GAP IS DEAD! Long live JCrew and Land's End.

So I've been really disappointed with Gap/Banana/Old Navy for several years now. I don't know the last time I've purchased something from them. And desperate to find a fashionable alternative to purchasing basics, I finally read an article in Business Week about recent ousted CEO Paul Pressler. Yes, it's old news but things finally clicked as to why the brand and clothing went down hill.

So what's the alternative for a mamacita who's looking to buy some basics for Summer – but doesn't want to look to dowdy – a la Talbot's? Ick.

JCrew
I must get a catalog each week in the mail. Love the catalog but hate that it comes weekly. As a kid preparing for camp in Minnesota, my sisters and I used to peruse the JCrew catalog and have our pick of Summer camp clothes. Now it's definitely updated and the clothes are too cute. And the variety of colors and patterns help to spruce up any wardrobe...no black, grey, or brown for me. I'll take yellow and green thank you very much. Check out JCrew today.

Land's End
Alright, so I always thought of Land's End as the sloppy seconds to Talbot's (and we all know how I feel about old lady Talbot). But this isn't your mother's apparel store no more. I don't know how I got on their list, but I'm sure glad I did. I get their catalog about once a month and look forward to their “priced just right” cute clothes. Instead of being Talbot's step sister, Land's End has transformed itself to be JCrew's spunky little sister. So if you're looking for fresh new colors to add to your standard wardrobe, look no further for an affordable option. Land's End is here.

Yellow Is The New Black

Alrighty. I'm LOVING this spring's HOT new fashion color YELLOW! Here are two of my fav items.

1. Seychelles Social Climber Flat
2. Sun Print Sweater

Unfortunately, I can't find a yellow belt. Grr. But if you come across one, please send it my way.

Numb3rs

Clever show. Smart and talented writers (I know one of them). For Northern Exposure fans, the lead, Rob Morrow, is a little bit of an odd casting choice. But I got over it and so can you. So this Friday night @ 10PM PST, join me in watching Numb3rs featuring a cameo from UFC champion Tito Ortiz. Here's what my writer friend has to say about the show. “Tito Ortiz is really huge and looks like he'd break you in half for the fun of it. You should watch it. And keep the kids up too, I'm sure they'll find it educational.”

Alright Summer, hear that? TV IS educational despite what your Grammy Julie says. ;-)

NUTS

Anyone who knows me well, knows I love to snack. Chocolate and nuts are my preferred snack items. So the last few times I visited the grocery store I picked up a few new flavors of Blue Diamond Almonds. Not only do they taste yummers and quench my insatiable appetite for BBQ chips, almonds are good for you. Check out the unbiased company sponsored research (bahahaha).

Here are my top 2 fav flavors

1. Wasabi & Soy Sauce
2. Maui Onion & Garlic

Special review of the Lime'n Chili - interesting taste but not addictive enough for me to purchase again. Very complimentary to Margaritas and Mexican Beer but chips and salsa suit me just fine.

Valentine's Day Gifts For Her

My husband gave me a fabulous red purse from Target for Christmas. Love it! It's stylish and functional. Priced unbelievably right and it's the perfect size for a mama on the go. It will fit a small bottle for baby and a water bottle for moi. Couldn't ask for more...or could I? Here's a few more that I think would go fabulously with a gal's wardrobe.

For Spring

1. Red Hot
2. Spring Yellow

All Seasons

1. Chic Black
2. Basic Brown Stud

Discriminating Listeners - A Radio Station For You

I stumbled upon a radio station called KCRW while driving with my sistah in LA several years ago. Fortunately the station broadcasts online too. Here's 2 reasons why KCRW is soooo cool.

1. Nic Harcourt – woo, this man sounds HOT on the radio and is able to sell me just about anything. Fortunately, the music he pimps is the tastiest stuff around. The New York Times Magazine describes him as “the country's most important disc jockey” and “a genuine bellwether.” Check out his radio show called “Morning Becomes Eclectic” to satisfy your discriminating musical tastes.
2. Sounds Eclectic – 2 hour mix of the best of “Morning Becomes Eclectic.” See a theme here? 'Nough said!
   

World Snacks

I'm a world class foodie. Just as breakfast is about to end, I'm thinking "what am I going to eat for lunch?" So to break my 10 month old daughter into the foodie culture, I read a few "World Snacks" books by Amy Wilson Sanger. Unfortunately I can't limit the list to 2. So here's my top 3. ;-)

1. Hola Jalapeno
2. Yum Yum Dim Sum
3. First Book of Sushi

Language Classes for Tots

If you live in Oakland, Berkeley, of Alameda, (California) check out LangoKids. They have 2 types of Spanish language classes. One for toddlers ages 1 - 3 and another class for preschoolers ages 3 - 5.

Here's my 2 second wish list.

1. I wish they taught Mandarin
2. I wish they held classes at the Montclair Women's Cultural Arts Club (walking distance from my house).

A Girl Named Summer

How do I love www.pandora.com, let me count the ways. Here's 2.

1. Pandora plays music based upon my preferences. So I created a Folk/Blues Music station and a song called "A Girl Named Summer" by Peter King came on. Love the song so I gave it a thumbs up and Pandora will play more of the same.
2. I get to share my music with others - like you - whoever "you" are. Write a comment and I'll share my stations with you.