Thank you SELF magazine...

SELF readers, check out page 101...

And this is in print, people, so don't think I forged it:

"The key to a long life: Hit the mall! Women who shop at least five days a week outlive equally healthy nonshoppers, the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health finds. Whether you buy anything is immaterial! Credit the exercise, stimulation, and companionship. Browse on!"

Need I say more?

Moms Need These...

While I may not be a mom, I must say, I have plenty of friends who are. I most recently visited some of my closest friends in Texas, who are all amazing moms...watching them inspired me! So, when I received this little token, I immediately thought of them!

So, evidently, this is Mom's Summer Essentials for Kids (guess it depends on how old your little one is, but still...I love the idea). The list is 19 items long, but here's my favorite 3 since they look fun and necessary!

1. The 5 piece garden tool set: the colors alone look fun and engaging, but then what a great way to get kids interested in the yard!

2. The printed swimsuit...do I really need to explain to you my love for Boden (Mini Boden shown here)?


3. Chuck Taylor for KIDS! While I can fully appreciate the kids' Crocs, I do kind of like these: easy slip on, canvas, neutral colors...looks like a great item overall.

Enjoy, mom readers- I know summer is nearly over (yikes!) but let your kids savor these last few weeks and grab your essentials!

One for One

I know I have posted a lot about shoes, but I discovered something fun in my latest shopping trip to Nordstrom (it's their anniversary sale, people- shop now for fall preview until August 1st!). My sister and I were strolling the shoe department (it was a hot Texas day, what more could we do?) and I came across these:

Very cute, basic canvas wedges with the espadrille look- reasonable price, very comfortable on. They are made by TOMS, but honestly, I don't care for their traditional flats (some people adore them- to each, her own). BUT, the wedge is great for summer w/ the peep toe. In any case, the more I researched about TOMS, I found out they do a "One for One" campaign with every shoe they sell...they match every shoe sold with a shoe provided for a child in need. How great is that?

I can appreciate when a company finds an avenue to give back- and it gives me a chance to contribute in a way larger than just feeding the economy. Job well done, TOMS!

Initially Interested?

In my monthly perusal of O magazine, I came across the coolest idea, but fair warning...this is for the deluxe readers (my friends Jeannette and Ron come to mind), so I recognize that this may not appeal to the masses.

Monogram and personalization of items is trendy these days. You can get your name inscribed on the back of your iPod...You can get personalized license plates...OR you can get your Prada sunglasses monogrammed. WICKED COOL.

If you are going to get designer sunglasses (protect those peepers, people!), usually there is some kind of insignia on the side frame of the glasses. Chanel or Dolce & Gabbana are known for more overt branding here. Burberry or Prada are among the more subtle (more my taste) which give you the designer label, but you'd have to look closely.

But better yet...the monogram. I'm obsessed with my "MD" on accessories or home decor. You can see the picture here of Prada's Private sunglasses, which feature small discs of your initials that can be placed along the side bar of the glasses. The "PN" featured below demonstrates the subtle coolness of this idea!

So when you're ready to take the plunge of spending $365 (yikes) for sunglasses, you really should consider how precious your initials are to you!