The BEST Thing Ever!

These colorful, witty notecards from Mental Floss are just too fun.  Featuring cheeky puns, bright colors and modern graphics, it's a great way to send a smile thru the mail!  The cards come as a set of twelve, two each of six different designs, for $9.95 at the mentalfloss.com store site.

New Shoes!

I am in love with my new shoes, the Vince Camuto Lilliana 3 Flat.  I had on my shopping list for this fall a pair of "smoking slipper" style shoes, preferably in an animal print.  These were love at first sight on the Nordstrom website.  I love the black and white snow leopard print, but just on the front so it isn't overwhelming.  But, upon second sight, I had my doubts.. the rest of the shoe is black glitter!  It seemed a little cheesy.  But I took a chance and I'm glad I did.  Yes, it's glittery, but its subtle and hey, why not add a little sparkle to your life.  I tried these out last Friday with a pair of rolled boy-friend jeans and a solid red T to run some errands then head to the football game.  Still rocking the team spirit, but stepping it up a notch.

Soft and Soothing

We've all been there... at the make-up counter, the cosmetologist/sales person has a counter full of colorful new shades of lip gloss and eye shadow, she does your make-up for you in the newest colors and with the latest high-tech moisturizers and serums using a fist full of expensive make-up brushes.  When she's done she asks if there is anything you would like to purchase today - and of course you go for the latest pretty lipgloss and maybe the serum guaranteed to keep you looking young and fresh, but the brushes... really?  Why not save money and use your fingers?  Well,  I recently changed foundation formulations and I have to admit I was very impressed with the application by using a foundation brush.  Even coverage, smooth application, and a very soothing feel as you brush it on.  Almost like a mini facial!  So now I am the owner of a Bobbi Brown Foundation Brush, and I love it!

Mama Mia ~ Italian Tomatoes!

Are you enjoying an abundance of tomatoes, fresh from your garden or the farmers' market?  Then you may want to try this recipe, one of our favorites.  Even the kid's friends who "don't like tomatoes" do like this recipe.  Thanks to my husband's cousin, Jan, for this favorite family recipe.

Italian Tomatoes

3 large tomatoes, or more, use a mix of colors if you have them, sliced

1/3 c olive oil

1/4 c red wine vinegar

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1 clove garlic, minced

1 T onion, chopped

1 T parsley, chopped

1 T fresh basil, chopped

A couple shakes of dried oregano

Arrange tomatoes on serving platter.  Mix other ingredients and pour dressing over tomatoes and serve.

I'm on my third pair, so I guess you could call these one of my favorite things!

I know we are starting to think fall and look ahead to corduroys, denim jackets and boots, but after wearing these shorts all summer, I thought I should add them to my String of Pearls.  They are the J Crew Chino Short - and come in several inseam lengths from 3" - 9".  Being a little on the tall side, I prefer the 9" length, and have them in three different colors.  They wash and wear and fit so nice.  Regular price is $48, but many colors are on sale now for $38, and a few colors are now $29.99.  Maybe I should add a fourth pair for next year?

Aqua Love!

So a month or so ago I was shopping on-line at Nordstroms for a dress to wear to a friend's wedding when along the side, under "you may also like" popped up a picture of these shoes.  Like?  LOVE!!  I ordered the dress and the shoes, but ending up sending the dress back and falling in love with these shoes - the Tom's Calypso Canvas Wedge in Aqua blue.  Love the color and so comfortable, too!  I wear these a lot with a bright orange sleeveless dress and a touch of turquoise, and last week I went a bit patriotic in honor of the Olympics with a white skirt, dressy red T and the aqua Toms.  When I pulled them out on a family vacation, they got rave reviews from my stylish nieces, so I know I made a good choice with these fun shoes.

Popchips!

Are you like me and like a little something crunchy and salty with your sandwich or burger, but would prefer something a little bit healthier than a standard potato chip?  Then you want to try Popchips!  Popchips are a potato chip that is not fried and not baked but blasted with some heat and pressure to make them pop.  At half the fat of regular chips, and only 60 calories for 12, you can still have your crunch and salt fix and without blowing your diet for the day.  Popchips come in a most common potato chip flavors, but our favorite so far is the barbeque.  Try 'em and tell me what you think!