Back to Basics

After flirting with other, trendier, beach bags over the last year or two, I've gone back to a tried and true basic... Lands End Zip Top Canvas Bags.  The classic style is here to stay.  The zip top means my stuff doesn't spill out and roll around the bottom of the boat or into the pool.  The inside pockets let me find my cell phone quickly when it starts to ring.  The outside pocket keeps my lip balm handy.  Big enough to hold the essentials - towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottle, phone and lip balm and a good beach read.  Don't be tempted by fleeting trends - stick with a classic.

Do you have one of these yet...if not, you really should!

My sister gave me one of these a few years ago and I have been using it at least weekly, if not more often, ever since.  It's a Microplane Grater.  I use it for zesting lemon and limes, grating ginger, and shaving chocolate.  Originally a wood working tool, it's now a favorite of chefs and cooks and can be found in several sizes.  Be careful, it is sharp, but if you don't already have one...you really should!

Pretty Pins....

Yes, these are bobby pins and that might seem a little dull, but let me explain what makes these special.  These bobby pins are a bit longer, a bit stronger, and have a cute ruffled look.  Plus, they come in different colors to match, or contrast, with your hair color.  I picked up a package of the blond collection at Walmart last week and have been wearing them almost every day since then - to control a stray curl or keep the bangs out of my eyes during a tennis match.  Excellent hold and a bit of metallic sparkle.  I really like them.

Crackers? hmmm... Flatbread? YUM!

I mixed up some home made chicken salad from some left over rotisserie chicken for lunch today.  A little bit of onion, some celery, dried sour cherries, salt, pepper and lite mayo all stirred in with the leftover chicken and mmm, makes a great lunch.  But what made this so good today - new Flatbread Crisps from Town House in the Sea Salt & Olive Oil flavor.  Crispy, crunchy and the perfect blend of seasonings.  Much better than the usual wheat toast or traditional cracker.  I think these would be wonderful with many kinds of dips, spreads or cheese - or even just a small handful with a glass of wine.

New Shoes!

Aren't these shoes cute?!  I recently ordered this pair of Fidji 903's from Nordstroms.  They are so cute, so comfortable, so stylish.... and they were on sale.  I love the go-with-everything bronze color and the little bit of heel.   Unfortunately, they are no longer available on the web site but I noticed my were actually shipped from a store so they may still be available from Nordstroms.  But if you can't find these, check out the other cute styles from Fidji.  Their style names leave a little to be desired (903?!), but the shoes are really, really cute.

Pretzel M&M's - Two favorites combined!

Look what's new in the candy aisle.... Pretzel M&M's!  M&M's has done it - combined two of my favorites into the perfect little bite size candy.  Sweet and salty, smooth and crunchy, and colorful, too!  My daughter tells me these were test marketed in Columbus, Ohio.  Apparently they passed the test because I have seen them both in CVS and Wal-Mart.  Enjoy!

Super Soft Sleepwear

Check out this Super Soft Sleepwear from Gap Body!  I have had several different styles and colors of this sleepwear over the past few years.  So soft, so comfortable!  The styles available this season include the cute cami and lace-trimmed pants.  And you can pick from several colors - including basic black, this soft blue, or a blush pink.  Really pretty, and did I mention, so soft, too?