LYRA MAG.

ALTRA +  NINA Footwear Life on the go-travelling for pleasure or purpose (like destination weddings) ... For footwear...two picks for minimal packers. via GIPHY Hands (feet) down-trail or well made road running shoes are the best multi-tasking one and done shoe for travelers traveling light! For comfy supported running-day hiking or walking hard or soft (ish) surfaces like city cement-quaint cobblestone byways, or dirt trails...our fav-no drop specialists ALTRA-offers up popular shades of their woven mesh uppers- and super super light weight-high traction styles-for S/S 2018! ALTRA-"zero limits"...just about true!  Available now in summery shades (pictured above/below-are Fall'18) men's and women's specific last women's Escalante-lightweight and with the brand's distinguished wide toe box for toe splayers, Engineered knit uppers -shaped perfectly for a  sock-like fit w/ a performance last with the new    Altra Ego™midsole and decoupled heel...

 Adidas is in the World Cup spotlight as a big time sponsor/outfitter  ( plus a  NY Rangers top, atop A$AP's  in that great ad?) The company's outdoor collection -like the acclaimed other function fashion apparel lines-has eye-catching black/white summer offerings...including this snazzy multi-tasking Agravic Wind Jacket visibility guaranteed-men's AGRAVIC Wind Jacket onsale now $69-handy high energy sports-run/hike option-as well as handy for travel+water sports on cooler days...with a slim fit, water repellant finish, full zip high neck, fitted hood and ventilated breathable mesh panels under the arms.. .women's version too -with flattering princess shape $69

Mad for plaid, prepped Madras and Hawaiian inspired prints-never look dated...in a bad way. Trendster understatements-practical tops for summer-go the distance -fashion wise-and are  practical too ...for life on the go where outdoor days -city nights require functional style. L.L.Bean has plenty of apparel options flouting Madras classic patterns like this L/S Women's Classic Madras Shirt - $59 -in Misses and Petite sizes too.Machine wash+dry-made from 100% cotton India Madras-the roll sleeves have button tabs -handy for hot days.Two button pockets...plus back pleats+rounded hem-gives it a flattering feminine un-tucked look. There's a Signature L/S  men's version -less the roll sleeve tabs and with a spread collar $69.  Matchy matchy- Madras Tote $69-durable cotton canvas body+100% sourced from  India cotton -plus internal hanging zipped pocket-roomy 35L size. L.L.Bean-women's Vacationland pullover -anorak-$59.99...contrast lining/stitching,  side ...

Life on the go... Better for all aged humans, nutritious single serve lunch box snack options...come in savory global flavors or sweet tooth satisfying high protein options. Solid crunchy, chewy textures or fluids... vegan options-plant derived high protein is a trending eat/drink that's better for the planet (too). Tasty options from SAFFRON ROAD -include snack sizes of their crunchy roasted non-GMO chickpeas-in assorted flavors like sea salt or hot tinged in their savory Bombay Spice. Bar food re-defined, imo. SNEAKZ organic-sneaks in veggie servings plus protein in their USDA Organic- shelf stable 'milk'shakes that are dairy free. Sweet too-perfect adult post work out sip-plus retro -lovers-it kinda reminds us of Nestle's  Quik. From Bolton Farms- a line of sweet plant based protein drinks recently launched...USDA Organic-almond milk based -non-GMO-these keep cold options deliver 12 grams of protein/9grams of sugar/150-160 calories.

Life on the go... Need a(nother) reason to travel with a carry-on only ? via GIPHY New Haulers from our fav reliable/durable brands-backed by warranties. THULE' s hardside collection-REVOLVE. Durable frame, exclusive 8 wheel system for easy navigation, and roomy (minimalist) interior compartment...but not available til February 2019. super durable+lightweight-4 sizes available...internal corner protections, front panel is reinforced  nice design-zipper carriages for puncture proof zippers+TSA locks-built in

Flaunt these  for July 4th fireworks-stars and stripes socks made by two brands known for their durability... Awesome -   5.11’s  Sock & Awe American Flag Crew  socks limited edition design emblazoned on SlipStream crew socks-w/ breathable upper+polyester  construction-risks  moisture away and keeps feet dry, reinforced heel, NanoGlide® fiber. Pictured with the same priced- Sock & Awe Liberty crew...which goes with everything-including all black-or denim, DARN TOUGH-a Vermont company that knits its own and guarantees its socks for wear-ever...waves the stars and stripes with these   Micro Crew Ultra Light $19. A fav-these slightly lower than crew-still peak out of hikers...and with great no slip fit and lightweight feel-multi-task for biking and running too. Made of a soft skin feel- nylon-merino wool-blend with 5% Lycra Spandex-these socks are naturally breathable, fast wicking, anti-microbial, with Darn T...

NIKE, PolarFleece, ROKA, TYR Yup-we are admiringly obsessed with Nike's NYC World Cup and Sew-options... choose a jersey or two-and these styles get made with them...wow! only at Spring/W Broadway store in USA yup-on sale already-and a huge line -always-and it's by appointment too. WC worthy soccer tops...customize for your hometown 'hood-artwork-patch   Can't troop downtown to the Big Apple to make an appointment...there are other athletic inspired options for the sporty types...available on line.... Points on the retro logo PolarFleece -made in New England... BUILD YOUR OWN Andover Fleece $120-the soft/warm/ techy Polartec®solid 200 weight fleece made of recycled poly, comes in loads of colors-plus personalized tonal options-sleeves, body, pocket, grosgrain ribbon, collar, placket, snaps, binding---even the neck loop!!! Estimated time 6-8 weeks. Order now and have by late summer when temps start to d...

Sparkling + white  wines from Loire Valley France, South Africa and Greece-travel the globe, palate wise-without leaving home. via GIPHY BOUVET-Ladubay --crisp lively texture, clean balanced fruit flavors-very elegant 20% Chardonnay/80% Chenin Blanc- priced under $14-  from winery established in 1851-now run by 4th generation family. Domaine de Cézen -Coteaux de Loir-good till the last drop...well balanced Chenin grapes-from clay-calcareous soil-this wine pairs well with grilled fish Rich volcanic soils on the glorious Santorini island plus that fab weather=ideal growing conditions for native island grape...Assyrtiko by the Santo Winery -a co-op...crisp, medium bodied fruit-acid - with citrus, stone, and lemongrass  mouthfuls...vinified in stainless steel....ideal for Mediterranean or Asian cuisines eaten anywhere! Nonalcoholic sips are in demand...fresh apples bouquet-delicious chilled-Martinelli's Organic Sparkling Cider. is flute worthy, Widely availabl...

 Part One:  Quaffing regional craft beers-Americans have shown great love for home grown brews. But for sophisticated summery wines-palate pleasing value options are internationally produced...and readily available. Some recent favs...from South Africa Sparkling Rosés merge the win win of summer's fresh fruity acid leaning Rosés and traditional sparkling wines. Perfect for outdoor occasions- from casual beach  outings to fancier celebrations- DGB 's Boschendal 's 300 years of winemaking-produces this yummy award winning,  pink hued Brut Rosé -  made in the traditional Methods Cap Classique - spending 12 months on the lees.  Bonus points for memorable names--- Black Elephant Vintners ' Two Dogs A Peacock & A Horse (yup there's a story MO about the name/label)...a South African Sauvignon Blanc -is  spicier acidic mineral complex sip- than typical New Zealand style wines of this grape-though both have fruity overtones which make these fo...

The long endurance athlete must is getting enough grams of protein (often a challenge for vegans)- especially-after a multi-hour workout when laziness/fatigue to cook (and clean) set in...and those collegiate dinners of cereal-just don't work, anymore for the fuel is food lifestyle. via GIPHY Tour de France road hazard Our Go To Solution: A pea (plus+) protein powder...that's yummy is  SNEAKZ -in all all flavors too-that unlike a lot of other brands...has NO chalky/pasty taste and is  USDA Organic ! Priced at $21 for 340g bag as pictured... .considerably less than our prior fav-that got bought up by Nestle's and got a 30% more expensive. Sure -SNEAKZ  may be marketed/packaged for pint sized humans...serving up essential veggie blends+ probiotic nutrients (also)...but for us- way past our school days - it's a life buoy for recovery replenishments after exercising ...AND especially on the road-for a healthy-and satisfyingly sweet, pre-race meals...

DDB Showroom Program: Blurring The Lives: Living Outside & In The Gloster Showroom (Suite 1601) and Aspire Design and Home Magazine hosted design luminaries and select  AD 100  honored Joe Nahem ( Fox Nahem ), Edmund Hollander ( Hollander Design Landscape Architects ) plus Emily Cosgrove (indoor/outdoor Sunbrella Fabrics' Design Director), and the legendary designer/creative director Sherri Donghia -as moderator- on a lively discussion on the panel's 21st century residential outdoor/indoor renovation projects. Reflections on the "three ecologies...design, architecture, and human elements..."' underscored imaginative highlights and practical approaches-with favorite outdoor environments cited- as creative launchpads. Takeaways: Edmund Hollander creates spaces where "people want to be..." and crafts architecture/design for the outdoors that are reflective of how clients live indoors--- particularly in demand...the comfort practical- casu...

DDB SPRING MARKET 2018 Al Fresco; Inside Out At the Decoration & Design Building The so popular it even has its own hashtag  #VANlife- which we write about a lot ... is both an outgrowth and a mobile impetus/desire for individual household dwellings styled for outdoor living. More meaningfully perhaps- is the need to expand life's moments-beyond solid residential walls...to enjoy multi-generational, purposeful time under the open (or shaded) skies...for recreational fun, entertaining dining-big (and small) celebrations, and the ultimate, quiet relaxation-all in the comfort of one's home environment. Scheduled right after the wonderful NYCxDesign week  and ICFF tradeshow , the luxury showroom packed DDB building hosted a series of informative panels, posh events and open showrooms ( oh -the envy inducing home decor) as well as networking cocktail soirées-ably guided by the country's premier interior/landscape designers, architects, high-end manufacturers, a...

Another horrid story-a few days back... (another!!!!!) malnourished whale dying because it mistook ocean plastic as food-underscoring a world wide crisis that 18  billion pounds of plastic waste is dumped in the ocean, annually. It might seem a bit 'off' to highlight a commercial enterprise  -but it's also a big deal too-and in turn...helps create an eco awareness-when the popular global brand-ADIDAS - expands its well selling collab with PARLEY for the Oceans . Terrex Parley CC Voyager -sock like fit, Stealth® rubber outsole for grip, midsole sidewall- drainage and comfort level-is amazing-EVA footbed and TPU toe bump for protection. Overlays keep the foot stable.  For Fall -ADIDAS Outdoor...more Terrex footwear styles and outdoor apparel ...made with yarn -textile-from plastic trash-retrieved from the ocean (Parley Ocean Plastic™)---were recently previewed. FOR NOW...there a several summer ready super comfy -form fitting-woven upper sneakers -lifestyl...