Green Travel Tips

Posted in: In The Know
Tags: eco friendly, travel, earth day

Make your next summer vacation an eco-friendly getaway with a few simple tips!

Before leaving home, unplug appliances and chargers. These items use energy while you are away.

In fact, the Department of Energy estimates items not in use account for five percent of total electronic consumption in the United States.

When leaving for your daily adventures, turn off the lights and the television in the hotel room to prevent them from wasting energy. 

Recycling bins are hard to find while away from home-- invest in refillable water bottles to reduce the amount of plastic water bottles thrown away daily.

Eat at mom-and-pop restaurants to support the local economy. Local eateries are more likely get their produce from local markets, reducing the amount of pollution required to import goods.

While staying close and going to local shops, walk or use public transportation instead of driving. You'll get great exercise while cutting down are carbon emissions.

Happy travels!
 

Kids Fashion: Go Bold!

Posted in: In The Know
Tags: dvf gapkids, colorblocking

Well-known designer Diane Von Furstenberg has launched a line for kids available at Gap. DVF Gap Kids has dresses and rompers in dazzling colors and alluring prints that your daughter will love.

Cheerful colorblocking is in fashion for everyone this season. Your tweens will grab the attention of their classmates with outfits in bold colors from Abercrombie Kids’ new spring arrivals. Mix and match Abercrombie’s tanks, jeggings and shorts in vibrant pink and orange to crisp yellow, blue and green. Try pink jeggings paired with a yellow tank.

The “Rockabilly” collection from BOSS Kidswear will make your kids feel like rock-stars. Boys will enjoy the bold plaid prints and images of guitars and jukeboxes, while girls show off metallic prints and pretty flowing dresses.

Over at J.Crew, playful colors and comfortable fabrics can be combined to create fun (and functional) looks.

Whether your kids are out playing with friends or in the classroom, the new 2012 spring fashion lines from your favorite shopping hot spots will keep them in style.
 

Have Kids, Will Travel

Posted in: In The Know
Tags: travel, family, gadgets

Planning a summer vacation with the little ones? Consider these fun travel gadgets and gizmos to help you survive your family adventure with style and ease.

Ride On Carry On
Say good-bye to strollers and hello to the Ride-On Carry-On chair. Snap the Ride-On Carry-On chair onto your existing luggage to give your kids a place to sit while waiting in lines at the airport or hotel.

Travel Chair
The travel chair straps to a regular chair and wraps around your toddler to keep them secure. Similar to a “high chair,” this travel chair is much easier to take on vacation.

XShot Camera Extender
Eliminate awkward pictures taken at arms length with the XShot Camera Extender. You can now be included in family photos without asking a stranger for help.

Psi Bands
Psi Bands (pronounced “Sigh Bands”) are acupressure wristbands for the relief of nausea due to motion sickness that comes with travel - among other things. These bands are drug-free and work from using pressure points in your wrist to control carsickness.

Luggage Tags
Identify your luggage with clever, creative luggage tags. You will never get your luggage mixed up with someone else’s again. These disposable tags come in a set of six and include plastic zip ties.
 

Happy travels! 

Insider’s View: Landry’s Seafood

Posted in: In The Know
Tags: landrys seafood, the woodlands, dining

We recently found ourselves at Landry’s Seafood for a late Sunday lunch. There are plenty of great alfresco dining spots in the area but a craving for fish tacos and Bloody Marys could only be satisfied at Landry’s. After all, the establishment first made its mark as a family-owned eatery in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Our two-some arrived at 2:30 p.m. and was told by the friendly hostess that there was a 30-minute wait for patio dining. It was P-E-R-F-E-C-T spring weather so we weren’t surprised to find out there was a wait. But no bother, the Bloody Mary we each ordered at the bar definitely set the tone for lunch. Not too thick and tasted of perfectly blended seasonings.

The hostess called us to our spot on the patio right on time. With Lake Robbins spread out before us and refurbished Waterway Cruisers docked at the boat house, we reviewed the menu.

Several tempting appetizers, including Seafood Stuffed Mushrooms and Shrimp & Crab Fondue served with garlic toast points, caught our eye. The list of entrees was equally tempting. From the Stuffed Shrimp Enbrochette to the Broiled Stuffed Shrimp Pontchartrain, it was a difficult decision. Of course, our need for beer battered fish topped with melted Pepper Jack cheese and chipotle ranch tucked snuggly in corn tortillas would not be denied.

While sipping a second round of Bloody Marys and snacking on the huge olives that accompanied our cocktails, we remarked at the activity on the Waterway Cruisers. Two full boats loaded with passengers sailed past during our hour lunching on the Landry’s patio. We also eyed couples out along the Waterway enjoying the cool but sunny weather - riding skateboards, bikes, walking dogs and strolling hand-in-hand.

Our fish tacos promptly arrived, served two to a plate with a side of fries and onion strings; it was an appropriate late-lunch helping. Admittedly, the serving of fries seemed skimpy, but on the bright side, it was better for the waistline. The batter stayed on the fish with each bite and had a slight crunch. Perfect.

All in all, it was a nice respite before getting back to the Sunday to-do list. In the end, we left satisfied, not miserable.
 

Spring Trend Report: Ann Taylor

Posted in: In The Know
Tags: market street, ann taylor, shopping, fashion

Reviewit Magazine sat down with Ann Taylor’s style director, Andrew Taylor, to get his take on spring styles and here is what he had to say.

Reviewit: Can you tell us about the color palette and inspirations for spring?
Andrew: The color palette in Ann Taylor’s spring line pairs vibrant colors with timeless neutrals – shades of coral color-blocked with black, blush suits paired with neon accessories, and navy blue and khaki prints matched with lime green solids.

R: Are there some fun clothing details or central design adornments that are seen throughout multiple pieces this year?
A: Modern graphics, pops of color, and delicate fabrics. Fringe and sequin tops can be seen throughout the collection as well as pieces with feminine lace details.

R: What accessories and jewelry pieces do you expect to be essential this season?
A: Leather wristlets, patent strappy sandals, sparkle earrings, and skinny leather belts in neons add a fun pop of color to any outfit. Wooden accessories and sculptural cuffs add edge.

See the photos below for Andrew’s “must-have” pieces from Ann Taylor's latest line. Stop by Ann Taylor in Market Street this weekend to pick up a few of your favorites and you’ll be ready for spring in no time!

A Taste of the Islands

Posted in: In The Know
Tags: tommy bahama, piña colada cake

While there are just a few ingredients that go into this cake, the recipe and assembly instructions are a bit long.  But don't let that scare you away.  Click here to view the recipe or download a PDF file directly.

Tommy Bahama Piña Colada Cake
Serves 8

Ingredients:
1 1/2 lbs. Pillsbury® white cake mix
14 1/2 oz. water
2 eggs
2 oz. canola oil
3 1/4 lbs. Piña Colada White Chocolate Mousse
24 oz. Toasted Coconut
24 oz. crushed pineapple tidbits
Myers Dark Rum in a spray bottle

Won't your friends will be impressed when you present this cake at your next get together?