LYRA MAG.

Part 1 Leaving  aside  Karl Lagerfeld's opine '...trendy if the last stage before trashy...' In the ready to eat world here-food trends are supposed to be the opposite- turning convenient eats into better for you- products. Consumer demands for plant based eats ( like these )-and the popular dietary restrictions of Keto, Whole30, Atkins, Mediterranean and Paleo-have launched loads of products for tastebud believers. In regards to those aforementioned -all eschew processed foods and limit added sugars/limited carbs. For a more detailed analysis- this USA Today article nicely sums up the differences. What's New For Keto adherers...(high fat really really low carbs)...Slim Fast has an entire new division Slim Fast Keto -with rte snacks . Cat approved-the Fat Bomb is a tasty peanut butter chocolate KETO snack-that in a way resembles Reeses peanut butter cup There is a mixed blend oil feel  on the chocolate-but it's not annoying. Nor surpris...

A  BETTER SWEET THING So...what's old is NEW AGAIN. Again. A childhood in a rural area-had farms 'nearby' aka w/i 30 miles-selling  fresh produce and raw honey- straight outta the beekeepers' hives. Hyper Local ! And in a NYC domicile-the original Dean+Deluca and Zabars-had high quality condiments (mostly international origins) - as the first 'specialty food stores'-so it seems-in this country. Added pluses-Arthur Avenue, Hunts Point (Bronx), Chinatown-Little Italy-LES and the Meatpacking district all sold fresh everything else. Pretty much. It wasn't until college-that America's love for processed foods became apparent-as some classmates meal preferences went way beyond the occasional Cheese Whiz-Marshmallow Fluff diet, and Captain Crunch cereal as dinner. Now-the pendulum has swung back, food wise and is better yet . Urban farmers' markets sell straight off the land goods... everywhere there are humans (IRL and online options )......

Hydration needs met with flavor boosts,  alkaline balanced -trace minerals-electrolytes...is a 'thing.' Practically a completely new drinks-foods category a dozen years ago-these better for you inheritors of the Crystal Light-Powered Lipton Tea-4C phenom..are great H2O enhancers without being chemically ingredients' loaded. Our Fav Even before we 'met' the True Citrus reps -we were fans (and buyers) of their tasty low cal single serve berry lemonade-limeade water enhancing powders...non-GMO, gluten-free-and really made with fruit. Makes a statement right there.   We had even looked them up to see if True Citrus was a publicly traded company-stock portfolio worthy   or like in our next life as a Shark Tank investor .  (It is not- privately owned by the founders ).

Plant based protein bars and powders have been popular for years now...as snacks+ A  happy outcome of a growing flavor favors abundance is that tastes/textures have greatly improved- with new brands on the market yet to be gobbled up by huge CPG companies . (observation not judgement). good! protein bars get major tastebud points for yummy-ness and chewy moist "soft and tasty" mouth feel- no need to down a glass of water afterwards. DELIVERS: 15 grams of protein (fava bean+brown rice sources) -220 calories per-non-GMO + soy/dairy free, vegan certified  and delicious . Favs= Choc. Mint and Lemon...sweetened just enough plus with 11 grams of fiber  these bars are real hunger solutions. Ideal for on the go eats-or post long distant endurance race (maybe with a beer or two :-)-with that good balance of protein/carbs needed to replenish. Bonus points-nice packaging. Available online and stores-in PA for now. New to us-but a best seller at MANY IRL+online outl...

The wearing kind... PART 2-Design Trends The Blondes weren't the only high drama rock and roll fantasy attire on the runways this NY February F/W '19... From Turkey-a bunch of designers highlighted the country's textile industry and modern fashion style...in particular the metal loaded catwalk pieces in the HAKAN AKKAYA F/W 19 collection inspired by androgynous attire of Glam Rockers circa  1970's/1980's.

O ff The Runway Influences: Those catwalk and presentation shows that cobble up 6-8 weeks of media coverage-two times a year-serve as indicators for what's trending-in many different industries. True...many companies subscribe to the same color forecasters...but also- it's creative visual types-who are smart thoughtful, insightful and arty ...soak up inspirations from many areas. Travel, art exhibits, a book, a political awakening (movement)...sparks can ignite from within and in reaction to outside stimulation. PART ONE: Clean+Polished+Beautiful Plenty of not a hair out of place polished tresses-notable long hair extensions and down the back braids-parted in the middle low ponytails--- and clean makeup seen from big designer runway shows to smaller presentations. Paola Hernandez -beautiful knitwear/women's wear presentation-featuring Elisa Monte dancers-hair by Cutler, MAC makeup-was flawless. LOVE-modern clean hair-off the face-focus on a classic weara...

S amples From the Bernard Magrez Portfolio of Wines  Grand Crus Classés Bordeaux reds are Valentine's Day perfect -and relatively speaking-are good values vs the trophy red Burgundies. THE Highlight: Grand Crus Classés Bordeaux Reds  from the esteemed Bernard Magrez collection included our favorite-and imo-well priced 2009 blend from  Chateau Pape Clément . This "urban" winery-  dates back to the 13th century(!!!!!)..and is in the Pessac Leognan appellation not far from the center of the Bordeaux region. What we tried-the 2009 vintage-is terrific...a hand picked, earthy intoxicating aromatic blend - with a wonderful  elegant finish-  a complex fusion of deep fruits, leather, smoky-lovely pepper hints (50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc). Many foods including  Asian...would pair well. Priced in the USA around $170+ FYI: this jewel in Magrez portfolio-has white gloved employees de-stemming berry ...