What is summer clothing good for but a healthy dose of optimism? We love these bright body-con skirts for summer because they take Victoria Beckham-like seriousness out of the look. Pair these with flat sandals and a basic cotton tank and you'll be the farthest thing from pouty, though still chic.
Along with English Peas and a number of lesser-known vegetables, baby artichokes are in abundance during March, April, and May. The petite-sized baby artichokes are simply a smaller version of any regular-sized variety that's been picked from the shaded, lower part of the artichoke stalk. They have little to no developed fuzz in their center and a greater amount of edible leaves. Because they're quick-cooking and almost entirely edible, they're relatively easy to prepare. Learn more about enjoying them when you read more
About 20 percent of the population suffers from the itchy eyes, sneezing, runny nose, and sinus congestion that accompany seasonal allergies. Of those people, 25 percent also suffer from oral allergy syndrome (OAS). Symptoms include uncomfortable itchiness, tingling, or swelling in the mouth, lips, or throat when consuming certain fruits, vegetables, or nuts. Proteins in allergy inducing pollens are so similar to the proteins in certain types of foods, and this similarity creates the OAS reaction. Kind of creates a different meaning to "cross pollination." The body recognizes those food proteins as an allergen, and as soon as the person eats the offending food, it triggers their sensitive immune system to release chemicals that cause cells in the mouth and throat to swell. These reactions, called cross reactions, are usually mild and last for 10 to 30 minutes. Only fresh fruits, veggies, and nuts can cause OAS reactions. Eating canned, cooked, dried, or frozen versions of those same foods usually cause no reaction. Also, just so you know, OAS is different than a nut allergy. In order for a person to have OAS, they must have an allergy to pollen.
Are you curious to know which foods are connected to which allergens? Then read more!
Although jeans become much less important to your wardrobe in the summer months there are always those cool movie theatre nights when a worn-in pair feels perfect. This summer, thanks once again to Balmain, bleached jeans are popular look. If you are on a budget, try a DIY project in the bathtub, or, a pair from the high street which will likely cost you less than $200. Our favorites, including those from Balmain, above.
Livening up your Monday night meals doesn't have to mean dedicating more time to dinner. Case in point: A Spring salad that tosses leftover asparagus and sugar snap peas with farro.
A nutrient-rich Italian grain with a nutty flavor and a satisfyingly chewy texture, farro can be found in most specialty stores and takes as much time to cook as pasta. Broaden your culinary repertoire when you read more
For dinner tonight, opt for a straightforward meal that won't have you spinning wheels. Take advantage of market-fresh items like asparagus and sugar snap peas to make a healthy yet hearty vegetarian noodle stir-fry.
Apple cider vinegar and fresh ginger add zing, while a handful of walnuts add meatiness and crunch. To put this on the table in under half an hour, read more
To celebrate Earth Day, I've teamed up with the lovely company Yumi & Laurie to give away one of the company's gorgeous blanQuettes. These big, beautiful throws are made from all-natural eco materials, and are available in a variety of colors and patterns. Each blanQuette sells for $195 to $235.
To qualify for this contest, which runs through Wednesday, April 29, 2009, just log in and take the quiz! You can find the official rules here.
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Desperately grasping a broken umbrella is one of the worst feelings I can think of . . . as is the accompanying sogginess. I've definitely been caught out in the rain and slammed the wire-jutting contraption into the trash as I slosh to work.
Well, no more. See these adorable raincoats? They're made from recycled umbrellas! All jackets ($10 and up) are completely customizable – hood, no hood, felt, vintage, hand-picked linings, etc. – for your lucky, weather-resisting pup. Created by product designer Taryn Zychal, her two pugs serve as models but designs can come in sizes from XS to XXL.
I already know what I'm doing next time I break an umbrella and, if this sounds like something you'd like to support, even if you don't have a dressed-up dog, she's currently offering a great plan:
To get the best variety of broken umbrellas, I am currently reimbursing shipping costs to anyone who would like to send me their broken umbrellas, so it will literally cost them nothing to ship it to me. I want to collect broken umbrellas from all over the world so hopefully people will dig the idea and start sending them my way!
Her online store, Recycling Zychal, is up now and she'll continue to add more fabrics as they come in from all of you. As if you needed yet another reason: a portion of all sales go towards the Humane Society of the United States so you won't leave the animals high and dry . . . just dry.
It's always the way. As soon as I think Nintendo has outdone themselves with another great DS bundle, they come out with something even better to make us drool and wish we had that color instead. For instance, how hot was the gold DS and then the fire engine red and powder blue DS Lite bundles? Irresistible! But I think their latest takes the cake — a lime green DS Lite bundle which comes with a tropical chic case and the Personal Trainer: Cooking video game. Just in time for Spring and Mother's Day, these new bundles will be available in retail stores on May 3.
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Not to be mistaken by cutesie floral Liberty prints, ballerina prints are whisper light and faintly feminine. Really, there's no sweeter floral. The primo example is this Theory Floral Dress ($295) with a tie back and puckered bodice. Oh, and it could be yours . . .
To enter to win, log in to take our quiz. Your eligibility is not based on getting the answers correct, just on taking the quiz once you are logged in. You need to be a TeamSugar member to take the quiz; if you're not already a member, register here for an account and join in all the fun on the Sugar sites! Just click on "take the quiz" below and we will do a random drawing to determine the winner. US residents eligible only (sorry!). Click here for the official rules.
Here are a few more sweet ballerina prints from Saks's pool of style.
