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

Italy Anyone?

When you think of a perfect Italian honeymoon, do you think of strolling the maze of walkways in Venice, the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, the bucolic Tuscan wine region, the Spanish Steps in Rome, or the amazing coastline of the Amalfi coast? Ok, I am bragging a little - my husband and I did all that and more on our honeymoon in Italy. Although the entire trip and every stop was memorable, one hotel made a lasting impression.

The Hotel San Pietro, in the beautiful small town of Positano on the Amalfi coast, was simply stunning. The hidden location, built into the rocky cliffs above the Mediterranean, and the airy, relaxing vibe make it a must-stay for anyone looking for the quintessential Italian vacation experience. You know you've arrived when you see the tiny San Pietro Chapel, which sits atop of the cliff and after which the Hotel is named.

When you enter the elevator at the top off the cliffs for the first time, you cannot imagine what will open up before your eyes as the door opens in the lobby. The light filled space with views of the ocean and the floral covered walls is all it will take to make you a believer. It's as if you have arrived at a private villa. You will half expect to see Sophia Loren sipping a Campari and soda on the terrace - and you just might, since the San Pietro is a favorite in celebrity circles.



Hotel San Pietro

Fun Shoes For The Little One

We've had these Naturino shoes in red, navy, green, pink and orange over the past few years. Our three year old loves them and so do I for easy on and off, and just downright cuteness. They are easily washable too. European fit and style paired with down to earth prices at our favorite local show store Gumshoe - naturally!

Angels in Heaven - Helen Ficalora jewelry

I first spotted Helen Ficalora's artistry on my friend Gina who has great taste - she wore a simple gold chain with delicate little charms with a plain white t-shirt. Adorable. The Linda Mancuso Award charm was a pleasant surprise as I checked out Helen's website. Part of the proceeds for this charm go to breast cancer initiatives and Linda Mancuso was a wonderful gal. There are also rings, earrings, charms with yoga people and beautiful angels. Put on your wings and take flight.

Helen Ficalora