LYRA MAG.

Late year holidays might be for large gatherings...but early year weeks are for escaping  to travel destinations without the vacationing crowds. Telluride PART One:  Winter Wonderland : COLORADO  Now it's easier than ever to arrive hassle free- to some of the best snowy terrains-blessed with great powdery fluff, abundant sunshine,  no chairlift lines AND  Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) member resorts   DISCOUNTS :-) .  BONUS-In season flights to Colorado's big name-and smaller mountain resort towns abound-all shuttle connected (and an express train connecting Denver-Winter Park) - so no car rental - driving needed either.   Planning ahead?  T he  Gems Card , which provides either two buy-one-get-one or two 30 percent off adult lift tickets at 11 ski areas in Colorado for just $25, provides families a great chance to visit multiple ski areas across the state. New to winter's vertical challenges...no worries!...

Step On It Flashy + Fun colors/trims in footwear ... Wedding wear maestro Antonia Riva 's feminine decorative sneakers aren't just for brides...  Summit by White Mountain-red pops in a walk ez Victorian lace up block heel MADDISON Black Leather boot onside now $69.99 NINA- foot soothers- cork footbeds in comfy slides-new collection  delivering for Spring WHAT ELSE:  via GIPHY customize Nike your  kicks-splashy Abstract Expressionist style-or perked up w/ embroidery, dip dyes, patches etc... online- or insta  gratification at new SNEAKER BARs- including new awesome  flagship Fifth Avenue - Midtown/NYC, on the Left Coast-Melrose/LA store- or our hidden treasure- Spring St/Broadway (529 Broadway)

Bold colors...bring '80s splashiness forward- three decades later. HAIR ON via GIPHY Break out of that urban black with the psychedelic hair tones-made with the newer formulas-that will actually leave tresses intact while imparting the colors(s) of dreams. Keratin Complex ' collections- KeraBrillance and GraffitiGlam Demi-Permanent deliver possibilities ranging from what you're born with to what can match any vibrant outfit (or mood) Diary Sketches  IN MANIC PANIC WE TRUST-new wash out temporary AMPLIFIED® hair color spray is ideal for changing it up whenever-and is perfect for kids/teens/team spirit...without the procedural worry of  more permanent hair color. FUN...the Pink Flamingo +Electric Lizard (neon green) shines on and shows up under black light.  Other hair color collections in Manic Panic's range of vegan cruelty free hair colors-include semi-permanent  Classic High Voltage  options in trendy shades of gray to rich ea...

    The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation 's annual Collaborating For a Cure Benefit/Auction -NYC-recently raised over $2.5 million to support collaborative efforts to eradicate cancer The SWCRF has seen great momentum since officially launching the Partnerships for Aging and Cancer Research program...a collaboration with the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute On Aging which is spearheading the research to uncover the links between cancers-exploring environmental and genetic factors that increase the the risk of cancer as people age. To help contribute to this admirable cause and other ground breaking research programs and treatment protocols.... leading RTW designer  Tadashi Shoji  is proud to announce his partnership with  Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation   for the fifth year in a row .  Starting on January 15 th ,  20% of proceeds  from an exclusive and limited-edition unisex credit card holder w...

Colombian-American Artist Vianey customizes bicycles- limited edition=The Cool Bike MDRN-a Italian home decor/furniture emporium in NYC's Flaitron district (936 Broadway)-hosted a holiday festive kind of celebration-heralding a movable feast of module pieces -multi-tasking as home functional spaces...and Classiques Moderne Winter edition magazine featuring event maestro Larry Scott ( Lawrence Scott Events) . The Launch: Intelligent Living is a capsule collection by leading futurist/interior designer  Warren Kay  .  M ade for today's lifestyles... urban clean uncluttered spaces ...homes with less square footage...and  system control via an app! WHAT: Motorized wall units-morph-descending into Murphy beds while much needed closets spaces appear behind wall unit...as it moves along a discreet rail. Below: The video-a sofa moves slowly forward...while a wall descends -revealing the chicest Murphy Bed set-up we have ever seen. Customizable options too....

DRINK UP! j ust do it better The marketing pitches for WELLNESS SELF CARE SEASON TO TREAT YOURSELF gifts...noticeably increased this year, Makes sense -'me' gifting is BIG-as is eating healthier (US NEWS alert- Mediterranean and DASH topping the best diets list). Even the recognizable tv chefs are dialing up the health. Gordon Ramsay's cookbook-lifestyle how tos  plus his collab with Royal Doulton -an everyday table top Maze Grill  collection, SALUT glass of wine -(daily or weekly) is in the mix of those winners...and as big bold (and pricey) California Cabernet popularity wanes - there are other more food centric red wines that match up, sip-wise-better with the healthier ethnic cuisines and savory palate pleasers-people prefer. PORTUGAL's red wines are native grapes blends that have just the right amount of spice tones-dark berry lushness+ integrated tannins that balances out foods from around the world. Vinha Dis Deuses Reserva has the elegance of a ...

Shopping....wrapping...traffic...and oh yeah...daily employment...holiday times can exhaust. No wonder ready to eat treats are more welcome as worthy subs for what would formerly be slaved over. For allergy leaning sufferers-or guests who maybe are...new Brooklyn Bites Cookie Brittles are absolutely addictive crispy hybrids cookie/brownie crust brittle tops...that deliver the sweet texture and taste indulgence WITHOUT gluten, dairy, soy, eggs or preservatives. Mom-daughter founded Brooklyn Bites are REALLY made in Brooklyn...of real deal ingredients like gluten-free oats instead of white flour, coconut oil, low glycemic coconut sugar and almond milk=a healthier snack without sacrificing on the indulgence part one bit.  Note: certified gluten free, vegan and kosher. Inside the retro style packaging-are two stacks of yumminess. Taste wise...the homemade goodness comes through- rich  authentic deep dark chocolate piece of deliciousness. ..a slight ...

It's doubtful most holiday time purchases of apparel/footwear set off brain cells on just how 'dirty' that industry is.  Still-companies themselves are getting schooled and acting on environmentally friendly initiatives to clean out some of the toxicity from sourcing-manufacturing-delivery chains. On the home front brick/mortar retailers...are selectively editing their offerings -with greener merchandise getting stocked.  In lower Manhattan... Bishop Collective  's (143 Ludlow Street) careful picks include multiple indie designers making (in the USA) modern clothing/jewelry-all  ethically designed and sourced. In town???- The  Designer Series Sessions  this month  feature meet/greets with seven designers-for not only in person style help- but also highlighting exclusive one-off items-which is pretty remarkable for the 99.9% of us who can't 'touch' price-wise , couture handmade anything. Voyager Sleek Parley w/ Boost and Stealth out...

With all the festive foods available seasonal celebrations can be sweet indeed! a challenging winter hike earns rewards BUT after an allergic response to something eaten on a far flung Southeast Asia jaunt-a few years back, we gained respectful first-hand knowledge of food allergies that can triggered by daily encountered substances.

Maybe it was the perfect night (freezing damp cold) to embrace the buzzy charms and delicious BISTRO MODERNE cuisine of UES (NYC) restaurant staple Demarchelier -for the first time... But afterwards...we wondered why this ideally located gem- a few blocks from Manhattan's 'Museum Mile' (and mass transit) wasn't  a regular dining destination...as it clearly was for the patrons partaking the recent Tuesday evening we went.

Just in time for the holiday festivities-where we spackle on the sparkling-glow makeup-a bit (a lot)  more than usual. Gentle TIZO Photoceutical Foaming Cleanser -part of a system of skincare products- joins their fab tinted physical block sunscreen-prominently on our bathroom cabinet shelf...because its 2x a day use (AM/PM) ... wakes up skin in the morning and maybe more importantly- gets the grit off quickly...leaving a clean palette free of makeup-including the on all day (night) waterproof kinds. Think all facial cleansers are the same....WRONG. Check the ingredients out for one. Boasting moisturizing glycerin, proven skin helper-brightener Niacinamide (B3) , anti-oxidant loaded amino acid Taurine and soothing cucumber extract... Tizo's pleasant foaming texture-has protective healing properties.. .spreads easy -tip-splash a bit of water on first-then use one pump + massage in -with fingers or a wash cloth if more makeup is on (IMO) -and rinses off easy -leaving ...

Deck the Halls...or any surface with cheery decor pieces...that make ideal keepsakes' gifts too. Waterford Crystal  -tasteful selection of sparkling ornaments...rings it in. The Times Square Collection (pictured) includes a commemorative  snowglobe $65, triangle and Times Sq Ball-just like the one there ornament $65/$100. All beautifully packaged too. Royal Doulton Figurine- Christmas Surprise ($210) designed by Neil Faulkner-8.8 inches tall beauty with cute lab puppy delivers in a gift box.

The cannabis flowering plant has new legal status. Always popular elsewhere and grown in Canada...various oil offshoots are now marketed HERE as a tasty cure-all ( anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, stress help-to name a few ).

Great gathering food/drink-options to bring along... READY TO DRINK: NY State of Mind: Hard Cider-is catching on as a refreshing party  (or anytime) alcoholic drink-that synchs well with late Fall's typical fare. Try crisp-sweet-to-tart/acidic-to spice-y fruit selections from the Empire State's culinary destinations-the bountiful Hudson Valley and Catskills Mountains-or  the beautiful Finger Lakes-known for its award winning Rieslings. New York's abundant apple crop-with the variety of apples grown= first in the USA...are picked and often distilled- right on the premises. via GIPHY The slight carbonation and low- like beer -ABV-makes it worthy of game watching thirst quencher status AND meal sipping liquid- pair with  T-day turkey, cinnamon accented cookies/pies, rich creamy pastas, New England oysters' anything, to bold cheeses and in fancy  crafted cocktails . TRY:  Raymor Estates Cellar -from the Finger Lakes Region- is a wonderful fruit...

A lexander Wang x Uniqlo Fashion's marquee names have been collaborating with streetwear, fast fashion...and footwear companies for so many years now- there's a new collection every week. At least. Sure -some still sell-out (mostly)...but the on e we actually would wear (vs whatever-hoping for a quick flip profit on eBay) =  Alexander Wang x Uniqlo ...with everyday cold weather basics. The line-up for women includes L/S crews, ribbed crew neck tees, tank tops, body suits (L/S and sleeveless), undergarments, and THE bottom staple-slim fitted leggings...all available in neutral tones- at the very un Wang but very Uniqlo price points. There's a men's collection too. The smart and innovative Japanese based label Uniqlo...and its heat reflecting fabric HEATTECH deliver in warm and extra warm versions...and as with all Uniqlo merchandise (our experience)-the quality is outstanding.  From $9.90-$39.90 PS: not for nothing-we knew Alexander Wang was somethin...

Bali-is a magical island -inspiring tourists for fly and flop beaches, Aussie partyers,  peace seeking yoga devotees, and spa haven mavens..to name just a few... who can travel many hours to get to this tropical paradise. A half a planet away... ( sigh, yes )-but Bali can still be experienced aural-visual wise- anywhere-via its music gamelan,,,and a cool film doc (Bali Beats of Paradise)- by native  Livi Zheng on the island's music+dance -recounting the winning funk mash-up with singer-songerwriter-producer-musician-Grammy Award winner -Judith Glory Hill. These ladies gave a live demo of Bali's traditional dance moves At AMC 25 theaters/Times Sq-an appreciative crowd gets in the selfies with Judith Hill Bali Beats of Paradise spotlights Bali-Indonesian gamelan composer Nyoman Wenten and Grammy Award winner-Judith Hill-creative collar-and quest for one million hits... Bali beauty- experience a bit of it-via aromatic  JUARA skincare 's collection of ...

Rarely do we get a palatable powder to add to liquids...that boasts energy charger-bio-available loaded iron- blue green algae spirulina- plus loads of healthy vitamins, iron and  micronutrients that doesn't taste like grass.   Or something worse. JUST LIKE THIS GIPHY  via GIPHY seriously-we've all been there Which is why PaleoPro's Paleo Greens Powder is our new hero product.  Sent a sample-we'd figure a tsp of this finely ground green powder in a few ounces of water...would best be inhaled like a shot-vs sipping to savor the taste. But the taste really was naturally A OK ...a sweetness from monk fruit extract but with no added sugar (and with 5 grams of plant based vegan protein-from organic hemp). If you're the type to gulp Kombucha or Apple Cider Vinegar down straight -the surprising palatable taste of Paleo Greens Powder will come as sheer taste buds' joy. Kudos to who ever figured this out. Now part of our morning routine- adding a ts...

Fidenza Village outlets deliver the message during Milan Fashion Week in leafy Brera area NINA's handbags -LOVE THIS-fabulous snap shut clutch (seen at Spring preview). The sparkling beaded details are  exceptionally crafted-as are other glam purses-that are available now. Great gifts-these statement making handbags are big enough for mobiles...priced $55- $65. .Celebrate TRUE LOVE-Assam Teas's wedding blend or-sip a bit of true love-English Tea teabags in a Royal Wedding tin-a collectible by AHMAD Tea We start our morning java inhale with an Ellen Degeneres' Love Mug-by Royal Doulton-part of her collaboration of home decor Joy Gift sets that are utilitarian and cheerful. AND ONSALE NOW -from $24.99-$34.99 PS: sturdy too...don't recommend dropping anything on a hardwood floor-but our beloved cup of choice has survived gravity's pull. via GIPHY

H oliday travel-can inspire wrapping up ready made gifts that safely go the distance. via GIPHY Girl fav subscription box KIDPIK - Holiday '18 -KidPik gift box ...takes the guesswork out of gifting coordinated (and stylish) wardrobes including these adorable easy on/off cold weather boots-with enough sparkle for the picky fashionista...and durable enough for the sporty type -ready to have days of snowy winter fun. Fav colors and cute design patterns-on these function/fashion stretchy lanyard smartphone holders-to wear around kids' necks...ensures one less thing can get lost en route. Made of germ inhibitor silicone by Gear Beast -these patented accessories fit on  most sizes of all mobiles s -up to 6.75 x 3.78 inches. Other mobile accessories include another version that doubles as a wallet with slots for cards.  Sizes -2.0 or 2,5 cm nylon necklace-with a detachable clip. Pictured-the Smartphone Lanyard w/ card pocket Travelbadger offers a...