Lulu's Lace

Have you checked out Lulu's? Every time I see something adorable and lace in a magazine that doesn't cost 1 million dollars it's from the site. I've got my eye on these pretty girl rock taupe shorts.

 And this Van Lear Rose Dress. Nothing like lace for warm, romantic summer nights.

A note from my favorite author

Blissful Buzz

 In the constant heat wave that’s swept NYC lately, everyone has been seeking relief from the oppressive temperatures. Every weekend half the population flees to Long Island or New Jersey, and lines at Pinkberry have been out of control. Every. Single. Time. I try to get an Icee, the machine at 7-11 is empty. You’d think I was trying to get a taquito at 4am. Whether it’s swimming, or a frosty treat you crave you just want to stay cool.

Reunion Surf bar on 44th Street between 8th and 9th has the answer in the form of happy hour. Stay cool and get drunk? They have Sno-Cone Cocktails on the menu. One cone for $4, or 3 for $10 in flavors that scream summer (or Italian ice) like cherry with Tahitian Vanilla bean, Lime with lime vodka, and Raspberry. And get this: each cone has the same amount of alcohol as a regular mixed drink.

Beat the heat, and get buzzed all in one.

Sales on a Schedule

I love a bargain shopping more than the average girl. When I walk out of a store with an item I want, bought for a discounted price, it is such a sense of euphoria. That feeling? It’s what most refer to as a shopper’s high. Stores capitalize on the positive vibes you get when purchasing sale items, and slash price tags to encourage people to buy on impulse-read: buying things just because they’re a good deal, rather than because it’s something you want. Don’t fall prey to this little trick. That’s how you fill your closet with things you’ll never wear.

I’m a seasoned sales shopper. But did you know that sales depend on the day of the week?

Retailers are known to cut prices on bags on Monday, swimsuits on Tuesday, shoes on Wednesday, and dresses on Sunday. At the end of a month, or a financial quarter, deals get even better.

This day of the week sale schedule extends past the department stores to travel and electronics. Score cheap flights on Tuesdays at 3pm 2-14 weeks before you want to fly. Laptops tend to cut their price tags on Sundays.

Happy Shopping!

In my Headphones

I've been on a country kick lately. Thank Pandora. I've been listening to a LOT of Chris Young (love) and his sexy deep voice.

Aaand quite a bit of Sugarland. Enjoy!

Veggie Surprise! Veggies Disguised

So I’ve heard quite a bit about pureeing veggies and mixing them into regular food as a way to “sneak” them into children’s diets without them knowing. The technique first came to my knowledge when I heard about Jessica Seinfeld’s (Yes, Jerry’s wife) cookbook Deceptively Delicious (remember that whole lawsuit scandal?). The July/August issue of Women’s Health magazine was the first time I’ve heard it applied to real adult eating. They report that a study at Penn State University uncovered a hidden benefit to hidden veggies. When study subjects unknowingly ate pureed vegetables in three meals a day, they ate almost 360 less calories a day. They came up with some sneaky substitutions to cut back on the calories of some of your favorite summer dishes.

• Swap ½ cup pureed roasted red peppers for ½ cup mayo in your pasta salad
• Save 435 calories

• Swap ½ cup cooked, pureed spinach for ¼ cup sour cream in veggie dip
• Save 79 calories

• Swap ½ cup pureed beets and 1 can pureed black beans for oil in brownie mix
• Save 469 calories

• Swap 2 cups pureed sweet corn for 1 cup cream in chowder
• Save 556 calories

A way to chow down on summer treats and still cut calories? Sold.

What I Wore Book Party

Last Wednesday I attended the What I Wore Book Party. I have to say, it was a lovely affair. It took place at the DKNY Soho store. I shopped. I drank free champagne handed to me in fancy glasses from handsome men.

And most importantly, I had the opportunity to meet the lovely Jessica Quirk. That's me on the left! Jessica's husband took the photo, and she posted it on her blog today.

I purchased her book, and had a chat about blogging with her.

She wrote me a darling message, and even complimented me on my outfit. What a delight.

Naturally I have already finished the book. It's chock full of handy tips for picking outfits for each season, and the drawings are gorgeous. Things I've learned:

• A pattern is woven into fabric
• A print is a design printed on top of the fabric
• Accessory organization is an art
• Those velvet covered hangers I have to keep clothes from slipping? They're called flocked
• There's another person in the world who uses wine bottles to keep their boots upright

My recommendation, if you're looking to reinvent your wardrobe, pick up the book! And check out her review of the book party here.