We All Scream For Ice Cream

OK, so summer is all but over, but is it so wrong to want to eat the most delicious ice cream on the planet any time of year? I didn't think so, I knew you were on my side.

Let me tell you, of all the ice cream I have had, and I consider myself a well-traveled ice cream expert, nothing compares to Graeter's Ice Cream. Once you dive into the heavenly Black Raspberry Chip or the Double Chocolate Chip, you will be a true believer.

Graeter's is located in Cincinnati, but they ship overnight and it is worth the 24 hour wait. It costs a little more than store bought ice cream, but let me tell you, it is worth every penny!

Graeter's is my "go to" mail-order gift for friends, family and business associates.

Graeter's Ice Cream

Toys From Yesteryear

With all the super-advanced electronic toys out there, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that my daughter prefers mostly the old classics. She loves to play with my "old" Barbies and all the classic 60's garb I still have for them (wow, did I just date myself?). She also loves good old fashioned Legos and Playdoh.

I have come across a wonderful company that stocks many of the old standbys. Toys such as Creepy Crawlers, Slinkys, Lincoln Logs, Rock'em Sock'em Robots, and many others. The challenge now is to stop my husband from dog-earing pages for the toys he wants. Heck, who am I to judge if he wants re-live his youth?

Back To Basic Toys

Lash Out

I have a maximum of 10 minutes a day for putting on my makeup - and one item that helps me stay within this time-frame is my mainstay Lancome Definicils Mascara. I have tried many-a-mascara over the years, from over the counter brands to trendy (and expensive) types from high-end boutiques. All of these imposters run down my face, are difficult to take off at night and the wands - don't even get me started. Any of Lancome's mascaras overcome these problems, and Definicils is definitely the one that kicks lash.

I love Lucy

Lucy Activewear rocks for everyday clothes or workout gear. Check out their website or any of their stores for great stuff. Burlingame (home of one of the first Lucy stores) has a great staff who are friendly, helpful and not in your face. I'll get this black tunic soon and try the Balance Knee Pant. I haven't taken them off in a week and I get lots of compliments on them. Also try the Splendid striped tees in bright colors. Love them and I Love Lucy!

Look, Warm Slippers!

After years of wearing my Ugg boots as slippers, this Fall I plan on buying some comfy, soft sheepskin padders from Padraig Cottage. Their website has a decent selection of different color slippers for men, women and kids - hand-crafted with all natural materials. And they seem Irish (Padraig is Gaelic for Patrick!) I'll start by getting a pair for our daughter and see how she likes them. I first read about them in the recent Domino Magazine, and because I'm a sucker for anything the writers of that pub recommend, I thought I would pass it along. The website has other gift items like a newborn hat made from the same fine wool from New Zealand. Thinking about stocking stuffers - check out the Padraig Slipper and go green for Ireland this Christmas.

Freedom of Choice

I'm not a political person (even though I majored in Poli Sci in college). So when it comes to talking about the election or for that matter, any hot-button issues facing our country, I'll let everyone else weigh in. Jeans? Bring it on! (How shallow and materialistic do I sound right now??!!!). I found some great-fitting white jeans at Tulip boutique in Burlingame, CA. Made by "Freedom of Choice" (a favorite of numerous celebs apparently), they fit great - not too low, not too tight, slightly trouser-like. Am I too old to pull these off? Apparently not - they even took me back a few years to the 7th grade with the sailor buttons in front. Plus Tulip's about-my-age-sales-lady said she has four kids and she was the reason I noticed them. God Bless our right to choose!

Come, Play, Summer!!

Come, play, summer! I thought I had found the easiest and chicest summer playclothes for a 3 year old at Baby Style with the store's signature cotton dresses, tops and pants in mix and match colors. The other day, I discovered a line that just may beat Baby Style. "Entertaining Elephants" is a store in Studio City, CA. I have never been inside, but their website has a great selection of organic cotton play clothes, toys and other goodies for kids and babies. I called and ordered a few items. Friendly service, quick shipping and voila, my girl was wearing adorable, soft, uniquely-colored dresses, leggings and t's. I am planning ordering more soon in a size or two up as items ran fairly small.

Cute Little Sundress

What are most husbands good at when it comes to making purchases? Golf balls...check, charcoal for the BBQ...check, a round of beers for his buddies...check.

So when daddy came home with this cute little sundress from Boden for our little one, I was shocked, flabbergasted and just plain in awe. Daddy did good!

Boden Sundress