Crank up the Calypso

We interrupt this afternoon of outdoor projects, bike riding and gardening to bring you this very special bulletin: the Calypso collection has officially arrived at Target. All I can say is: ONE OF EVERYTHING ... PLEASE!!!!! I will be the first to admit that some of these designer "masstige" collections at the 'ol Tarzhay have been complete crap, this one looks like a lot of fun however. From what I see online, there are some adorable accessories and super-cute little girls' dresses. I am also loving the scarves and all of the wonderful colors that make me want to be on a beach somewhere warm, with a rum drink in hand. Next time you're out, take a look and let me know what you think!

Local News and Beauty for a Cause

I just heard from the always-informed Katie B at capitaldistrictfun.com that the first official tenant of the much-delayed and highly controversial "Mansion Square" development (on the old Ingersoll Property across from Mohawk Commons in Niskayuna) is... wait for it.... Chipotle! Now as much as I bemoan the chain-store-ification of America, a thriving business is a much nicer neighbor than a big, ugly vacant lot (or an abandoned shopping center with tumbleweeds rolling around in the parking lot). And, Chipotle, even though owned by McDonalds, is pretty edible, and allegedly they support local farms and use local ingredients when possible.

On another note, I stumbled across the cutest makeup kit in today's NY Times. Its a little bronzer set, perfect for waking up a tired, pallid winter face. (While I am pale, I am a big fan of bronzer if used properly). AND the best part is that 20% of the proceeds are going to the Nancy Davis MS Foundation / EraseMS.com - a group that raises and distributes $$ for MS research programs. Do a little good while gettin' your beauty on. Orange you happy to erase MS?

Where's the Beef?

Please allow me to stray a bit from my usual nattering about clothes and shoes to share with you a bit about my second greatest passion - FOOD! I love to eat and if I was ever stranded on a deserted island, I'd ask for only a cheeseburger, some guacamole and an unlimited supply of wine to see me through. Fortunately for me, my dear friend's husband has recently launched a grass-fed beef business from cows that he's lovingly raised just up in Renssalear county: Buckley Beef. No factory farming nastiness or hormone injections here. These beauties (or "belties" as they're called) are allowed to graze in open pastures and feed on only lush green grasses. The result? A lean and super-delicious USDA certified beef that makes for some killer burgers and steaks. The best part, other than being local and all-natural? Its competitively-priced and easy to get. Check out Buckley Beef's new website and order some online. Farmer Buckley will ship it to you, or provide local delivery for a reasonable fee. At $4.50 (or less!) per pound for ground beef, you won't find a better price in the store.

Say Yes To The Dress

Ok, so I've just given away my dirty little TV-watching secret. I wouldn't watch Jersey Shore if you paid me but I could watch annoying women trying on wedding dresses at Kleinfeld all day long.

But that's not my point.... I was in Target this morning buying the 204th package of pullups for my very stubborn toddler and happened upon this truly lovely dress by Merona Collection (I think that's Merona's couture line). Its lovely on so many levels - the fabric and construction are quite substantial and it has the most elegant micro-pleating around the collar and down the front. With a higher waist and a-line skirt, this would be flattering on so many different body types and could be dressed up or down very easily. You could even remove the little "modesty panel" between the boobs, making it lower cut ... add your own lacy tank or not, and voila, you've made it your own. For $39.99 this is really an adorable and very well made LBD.

When I'm 64 ... or Maybe 84?

As the woman in this video tells us, "Young women, you're going to be old women someday. Don't worry about it. Don't sweat it." I love this and I freaking love this video for so many reasons. I'm having a tough time right now accepting a few things, like my "adult body" and the fact that I'm not a sample size any more. Wrinkles, gray hairs, I could go on. That said, I'm doing my level best to work through it, be healthy and set a good example for my daughters and have decided that when I get much older I want to look and dress like the women in an Eileen Fisher ad, or better yet like some of these fabulous ladies who are rocking it well into their 80s and 90s.

So before you cry into your Diet Coke and think that old age means perma-press slacks and orthopedic shoes, check this out.

Mexican Radio Update

Last year I reported, with great excitement, that NYC-based eatery Mexican Radio was rumored to be developing an outpost in downtown Schenectady. I hadn't heard much since the original rumblings so I checked around to see where they stand. According to local media and the restaurant's website, the rumors are true and they are indeed opening in Schenectady later this year (summer or early fall). They're said to be rehabbing the old OTB building on State and Broadway.

I remain VERY excited about this. Great guac, amazing margaritas, local ingredients and a community focus. Bring it!

Tis Better to Give Than to Get!

Give and Get is Here!: "Enjoy 30% off from March 17-20 at Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy plus we'll make a 5% donation to a non-profit."

I've chosen Feeding America as my non-profit because I think its simply unacceptable that there are people going hungry every day in this country. Just click on the link above to get the coupon, for use online and in stores.

This is a great time to stock up on basics for spring. I made a quick visit to Old Navy yesterday and they have some adorable dresses for little girls and I found the BEST workout tanks in the womens' section for $12 - styles that don't resemble sausage casings when worn, and cute patterns too. Happy shopping!