LYRA MAG.

NOBEL SQUARE -statues of four of the country's Noble Peace prize...Albert Lithuli, Desmond Tutu, FW de Kleerk, and Nelson Mandela. A 'seventh wonder of the world' Tabletop Mountain...in the background A cuppa ---no better non-caffeine sip than South Africa's Rooibus tea...naturally sweet and soothing. South Africa's Nike football team jersey-made into a long anorak... South Africa's 'cuisine' is actually very varied----reflecting it location at the tip=aka as a major trading port. Above- foods influenced by India's culture  morphed with African offerings--- resulting in spice loaded (cumin, coriander, cardamom, fennel, turmeric):- to insanely hot eats.  Vegetarian snacks-fried samosas...fried whole peppers-and fresh sliced veggies-paired with soothing yogurt and sauces. FYI-three of us barely made a dent into this filling appetizer. Halal meats and curries =standard fare. CODA: South African wines are great values...the nearby Ste

The (new) modern/conceptual art destination PRADA Fondazione -designed by star architect Rem Koolhaas Open seven days a week ...former distillery plus new buildings...featuring site specific and collected conceptual/modern art, sculpture, videos...  The wine-Italian grape-100% Nebbiolo DAMILANO Barolo   Riserva Cannubi "1752"intense ruby garnet, dry robust -red fruits cherry-licorice-cocoa-leather-tobacco intense flavors The eats-hunks of Parmigiana and fresh fruit or...Nutrella Grilled Cheese -at Bar Luc e (Prada Foundation designed by film director Wes Anderson, seriously ) The footwear...high glamor sneakers by luxe wedding dress designer  Antonio Riva Milano ...comfortable enough for all day walking...  or limited edition drops-Adidas Falcon (if/when)

A new season...a good a time as any to replenish a few stand-byes! via GIPHY Reboot drinking + hauling options... Summer staple sip Pinot Grigio-gets a sophisticated upgrade that not only pairs well with light summer fare (ceviche, fresh fruit salads, grilled fish)...but also heartier cold weather soups+stews. Dessimis Pinot Grigio Fruili Isonzo DOC 2016 (Vie Di Romans) by the 3rd generation of Gallo family members (and no that those Gallo  ) is a way more polished wine than our previous palate memory of what that wine tastes like--- This one is refreshing yet has a memorable minerally palette-with some fruits that made us rethink pinot grigio period. (around $39). Actually say this is a Chablis competitor.   And while changing beverages-it might be time to ditch the beach bound hauler for game day ORCA coolers -decked out in your fav NFL/NCAA team's moniker. Tail gate alerts!

Plant based treats-as snacks or entrees- are leaving the fringe of food aisles... finding favor beyond its prior niche eaters' status. Recent Tries... LOVELOVE Edibles- plant based cakes-made to order- are gluten, soy, refined sugar, agave and egg free...and are moist chewy bites of raw ingredients. Cakes are pictured above...and the equally tasty cacao +maca energy bitez with hints of vanilla, black pepper+ salt-sweetened up with coconut nectar -are equally good. 

Better for you -no cook -snacks and non-meat and vegan protein ...latest trends in foods are tasty, too! Peeled boiled eggs are a protein loaded 'thing' now! Sauder's versions are amped with beet goodness-in 2 and 6 packs. Another trend -hidden veggies -don't get much tastier than these dessert worthy Garden Lites in chocolate. In the freezer section at stores fyi...but stash them in kid's lunch boxes-and by the time they eat them-most chewy and ready! Delicious -we kept a box in the fridge. Six flavors available-options all tasty-include dairy, soy, peanut, tree nut+gluten free. Around 100-120 calories per...with real deal iron, potassium and calcium too. The chocolate- what we tried...has zucchini + carrots as the first two ingredients. IMPRESSIVE. Microwave them for few seconds...for  even more of a moist chewy texture.  Plant protein is more mainstream these days-out of the niche vegan category and part of a lot of everyday meals+snacks. G

Gotham Hall/NYC 65% of the world's population has curly-wavy-coily hair-according to the dynamic Michelle Breyer, leading light of the NaturallyCurly.com website, e-commerce platform, digital media giant- and overall cheerleader for luscious locks...for 2 decades already (!!!)...so it was only a matter of time before major and niche haircare brands for that massive haircare market went natural (toxic ingredients be gone) Mielle Organics-ingredients include good for hair moisturizing, healing oils.... ---and imo-more mainstream. 

  Our adult take on back to school shopping-is limited to our three fav categories...shoes, food (sweets, and drinks....                                                                                                                    The Perfect Shoe Summer weather-lasts a long(er) time-despite calendar indication...yet we're over the flip-flops. Gorgeous floral pointy toe stunners-from affordable NINA  shoes-will carry us to and fro' work, Fall weddings in the country, and weekend downtime when it's denim/leggings plus a tee, tops.

Capetown's past as an important shipping port-is easily understandable given it's beautiful location on the tip of Africa. Now multiple bays along the ocean -offer wide open sandy clean beaches, visiting whales/dolphins hangouts, ferry accessible island destinations with history (Robbins island-where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 20 years), and accommodations ranging in styles from luxurious glam to basic. Outdoors' paradise, cultural and artistic destination, boutique/unique items from burgeoning fashion/jewelry handcrafts,  plus culinary delights and world class wines...ALL found in abundance in Capetown, South Africa. No wonder so many people we know have this lovely city on their upcoming travel itineraries. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens  against the eastern slopes of Tabletop Mountain-considered one of the world's finest. Open everyday. Capetown Stadium was built for the FIFA World Cup Final in 2010. It's huge-seating 55,000 (pe