LYRA MAG.

Big Apple based day-or get outta town weeklong excursions- are value friendly . Under January's  blue(r) skies, enjoy sporty mountain endeavors-all within reach of one of the greatest cities on earth. BONUS: Upgrades and freebies abound. ADIRONDACKS ·       Gore Mountain   (North Creek, Essex County) anticipates biggest snowmaking season with its new new snowmaking machines-serving  14 lifts, 110 trails for beginning - expert skiers  In addition, new grooming machines will ensure a smooth experience on the nine sides of four peaks of alpine terrain. For those looking forward to après ski, the Tannery Pub and Restaurant will also double the size of its facilities. ·           West Mountain’s   (Queensbury, Warren County)  nearly $3 million investment includes treetop aerial adventure  includes new SMI snowmaking sticks and 49 snowmaking fans to create optimal ski conditions, a new chairlift for...

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...

Milk Studios, West 15 th Street, NYC Brooklyn based design duo Sophie Buhai and Lisa Maycock of Vena Cava followed the sunshine for Spring 2011. Their well designed (and received, fyi) collection--- infused some oxygenated Southern Cal ease into bold color blocks of fabric--- inspired by the Memphis design movement of Italy, circa 1980’s. We thought immediately of Halston in the 70’s though when we saw the looks walk the runway…flowing gowns, cropped linen/rayon and crisp, polished “press” pants, breezy gauze tops, and silk camisoles. Tailoring that yes, can be referred to as American classic”--- but really a modern 21 st century version for today’s gals. Inspired by a few decades ago maybe, but nothing vintage about anything we saw. And flattering silhouettes too with straight forward tailing...clean lines, not complicated cut out panels that we saw in a lot of other collections…figure enhancing, not constricting or sloppy.  ...