LYRA MAG.

 With a focus on all things HOME The 'experience' of travels and attending (legal) events ...maybe off the 'list' for now :-( The upside? Great Black-Friday-Cyber Monday-New Year's (self) gifts that won't costs as much as airfare. Our at Home Fatigue  includes the 'joys' of home cooking. So over it . To ease the drudgery... shelf stable tasty spice blends/sauces to take the basics from ho hum to palate perker-uppers.  Old Arthurs   BBQ sauces from zesty hot-to some kick mild...and spice 'rubs' in a handy box set- taking the guess work out of yummy grilled, roasted or broiled anything (like corn on the cob or healthy squash). Savvy Goose The Flight -a gift ready-allergen free- shelf saver for all those spices you know you will never use (again). Carefully blended by top chefs -these handy options are awesome for us lazy microwave only cookers -rendering our typical steamed vegetables almost worthy of a gourmand.  FOR true worthy of gourmand status

AMAZON PRIME's Heidi Klum/Tim Gunn's fashion contest spectacular, MAKING THE CUT  s final trio of contestants...included talented Berlin based designer- Esther Perbandt. ..that we've have admired for MORE THAN A DECADE. Her fabulous debut show for Berlin's Fashion Week on July 4th, 2009- inventively merged street fashion with performance...in that creative metropolis of talent...way before social media made urban backed selfies and reality TV so been there/done that. Check out the review of 'modern, well tailored separates..." from the archives... HERE

STUFFED PUFFS  Chocolate on (in) Chocolate delivers  a surprisingly rich indulgent treat ---a pleasing powdery fluffy outside encasing the perfect gooey deep chocolate center that tastes more like those expensive luxury bars that costs double . Ideal for non-marshmallow folks (too)...we'd pegged the flavor/texture sky high satisfy scale more like America's favorite gift-able treat (chocolate) -than the S'more staple...though like that melt it crisp filler...Stuffed Puffs can multi-task. Truth be told-we inhaled our samples-straight out of the bag and did not feel like sharing, any.  But these can also be baked, melted (in Rice Krispies bars, for example), roasted and dipped in warm/cold beverage.  Available at  Walmart -priced at $3.98 per 8.6 oz bag and other retailers + online at  www.stuffedpuffs.com  with prices ranging from $4.49 -$4.99.  - the"Not Your Average Marshmallow" Stuffed Puffs  genuinely manage to conjoin the marshmallow-authentic milk

Wellness is a 2020 theme-and  a permanent lifestyle. Mindful healthy habits-permeate everything-(especially) what's eaten/sipped. The SLOW FOOD and SLOW WINE designation-originated in Italy. It identifies and promotes  organically grown-minimally or (arguably) completely non- processed food and wine -in several parts of the world-that 'capture' the originality, place and sense of history. The SLOW movement -also underscores healthy farming practices aka "...respect for the land and environment..." Spring Mountain District Cain Five 2007 red blend cab sauv, merlot, cab franc, petit-verdot malbec At a recent NYC stop of the Slow Wine tour...many sippers made a straight line for the American wineries' tables. One of our favs...a terrific  juicy (mostly) Cabernet Sauvignon blend from California's CAIN VINEYARD and WINERY. Spring Mountain District Cain Five 2014 -red blend combo of all five Bordeaux grapes-  cab sauv, merlot, cab franc, petit

PART ONE: SUNGLASSES Hitting the lone-wide open road...seems like the perfect 'self-care' vacay nowadays. Limited storage=multi-tasking clothing+accessories+footwear that double for active-leisure pursuits-the only stuff to carry on. SUNGLASSES are musts...at a great price, even better . Top Pick: 100% UVA-UVB blocking for outdoor jaunts under bright blue skies- are 'just' part of the protective attributes of the incredibly lightweight- great fitting -and amazingly priced   new Tifosi SWOON 'shades -a worthy addition to their best selling SWANK series- intro'ed last year. These latest frame shapes- deliver sharp vision and sporty chic style . LOVE: Gradient lenses (darker on top, fading to lighter lower ) are the hottest in demand lenses choice of celebs wearing  sunglasses. AND  imo-the SWOON are worthy of them and us. Suitable for medium-large faces...the SWOON almost wrap around shape-with tiny air vents at the sides to prevent fogging

In a way-KISS is one of the original indie beauty brands... AND ...once again-this company has given consumers a professional looking 'fake' eyelash option. But courtesy of some company thinking-we think the new FALSCARA is a game changer for those wanting length/volume/curled lashes with ease. KISS host master makeup artist supreme Carolina Gonzalez (L) gave a tutorial on how to use Falscara in a few easy steps! Starter Kit...begin with a mascara free face ...first  uncap the wisp lashes (they are packaged under plastic), then apply a light coat of the bond (enclosed-one end of the Falscara wand), take a false wisp lash (as is or trim) apply underneath the area you want-underneath the lash using the enclosed handpiece applicator or your fingers, tap/push secure it on (we used our finger for this step), apply the sealer- --and tap the Falscara securely again. DONE. Tips: Absolutely apply the false wisp underneath 'real' lashes- not on the waterline ...f

THE LIST: Part 2 Waterless Beauty/Grooming Portable split are bars of cleansers, conditioners, shampoos...are handiest, easy to stow option for limited storage. The men's leaning best sellers from DUKE CANNON Supple Co. -includes retro cool packaging and nifty-gender neutral (imo) cologne bars. SOAPS FUUUNNN -come in a variety pack FAV Lush  makes a slew of vegan -cruelty free and effective options for head to toe washing-in addition to those practically collective bath bombs. A little cover-up gem-by indie beauty Blinking Owl Acres -is the holistic (best selling) non-toxic mineral foundation powder-one up-with organic moisturizers in its featherweight formula one can hike in (aka not cake-y)...plus imo-adds to sun block help with Zinc Oxide-Mica-Silk ingredients. A Better Sip: A best design winner -LARQ lightweight self cleaning water bottles have built in light zapping-that removes the odor causing bacteria + chlorine taste of drinking wate

A need for wide open spaces -paces early springtime travel. BENEFITS...skip the crowds (you probably don't want to be around anyway), save $ in 'shoulder season' pricing...and still enjoy great weather, miles of roads and spacious skies. THE LIST: Part One: 1977 Volkswagon Van Frieda-has gone electric THE Wheels... 2019 Modern Mercedes Metris custom pop-up camper vans are available-as well as  vintage Volkswagen Vanagons  Obsessed with a road trip or life in a renovated van? SEATTLE based PEACE VANS' glam refurbished Mercedes and Volkswagens-are available for rent or purchase. Amazingly-an all electric, renovated VW van is charged up for rent too. AS hip as a Tesla(?)....nope... FRIEDA  is way cooler (pictured up top) . $25,000 of renovation onboard each plush ride... THE DEETS... Peace Vans Rentals is powered by the Volkswagen Van restoration experts at Peace Vans and brainchild of Seattle entrepreneur Harley Sitner.  From its inception in 2

A winner for design at the recent NY NOW tradeshow-Airinum Urban Air masks  are sellouts. Seriously. Available (in quotes, here) in XS-L -these Swedish designed masks have replaceable filters that snap in (easy enough)...to provides protection from what ails OTHER PEOPLE. Note: Packaged like a rather chic Apple product (hence it's carried by MOMA design store)...we wouldn't be surprised if someone just snaps this company up. Comes with adjustable ear loops and a head strap, in three color choices $69 (plus limited edition selections  $99)...and delivers with a travel bag-and two FIVE LAYER filters. Filter slides in on back-and two snaps cover air holes to death through. FYI...comfy. Certified to protect vs. PM 2.5- designed is to filter out invisible particles of air pollution (too), plus allergens like dust and bacteria. https://www.airinum.com BONUS POINTS: Member of 1% For The Planet via GIPHY

Valentine's Day is a chocolate occasion...but so is every other day too when it comes to the good stuff . Women owned and handmade...these chocolates are to be shared with anyone on your sweetheart list... MarieBelle Izak Zanou ganache 16 piece assortment - so chic-so yummy. Rich gourmet treats made from single origin,  artisanal beans-featuring the whimsical (and collectible) artwork of fashion illustrator Izak Zenou Maggie Louise Confections -fab chocolate and  even fab-ber packaging (if that's even a word...) SOLID LIPSTICK=SOLID CHOCOLATE Maggie Louise Confections' display at recent NY NOW tradeshow-fun shapes of 'real' objects in bite sized, solid chocolate via GIPHY Easter Time-Maggie Louise Confections has an admirable  plethora of  special occasion options ...

NY NOW PART 4 Unusual or usual materials used unusually-the antithesis of mass merchandise. METALACE -The Art of Lace On Metal...stunning designs include these multi-tasking bowls/baskets/holders as well as wall art and lightening. METALACE -trays HANDMADE Wild Woolies Felt BirdHouse Kit-made of sheep's wool- by a Fair Trade collective based in Nepal...sold on Amazon LA VIE DESIGN  an events/design service run by two sisters-had us obsessing on their keepsake - cake boxes-crafted to a whole other (collectible) level. Themes-sizes vary -and custom work is available too. PERFECT for one's homemade efforts. Keepers all! AXIOM  GLASS -hand blown stunners-are tipsy (or not-stand up right too). Vases, vessels-bowls and cups/tumblers -made in Detroit by one VERY talented guy, Andrew Madvin. WOW.

2020 NY NOW Highlights: Part 3 Earthy elements- and hand crafted items bring an authentic textural touch to modern homes. Outdoors inside: Outdoor spaces are often the most popular 'room' of any home-that's if you have one. For the majority of living urban apartment dwellers-furniture for inside the walls-made of materials typically seen under the open skies or enclosed porches-are gaining traction. IMO : Works well with typical upholstered pieces-like contemporary seating. Accessorize with an abundance of green and flowering plants... sturdy woven fibers...with wood frames=classic SEEN-materials including sea grass, banana eaves, resin wicker, rattan, wrought iron steel, and not seen much=plastic. Metal-iron...brings that outdoor French café vibe indoors... panel patterns of this wood frame credenza reminds of metal radiator covers BIDK --wholesale only HOME ACCENTS Woodsy tree branches...base of a lamp See through acrylic trays-with