Lipbalm

Years ago, before 9/11 and the economic downturn, when Delta was thriving, they partnered with L'Occitane in creating their international flight overnight bags- those ones with the earplugs and cheap socks. These were full of lush, yummy French created lavender scented creams, lotions and lipbalm. At the time, I was told the lipbalm was a Delta/L'Occitane only creation and could not be purchased at the L'Occitane store at Lenox Mall. It is now available, but can be hard to find and retails for $10. The consistency is a little different than typical chapstick and goes on smooth, not thick and glides on the lips. I have not been able to find an alternative, until now. Carla discovered this Blistex brand of lipbalm, Silk & Shine. It comes in the same type tube container like the coveted l'Occitane balm and is similar in consistency, much cheaper and offers sun protection, SPF 15. Retail Price $2.99

Cosmetics

Laura Steen claims this Mineral Veil finishing powder by Bare Escentuals is "the best". When we were together last, we made a special stop into the Ulta Cosmetic store for a free sample and I agree.

What it is: A luminous 100% pure bareMinerals finishing powder for the face.

What it is formulated to do: For the ultimate, translucent "finishing touch" to your makeup, Mineral Veil melts into your skin, infusing it with softness and light, giving the look you see with a soft focus camera lens. Buff on Mineral Veil over bareMinerals Foundation to lend extra staying power.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:- Parabens- Sulfates- Synthetic Fragrances- Synthetic Dyes- Petro-Chemicals- Phthalates

What else you need to know: Completely sheer and ideal for all skin tones, Mineral Veil gently absorbs oil and minimizes the appearance of lines and pores without the buildup of pressed or loose powders that contain parabens, waxes, dyes and binders.

Where to get: www.sephora.com or www.ulta.com

Luggage

I am a huge fan of rolling duffel bags. I have a simple black cylinder shaped Pullman rolling duffel that has been all over the world (similar to the one seen here). It just has one long single zipper outside and a zippered pocket inside. I prefer the simple, single zippered bag. For me, all the extra pockets don't necessarily make for more storage, they only produce a more rigid, zipper strewn bag.
You want as much space as possible and all those various little pockets take up space and only create more places in which to lose things. Theft can be a real issue in some international airports and having one zipper makes locking up your bag much simpler. Also, other belts, clips and ties on the bag can cause problems on the baggage conveyor belts and can cost you extra time and money at the airport, having the bag wrapped in cellophane. I recommend sticking with the most simple, basic rolling duffel you can find. I have a similar duffel without wheels, but once full, it kills my shoulder and thus has rarely left the attic. They come in various lengths. I can, when in the fetal position, almost crawl inside mine and zip myself up. Not that I have tried it...
To find a bag, I recommend searching http://www.pricegrabber.com/ for rolling duffel bags. I have also seen basic ones in the luggage section of T.J. Maxx for $39.99. Mom and Dad got my Pullman, in perfect condition for $10 at a yardsale while in an upscale neighborhood in Whistler, B.C. The cost savings was well worth whatever Canadian germs I may have picked up, and I assume they all fell off somewhere underneath the pile of the other 300 bags on top of it somewhere over the Atlantic. It's not Louis Vuitton, but it really is the best way to go.

If compartmentalizing is an issue, try packing cubes or even Ziplock bags. I have a trio of these cubes made by Eagle Creek and they are very functional. I use them to separate undergarments and bathing suits while on my trip and for storing dirty laundry on the way back.

Also, every boring gently used black bag needs a fun and easily identifiable luggage tag. If you have ever had luggage lost you won't forget to mark legibly with your visiting address. I have these in pink.

Fragrance

I like this fragrance. Everything, everything makes me sneeze. But this doesn't. It is "tropical, light and breezy". And cheap. It comes in this glass bottle body mist, body lotion, hand lotion and shower gel. You can even find it at most Gap Outlets for 30-50% off.

Pic-a-nic Baskets

Our hot-as-blue-blazes Georgia weather can limit our days for a picnic, but these are worth the investment and make you want to go on a picnic! I guarantee that if you buy one, you will be looking for soft grass and a shade tree to dine under. Sure, paper products and Dixie cups make clean up so much easier, but adding this to your picnic or concert at Chastain Park, makes it so much more charming and fun! And to me, makes the food more enjoyable. I am always looking for an excuse to take mine wherever I go. You can find them most anywhere and can spend as little or as much as you want to invest. Most of these charming wicker baskets contain wine glasses, a bottle opener, plates, cloth napkins, a table cloth and utensil service for four. Also, you will want to remember to pack wet wipes for temporary dishwashing until you get home. I just can taste the Stilton, Brie, and Pinot now...

Carla's Book List

My sister is the most prolific reader I know. I asked her for a summer book list and this is what she gave me. Some of them are historical fiction and they can all be found in the Young Adult section. I am on my way to the library now.

Travel Press

You will never go back to your mediocre drip coffee maker after having a cup of coffee from a French press. By not using a paper filter you get all the good quality oils that are otherwise absorbed. The press also requires coarse grounds which give you better aroma and flavor. I love this travel size press. It is double walled and keeps coffee hot. Also, by using hot water from a kettle, your coffee is automatically much hotter than from your ordinary coffee maker. The virtually unbreakable 14 oz carafe travels well and fits in your cupholder. Mine goes wherever I go. This is a cheap model and I am sure there are better ones out there. But for good coffee in the middle of nowhere (or where electricity is scarce) you don't want to leave home without it.

Retail: $9.99

Dishwasher safe

Cotton Tees

I stumbled upon these Brooks Brothers Cotton Tees and have found them to be wonderful. They come in packs of three and come in this v-neck that I like a whole lot. They are made of thick combed Pima cotton, and wash well. I buy them in a Boys Size and they come in a Pack of 3 for $24.95. The sleeves are slightly capped making them much more flattering than most tees. Whether around the house, paired with your favorite jeans or under your choice cashmere, you will love these cotton tees.

Destination College Park/East Point

Apologies to Misty and others for neglecting this site over the past month!!I can never create a following if I don't continue to keep it coming! So sorry. This entry is way overdue.

Want a great place for brunch or lunch or even raw vegan cuisine? Outdoor dining? Or a nice dinner without parking hassles or reservations? Come to College Park/East Point.

The Brake Pad restaurant, believe it or not, was a selling point in my choosing to move to East Point. It has this great small town feel. I have to admit that the chef who was there when I first moved there is no longer there and the specials are not near as good as they once were. I had crab cakes there one time that were the best I have ever had in my whole life! Despite his absence, I still find this place to be a great spot for lunch. They have tater tots on the menu! You can sit outside (but the train will ride by and interrupt your conversation). Put pennies on the railroad track. The menu consists of a variety of burgers, fish tacos that they often change up a little with different flavors of chipolte and other sauces, quesadillas (which I don't recommend), yummy sandwiches on 9 grain bread, and very good salads. I recommend the arugula and goat cheese salad with blackened tilapia. They have a full bar and daily drink specials. They serve Sunday brunch. But for brunch I recommend Thumbs Up Diner.

There are a couple of Thumbs Up Diner's in the Atlanta area, and they always rank within the top 10 brunch spots in Atlanta. One is located in downtown East Point. Don't blink, but downtown East Point should not be too hard to find. Just take Hwy 166 off of 85S and take the East Point exit. Go right and look for it along Main Street on your left. Remember, they are cash only!

There is a wonderful live food restaurant just off the square, Lovin' it Live. Nothing is cooked, all raw, all vegan, all good, all expensive. I recommend calling ahead. They prepare everything fresh so it can be quite a wait. I like the nutloaf and the brownie, made from dates and carob. Oh! and these "chicken nuggets" that are portabello mushrooms rolled in some combination of nuts. However, the atmosphere is not all that. Therefore, check out the online menu, place your order over the phone and then take it a little further down the street to Barrett Park off Rugby Ave. in College Park and enjoy! College Park is the home of Woodward Academy. Rugby Avenue is one of the more prominent streets, pretty homes, a wide street with sidewalks, magnolias, and dogwoods. They also have tennis courts there. Open tennis courts in Fulton County can be hard to find! It is a great little private spot for an easy picnic. http://www.lovingitlive.com/

Also on the square in downtown East Point is an Oz Pizza where you can buy good yummy fattening pizza by the slice with spinach & feta on it (my choice) and the East Point Corner Tavern. I had to admit it, but I love this place! It is dark and smokey and stinky and punky and tattooy and freaky. But they have trivia on Tuesday nights! Rebecca, Betsy and I discovered this place by accident. We actually ran in there to avoid a downpour one 4th of July. They were having trivia night, so we signed up. The trio of attorneys, an engineer and the Policy Analyst actually WON! 1st place. So we got a little hooked and would frequent it on Tuesday's. Betsy brought her other really smart friends and we always placed each time we played, so we got a little hooked. The food is good. They have fried artichokes! They have a diverse menu of warm, tasty dishes. We like to sit out on the back patio away from the dark and smoke. It is a little shady and you will see all sorts out and about here, playing pool and saddled up to the bar. I kinda stick out in my cashmere sweater set, but it is worth the stares.

College Park restaurants include Noodle and The Pecan. Noodle is an Asian restaurant, with good food, generous portions and good prices. They have yummy mojitos and outdoor dining, but you also have to deal with the loud train every so often. The Pecan is a little more upscale, white table cloth dining. I have yet to go but hear the shrimp and grits are, "to die for".

For more upscale dining in College Park, I prefer The Feed Store. The Feed Store has a comfortable atmosphere and unique menu. The wine list is small but should have something you like and offers a diverse price range. The menu varies weekly. The wait staff is not the best ever, but being able to park up front, walk right in and have a nice candle lit meal within 6 miles of downtown Atlanta is worth whatever little patience you may have to exercise with the waitress. They have appetizers like Pimento Cheese stuffed Fried Green Tomatoes with homemade Chow Chow, and offer quail and lamb as entree options.

If this is not your style, swing by The Feed Store for a cocktail and take in the artwork, and the architecture and then walk down the street to Fina. Fina is one of the Atlanta areas best kept secrets.

This little bistro is owned by a Frenchman named Jay. He also is in the wine distribution business if you are in need. The offer Peroni on tap and a nice little selection of wines. They also have a cheap corkage fee if you want to bring your own. The wait staff is very, very good. Ask for Kay. This is delicious homemade Italian. It is warm, earthly and you feel as if you are in Italy as you sit in their bistro style chairs, exposed brick walls and eat hearty delicious Italian dishes. They have delicious homemade gnocchi, sweet Italian sausages, amazing lasagna, salmon and oh! the best caprese ever. They also have good bread, served with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, but don't get too full on that. Save room for the delicious appetizers and entrees. If you are bringing a group, I would call and make a reservation, just to be kind and let them know and to reserve a space, as it is a small restaurant. Also, if you are bringing a small group, request the circular booth near the bar. It is cozy. I love, love, love this restaurant. They have jazz on Wednesday and Friday. And one time I forgot my gloves and they called me at home to tell me! You can't beat it.

Greek Yogurt

This yogurt is the best you can buy. It comes in 0, 2 and 5%. It is triple strained so it is not watery like American yogurt. It is unbelievably thick and rich and creamy. It is not bitter or tangy like most plain yogurts. The possibilities are endless, whether adding fruit, honey, agave nectar, cinnamon or cucumber & dill. Fage (pronounced fa-yeh) has about half the carbs of regular yogurt, but more surprisingly it has more protein than your average yogurt. All Total Fage products are great. I also recommend their Feta cheese!

Monogrammed Towels

I love all things monogrammed. My father was supposedly named Carl Stanley Davis because my grandfather thought that CSD when written in cursive flowed well and he liked those initials. So I guess Papa Davis liked monogramming too.

Neiman Marcus has the Ralph Lauren "Lawton" towel on sale. This also includes the monogrammed bath mat that retails for $28.50 for $16.49 and shipping is FREE. Monogrammed hand towels are $10 and those really great large "body sheets" are $16.49 and make perfect beach companions. Enter coupon code NMSHIP for free shipping.

Sweetener

I really like this. It is debated whether this is a good alternative to sweetners. Some say yes and some say no. I say it has to be better than Pure Sugar and certainly better that artifical sweetners. So I say go for it. I use it all the time and I think it's a good thing. When cooking with this alternative lower the oven temperature 25 degrees and use about 25% less than the recipe calls for, 3/4c. instead of 1c.

The agave (uh-gah-vay) plant has long been cultivated in hilly, semi-arid soils of Mexico. Its fleshy leaves cover the pineapple-shaped heart of the plant, which contains a sweet sticky juice. Ancient Mexicans considered the plant to be sacred. They believed the liquid from this plant purified the body and soul. When the Spaniards arrived, they took the juices from the agave and fermented them, leading to the drink we now call tequila.

But there is a more interesting use for this historic plant. Agave syrup (or nectar) is about 90% fructose. Only recently has it come in use as a sweetener. It has a low glycemic level and is a delicious and safe alternative to table sugar. Unlike the crystalline form of fructose, which is refined primarily from corn, agave syrup is fructose in its natural form. This nectar does not contain processing chemicals. Even better, because fructose is sweeter than table sugar, less is needed in your recipes. It can be most useful for people who are diabetic, have insulin resistance, or are simply watching their carbohydrate intake.

Billy Reid once again

Well, what'd ya know? I head over to Garden & Gun to find that article below on historic trees and lo and behold I see an article entitled Faulkner-esque Fashions and sure enough, Billy Reid is featured here! I found him first! This is getting a bit out of hand. But here you go, G&G's review of MY favorite designer:

What Ralph Lauren did for New England, Billy Reid is doing for the South. The award-winning designer is back on the radar with an exclusive line of clothing and accessories called Billy Reid. Pieces range from luxurious custom-fit tuxedos and handmade shoes and accessories to sportswear and premium denim, with a women’s collection causing a stir as well.
Customers can get a firsthand glimpse of the lifestyle inspired by his clothing at any one of his retail stores, each decorated to evoke the classic American South. Reid’s studio and flagship store, Pickett Place, is located in Florence, Alabama, but other boutiques can be found in Dallas, Houston, Charlotte, Nashville, and Charleston, South Carolina. Reid visits each store regularly and gives customers the opportunity for a custom suit fitting with the designer himself.

Trees with Pedigrees

Garden & Gun Magazine has twice now stalked me and taken my creative ideas as their own. Now I am doing the same, but giving them full credit for introducing me to this amazing program.

Through its Historic Tree Program, American Forests, the country’s oldest national conservation group, will ship you the offspring of some of our most famous trees. Want a direct descendant of South Carolina’s mammoth Angel Oak, widely considered the oldest living thing east of the Mississippi? Or perhaps you’d like a Gettysburg honey locust, progeny of a tree that stood mere yards away from a guy named Lincoln while he gave a pretty memorable speech in 1863. Elvis fan? Look out your window at a Southern magnolia from Graceland’s front lawn. All the trees are grown from either seeds or cuttings of the original and arrive as one- to three-foot saplings, ready to plant—and ready to become a part of your own legacy. Neat, huh?

http://www.historictrees.org/store.html

Cosmetics

Laura Steen recommends this:

Photo Finish Foundation Primer

Where can I get it: Most anywhere, including: Sephora, Ulta or Amazon.com

What it is: Smashbox makeup artists use this product to create a perfect canvas for foundation application.

What it is formulated to do: The silky blend of vitamins and antioxidants smoothes and perfects skin, while the unique formula helps to inhibit the destruction of collagen, and fills in fine lines and pores for a flawless finish.

What else you need to know: Use after moisturizer and before foundation for complexion perfection. This skin-soothing blend of antioxidants, which can be worn alone or under foundation, works overtime to fill in fine lines and even out skin texture.

Whoopie Pies

These are some of my all time favorite things ever! Joyce O'Bannon gave me a dozen one year for my birthday and I kept them under my bed and ate one every day for almost two weeks! I was about 10 then and calories didn't count. Never mind the frosting is made with eggs and I was risking poisoning myself. But I knew they would not last a minute out in the common space of the refrigerator and I was willing to take my chances. Christine found this article , it makes my mouth water just to read about them. I assume Joyce's were made from that old Amish recipe. They were so moist they would stick to the roof of your mouth and physically could not be eaten without a glass of milk nearby. Whoopie! certainly fits my reaction to this oh so yummy dessert.

Din Bin Salad

This is a very refreshing salad, so easy to make, and so good for you. I can hardly wait for tomato season. Put some of all of this in a bowl and eat it! I would measure out the olive oil though if I were you. 3 Tablespoons of Olive Oil has about 24 grams of fat! So go easy on it. Celery is known for its benefits to the brain and Apple Cider Vinegar aids in digestion, contains potassium and calcium, can clear up your skin, great for joint pain and stiffness and more! I added the spinach on my own, I always seem to have some on hand and find it just too good for you not to use every chance I get, so I simply add a small handful for good measure.

Hearts of Romaine

Spinach (if desired)

Feta

Tomatoes

Cucumber- diced

Celery- sliced

Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Kosher Salt (if desired)

Nutrition

The following are all compliments of Ginny Reddick, nutritionist with Chick-fil-a and fellow ministry school student. Ginny loves to teach others how to eat healthy, be healthy, maintain energy and live strong. She is all about a healthy mind, body and spirit. Eating healthy each day keeps our blood sugar at proper levels and keeps us from storing too much fat into our muscles and our heart is a muscle! Ginny recommends:

This simple little grocery list to help you plan ahead: /

This amazing website to help you watch your caloric intake to help you watch what you are eating and learn about the nutritional benefits of your meals and to help you lose weight and stay healthy: http://www.thedailyplate.com/. This site will soon be housed under the site http://www.livestrong.com/ It requires you to register and then you can daily add in exactly what you had to eat, how many servings and it will show you a breakdown of the percentages of proteins, calories, fat, etc that you consumed in comparison to daily requirements. You can create a profile with your age, height and weight and how much weight you would like to lose and it will tell you how many calories you need to consume each day to reach your weight loss goals. I think the site is wonderful. I don't know if time will permit for me to use it for a lifetime, but a few weeks of adding exactly what I am eating will soon teach me how to make these calculations in my head and will certainly make me more aware of what I am consuming. The features on the site are endless and I highly recommend checking it out! You can add in your exercise and it calculates accordingly.

Ginny's overall recommendations for eating revolve around a 2-2-1 plan. She suggests eating 2 servings of fruits and vegetables (a serving being a handful), 2 servings of grains, and 1 serving of protein at EVERY MEAL. She also suggests healthy snacks in between meals. Those snacks should just be small in portions and high in fiber and protein. Eating like this will prevent you from experiencing those "crashes" throughout the day and overeating. These are great tools to give you a platform and make you aware of your daily nutritional needs and simply create an awareness of eating healthy.

Joe's Jeans

These Joe's Jeans are my favorite. I do not condone their scandalous ads, so do not look at them. I stumbled upon these having tried on every kind of jeans known to man. This brand carries a cut called Provocateur which is perfect for "petites". They have a little stretch to them making them very comfortable. Typically, jeans are not comfortable to me. Thai Fisherman pants are comfortable, jeans are not. These are perfect to dress up or down and wash well- remember to wash inside out! They are a bit pricey, but I would rather have one great pair of jeans than two that I wasted money on because they shrink, don't fit well or quickly go out of style. I could have posted this Favorite Thing much earlier, but I have been working hard on my obliques to be able to post this shot.

Mally Bibs

The main reason for posting this is to show Natty's adorable face. But the bib is worth a review. This was a Nearly New find and was quickly discovered to be the greatest bib ever. It has as magnetic closure in the back, so there is none of that squeezing a snap you cannot see around your baby's neck or pulling their soft baby hair. Mally Bibs are made of leather and wash incredibly easily and are soft, reversible and cute. The magnetic closure allows you to store it on your fridge if you so desire. The easy clean up is much better than cloth bibs which only add to the piles of laundry. Thus, the bib is also environmentally friendly. They retail for around $32, but you would only need one and it will outlast messy eaters.

www.mallybibs.com

A Cooking Lesson from Mary Ann

Betty sent this to me. Apparently Mary Ann is off the island and living in Idaho. Why don't we always do it this way?

Knife Sets

Henckels Knives have been around for more than 275 years. Betty gave me a set as a housewarming present and I love them and use them all the time. You can invest as little or as much as you want in these. Given that I use them primarily to open a wedge of Gouda or puncture the wrapping of my crumbled goat cheese, I can't say that I am an expert on knives in the kitchen. But this set is all I could ever need. They slice tofu and open containers well! They wash well in the dishwasher and they stay sharp. There are a lot of other brands out there, but I highly recommend these. They are very well made and I trust they will last a very long time.

Billy Reid Clothing

I love Billy Reid Clothing. He is a designer from Florence, Alabama. His dressy-casual clothing has been described as "whiskey soaked". Take a look at his site for what he is all about. There are stores in Charleston, Nashville and elsewhere. Currently they are having a HUGE sale. 75% off! And Free Shipping. http://www.billyreid.com/

Kim, you will love this stuff!

Toothpaste

Yes, toothpaste. And one worthy of an entry at that. I like this stuff. It is priced in comparison with others. I love the cap. It is big and easy to screw on and off and much better than the usual tiny cap. It is not like I am arthritic or anything, but trust me, you will like the cap better too. I don't know if foaming is actual proof that a substance is actually cleaning, but it foams. I have no idea how to begin to promote good toothpaste without sounding like a Orbitz Gum commercial, words like "minty fresh" and "sparkling clean" all come to mind. But just trust me. Try it.

My Favorite Oatmeal- SALE

Amazon.com Special Offer

Save up to 30%. Save an additional 15% instantly when you purchase select McCann's products sold by Amazon.com. Enter code OATMEA98 at checkout. Plus, save an additional 15% when you combine this instant rebate with your Subscribe & Save order--bringing the total savings to 30%. Offer valid through March 31, 2009. Shop now.

Free Frozen Entree

Click the link below for a coupon for a free frozen entree:
http://www.kashi.com/picturehunt

Free Not So Bad Coffee