I was reading Everyday Food magazine on the subway home today, and read about a tool I never knew existed - a julienne peeler. It works just like a regular vegetable peeler, but instead of wide stripes of peel it creates thin julienne strips of actual veggie. Um...where have you been all my life?! I have a mandolin slicer but hate to take it out because it's a hassle to use. This I would use without a doubt to make carrot or zucchini shreds without the shredder.
I am going to pick one up - just have to decide on a brand. Pampered Chef makes one as does OXO. The one in the magazine was a different brand that I can't recall, but will look up shortly. I can't wait to give this a try!
June 28, 2010
June 26, 2010
A fabulous spring/summer suit!
I am giving a speech next week, and needed a new summer suit to wear. After a surprisingly short time I found one at Macy's that I love! Here it is on the site: http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=470926&CategoryID=39097 and on me:
I still need to find shoes that match a little better than the ones I have, but they're more than good enough for this event. It was a little hard to find a top that went with the suit so I chose a cami in the same dark tan color in the suit's pinstripes.
I just love that it's not black, grey, or navy and that it's short sleeved so no hemming. Plus, I got it for more than 50% off the original price. Score!
I still need to find shoes that match a little better than the ones I have, but they're more than good enough for this event. It was a little hard to find a top that went with the suit so I chose a cami in the same dark tan color in the suit's pinstripes.
I just love that it's not black, grey, or navy and that it's short sleeved so no hemming. Plus, I got it for more than 50% off the original price. Score!
June 24, 2010
Use a labelmaker to keep mascara fresh
I never used to give much thought to the guidelines for tossing makeup until I had an eye irritation last year. Now I'm diligent about it, and I rely on one of my favorite organizing tools - a labelmaker - to help.
Each time I start a new mascara tube, I label the bottom with the month in which it should be discarded. So when I started this new tube at the start of June, I labeled it with "August". That way I know that when August 31st comes, it's time to toss that tube and start fresh.
It takes the work out of trying to remember how old cosmetics are, and reminds me when I'm going to need to go shopping for a replacement. Plus, the idea cost $0 and took about 1 minute. The best of all worlds.
Each time I start a new mascara tube, I label the bottom with the month in which it should be discarded. So when I started this new tube at the start of June, I labeled it with "August". That way I know that when August 31st comes, it's time to toss that tube and start fresh.
It takes the work out of trying to remember how old cosmetics are, and reminds me when I'm going to need to go shopping for a replacement. Plus, the idea cost $0 and took about 1 minute. The best of all worlds.
June 22, 2010
A new option for art
I am a huge fan of photography, and am particularly fascinated by lightweight canvas prints these days. There has been an art booth at my local mall with canvas prints for the last few months (Mac Jac) but none of the prints really spoke to me.
Today when I checked in at one of my favorite decor blogs - Young House Love - they were doing a giveaway from a site that turns your photos into custom canvas prints called Canvas On Demand. The prices seem really reasonable, and the customer showcase lets you see the photos that others have had turned into large scale wall art.
The challenge now is just figuring out which picture(s) to have printed for my dining room. I'm a little sick of the art I bought a few months ago because it's black and white (well, sepia really) and I'm in the mood for color. Once I decide and order I'll take pictures so you can see how they come out. In the meantime if you've ever used Canvas On Demand I'd love to hear about your experience!
Today when I checked in at one of my favorite decor blogs - Young House Love - they were doing a giveaway from a site that turns your photos into custom canvas prints called Canvas On Demand. The prices seem really reasonable, and the customer showcase lets you see the photos that others have had turned into large scale wall art.
The challenge now is just figuring out which picture(s) to have printed for my dining room. I'm a little sick of the art I bought a few months ago because it's black and white (well, sepia really) and I'm in the mood for color. Once I decide and order I'll take pictures so you can see how they come out. In the meantime if you've ever used Canvas On Demand I'd love to hear about your experience!
June 21, 2010
Courtroom style
I had Jury Duty earlier this week, so I needed an outfit that was casual but not too casual, respectful of the seriousness of serving on a jury, and good for an unpredictable climate that I couldn't control. I chose some dark wash jeans, comfy metallic flats, my new rosette t-shirt, and a khaki courdoroy blazer for both polish and warmth. It turned out to be the perfect outfit, even when I was named foreman of the jury. I didn't feel overdressed due to the jeans & tee, but I also didn't feel underdressed because of the dark jeans and blazer. Here it is with and without the jacket:
June 19, 2010
The benefits of clearing closet clutter
For years I have heard the following advice:
Take everything out of your closet. Everything. Then only put back what you absolutely love, love, love. Get rid of the rest, and don't add anything new unless you love that too and are happy every time you get to put it on.
I would have told you that I had actually done that more than once, but the truth is I never really did. I always included some "aspirational" pieces - the ones that have me saying "I want to like that, if only..." or "I like it, but I'm not sure what to wear it with..."
Recently, I did the exercise for real. I took everything out and really only put back what I truly love to wear. The expereince was mind boggling. First, I was left with only enough clothes to fill up one side of my previously full walk in closet! No wonder I always feel like I don't have much to wear! But there was a second side effect...getting dressed each morning got really, really easy. I could see what I have, I know what it goes with, and I was inspired to start mixing and matching the things I love in new ways. It has literally changed my morning routine.
Here's a view into the new closet:
I am SO in love with the empty space on one side. It makes the closet feel so much bigger! I may move some of the back clothes over to the other side eventually so each piece has more space. But for now I'm going to just enjoy being able to see my sneakers.
Full disclosure: the "discard" pile is still sitting on the bed in the guest room. I still can't bring myself to get rid of some of those pieces that I want to wear "only if". I plan to take a rainy day or night to try them on with some of the "loves" to see if I can come up with ways to wear it. But if, after figuring out such an outfit, I don't actually WEAR that outfit in the space of a month or two it's going anyway. If every day for two months I choose to wear something else, that isn't likely to change in 3, 6, or 9 months. That's just the way it is.
I did keep a few things, too, even though I don't wear them now. They're in the spare closet for now. It's mostly classic shapes that I know will come back, but are a little out of vogue now. (e.g. circle skirts) I also allowed myself ONE (and only one) bin of smaller size clothes that I aspire to get into again. And there are a few off season items that I just can't make a decision on right now but will tackle in the fall. The plan is to go through the rest of the pile in the guest room in the next few weeks (before my houseguests come in July) and I am actually looking forward to making the last round of tough decisons and just letting the baggage go.
Try it. I bet you'll like it, too.
June 16, 2010
My Favorite Things: June 2010
It's time for another installment of "My Favorite Things". Here's what I'm loving this month:
1) Laura Mercier primer, tinted moisturizer, and translucent powder. I was in the market for new foundation, and saw the Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer rank #1 in InStyle Magazine's annual beauty issue. Having no better authority to go on, I took the plunge. I'm happy I did. The primer really helps my makeup last, and the tinted moisturizer provides light coverage and SPF in one without feeling heavy. It's rather expensive ($106 for all 3) but I once heard that you should splurge on cosmetics for the areas that need the most help. For me that's my skin. Plus I haven't found a drugstore product that provides the same results.
2) My new lunch tote. Until a few weeks ago I was still carrying the logo lunch bag I got at my last employer. There are so many things wrong with that sentence (corporate swag, 10 year old lunch bag, haven't worked there in almost 5 years) that I decided to get something new and cute. Luckily, I was able to find one that is also infinitely more functional! It has a nice wide opening to fit large bowls of salad, and it just makes me smile when I look at it. Target had some in store in different prints but I liked this one the best so I sucked it up and paid the $7 shipping on an $11 item.
3) Boston Cares. To whom much is given, much is expected. I'm truly blessed, so it's important to me to give back. Unfortunately, my hectic schedule makes it hard for me to find volunteer opportunities. Enter Boston Cares. This group organizes volunteer events and helps people like me find ways to give back no matter how much or how little time we have. I attended a very quick orientation Tuesday night to teach me about the program, and now I'm all set to start signing up for events. (There is a $20 orientation fee but I just consider it a donation.)
4) Switch by Chip & Dan Heath. The first book by this duo - Made To Stick - has been of more use to me than any book I've read in the last 5 years. It's about why some ideas stick (think urban legands) and others don't. As someone who persuades people for a living, the research and recommendations were invaluable. Switch is the sequel, and although I'm only about 40 pages in I'm already hooked. This one is about why people change or don't, and how to get people to change even when it's hard. The writing is so smooth and easy to read, and the concepts are so clearly spelled out it's a pleasure to read. I will say that the findings thus far aren't terribly new to me - my own research deals with changing human behavior and their conclusions support what I've written myself. But they have a way of crystalizing and communicating the ideas that just jumps off the page. (Makes sense given the topic of their first book, right!)
5) Fresh strawberries. There is nothing more delicious than a naturally sweet, fresh strawberry. The season is in full bloom right now and I bought 3 lbs of organic strawberries on sale at Whole Foods this week. Yum!
So there you have it. Five things I'm loving in the month of June 2010.
1) Laura Mercier primer, tinted moisturizer, and translucent powder. I was in the market for new foundation, and saw the Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer rank #1 in InStyle Magazine's annual beauty issue. Having no better authority to go on, I took the plunge. I'm happy I did. The primer really helps my makeup last, and the tinted moisturizer provides light coverage and SPF in one without feeling heavy. It's rather expensive ($106 for all 3) but I once heard that you should splurge on cosmetics for the areas that need the most help. For me that's my skin. Plus I haven't found a drugstore product that provides the same results.
2) My new lunch tote. Until a few weeks ago I was still carrying the logo lunch bag I got at my last employer. There are so many things wrong with that sentence (corporate swag, 10 year old lunch bag, haven't worked there in almost 5 years) that I decided to get something new and cute. Luckily, I was able to find one that is also infinitely more functional! It has a nice wide opening to fit large bowls of salad, and it just makes me smile when I look at it. Target had some in store in different prints but I liked this one the best so I sucked it up and paid the $7 shipping on an $11 item.
3) Boston Cares. To whom much is given, much is expected. I'm truly blessed, so it's important to me to give back. Unfortunately, my hectic schedule makes it hard for me to find volunteer opportunities. Enter Boston Cares. This group organizes volunteer events and helps people like me find ways to give back no matter how much or how little time we have. I attended a very quick orientation Tuesday night to teach me about the program, and now I'm all set to start signing up for events. (There is a $20 orientation fee but I just consider it a donation.)
4) Switch by Chip & Dan Heath. The first book by this duo - Made To Stick - has been of more use to me than any book I've read in the last 5 years. It's about why some ideas stick (think urban legands) and others don't. As someone who persuades people for a living, the research and recommendations were invaluable. Switch is the sequel, and although I'm only about 40 pages in I'm already hooked. This one is about why people change or don't, and how to get people to change even when it's hard. The writing is so smooth and easy to read, and the concepts are so clearly spelled out it's a pleasure to read. I will say that the findings thus far aren't terribly new to me - my own research deals with changing human behavior and their conclusions support what I've written myself. But they have a way of crystalizing and communicating the ideas that just jumps off the page. (Makes sense given the topic of their first book, right!)
5) Fresh strawberries. There is nothing more delicious than a naturally sweet, fresh strawberry. The season is in full bloom right now and I bought 3 lbs of organic strawberries on sale at Whole Foods this week. Yum!
So there you have it. Five things I'm loving in the month of June 2010.
June 3, 2010
Be choosy about what you pay attention to
I struggle daily with too many inputs coming into my inbox, mostly digital. Seth Godin's recent blog post on the topic reminded me of two things:
1) Most of this stuff is useless, even though we think (hope!) it might actually be useful one day
2) We have a right to be picky. In a work context, I'd say it's a responsibility.
1) Most of this stuff is useless, even though we think (hope!) it might actually be useful one day
2) We have a right to be picky. In a work context, I'd say it's a responsibility.
June 2, 2010
Magazine tips galore
Memorial Day weekend 2010 involved me spending 10 hours on trains in the course of 3 days. That's a TON of reading time, and for some reason I wasn't into reading books on this trip. Instead I decided to get magazines. Lots and lots and lost of magazines (about 10, actually). While many magazines are full of the same old useless gimmicks rehased, I did come across a few gems of advice that I thought were valuable. Here are some of my favorite:
An organization called New Eyes For The Needy takes donations of old eyeglasses for underdeveloped countries and helps people in the US get free glasses. (Source: Good Housekeeping, June 2010 Issue)
Several different magazines have recently rated Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 15 as the best every day sun defense. I just bought a bottle last month so I'm glad to see it get such high ratings!
Several magazines also highlighted the Lands End striped beach tote in cotton canvas stripes. I think I might have to get myself one since my old beach bag can be tough to carry (straps are too short to fit easily on my shoulder). My only concern with this one is the snap closure - I prefer a zipper for security.
"Go ask the turtle" - great advice from political commentator and strategist Donna Brazil in this month's "O, The Oprah Magazine". The upshot is that someone saw a turtle by the side of the road, assumed it meant to be by the water, and moved it back. But in reality the turtle had spent months walking up there to lay eggs in the mud and this person had just undone all that effort. The moral of the story is before you try to "help" ask the turtle if they need it.
Two books I'd like to read this summer are Life Would Be Perfect If I Lived In That House and Just Let Me Lie Down. The first is a biography written by a woman who got caught up in a real estate obsession in the search for the "perfect" house and the lifestyle she thought it would bring. The latter is written by the managing editor of one of my favorite mags - Real Simple. Both suggestions came from O Magazine, although there was something odd in the O tidbit on the second one. They said "the last word (we hope) on the complicated life of what Real Simple managing editor Van Ogtrop calls a 'half-insane working mom.'" Not sure what the "we hope" is all about. If they're recommending the book they wouldn't also be digging it, right?
An organization called New Eyes For The Needy takes donations of old eyeglasses for underdeveloped countries and helps people in the US get free glasses. (Source: Good Housekeeping, June 2010 Issue)
Several different magazines have recently rated Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 15 as the best every day sun defense. I just bought a bottle last month so I'm glad to see it get such high ratings!
Several magazines also highlighted the Lands End striped beach tote in cotton canvas stripes. I think I might have to get myself one since my old beach bag can be tough to carry (straps are too short to fit easily on my shoulder). My only concern with this one is the snap closure - I prefer a zipper for security.
"Go ask the turtle" - great advice from political commentator and strategist Donna Brazil in this month's "O, The Oprah Magazine". The upshot is that someone saw a turtle by the side of the road, assumed it meant to be by the water, and moved it back. But in reality the turtle had spent months walking up there to lay eggs in the mud and this person had just undone all that effort. The moral of the story is before you try to "help" ask the turtle if they need it.
Two books I'd like to read this summer are Life Would Be Perfect If I Lived In That House and Just Let Me Lie Down. The first is a biography written by a woman who got caught up in a real estate obsession in the search for the "perfect" house and the lifestyle she thought it would bring. The latter is written by the managing editor of one of my favorite mags - Real Simple. Both suggestions came from O Magazine, although there was something odd in the O tidbit on the second one. They said "the last word (we hope) on the complicated life of what Real Simple managing editor Van Ogtrop calls a 'half-insane working mom.'" Not sure what the "we hope" is all about. If they're recommending the book they wouldn't also be digging it, right?
Tankinis aren't flattering on anyone, at least not according to O Magazine's Adam Glassman. I had been disappointed in the fit of every tankini I'd ever tried on. Now I don't feel so bad!
Chain-strap cross-body bags are no longer lame. They are now considered appropriate options for going out so you can dance freely without having to worry about your purse. Yeah! (mom will also be happy as she LOVES chain strap cross-body bags but hasn't been able to find one in 15 years)
Glamour's June 2010 issue has a great (if high level) summary of the new healthcare legislation and how it impacts many of the common issues of concern to 20- and 30-something women.
Elizabeth Gore and Ivanka Trump have started a great sounding organization called GirlUp (www.girlup.org) that enables young women in this country to help girls across the world go to school and have other opportunities that are proven to give them a better life and lift their entire communities.
Target is issuing coupons inside magazines. I now have 2 coupons for 20% off any one Merona item, one from each of two magazines. They expire 7/15/2010 so you still have time to go get your own! One came from People StyleWatch. The other was I think from Real Simple though I can't be certain.
There are far more good concerts coming to Boston this summer than I knew about. Thanks to an ad in Improper Bostonian I may have to scope out tickets to see Buffet, Foreigner/Styx, Chicago, Meatloaf, Bret Michaels/Lynard Skynard, and Heart. (Geez, am I a classic rock 80s child or what?!)
You can microwave lipstick to melt it then put it in another container to resolidify and allow you to use the rest. This tip came from People StyleWatch in connection with a product - the Japonesque Lipstick Pallette with melting cup. The magazine says it's for sale at Ulta.com but I couldn't find it there. Only Amazon seems to have it. Better fire that factchecker, People!
You can buy sunscreen wipes to take with you on the go. They're by Supergoop and are available (supposedly) at Nordstrom.
They now make a line of OPI nailpolish that is the color of Shrek's skin. I think I'll pass!
Bright fuscia bags are in to dress up a low key outfit with a pop of color. I love this idea.
Quality, stylish weekend bags are EXPENSIVE! I found two that I really liked but both were $300 plus. I want to replace my logowear gym bag from my last employer but not sure that I want to spend that much. The search will be on this summer for a less expensive alternative. But just to dream, here's my favorite, a canvas bag with leather trip by designer T. Anthony. I don't like the colors on the site, though. The one in the magazine was purple with black trim. I like that best. The ones on the site are BORING!
According to InStyle magazine, swimsuits in 1935 covered 35% of the body. By 1942 that had gone down to 24%. Today it ranges from 14% to single digits. Just one question though - who measures this, and how?! They also say that women on average buy 2 new suits a year, have 4 in their closet, and expect a suit to last 3 years.
Drink suggestion from InStyle - put a vanilla bean pod at the bottom of a champagne glass instead of a strawberry.
That's enough for now, I think! I still have about 5 more magazines to go through for the best tips and tricks. But I'll save those for another post. At least I know I got some value from all of the money I spent on these things!
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