LYRA MAG.

Part 2: Van Life Essentials-Staying Fit the minimalist way Crossfit enthused-or power walk helper-weighted vests (plate carriers) are handy and lightweight, great additions for at home or living' the van life-fitness equipment- you can hang on a hook-or shove under a car seat. via GIPHY Top Pick: 5.11®  Tactec Plate Carrier CF 18-Crossfit® edition $229 5.11-sponsors CrossFit-a branded exercise regiment-incorporating high intensity intervals-strength/conditioning/aerobic with oomph-for newbies to hard core pros-that reminds us of what our military pals did to keep in shape while deployed. Equipment needed? A few essentials include this weighted vest --that needs to fit comfortably ...and does- via adjustable options (waist+tensional bands), distributes the weight evenly (back yoke shoulder pads), is tough-made of abrasion resistant 500D nylon w/ Duraflex® hardwear-has air vents-for circulation-a web id loop, and is easy on/off w/ one hand release. The vest ensures an endorph

Older generations' VW mini-bus adventures, Airstreams' upscale digs... and collegiate low budget New Zealand travels-in camper rentals...all lend some retro flavor for today's millennial plus (ers) who NOW demand tricked out vans  - that rival functional RVs---as THE vehicle of choice. Bonus- smaller parking spaces! via GIPHY What gets packed -and what gets built in - are all multi-tasking -well made, durable objects making life on the road -a desirable way to go. Part One: Aluminum Portable Products-by YETI, PK GRILLS Cooler ruler YETI introduces a new HORDO BASE CAMP CHAIR $299...that even interior design mavens will LOVE. These are a bit heftier, weight wise-than typical camp/trek chairs...but are way more rugged solid...and comfy. Note-the breathable mesh w/ GRIDGUARD™MOLD for no-sag,  edge to edge comfort- is just like the upscale Herman Miller Aero Chairs-and wow-can support up to 500lbs. Solid cast joints + double barrel  aluminum frame fold up flat too

SPICE ISLANDS COOK-OUT -A  CULINARY  CLASS Tastebuds Kitchen , a spacious ( very -by NYC standards) -restaurant worthy event space/school- was SRO packed---by the cooking inclined last week. Homemade-blend your own India spice Garam Masala w/ 11 SPICE ISLANDS-or buy ready version Savory samples of appetizers- entrees-desserts- enhanced with a few- deeply flavorful and fresh SPICE ISLANDS spices-are mouthfuls of world global cuisines made with simple, quality ingredients livened up authentic flavors from far flung locales. POPULAR!

Sit-down 3 meals daily-gives way to more bite times of smaller eats. Life on the go doesn't mean less nutritious though...whether fresh or frozen, meal worthy snacks are substantial and healthy clean now. Convenient too. via GIPHY THE easiest substantial snack for a sit-down moment=a pairing of locally sourced- fresh baked bread+cheese-typical of our daily meal enjoyed while traveling abroad on a budget. Cheese loving nations in Europe---started it all...but now terrific options worldwide, just about-either with dairy based cheese or tasty regional dips like hummus (both protein loaded). Sweet nutty Norwegian Jarlsberg  + chewy fresh dough bread or flavored crisps-like crackers or savory flatbreads-easy does it crowd pleasers. Just add a beverage-and some fresh fruit=insta meal. Indoors? A practical posh set-up courtesy of beautiful and inexpensive  Royal Doulton housewares-china-as seen at their showroom...breadsticks, fresh figs and olives  look even more inviting- del

The beauty + haircare brands with nutraceuticals-aka supplements- acknowledges 'you are what you eat.' Inside and out-skin deep, plus. One trending area-pre and probiotics...the former to nourish the latter. via GIPHY For topical applications...there's enough scientific evidence  that  helpful ingredients providing microbiota solutions for many skin concerns -from oily-acne to dry-sensitive conditions, work. Easy FAST though- get natural benefits of probiotics-from a make it yourself masque. Mix up  USDA Organic yogurt (2 tbsps-'fattier' the better)-blessed w/ cell renewing lactic acid +active cultures---with pure honey (a natural sterilizing healer-like Wedderspoon Manuka Honey -1 tbsp)---and apply on for about ten minutes, before washing off. Insta-brightner that works for most skin types. Hair wise- for a moisturizing-cleansing masque-for locks- double the aforementioned ingredients-and add tbsps of coconut oil (olive, safflower, sunflower seed or se

Some new products for the sub adult-set-are the same quality- or even better than what's available for parental units. via GIPHY Spring/Summer screams for outdoor activities...and impressively-Keen, Nina Footwear, KidPik and Priority Bicycles all deliver. Top Picks: function/fashion footwear-and the coolest hand built bicycle for cruising... IMO-Keen really did great job with these limited edition NEWPORT RAINBOW COLLECTION big kid's sandals..  a rainbow -available in 25 color options (wow)-unisex sizing can be adjusted with ease via hook+loop strap.Suitable for  water/hike/walking with durable outsoles...there's no skimping on protective details either-like PFC free protective rubber toe caps and metatomical footbed design. $50. Good travel shoe for light packers. Machine washable-polyester webbing upper, non-marking outsole-air dry.

Eye candy, convenience and speed-three attributes in supply -for the new Specialized S-7 Works cycling shoes-tricked out with the only available here (for now) BOA S-3 Snap dials. No popping out/pushing in those life guaranteed dials for on/off access of these super lightweight, stiffest-FACT Powerline™ carbon plate that maximizes power transfer...with no stretch zone  in key areas, Form Fit last-roomy toe box, 3 bolt cleat pattern that handles all road pedals and heel cradling-coddling for fit. we were dazzled by these new Boa S-3 Snap details-rotate to and fro for easy access on/off.-on the fly, micro-fit adjustment. $400 for men's +women's Specialized S-7 Works cycling shoe weighs in around 7.9 ounces/shoe Color options including a flashy (Peter) Sagan limited edition black cycling shoe with gold Boa dials $425.

PART 1 Trendy-or reality...the importance of healthy (natural)  human bacteria-living life in GI tracts or on the biggest organ-the skin- has people re-thinking what they eat or slather on. In turn - hundreds ( thousands ) of products/supplements aiming to ameliorate microbiota deficiencies-have flooded the consumer market. One solution-duh-so easy and natural-embrace the different ethnic cuisines that already serve up foods loaded with a variety of LIVE probiotics-meaning fermented foods with live organisms (seriously there loads of ideas-a Google search yielded 400,000 results in.03 seconds).  Yogurts-kefir, cheeses, non-heated sauerkraut, miso, kimchi, tempeh,  kombucha, natto...are some probiotics loaded home runs- granted -maybe are spicy or tangy acquired tastes. via GIPHY Another healthy eating  trend -for proper gut functions-is to 'feed' the aforementioned acquired probiotic bacteria...with prebiotics-which is just getting a lot of attention-as auto spell-che

Sorry snow---these are going on our feet ANYWAY !!! It's time-when sun shines past 7PM. Top Picks-comfort, functional-fancy footwear ready for springtime strolls (and pedicures). By-CHACO, BUTTER, CAT, KEEN via GIPHY Web masters (the woven kind) may be giving CHACOS even more cred than their ped savior footbeds + LUVSEAT™ PU midsoles - that have already help this brand garner more than a cult following these days. Combine those attributes with traction- from non-marking ChacoGrip™ outsoles -making these styles- athletic, water worthy (as per their heritage)...and urban friendly- with guaranteed comfort all day long. Ladder lock buckles-and adjustable and durable high-tension heel risers complete these well thought sandals-plus-we like the open style-though others feature a secure toe loop. FYI-there are numerous  Z/–––styles-customizable too-the snazzy polyester jacquard webbing comes in dozens of options-start at $105...

Snow melting celebrations-outdoor products by L.L.Bean and Thermacell get the game on (and make great house gifts too). A classic nostalgic challenge...these made in the USA, hand forged Tournament Horseshoes  one of many games made easy by L. L. Bean $99 -comes with 2 solid steel stakes in a convenient wooden carving case. via GIPHY Another crowd fav-croquet...and yes -there is skill involved. Maine Coast Croquet Set with Stand $279-delivers-hardwood malets, stakes, and stand...nine wickets +6 color coordinated plastic balls PLUS GAME RULES.   via GIPHY                                          Heather vs Heather                            Patio Shield  ($24.99) comes in multiple colors NEW Radius Zone Mosquito Repellent works at push of a button via GIPHY Backyard minutes spent swatting away mosquitos&no see'ums = hours spent indoors. SOLUTION...Thermacell has several easy to use-no spray-refillable solutions that invisibly keep those bugs