What a novel idea!

Photos: Twelve South

When you purchase a MacBook, it kind of feels like you had a baby and will do anything you can to protect it...while I have never had a baby, I think that proud feeling & excitement is there nonetheless. My PowerBook is now 5 years old and the only tell that it's not new is a few scuffs & dents on the top of it (heartbreaking).

While a do have a neoprene case & like to make it my own by throwing some buttons on it, it just doesn't seem like it would really protect 'my baby' if I dropped it; which is why the hardcover on this vintage book inspired case has everything I have been looking for. Every one of BookBook's vintage literature cases are distressed to be unique and will be sure to be a conversation piece.

The $75-99 price tag IS a little steep, but is a great investment for something so dear to you. To get yours, visit the Twelve South website and make the crucial decision of ordering in either red or black.

The Legacy continues

Alexander McQueen Cruise 2011

When it was announced that the Alexander McQueen brand was going to continue after his untimely death, I was unsure how his vision could be produced through a different creative director. Well, Sara Burton has created a promising first collection with McQueen's Cruise 2011 line. The colorful prints, perfectly tailored pieces and boldly structured dresses show that this brand will continue to be a powerhouse in the industry. Bravo!

The Rachel Zoe Project

A teaser of the season 3 of the Rachel Zoe Project is online & creating quite a buzz!!  If you are a die hard fan, as am I, you already know that Taylor has left the Zoe nest & spread her wings to style on her own (I hear she was behind Kate Beckinsale's fantastic couture gowns at Caanes).  Now, love or hate her (I love her), her style & one-liners gave the show a great balance from Rachel's other assistant, Brad. I truly adore him too, but I can't grasp the idea of the episodes being full of "I die" and his crazy antics.

When you watch the trailer, you will undoubtedly hear Rachel's straightforward & bitter "The last thing I want to hear is something good about Taylor" to Brad's mention of her styling for the Golden Globes.  OUCH!  It appears that the rumors of Taylor stealing from Rachel's fashion closet were confirmed by Zoe in a recent interview with WWD and she still has some hard feelings pent up.  Whatever the case may be, I find it a little dis-heartening that Zoe is so straight forward with her snyde remarks in front of the cameras. Kudos to Taylor for not joining in on this now unfortuantely public drama.

20 Worst (and most disgusting) beverages in America

Photo: ShareitFitness.com

Imagine sitting down and eating 68 strips of greasy bacon-nauseating, right? Well, if you are a fan of the #1 beverage on this list, the Dairy Queen PB&C 'smoothie', that is exactly what you are doing.

The amount of sugar in the drinks on this list are shocking!! Sugar equivalent to 16 eclairs? 12 Bavarian Kreme doughnuts? 8.5 scoops of ice cream? Water that has the same sugar as 2 chocolate eclair bars? It's really outstanding how much sugar is in our local grocer's aisles & chain stores. I don't know about you, but I now understand even more why America is so obese/diabetic and why Jamie Oliver is on his food revolution.

For the complete list (make sure you have an empty stomach) and great alternatives with significantly less toxins, visit ShareitFitness.com

I've got a lovely bunch of coconuts

It appears that any product made from coconuts is the new thing. Coconut water (still not use to the taste), coconut milk, and now, coconut hair products. I have recently come across numerous articles raving about how great MOROCCANOIL® is and the benefits it has for your hair-shine, quicker drying time, strengthens & conditions. Knowing that two of the fans were Lauren Conrad & Whitney Port, which both have beautifully shiny hair, I quickly became a believer.

Not wanting to spend the $30+ on this specific hair product, I was relieved to come across Organix® Coconut Milk Instant Repair Treatment while on a weekly shopping trip in Target for under $5. My hair, while going through a crazy period, is very fine and most products leave a greasy residue and look. Happily, this conditioner did no such thing. You comb it through your hair, leave it on for 3-4 minutes and wash out. That's it. The faint smell of coconuts in your hair is equally addicting. Bonus? Organix® Coconut products are made with organic products, safe for color-treated hair AND the packaging is eco-friendly, being made from post-consumer resin. De-lish.

Today I'm Wearing...

I don't know about you, but one of my biggest inspirations for what I wear is 'street style'. The Sartorialist is my all time favorite website for this reason. I became a follower of Vogue UK online after I found a feature on Alexa Chung called "Today I'm Wearing...", where she took a photo every day for one month to show what she was wearing. Instantly hooked! I love people's individual style and this is now a daily habit of mine that I wanted to share with you!! Enjoy!

Here we go 'round the Mulberry bush....

Photo: Mulberry

After a recent trip to London, I have an increasing love for the city and everything that comes from it. To my delight, Target is teaming up with UK luxury handbag designer Mulberry on October 10, 2010 to create a limited edition handbag collection, Mulberry for Target. In my opinion, it's been awhile since Target's designer collaborations has hit the mark in the clothing department. But, after a successful line with Eugenia Kim's hats & Cynthia Vincent's shoes, I have no doubt in my mind that Mulberry's taste level will be reached effortlessly. Here's hoping they make an 'Alexa' spin-off that would be perfect for the fall months.

Panorama-mania

Photos: Sony

It took me awhile to pay attention to the new Sony's commercial with Taylor Swift, but when I actually did, I became very excited to learn that this camera takes panoramic shots. These aren't like the old cameras that would take a wide angle photo of what is right in front of you. This cyber-shot camera allows you to physically sweep and take a ultra-wide, 270 degree shots in one click! It allows you to 'stitch' 100 photos in one second, giving you an incredible horizontal or vertical shot that looks like something the pros did.

I don't know about you, but I can't wait to get my hands on one and go on a few adventures.

Music to your ears

Taking a road trip up north, I fell back in love with Eisley's cd "Room Noises". I have been telling my friend she would like this for at least a year and finally got her to listen it, after convincing her that fist-pumping music wasn't really the kind of music to get us in the mood for a wine & jazz festival.
I came across Eisley from my friend Jake (whom is the reason that my curiosity with music was awakened) at Academy of Art in 2005, when this album first came out and ran off to Amoeba Music on Haight to purchase my very own CD. The band is considered a 'melodic indie-rock' band-for me to describe what they are, the songs are very calming, a little 'folkish' and just down right enjoyable to listen to. It's the kind of CD that I can find myself listening to all day...whether I'm laying on the beach, driving around, or listening to while walking around in a city while trying to ignore passerby's comments.

What a find! abro handbag

So, after looking at the 20+ bags I have in my closet, they all appeared boring & very muted for the summer....black, tan, dark tan, brown, light brown....all very drab. I wanted something in a light fabric or, maybe, a bright hue. Well, i found just the thing at a recent trip to my nearby Marshall's when I came across this beautiful bag from the Italian line abro, known for their fashion, function and quality. After being obsessed with the kelly green color (photo doesn't do it justice), the roominess and the "like butta" feel, I was dying to bring it home with me. And usually at 400 Euro ($600-700+), I got it on a major steal costing way less than $100. Shopping success!!

Good Eats-French Macarons

For anyone who has been lucky enough to taste and enjoy a french Macaron, especially in France, it's hard to come back to the states and realize that not many people know what they are or where to get them. The first thing people assume is that they are those coconut macaroons. Oy! These are different. Macarons, meaning "fine dough", are made primarily of almond flour, sugar, and egg whites. The most important part-the outside crust on both cookies should be crunchy, with the inside texture very moist. When this is perfected, these cookies are built around a satisfying creme/jam that just melts away.

On a recent trip to Las Vegas, I made it a point to venture to Jean Phillipe in the Bellagio to stabilize my cravings for the next few weeks (or days) and stock up. To my delight, I came across a large raspberry flavored version with FRESH raspberries and a wonderful creme in the center. It was like eating a work of art....the guilt passes after the first taste, though.

Usually, they come in chocolate, raspberry, pistachio, coffee and vanilla, but, if you are more the adventurous type, Paulette Macarons in San Francisco have delectable flavors like rose, lemon, caramel pecan and lychee. Even better, they are certified kosher dairy.

If you are in the NYC area, Mad Mac NYC's gluten free macarons are always getting rave reviews. I honestly don't know a better idea than their wedding cake with tiers of macarons!

Maybe you aren't in one of these areas & don't want to risk spending so much money for something you haven't tasted. Not a problem! Check out your local Trader Joe's freezer and you can find a $3 assorted 12-pack of your liking. Now, I haven't had them personally and have heard mixed reviews. But, I think even if they are a little more tender than normal due to the freezing, they will still satisfy your taste buds a plenty.

Cheeky Oxfords?!

Photo: Boxing Kitten

I really can't handle how much I am in love with these oxfords. Not only are they colorful & airy-perfect for these hot months-but they are eco-friendly, signed by the cobbler, and there are only 50 shoes made!! How cute will these be when you are taking a ride on your bike, strolling the shops, or having a night out on the town?

What else can I say, but go get them before they are sold out!!!!

Good Eats-Mango Salsa

Photo: seasaltwithfood.com

I had a phenomenal Mango Salsa from Dean's Market with my bbq'd chicken this evening, and it was absolutely delicious! I found a similar recipe that I am going to share with you, that has the same ingredients.
Bon apetit!

Ingredients
1 Large Ripe Mango, diced
1 Medium Size Red Bell Pepper, diced
1 Small Red Onion, diced
1 tsp Cumin Powder
1 Big Lime, juiced
3 Tbsp Chopped Cilantro
3 Tbsp Orange Juice
Sea Salt to taste
Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Directions
Combine all the ingredients and season well with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

Greenopia

For those of you who are trying to reduce your carbon footprint by seeking out restaurants, coffeehouses and stores carrying products that are living green, Greenopia.com is what you have been looking for. These 'Greenopians' are scouting out and reviewing across the country. If you aren't lucky enough to be living in a green-friendly area, no worries!! They have an online EcoConscious store with every product across the board, PLUS, city guides to keep you busy on a beautifully sunny day. I think I am seeing Green.