LYRA MAG.

OUTDOOR RETAILER GEAR REVIEW: Kahtoola Words/Tradeshow Images Judith Ecochard Product Image SOLE from Website Like taxes and death, we count on two other occurrences…thought these 'happenings' are amusing… One-the onslaught of ‘lose the weight, get in shape…’ headlines gracing the covers of Spring print magazines, particularly those aimed at the ladies… Two- east coast dwellers, usually above the Mason-Dixon line, and many Europeans we know--- complaining about all the snow that inevitably dumps in February…usually when air travel is scheduled. Which got us thinking about one of the easiest, and inexpensive ways to stay in shape in colder climes…and by easy, we mean barely tougher to master than walking. And that is snowshoe-ing…a great way to get outdoors, get the HR going without a lift ticket, inexpensive as the gear lasts -AND is recycle friendly to a large degree-and is practically all ages suitable. CRESCENT MOON is owned by a friendly duo out of Colorado that is passio...

Men’s & Women’s Collections Words/Images Judith Ecochard Automne-Hiver 2010 for the French label Façonnable is full of genuinely posh contemporary daywear for work, and polished,  ‘preppy’ casual attire …that reflects its bon vivant Mediterranean heritage. We are vaguely reminded of Brooks Brothers (or more so the Brooks Brothers we grew up with…) but Façonnable oozes Euro sophistication that’s authentic, not manufactured. Entering the sun filled, French oak paneled showroom overlooking Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue, the press preview began with glimpses of the new “ Rugby Polo Collection”--- based on the signature stripes and patterns of the dapper Façonnable tie collection. Made of quality, touchable cotton…we think women are going to be buying up the small sizes! Other men’s highlights included outerwear pieces---like a suede jacket, pea coat and trench that are really impeccably made…and the suits that are...

  Women Specific Low Profile Pack MAGIC™ and New Wearable Hydration Top Words, Images Judith Eocchard Stock Images from Camelbak website Our hiking buddies always give us a hard time for our beverage of choice when we tackle the mountains…coffee or some souped up energy drink. Now that the type of physical challenges we endure…has changed for now, meaning putting in the hours for a triathlon finish that won’t embarrass us… We totally GET the need for portable hydration systems that can crush the thirst …but won’t crush our time. CAMELBAK® is dominant in the hydration system category …and lucky us, we got to try out two products that are women specific…meaning designed/engineered to fit a gal’s torso with a slimmer harness that narrower and curvier than the guy’s versions.  And this makes a huge difference when one of our goals is to go really fast without any impediments--- but with water on demand. The MAGIC™ (MSRP $75) external fill hydration pack is appropriately ...