaging items by wrapping them in cloth- gets some bright print patterns for SS 2017 Vibram's FUROSHIKI $110 -A Vibram outsole that cradles the foot-including tippy top toe bumps+ fitting stretch fabric in a wrapped style -snuggly attaches at the ankle with velcro closure. Comes with a traveling case (seen upper right)-great for travelers. Unisex sizing. ...

Resident Magazine Celebrated April 2017 Cover Star Wendy Williams Lovage Rooftop, 350 West 40th Street, NYC This past Wednesday night's celebration of "The Diva of Dish" Wendy William's Resident Magazine cover/interview hosted by Publisher Michael Travin, Associate Publisher Melissa Kassis, and Editor-In-Chief Hillary Latos-had us cheering for this glamorous gal-who has a nationally syndicated, entertaining talk show -AND many acclaimed radio, Broadway and film performances to her credit.  Melissa Kassis, Wendy Williams, Hillary Latos (Photo Credit: Andrew Werner Photography) Looking fabulous as always, and unlike male celebrities-actually taller than assumed, Wendy Williams drew out the crowd- deftly balancing a sharp wit with the comedic timing of a stand-up pro... plus is super gracious and personable-no wonder her television show is a daytime Emmy Winner!  We'll never  forget a benefit we attended w...

Buzz generator Gwyneth Paltrow put cupping (via her backless gown revealing "CUP KISSES") on our radar-but it was Olympic swimmer/winner Michael Phelp's torso adorned with the characteristic red circles (when a pro uses traditional glass 'fire'versions- and heats it up)...that had us convinced of CUPPING's true value. Lure Essentials An Eastern medicine practice-aka been around for hundreds of years...cupping promotes Qi energy-improves circulation to remove toxins, drain and rid body fluids stagnation etc-to relieve aches, pains, stress, reduce inflammation to increase oxygenation of the blood and treat tight muscles and sports injuries. Easy to see how this would benefit one's skin...and overall facial glow...and as an anti-aging tool too. AT HME USE: LURE ESSENTIALS. -offers facial and body cupping kits...like the one pictured above- the GLAM facial kit (onside $29.95)... made from surgical grade BPA free silicone...for at home use. For th...

Pared down skin routines-who has the time-it's PRACTICALLY SUMMER- demand multi-tasking no fuss skincare products. via GIPHY source:salmianna.tumblir.com Some favs...part one: Micellar Water's popularity from a Parisian's answer to skin cleansing instead of using French city's hard water has now evolved into versions amped up with ingredients for targeted benefits. From natural brand DERMA-E  a new Vitamin C collection-includes the ideal warm weather version-the Vitamin C Micellar Cleansing Water -gives thorough skin cleansing (via liquid dampened cotton ball)-dissolving water-resistant makeup and impurities that includes sweat--leaving a fresh feeling. Since facial skin feels replenished not striped,  (Rooibus has polyphenols-supposed to support  youthful skin -similar to grapes, grape seeds and maritime tree bark, Probiotics.anti aging properties))--normal to oily skin can skip the moisturizer after using this product-especially during the warm temps. Added plu...

 Iconic Practical Style Gets Stylish via GIPHY Inspiration... L.L.Bean Introduces Small Batch Bean Boots  – L.L.Bean has several new limited edition Bean Boot designs made in their Lewiston and Brunswick, Maine factories...with nifty upper colors and outsole tones for practical style that wears well with anything from casual apparel to rtw dressier threads...as seen all over the FALL 2017 Runway show catwalks. “After 105 years of perfecting the original, we’re rolling out one-of-a-kind small batch editions of the L.L.Bean Boot, meticulously hand-crafted in Maine, just like the original...” the company said in an email we recently got. .  The spring small batch is available now and includes the 8” boot in plum leather upper and in dark ash upper with brick red sole (pictured above second and third from front, respectively)  and the 6” boot with field olive leather upper and sail orange sole (better seen pictured below, 2nd from left).  Th...

Wolverine unveils the Wolverine Workshop, offers custom options for the Original 1000 Mile Boot-and new RTW Spring styles Wolverine introduced the first 1000 Mile boot in 1914; using a secret tanning method to create leather that was soft, flexible and durable, the shoe was advertised as “comfortable and durable enough to give you 1000 miles of wear.” With a focus on quality, craftsmanship, durability and comfort in footwear, the Wolverine 1000 Mile boot changed the industry standard forever. Now you can design your own Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots online at  wolverine.com/custom  and the Wolverine Company Store -  254 Elizabeth Street, New York,  New York- for truly original kicks -made in the USA. The premium materials  Custom boots available in men’s and women’s sizes-including selecting   m aterial for the quarter, vamp, heel, tongue, foot bed and hangtag (13 options) o utsole ( 3 options in men’s sizes, 1 in women's ), e yelets (6 optio...

The buzz words 'heritage' and 'authentic' tossed around lately-rarely get applied to what's underneath one's feet but in reality, that part of one's footwear is one of the most important component of shoe construction. via GIPHY For anyone standing/moving upright, that is. The first unique outsole-CARRARMATO by Vibram -has been around for 80 years...now delivers in colorful shades/patterns Hence-a big birthday celebration to 'senior citizen' VIBRAM-an Italian company with proprietary rubber compounds that grip the ground in all sorts of conditions-allowing everyone from adventurists mountain scalers to casual  strollers-the ability to see the scenery from a vertical perspective, with ease .

33 West 54th Street, Midtown Manhattan, NYC Even walking at an uncharacteristic for midtown Manhattan  leisurely pace, it's easy to miss the small windowed street front to Mozzarella E Vino . However-past the entrance -a big hearted casual eatery, and a welcoming staff- attributes for a fine dining experience for solo eaters-or a crowd- wonderfully exists ...tempting enthusiasts of Italian food  willing to forgo showier dining non-essentials in order to concentrate on the most delicious 'rustic' cuisine, delivered professionally.

In our inbox... LUNA Presents: Are You Brave Enough? What: A firefighter themed adventure race and community festival Who: Hosted by: Vulcan Society and United Women Firefighters Sponsored by: LUNA Where: St. Mary’s Park 450 St Ann's Ave Bronx, NY 10455 When: April, 8th 2017 9AM For firefighter exam information please visit:  ​ ​ http://www.joinfdny.com/  ###  THE DETAILS:  United Women Firefighter and Vulcan Society Host Firefighter Themed Festival On April 8th, 2017 the ​ United Women Firefighters ​ (UWF) and the ​ Vulcan Society ​ will host a free community festival and firefighter themed adventure race to promote diversity in the FDNY . T his event will take place the first weekend that filing is open for the Firefighter exam and eligible candidates will be able to file for the exam on site. The last time filing was open for this competitive exam was 2012. The event is sponsored by ​ LUNA ​ , the popular nutrition ba...

13th annual Digital Patriots Dinner - Consumer Technology Association(CTA) -Washington DC It's " more critical than ever that CTA play a role in governmental policies. .." was appropriately in the opening word mix of Gary Shapiro, the President and CEO-who genuinely welcomed a congenial group of industry and political types from both sides of the 'AISLE'-to the first gathering, post the 2017 Presidential inauguration -of this influential trade group-and the force behind the massively popular CES show in Las Vegas. The well packed cocktails/dinner- at the magnificent Smithsonian American Art Museum + National Portrait Gallery ...officially launched CTA members' efforts during #CTATechWeek-that is an interactive human push  "to work with anyone elected...to move our nation forward..." Early evening meet/greet-(CTA Pres/CEO Gary Shapiro and Rep. Will Hurd & staff)-appropriately enough-in front of the Nelson Shank's portrait of other...

Setting: With a clever address (in the landmark 9 West 57th Street building-right off Fifth Ave.) and a grand entrance (a wide sweeping spiral of a  staircase- down) ... ... Brasserie 8 ½ 's first impression is that of a glamorous ocean liner-  transporting guests to a Parisian 'modern slice of la belle époque' or civilized Mediterranean seaside enclave -but decidedly on land- in a spacious midtown eatery -with a dedicated luxe lounge (perfect for cocktails), multi-seat bars made for conversation ( sans TV screens) -and a plush leather banquet lined main dining room-elegantly adorned with framed Matisse prints and original artwork by Marco Del Re and dramatically partitioned from the kitchen by a striking stain glass artistic  tour de force. From our welcoming greeting at the street level-to the last sip of after dinner espresso-our experience was intuitively well paced-with professional service as befits an upscale dining experience...and relaxed ...

Part 2 via GIPHY withitworld.com/phizzogs Garden Of Life- Cleanest Performance Ingredients are in this family of products-rare and big deal to have the NSF and Informed-Choice.Org  independent certifications-guarantee no weird (banned ) stuff -all traceable-verified claims-in the mix-critical for athletes-pro AND amateur. PLUS GoL's MO-always USDA Organic and NON-GMO. Protein bars - in 4 flavors-Sea Salt Caramel, Chocolate Mint, Chocolate Fudge, Peanut Butter Chocolate-all Vegan,  Dairy -Soy Free-protein bars-deliver 20G plant (pea) protein + 9-10G fiber, 8G sugars-in a chewy textured bar-def have with a liquid like water-serves as a post workout -light meal replacement. BONUS POINTS: Certified B Corporation USDA Organic Honey-from well cared for bees-hits the sweet spot-in Wedderspoon family of New Zealand derived-highest quality, genuine raw, NON-GMO verified Manuka honey treats-including these soon to be launched- kid friendly lollipops for ...