LYRA MAG.

#GIVINGTUESDAY gifts ... to feel good about this holiday season. Buy from a wide range of goods -and price points from companies that are biz members of 1% For The Planet (earmark 1% of gross sales to non-profits). Two companies we love- Patagonia and it sub snack brand Patagonia Provisions, and stunning housewares and portable bottles designed by SOMA  are both members...and offer up loads of items to please anyone on your list. Tasty treats made by non-profit fav Greyston  Bakeries-that trains/employs really anyone with the desire to learn-no barriers to work... (OpenHiring®-with the winning motto EAT BROWNIES TO CHANGE LIVES )... For coffee lovers-"Fuel Your Day With Purpose" CHAPIN COFFEE 's Organic Fair Trade 100% Arabica coffee- (Signature Gift Set) is packaged in a beautiful reusable hand woven sack -donates  school meals to children living in rural Guatemala via a partnership with NGO Pueblo A Pueblo

Part Three Under the radar brands that make the best ... Yoga mat strap carrier-Thalé Blanc  vegan leather tabs- adjustable strap...w/ a clip to attach keys etc. CHIC! $64 Experienced D1 Crew Team approved...WaterRower is truly superior-pulling  the patented waterfly wheel is the closest experience rowing wise- to actually being on the water outside- really amazing. And a full body workout (pretty much). Bonus...vertically stores instead of being a wet laundry hanging rack (hogging up a lot of floor space). German engineering came up with this-and the water (and container) need only one easily placed chloride tablet every bunch of months to keep it clean. Several models available-including different ethically sourced hardwood frames, stainless steel -pictured-as well as high rise -pictured- and low rise (on the floor) models. FYI: A cherry model  made in the USA is featured in the MOMA DESIGN STORE   Smiles earned- SOULGANI ACTIVEWEAR separates hav...

part 2 Amundsen Sport s' collection of tech performance head to toe apparel separates/shoes/boots-have rightfully earned 'BEST OF..." from outdoors'y media royalty... After all... This Norwegian collection-made in those special European locales with expertise -boasts top of the line performance/protection fabrics (like Schoeller ), and materials ( Vibram's Arctic Grip ) etc. But what really grabbed our eyeballs beyond the multiple hangtags  -is the label's stylish fusion of the best retro looks that ooze city cool (think '90s iconic J Peterman selections)...with high-end functional travel-trek-mountain scaling pieces usually reserved for global jaunts in remote locales. Where your outfits are often key to surviving the elements. Highlights: MOUNTAIN MUCKS ILUJJINIQ Waxed Cotton zip front water-tough gaiters (snap shut top with logo patch)-atop lace-up leather boots.Limited edition-in dark oak/natural. Comes with 2 inner boots (standard ver...

GET Outdoors! part 1 EYE PROTECTION AND GREAT FITTING STYLE DON'T HAVE TO COST MAJOR $. ECO LEANING SUNSKI -DESIGNS THEIR OWN SHADES...HAS FLATTERING CITY-SKI SLOPE SHAPES THAT OFFER FULL UVA-B PROTECTION. POLARIZED LENSES WITH FRAMES MADE FROM RECYCLED PLASTIC & PACKAGED IN RECYCLED CARDBOARD. UNDER $50 PER. CUTE+COZY. Warm boots for cold temps don't have to be clunky-or heavy or expensive. These White Mountain  Emory Nubuck Leather Bootie lace-ups  with a hiker vibe-offer weather protection, a grippy functional wedge heel...and fashion-y wedge with cushioning power. Bonus: Padded fleece collar-can be turned up or down. $89 You can walk all day in these Tansley Suede Bootie s-in New Chestnut brown (pictured) or 4 other shades=comfort and function w/ a treaded lug sole-plus stylish faux fur trim + D-ring cord laces. $99 PENDLETON's Rockchuck Range Tall Boot  (pictured in Spider Rock) are constructed of waterproof leather w/ the brand's W...

For furry felines-to dogs that tag along...   TWIN CRITTERS has a cornucopia of cat crafty products including FUN handcrafted 100% New Zealand wool hideaways/cat caves in whimsical fish/animal designs and kitty Silvervine (a plant more potent than catnip or replace it ) loaded polyester toys in shapes of  feline wine/liquor bottles.  Swear by these---and the Silvervine/catnip, conveniently inside compartment- w/ a zipper closure for easy removal/replacement with Silvervine/catnip too. STOCKING STUFFER: For dogs- TennisWools™ are standard shaped -sized like tennis balls but a safer alternative- with no harsh chemicals, synthetic fibers, or rubber,  There's a smaller version for cats + small dogs  are available too $14.99. KittiForte™ KittiKoctail™ KittiLush™   K9 Sport Sack -forward facing backpack/dog carrier- for those that want their dogs to keep pace with them on the trail, on a bike (?!!) or on city byways. Several s...

Inspiration for an IRL Gift Watching (hearing) a toddler wail-for 2 hours 22 minutes-from pre-boarding -to a final descent   on a recent flight. A trio of adults-nanny - parents-attempts to tempt the offspring with an iPad video-failed- again and again . Onboard- the nanny - escaped to coach... the father, quickly napped in first -tuning out the decibels... the mother desperately kept to a screen 'pacifier' for those tears loaded eyeballs...as fellow passengers looked (heard) on incredulously. On the one hand-the lung power of this two (ish) years' old-was impressive...on the other-the lack of a physical object, a picture book-crayons-coloring paper, a toy- a puzzle, doll, cards, stuffed animal or physical activity- liking walking up and down the airport terminal pre-flight-or up and down the aisle to blow off steam- during. ..guessing-might be new ideas for adults-probably used to plopping kids down in front of a tv screen-and having them insta-absorbed. Eh. For...

Offering cocooning seated shelter since the 17th century wingback chairs are classic-and are remade for today by loads of furniture makers. Outdoor versions-  reminded us of our fav-the beautiful hand woven Orkney Chairs from Scotland ...while indoor versions are modern and suitable for any interior styles. Dedon Wing Chair made for the elements-tough-but is indoor worthy-especially in homes/resorts in destination seaside/outdoorsy locales. Another winner, pictured below... traditional lines... Global Furniture-showed this modern wingback-and a Primacare Wing back aimed at healthcare facilities Made Goods  showed off a honey combed wicker..that fits (sits) in-indoors or out---not pictured-their all iron-hand hammered Alfred Lounge Chai r is an art piece. hand tufted details...and the print curved back panel-makes this wingback-unique