Wine With Wanda

Earthies Shoes: Well Grounded Fashion

When I learned that Earth Shoes had a new line of fashionable footwear, I chuckled. Just hearing the words Earth Shoes conjured up memories of the hippy dippy granola kids in prep school- nice people but they weren't exactly fashion plates. Well, friends I stand corrected - Earthies, the sassy new collection from Earth, is pretty darn cute!

Earth Shoes have always been known for comfort and Earthies combine their commitment to foot health with great style. The collection's tagline is "Wellness.Elevated." and every Earthies heel or wedge features a unique wellness footbed with a cupped heel, anatomic arch support, and cradle toe area. This all adds up to comfort, comfort, and more comfort! And, as you will see from the images below, Earthies offers stylish shoes that are great for everyday and getaways.

 Earthies: The Veria
$129
This decadently draped suede shoe is available in red, black, khaki and blue. This shoe will look great with a little black dress!

The Tropez
$149
This is the pair that I was sent courtesy of Earthies and I am loving them. The subtle silver piping on the floral embellishment is a great touch. Available in nude, red, brown, black and blue.

The Santiago
$149
Snake print is all the rage this season. With Earthies you get the hot look without sacrificing comfort. Also available in black.

Click here to learn more about Earthies and to view the full collection.

Sip This: ALO Aloe Vera Drink

Much to the dismay of some visitors, you won't find any soda in moi's refrigerator. Instead, I  offer guests a glass of vino, home brewed iced green tea, or coconut water. The latest addition to my refreshment menu is absolutely delicious and healthy ALO aloe vera drink.

My Grandma used to keep an aloe vera plant in the kitchen to use as a natural first aid cream (it works wonders on minor burns and scrapes) but it had never occured to me that aloe vera would make such a tasty beverage. I was sent a few bottles of ALO to sample and this all natural drink is really delicious and refreshes the palate. And, I love the large chewy bits of aloe pulp.

ALO is available in seven combinations, including Exposed (original aloe vera drink), Awaken (aloe vera with wheat grass), Enrich (aloe vera with pomegranate and cranberry), and Enliven (aloe vera and 12 fruits and veggies). Naturally sweetened with a touch of cane sugar, ALO contains no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Chock full of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, ALO is a treat you can feel good about! You can order a case of 12 bottles of ALO for $28.

Say Aloha to the Kapalua Wine & Food Festival & the Maui Film Festival

Aloha dahlings! If your travel plans include beautiful Hawaii, the upcoming Kapalua Wine & Food Festival and the Maui Film Festival are worthy additions to your itinerary. For more tips on planning your Hawaiian getaway, visit www.gohawaii.com.

Kapalua Wine & Food Festival
June 9 -12. A la carte tickets $40-$140. Festival passes $650 & $749)
Located on Maui's northwest shore, the 22,000 acre Kapalua Resort stretches from emerald mountain peaks to the edge of the Pacific Ocean. This luxury property features award-winning accommodations, two world-class golf courses, and pristine beaches.

Hawaii's longest running and most prestigious festival of its kind, the Kapalua Wine & Food Festival marks its 30th year of celebrating fine food and wine. This four day extravaganza explores exciting gastronomic trends and brings together winemakers, sommeliers, celebrated chefs, and industry insiders for themed tastings, seminars, and gala events.

Maui Film Festival
June 15-19.
Festival passes start at $40.
Mark your map with the luxurious resort area of Wailea for this star-studded event that showcases Hawaiian culture and film. This five-day festival includes film premieres, gala parties, celebrity appearances, Hawaiian music, and more. Actresses Megan Fox and Olivia Wilde will each be honored on different nights of the Celestial Cinema event.

Would You Let This Man Sleep On Your Sofa?: CouchSurfer Jamie Maslin

Just like little black dresses, travel styles can be high fashion or low budget. You've probably figured out that yours truly is partial to luxury hotels with plush mattresses and well-stocked mini bars. And, then there are travelers like Jamie Maslin. Even cheap hotels aren't on his itinerary - he is part of a worldwide community of adventurous travelers that prefer CouchSurfing. These trusting souls connect online and then stay gratis at the home of a virtual stranger. Maslin chronicles his CouchSurfing highs and lows in his new book Socialist Dreams and Beauty Queens: A Couchsurfer's Memoir of Venezuela. (SkyHorse Publishing, $24.95.)

When I was asked to review Socialist Dreams and Beauty Queens, I jumped at the opportunity.  I am an avid reader of travelogues and I've never read any travel memoirs about Venezuela. I really wanted to learn more about this South American country of turbulent politics, plentiful oil, cultural riches, and surgically-enhanced buxom beauty queens - Maslin explores all of these topics. And, maybe, the book would give me some insight into my Venezuelan-American ex-boyfriend.

Maslin is no stranger to extreme travel: his previous book, Iranian Rappers and Persian Porn chronicled his adventures hitchhiking from England to Iran. (He has been banned from re-entering the Islamic Republic of Iran.)

I am halfway through Socialist Dreams and I often find myself yelling at Jamie as if he were my knuckle-headed little brother. Really, Jamie you decided to leave your home in London and CouchSurf through Venezuela but it did not occur to you to learn some basic Spanish, something simple yet important like, where is the telephone? And Jamie, you really did not think to consult a dictionary to make sure that you would receive the correct medication at the hospital instead of an unneeded vaccine? Oh Jamie. 

Even a brief but scary stint behind bars, after an unpleasant encounter with some corrupt cops, doesn't stop Jamie and this tenacity leads him to discover Venezuela's breathtaking natural beauty, including waterfalls, jungle plateaus, and the famous lightning that appears suddenly in the sky with no rain or thunder. Most importantly, Jamie's experience CouchSurfing is a reminder that the magic in travel comes when we connect with other people and that as humans we have tremendous capacity for generosity and kindness. With that said, I still have no intentions of CouchSurfing - I prefer talking to strangers while sightseeing and then returning to my room at the Ritz - call me crazy!

And, in case you are wondering, I did learn something about my ex-boyfriend: apparently, he is the only Venezuelan man that can't dance.

Take Me Away: Kenwood Inn and Spa, Sonoma County

Take your California dreamin' to the next level with some luxurious Mediterranean ambiance! Located in the heart of Sonoma County in the Valley of the Moon amidst vineyards and fruit orchards, Kenwood Inn and Spa features Italian inspired architecture and Sonoma's legendary hospitality. The property has even earned a spot on the Conde Nast Traveler Gold List (2011).


A peaceful hideaway, Kenwood's 29 rooms are appointed with fireplaces and Italian bed and bath linens.  Your stay includes complimentary breakfast and access to the dining room & wine bar that is exclusively for guests.


Executive Chef Andrea di Loreto's Mediterranean inspired lunch and dinner menu incorporates fresh ingredients from local farmers, ranchers, cheesemakers, and fishermen. And, of course, no trip to Sonoma is complete without wine - Kenwood's wine list was recognized in 2009 by Wine Enthusiast with an Award of Unique Distinction.



Who said wine is just for drinking? Voted one of the Top 25 Spas in the USA (Conde Nast Readers' Poll, April 2010), The Spa at Kenwood offers vinotherapy treatments that tap into the power of the grape. Their custom made products include red wine extracts, Chardonnay and Riesling oils. Treat yourself to a rejuvenating Wine Bath, a Wine Country Facial, or a Wine Wrap.

Kenwood Inn & Spa has several packages that make it easy to treat yourself to an elegant and relaxing getaway. The Valley of the Moon VIP Food & Wine Tour sounds especially appealing - available through November 30, this package includes a 2 night stay, seasonal food and wine flight tasting, and a VIP tasting experience at three premier wineries near the Inn. Rates are based on double occupancy and pricing for your desired dates can be found on the reservations section of the Kenwood Inn and Spa website.

In the Bag: Travel Essentials for Gals on the Go

Let's face it, travel isn't always easy and sometimes the act of getting to your dream destination can feel like a nightmare. The Black Dress Traveler is always on the lookout for products that make life on the road easier. Pack these goodies and go!

Chick on The Go Travel Kit
5 Garments, 2 Accessories, 1 Carry-On Bag
$199 ($179 if you use code TONY10 by June 18)
I was flipping through the recent travel themed issue of Time Out NY magazine and this clever little kit caught my eye. Never worry about lost luggage when you carry on this ultra compact case that contains a black slip dress, a black wide leg pant, an off-white long sleeve shirt, an off-white tank top, and a black poncho that can be worn as a skirt and a shirt. The Chick on the Go kit also contains two sashes, black and white, that can be worn as a belt, a scarf, or a headband. The garments are made of a rayon spandex blend and mix and match together to create 25 different looks. This little bag of fashion weighs less than 4 pounds!

 

Pack and Protect Your Wine in The Jet Bag
$15 for a pack of 3
I remember buying wine in Paris and stressing out about how to get it back home. Since I could not carry it on the plane, I wrapped each bottle in newspaper, placed it in a plastic bag, wrapped it in layers of clothing, and prayed that it would survive the rough and tumble road that is checked baggage -it did. But thank goodness, there is a better and easier way and it is called the Jet Bag. 

Described as "a bio-degradable carrier with a reusable zip seal closure, the Jet Bag completely secures your liquids. It is lined with the same absorbent  materials found in baby diapers. The material pads & protects your bottle, but also rapidly absorbs up 100% of any liquid spilled, insuring against damage to your valuables." Such a simple yet brilliant idea! Jet Bags are reusable and available in packs of 3, 10, and 25.

Beach Bag Essentials at 3Floz.com
$74.50
With the exception of a little black bikini, this kit has almost everything you need to be the belle of the beach. It is filled with luxe goodies like Supergoop! Everyday Protection SPF 30+ Spray, Air Repair Complexion Quenching Facial Mist, and Archipelago Mint Lip Balm with SPF 15. It even has Anthony for Men After Sun Soothing Cream, that can be used by guys and gals to calm skin that has had too much sun.

Smooth Sip: Soave from Italy

Wine drinkers of a certain age may have foggy memories of attending parties and filling plastic cups with Soave from a big old jug. Well, darling, the wine times are a changing. Say arrivederci to those subpar Soaves and shout ciao bella to a whole new crop of elegant and affordable wines that are being re-introduced to the American market. In fact, May is Soave Month at EATALY in New York City and this Italian food emporiom is putting the spotlight on Soave with a series of tastings, classes and even a Soave Style photo exhibit.

Soave is produced in the eastern part of the province of Verona in Italy's Veneto region and the experts tell me that it has long been regarded as the nation's favorite vino. If you plan on visiting Italy, you may want to add the Soave Wine Road to your itinerary- it is roughly 30 miles long and passes through 13 wineries where you can sample sensational wines and enjoy artisan foods like Monte Veronese cheese.

I was sent three bottles of Soave to sample and I think they are a great sip for the summer and will pair brilliantly with a wide variety of cuisines. Pleasing to the palate with vibrant hints of fruit, Soave is easy to love. Here are 3 wines to consider if you would like to add a dash of Soave to your bella vita.

Soave 2009 Re Midas
$9.99
According to legend, everything Re (King) Midas turned to gold and this wine certainly tastes like it has been graced with the Midas touch. Made of 100% Garganega grapes, a glass of this chilled Soave is molto bene! I paired mine with a simple dish of angel hair pasta tossed with garlic, fresh tomatoes and spinach - delicious.

Soave Classico DOC Casette Foscarin
$21.99
This voluptous vino is produced from 80% Garganega, 10% Trebbiano, and 10% Chardonnay from the most sun-exposed grapes. A great match with fish and soft cheeses.

Fattori Runcaris Soave Classico DOC
$12.99
Made from 100% handpicked Garganega grapes, this vino is a classic Soave - refreshing with lovely fruit notes.

Go for the Bronze: Glowing Summer Skin

Can't jet off to the tropics to get a sun-kissed look? No worries, here are a few products that make it a cinch to look like a bronzed goddess. Use these goodies and people will think you've been basking on the beaches of Bora Bora!

"The Face" Bamboo Buffing Polish
$11.95 (for a limited time, but 1 get one free)
When I was contacted by the tanning titans at Fake Bake, I must admit that I chuckled. Yours truly has never needed any type of tanning product. However, they ignored my skepticism and sent me a sample of their Bamboo Buffing Polish. Smart move -  I am absolutely loving this product. If you use a self-tanner, the Bamboo Buffing Polish will exfoliate and remove dead skin cells so that you get a more even tan. For ladies like me who skip the self-tanner, this product is still a great way to gently and quickly smooth your face. Formulated with Bamboo Powder, Ginger Root, and Chamomile Extract, the Bamboo Buffing Polish has a delicious cinnamony aroma and gives your skin a nice tingle. This product was really a pleasant surprise! Fake Bake also offers a great selection of self-tanning products, bronzers, and lip gloss.

Stila Bronzing Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20
$32
I may not use self-tanner but I still love a nice sun-kissed glow. I've been a long time fan of Stila Sun Bronzer compact but their Bronzing Tinted Moisturizer sounds really impressive. A triple threat, this product moisturizes, has SPF 20, and gives you a nice glow. As an added bonus, it is oil free. I will definitely sample this on my next trip to Sephora.

   

TOPSHOP Bronzer in Holidaze (light brown) and Global (dark brown)
$16 each
 These travel-friendly bronzers from TOPSHOP are an easy way to sweep on some sunny shimmer. And, it seems like the names. Holidaze & Global, were inspired by us ladies with wanderlust!



 

Sonia Kashuk Luxury Lipstick - Sheer Bronzey Nude
$8.99
I had a chance to test this shade and meet the lovely Miss Kashuk a few months ago. Sheer, shiny and sexy, it will make your pout unforgettable. Wear it alone or layer it to add shimmer to another lipstick.

L'Oreal Wear Infinite Single Eye Shadow, Golden Sunset 820
$4.79 
This cheapie but goodie is my pick when when I want to add a subtle glow to my lids. You won't have to dig too deep or travel too far for this golden eye shadow- it is available virtually everywhere!

In The Bag: Exceptional Travel Essentials

I've often fantasized about arriving at the airport with just my passport, a credit card, and a little black dress, but a globetrotting girl needs stuff! From a terrific tote to an all-natural bedbug fighter, here are a few exceptional travel essentials.

Diane von Furstenberg Camarque Tote Bag
$100 at Zappos.com
Designing diva Diane Von Furstenberg has expanded her empire to include luggage that is as stylish as her coveted frocks. This bold black & white print tote has an exterior flap pocket and is roomy enough to hold a change of clothes, a pair of shoes, and your toiletries. The pattern is so chic and timeless - quintessential DVF.

J. Crew Featherweight Cotton Cardigan
Select colors on sale for $49.50
A brightly colored cardigan is an easy way to perk up a little black dress. Look stylish while staying warm in chilly airplane cabins in one of these affordable J. Crew sweaters. They are available in a variety of shades, from neutral to bold.

Degree Women Expert Protection with motionSense
Suggested retail price: $4.16
According to the experts at Degree, the average woman moves 5,000 times a day. Surely that number triples when we are getting ready for a trip: packing bags, racing to catch flights, and schlepping luggage.

The only anti-perspirant/deodarant brand with motionSense technology, Degree has micro-capsules that release little bursts of freshness when friction takes place at the underarm. I was sent a sample of Degree and I must say that it does hold up on those days that I am running all around the Big Apple, from morning to night. I tried the Active Clean scent - it is pleasant but not too bold so I did not have to worry about Degree interfering with other fragrances that I wear. It is also available in Cotton Fresh and Fresh Energy.

BedbugLogic Protection & Treatment Spray
$6.25 for 2 oz - TSA approved for air travel
Whether you are staying at a five star hotel or a budget hostel, there is a chance that pesky little bedbugs have checked into your room and want to nibble on you while you sleep. Yuck! Instead of living a bedbug nightmare, spritz some BedbugLogic Protection & Treatment Spray and have sweet dreams. 100% non-toxic, BedbugLogic is harmless to humans and the planet but is clinically proven to kill those obnoxious bedbugs and their eggs within seconds. NYC mom Jill Taft was inspired to create BedbugLogic after her family was attacked by bedbugs on vacation. The company also produces LiceLogic - an eco-friendly solution to lice.

I was sent a sample of BedbugLogic and I was amazed at how fresh and delicious it smells. It comes in 2 scents - Thyme (my favorite) and Cedar. In addition to the travel size, BedbugLogic is available in several sizes - all the way up to 128 oz. You can buy the larger size and use it to keep refilling the travel size.  I hope that hotels start stocking BedbugLogic in rooms as part of their amenities - I really believe that it would give guests peace of mind. Now that I know about BedbugLogic, I will not travel without it.

Sexy & Slimming Shapewear

Thank goodness - shapewear has come a long way since the olden days of girdles so tight that a gal could barely breathe. Best of all, the stigma attached to wearing shapewear has disappeared. Most fashionistas will agree, that whether you are petite or plus-sized, clothing fits and looks better when worn with the proper foundation.


Shape FX Define and Control Snap Sheath Dress
$69
This sexy little black dress should come with a warning: the built-in shapewear will make your curves a delightful distraction to everyone you encounter. This sassy  sheath has a high waist power mesh tunic and shelf bra to smooth you out. I love the side-seam snaps - show a little leg or a whole lot!


Miraclesuit Solid Prism Break Swimsuit
$142
Who says that a one-piece black swimsuit has to be boring? This suit is all about elegant va va voom! The Miraclesuit motto is "look 10 pounds lighter in 10 seconds." This deceptively simple looking suit works overtime to make sure you look your best  - it is designed to control your tummy, accentuate your curves, and elongate your legs.



ShaToBu Waist to Knee Shaper
$48
Simply walking is one of the best things you can do for your body - it burns calories, gets your muscles moving and doesn't cost a thing. Billed as "the workout you wear", ShaToBu (short for Shaping, Toning, Burning) takes your walking to the next level. Not only does it instantly smooth your silhouette, but ShaToBu is designed to help you burn more calories during everyday activities. Created by Dr. Denise Perron, ShaToBu has built-in seamless resistance bands that make your muscles work just a tad harder. Studies show that "women who wear ShaToBu during daily activities burn up to 12% more calories during daily activities like walking or climbing stairs." Look fab in your little black dress and burn calories - love it! 

Celebrate the Flavors of Spain at El Coto de Rioja Paella Parade

Simply describing paella as a rice dish is like calling the sun a big star - technically accurate but lacking in complexity and magic. Spain's signature dish is a delicious manifestation of the alchemy that happens when simple ingredients are harmoniously combined and cooked to perfection. Rice, saffron, seafood, meat, vegetables, fire, timing, patience and more go into making a perfect pan of paella. My love for paella began in 1988 when I was a student in Barcelona and my host mom Montse invited to me join her at the market to shop for  the ingredients. I will never forget how carefully she scrutinized every mussel and shrimp. And, the paella that Montse served later that evening was simply perfecta.


Apparently, I am not the only paella obsessed persona in town because El Coto de Rioja Paella Parade is returning to New York City for the third year on Monday, May 23 from 6-9pm at scenic Water Taxi Beach (South Street Seaport). Tickets are $35 ($60 for two). Ten local chefs and restaurateurs will bring the flavors of the Mediterranean to Manhattan and showcase their paella-making skills and compete for titles, including Best Use of Ingredients, Most Creative, Prettiest and the top prize: Paella Parade Pleaser. From traditional to innovative, guests will be able to taste each chef's interpretation of paella and sip on delicious El Coto de Rioja wine. Don't miss this fiesta featuring great food & wine served outdoors with views of the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset.

After spoiling New Yorkers with delicious paella and wine on May 23, El Coto de Rioja Paella Parade heads to Chicago on June 23.

 

What's New at TOPSHOP - Hot Frocks, Cool Cosmetics & Eye Makeup Giveaway

Has it really been two years TOPSHOP crossed the pond from the UK to New York? Well, this is one British Invasion that every fashionista seems to love -  TOPSHOP's Soho store is one of the Big Apple's most popular retailers. Featuring fashion forward clothing and accessories at accessible prices, TOPSHOP excels at offering shoppers trends and classics with a twist. And, don't worry if you can't make it to NYC or London - TOPSHOP ships for free to all 50 states.

I was recently invited to get a close-up look at the TOPSHOP make-up collection and was wowed by the variety of colors and products - and they are very affordable! Here are a few TOPSHOP goodies that are just perfect for your next trip. And, keep reading for your chance to win some cool TOPSHOP eye makeup.

 

TOPSHOP Black Cut Out Detail Grecian Dress
$90
Chic, cute, and comfy, this sassy little black dress deserves space in your overnight bag. A machine washable blend of polyester and elastane, this slinky frock has fantastic little details like a racer back and ruching at the front. TOPSHOP has many more delicious little dresses in every color imaginable.

Lipgloss Stick in Glisten
$16
Get this while you can - it is part of TOPSHOP's limited edition Sandstorm collection that was inspired by the Burning Man festival in the Nevada desert. You can never go wrong with sexy shiny lips and a little black black dress! I have this Lipgloss Stick in Glisten and love it. The texture has the creaminess of a lipstick and the shine of a gloss without the stickiness. The berry pink color is universally flattering. Pucker up!

Loose Powder Blush
$12
Being a blushing beauty is a breeze with TOPSHOP's loose powder blush - it has a very travel-friendly built in sponge applicator. Available in Walnut, Rosy, Demure and Sunsweep.


Crayon in Tarnish (metallic brown), Pewter (metallic gunmetal) and Rock Chick (dark plum)
$10 each
Play up those peepers dahling! These chunky pencils are very versatile - use them for shading, lining and defining. One lucky reader will win TOPSHOP Crayon pencils in Tarnish & Pewter (total prize value - $20). For your chance to win, just leave a comment below by 5:00 pm  (EST) on Wednesday, May 11. One winner will be selected at random and the prize can only be shipped to an address in the United States.

Is Your Smile Travel Ready?

Yes, I am that weird lady that you've seen in the powder room brushing her teeth at a fancy restaurant after a particularly rich meal. I am just a tad obsessed with taking care of my teeth and always keep a travel toothbrush and small tube of toothpaste in my makeup bag. Who doesn't love a nice smile? When I am traveling, a friendly smile from someone else can make all the difference. And, I have found that offering someone a smile is an ultra effective way of communicating. Really, do you think that the ticketing agent is going to upgrade the snarling passenger or the pleasant one with a smile? Here are a few things you can do to keep your smile picture perfect at home or on the road.

Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips
Suggested retail price: $54.99 (each kit contains 4 treatments)
Jetting out of town and your pearly whites are looking a little lackluster? You can literally apply Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips before you board the plane and land with a brighter smile. The thin and flexible strips are coated with a peroxide infused gel that safely whiten teeth in just 2 hours and the dazzling results will last up to three months. Each kit contains 4 treatments. I gave these a try yesterday and was very pleased with the results - my teeth felt nice and clean and were definitely whiter. I plan on using these every 3 months. Use these before your next vacation and your smile will be the star of every photo!


Supersmile Quikee
$16
I also keep a tube of Supersmile Quikee in my makeup bag - it is great for those moments when you need more than a breath mint but can't get to your toothbrush. This mint flavored paste is designed to instantly remove stains and freshen breath - no rinsing required. You just apply a pearl sized drop to your teeth and smooth it across with your tongue until completely dissolved. Easy breezy brilliant smile!

Marvis Travel Size Toothpaste, Classic Strong Mint
$4.50
This is the queen of peppermint toothpaste - from garlic to gin, it knocks out bad breath in an instant. Imported from Italy, this pretty little tube of toothpaste is the one I carry for those on-the-go brushing sessions.

PS. Wondering what to do if you chip your tooth while traveling? According to Women's Health Magazine, "for a small chip, use an emery board to file down sharp edges, just as you do to fingernail. Since cracked tooth enamel can leave nerves exposed, if you feel pain you can temporarily seal the area with Krazy Glue. For bigger chips, put broken tooth pieces in a container filled with cold milk; the sugar compounds can keep tooth cells alive for 72 hours."  

 

Cozy Up with The Cabin Cuddler Travel Blanket & Pillow

Do you remember the golden age of air travel when flight attendants would glide down the aisle offering pillows and blankets to weary travelers? Well, those days are long gone. Not only do many airlines charge for a flimsy little blanket, if you really think about it, those old freebies were chock full of germs. Gross!

But thanks to the Cabin Cuddler, you can enjoy germ-free warmth in your own little cocoon. Made of lightweight polyester fleece and contour-cut to cover every inch of your body, the Cabin Cuddler even has a patented pocket to keep your feet warm. Currently available in black, the Cabin Cuddler costs $19.99 and comes packed inside its own compact little tote bag that hangs easily on your luggage and includes an inflatable pillow.

Although it is called the Cabin Cuddler, I could have used this blanket the last time I rode on Amtrak - the train car was absolutely freezing. You can even wrap yourself up in the Cabin Cuddler at home when you are vegging out on the sofa and watching your favorite travel movie.

Moms Make the World Go Round: Mother's Day Gifts

People often talk about mama's boys with disdain but this lady is proud to proclaim myself a mama's girl! My mom, the incredible Toni, has always been my biggest cheerleader and closest friend. And, of course, she bought me my first little black dress! A petite powerhouse, my mom moved to New York City from Georgia as a teenager and is a charming combination of southern sweetness and northern chutzpah! It is not easy raising a child with chronic wanderlust but Toni always encouraged me to travel and supported my decision to attend boarding school at 14 and study in Spain when I was 16 & 20. Now, we live only about a mile away from each other and I look forward to the day when we finally take that mother-daughter trip to Hawaii.

Where would we be without loving moms? They are our rocks and our nurturers. They know just when to comfort us with gentle hugs and straighten us out with tough love. Mother's Day is one of my favorite holidays because it celebrates the power and value of women - something that really should happen everyday. My Mom is a fan of flowers, perfume, and stylish sweater sets but here are a few other gifts with flair that are just perfect for Mother's Day!


Same Sky Prosperity Bracelets
$50 & $60 each
These pretty bracelets make a powerful difference in the lives of women. Crocheted by women artisans of the Abataka Collective in Lusaka, Zambia, SAME SKY’s initial project employs HIV+ women in Rwanda who survived the 1994 Genocide. The one size fits all Prosperity Bracelets are intricately crocheted and made of delicate seed beads on a stretchy cord. "With the purchase of a Prosperity bracelet you become a part of the powerful circle connecting women everywhere under the Same Sky..."

 

Queen Mother Mug and St. Paul's London Breakfast Tea
(Mug $10.99 & tea $8.79 at the English Tea Store.)
 Queen Elizabeth may rule England but every loving mom is a queen. My Mom still raves about some particularly delicious English Breakfast Tea that I bought her on a trip to London. And, during my teen years, she always made a pot of tea before those facts of life talks. Mom may just find this little gift amidst her Mother's Day goodies! 

  Sibu Beauty Luxe Kit
$92.24
Order by Weds and get 35% off and free shipping with code SIBUMOM2011.
Pamper mom with fabulous natural skin care from Sibu Beauty. These all natural products are packed with nutrients from the sea buckthorn berry - a tiny but resilient fruit that grows high in the Tibetan Himalayas and is an unsurpassed source of Omegas 3, 6, and 9. It is also a rich source of the fatty acid Omega-7 - vital to collagen production and healthy skin, hair and nails. The Sibu Beauty Luxe Kit includes Sea Buckthorn Balancing Facial Cleanser, Hydrating Serum, and Rejuvenating Night Cream. I especially like the cleanser, it has a lovely aroma of fresh tangerines and cleans very gently and thoroughly without stripping the skin. It also has micro-particles that gently exfoliate - very important because dry & flaky skin is so aging. The serum is formulated to naturally stimulate collagen production and the rejuvenating cream can smooth away those fine lines and wrinkles that mom earned from worrying about you!

Peach Viscose Tonal Floral Pashmina
$19.95 at Scarves.com
My Mom loves a nice scarf  - in the photo, she is wearing one that I bought her in Paris. Scarves are not only a fashionable way to jazz up a little black dress but are a must-have for travel. This elegant floral pattern in shades of gray, black and peach is perfect for spring. You can find this style and many others at Scarves.com.

 

UNICEF Beaded Glass Necklace
$35
UNICEF has a great selection of gifts that moms will adore. The proceeds from these stylish trinkets support their mission to help children in need around the world. Hand made in India, this beaded glass necklace will add a bit of elegant drama to mom's ensemble.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Ilegal Mezcal

 

"If you want to know what the traditional drink of Mexico is, you want mezcal, not tequila. Tequilas today are for the most part industrial products, while mezcals are small village efforts."
John Rexer, founder Ilegal Mezcal

The holiday of Cinco de Mayo has grown in popularity beyond Mexico and revelers around the world can't resist the delicious Mexican food, upbeat Mariachi music, ice cold margaritas, and 100% agave spirits. Here's a little quiz for you, dear readers - what historical event does Cinco de Mayo celebrate? The correct answer is the victory of the Mexican Army versus the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. If you answered correctly, take a sip of Ilegal Mezcal. Hey, it's a fiesta so have a sip even if you were wrong!

An artisanal product that is entirely handcrafted and made from the heart of the Espadin agave plant from Oaxaca, Ilegal Mezcal is notches above most tequila which is distilled industrially. Don't let the name scare you away - Ilegal Mexcal is perfectly legal but prior to launching the brand, company founder John Rexer used to "creatively" transport mezcals across the border to his bar, Cafe No Se, in Guatemala so that his patrons could sample the magical mezcals that he has loved for many years. The mezcals were so popular that Rexer was inspired to create his own brand by working with small local producers and using traditional production methods. Rexer says. "Mezcal is something from the earth... I'm serious about the ingredients being agave, water, sun, and time. Mexcal is not a product, it is a culture. It is as nuanced as the lines in the hands that make it."

Ilegal Mezcal has three distinct styles to suit every palate and yours truly has done the hard work of sampling them for you.



Ilegal Mezcal Joven NV  ($55 for 750 ml) is a nice intro to mezcal. Joven means young in Spanish and this crystal clear mezcal has pleasant and refreshing notes of anise, white pepper, and green apple with a smooth finish. I loved the way this transformed on my palate - my initial impression was "whew, this is strong" but it mellowed out within seconds and my mouth was left with a pleasant spicy and fruity warmth. I really enjoyed it.

Ilegal Mezcal Reposado ($69 for 750 ml) is aged for four months in a combination of new oak and re-charred whiskey barrels. A tinge darker than the Joven, the Reposado has a bit more heat with hints of smoke and butterscotch. I would call this a sophisticated sip.

Ilegal Mezcal Anejo ($110 for 750 ml) is what my friend Miguel would describe as "ay, que fancy!" Like the Reposado, it is aged in new oak and re-charred used whiskey barrels but the Anejo gets to luxuriate for a leisurely 14 months. A clear caramel color, Ilegal Mezcal Anejo's notes of vanilla, smoke, heat, tobacco and wood create a powerful symphony of flavor. I think my friends who enjoy single malts will really appreciate the complexity of the Ilegal Mezcal Anejo.

Ilegal Mezcal is perfect for Cinco de Mayo and anytime you want a sophisticated libation with a real connection to place and time.

Click here to find locations near you that serve and sell Ilegal Mezcal.