Road Trip Crack Trail Mix

Quite name, huh? Well, I wasn't the one who named it (though it sounds like I should have!) Anyway... since I'm allergic to nuts, trail mixes are a tough one for me. But what's better than a trail mix when going on a trip (or trail?) A little salty, a little sweet. Yum! Well, I was at a wedding a few years back, my problem was solved!!! In the hotel gift bag was a nut free trail mix, called "crack". Seriously.

Here is what you need:
1 box of cap'n crunch
1 bag of gold fish
1 bag of m&ms
1 bag of pretzels
1 bag if bugles (I get the BIG bag)
2 bags of yogurt covered raisins

Take two gallon size zip lock bags and divide everything amongst the bags (Obviously a bag of raisins for each). Toss the bags around a little to mix... And you're done!!!

Here's my favorite part: substitutions!!! Don't like cap'n crunch? Use Cheerios or Chex. What flavor of gold fish are your favorites? Use them! Peanut m&ms? Go for it. Regular raisins and some other dried fruit? Yummy! I sometimes even add chocolate covered pretzels!

The possibilities are endless, and it's all so good! Just use what you like, or better yet, what you have around your house!

How To: Be a Good House Guest

After years of threatening and planning (not even joking, it's been since 2006), I finally made it up to the Windy City to visit my college roommates (who accidentally on purpose live 1 1/2 blocks from each other). We couldn't decide where I would stay, so we decided one night at one house, one night at the other - so I got a double dose of air mattress surfing & they got to deal with my incessantly chipper morning chatter. Everyone involved way terribly pleased - and by everyone, I mean my roommates and I. Their significant others... that remains to be seen.

Since summer is coming up, that means there will be a lot of vacations coming up - which means a lot of couch surfing with inevitably happen. Here, as always, are a few handy tips to make the whole experience easier for everyone.

- First thing's first: ask before you come to stay with someone. Even if it's totally cool with you to have every Joe on the street to stay with you, never assume. If you are bringing your significant other, it's imperative that you check with all parties involved. Alternatively, if someone asks to stay at your home, and it is truly inconvenient, say no!
- Discuss you trip expectations before hand. Are you expecting someone to play host for you or do you like to check things out on your own? Maybe you're there for work & they have tons of school.
- If you're a planner, make sure everyone is involved in the decision making for your daily activities. Don't do just what you want to do.
- When eating in, make sure your host is aware of any allergies. It's rather uncomfortable for all involved when they only snacks available are all nut-tastic and you become hive child, just looking at them (no, my allergies are not THAT bad, settle down).
- When picking dinner options, make sure you have a few choices with a broad menu and a variety of prices. You might want to eat at every Top Chef restaurant you can find in that city, and your friends might be in money saving mode.
- If you're having a night out, try to take everyone's temperature involved. You may way to be out until 5am, and they may not. You can always find a happy medium.
- Discuss plans for the following day, the night before. That way everyone has similar expectations to how the day will go - even if it doesn't totally go as planned.
- When waking up in the morning, unless you know your host sleeps in late, try to wake up at a reasonable time. Nothing is more uncomfortable for someone who is trying to play host to you and you keep awkwardly sleeping. Alternatively, if you are an early riser like me, try to be quite and start your morning. Take a shower, make coffee, and quietly entertain yourself. That way when your host wake up, they won't feel bad about having slept in.
- When it's the last day of your stay, clean up. Strip the sheets from the bed, deflate mattresses, refold couches, and pack your stuff up. No one likes a hurricane for a house guest.
- Consider an email, thank you note, flowers, or whatever is your style to show your gratitude. A written thought to show appreciation can really go a long way.

Not that we don't adore our friends and family, and cherish the time we get to spend with them, but as they say, house guests and Fish have a lot in common, after three days - they stink! Keep it short and sweet and you'll be sure to get an invite back.

Rainy Season

The weather here in Florida FINALLY broke and our summer rains have begun (did the storms wake anyone else up last night?) With that in mind and being a planner by nature, here are a few handy tips to make sure your day doesn't get screwed up my the rain. 

- Buy a rain coat. I'm someone who usually has my hands full, so when it rains, I don't always have time to carry an umbrella (Also, my manfriend is about a foot taller than me - which makes it hard to share an umbrella) So I bring my rain coat. I prefer a classic trench coat, it instantly adds a certain chicness to any outfit. Stay try to your style. If you have a tougher style, get a moto cut jacket. If you live in colder climates, it would be wise to get a convertible rain coat with a warm insert. Whatever you do, make sure it repels rain.

- Bring your umbrella!! I keep one in my car and one on the door handle going out to my garage. That way, I know I've always got one easily accessible to me... and see when right before i leave. So I never forget it. If you live in a place without a garage, consider a chic umbrella holder (with an umbrella in it) or placing your umbrella near where you keep your bag. 

- I carry a foldable bag with me, for instances that I need a bag at the farmer's market or if I'm on a trip and end up coming home with more than I came with. This bag, I have learned is also waterproof.  I was coming home last night with some important stuff in my purse and was going to have to make a made dash through the rain. Thankfully I had my foldable tote, threw my purse in it, and nothing got wet. 

- Rain boots!!! Hunters are classic (ah hem, Hunter Green... where did you think it came from?). But keep in mind there are tons of colors and styles, so get what fits your style and personality.  I have a pair of black riding boot cut (knee high with an angled top) that go with everything and get worn all the time. 

- Keep a little microfiber towel in the glove box of your car. It's so helpful when you were rained on and you need to get the rain off of you fast. 

With these tips, you can quickly get yourself out of a bind and stay dry. Prepare yourself now, and you won't have to worry about it later.

Homemade Kahlua

When I was visiting family a few weekends ago, my lovely aunt shared this with me... and it was so delicious, I figured I should share it with you!

Homemade Kahula

2 1/2 c  Boiled Water

4 c White Sugar

2 oz Instant Coffee

2 t Vanilla

1 Pint Vodka

1 Pint Brandy

Directions: Boil the water. Add all the ingredients. Let cool. Drink. A lot.

So easy, right? And SOOOO good.

Khaki vs. Berry

My platonic life partner posed this question to me a few days ago while shopping for an impending trip. Obviously, I knew Nattily Natalie would have to chime in. I love to help other people shop and am floored every time someone bothers to ask my opinion I try to give the most truthful opinion I can, focusing on all the good points (though I am not afraid to point out the not so flattering as justification for you to burn something. Pryo much? Yeah, apparently so.)

Though, the more I considered the arguments for berry vs. khaki, it became clear this was much larger than what color coat she should choose. It's time for a discussion about classic vs. trend.

9 times out of 10, I will opt for the classic. I have tons of LBDs, white oxfords, gray cardis, a trench, and more plain black heels that I can to admit. There are few things I dislike more that buying a new article of clothing, and not having any basics to go with it. And basics are classic. You will always look awesome running around on weekends in your favorite jeans, a white t-shirt, a trench, and loafers.

The problem with classics, they can be dated. Collars change. Hem lines change. Fit changes. You may have had the perfect suit 10 years ago, and you thought you'd wear it forever... I bet it's not the first thing you grab, is it? Realistically, what do you own from more than five years ago that still fits? And that you LIKE how it fits? For me, I weight about 10 lbs less and loved shirts that were slightly midriff bearing. So anything from then doesn't fit... And if it did, I wouldn't like the fit of the item.

If you don't participate in some trends (a nod to animal print here, a pair of colorful flats there) your wardrobe would be the kind of bland that mayonnaise rolls its' eyes at. But what happens if you overly participate in trends? 1) you'll look like a fashion victim 2) you'll look cheap and 3) you could fall into the dreaded trend time warp (I'm talking to you with the big ass hair and blue eye shadow - also to your daughter with the overly straightened hair and bedazzled t-shirt)

Trend can turn into classic. Otherwise how would we gain classics? But be wary of falling to either side. Too bland or too much, no thanks. A nod to the trend, a nod to the classic, all blended with your personal style. My advice to her (after mentioning that her pets would willingly destroy a majority of her clothes), go for the pop of color. Wear classics with it. And then, when the time comes to retire said coat, know you wore the hell out if it.

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xoxo
N

Water

For anyone that knows me, they know I drink a lot of water. All the time. And there is a reason for it: I feel better when I do.

When I was little, I wasn't a fan of overly sugary or tart juices (which eliminates ALL of them), my mother wouldn't let me have caffeine (shocking, right?) and my parents found out I was slightly allergic to milk (based on all my other allergies, it's not very shocking), so I got to drink a lot of water.

Well, I very quickly came to love the pure, cooling taste of a glass of water. I don't care if it's room temperature, chilled in the fridge, or even a little warm from the sun. I feel amazing after I drink it.

Funny enough, I actually notice the benefits of my excessive water drinking when I don't drink enough. I get a headache, my skin feels tight, my lips feel chapped and I feel bloated. Those symptoms are all pretty high on the horrific scale for me, so, I drink water.

If you drink as much water as I do, I implore you to get reusable glass/cup/container. If you're being good to yourself, you should also be good to the environment.

White. Wear it Now.

Don't wait until memorial day. And don't worry about wearing it after labor day. If it feels right, go for it!

I have a pair of white jeans from my friend and yours, Michael Kors. It's a safe bet to assume I have been wearing them for a few weeks now! But also great white things to consider:
- A white dress (maybe with some turquoise or red coral jewelry)
- A white blazer over a bold sheath dress.
- A white oxford shirt... with everything!
- A white chunky knitted cardi over your bathing suit.


White is a color that should be in every wardrobe, regardless of the season. Make sure they aren't too sheer and wear nude supportive undergarments, and you'll be set for summer. And as a side note... white sets your skin off to give you a bit of a tan.

Don't Be That Guy... On a Plane

Thanks to the past long weekend, my travel bug was indulged - sort of. I, at least, got to fly around the country and spread my asinine musings and disdainful glances. (Though I promise, I'm super fun to travel with - you may have guessed, I'm a little judgy).

Here are a few things I've been reminded of while traveling this weekend that I now feel obliged to share with you.

Packing:
- Leave your big items (shoes, bags, accessories) at home. You'll inevitably buy something and then you won't. have room to pack at the end of the trip.
- I don't care if the weather calls for 9000 degrees or negative 45 degrees. Always pack at least one t-shirt, one light jacket of your choosing, and a pair of flip flops. You'll thank me later.
- If you're going with a group, plan ahead of time if someone is bring a blow dryer, straightener, or curling iron. No need to pack multiples.

At The Airport:
- Wear comfy clothes for the plane, if you can. I understand that sometimes we have to wear specific outfits one planes or something special for the second you get off the plane, but comfortable is always better.
- Please don't take comfort too far. I don't recommend wearing your pajamas or juicy sweatsuit (please. Tell me you don't own one) on a plane. You look silly.
- If you can, wear slip on shoes (and socks!?) for going through security.
- When riding an escalator or people mover, stand to the right, unless otherwise noted. There are people who have places to be - so stand to the side. Their lives will be easier if they don't have to dodge you. And you have the chance of not getting your toes run over.

On The Plane:
- Don't take up more than your space.
- If you smoke, try to grab some gym or wear an outfit that doesn't stink. It's a small enclosed space, please remember that.
- Bring some form of entertainment, it is not the responsibility of the person next to you to entertain you.
- If the person sitting next to you is reading to listening to headphones quit bugging them. Please. I beg you.
- If you get cold easily (like me!) try to bring a jacket or cardi with you on the plane.

When traveling, you'll find me in jeans (or denim cut non jeans) loafers or flats, a comfy top, and always my trusty scarf (you never know when you're going to need to cuddle with your blankie or cover your nose from a foul smell).

Good luck and bon voyage, my friends!!!