HAPPY LABOR DAY

Time to say Bon Voyage to the summer and start looking forward to Fall Activities!!! I don’t think I am really ready yet to turn my back on the warm weather and summer actives. But, I am ready for one last celebration….A Labor Day Lobster Dinner….

It’s not too late to host your own Clam Bake. I love to use wooden mallots for the claws. Mine are collected over the years from Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami but I found a great set for you!! Also it soo great to put lemon squeezers on the table. All of my other decorative items are vintage collected over the years….Etsy is a great place to look...

Lobster Plates

Red Solo Cup Wine Glasses

Gingham Napkins

Lobster Cracker Set

Lemon Squeezer

Under the Radar Brands, You Need to Hear About

Under the Radar Brands You Need to Hear About

Nowadays during the pandemic, it is more important than ever to support smaller fashion brands and sites. In many countries, department stores, big businesses and corporations have gained financial support and have a steady stream of customers that may not be buying as much now but they will again, but many small businesses are still struggling to stay afloat and still in business. These smaller fashion brands and sites are the exact parts of the fashion world that add a newness to it and a bit of exclusivity, so here are a few fashion brands you may not have heard of but should get to know. 

Under the radar fashion brands

While not exactly a brand, Mirta is a marketplace that sells accessories and bags from small leather artisans around Italy. You can find beautiful Italian crossbody bags, top handle bags, briefcases and more. There are options for men and women, and you can find high-quality accessories and shoes in addition to handbags. For those high-quality pieces that are 100% Made in Italy, Mirta is the place to shop and add some serious style to your wardrobe. 

Jessica K, founded by Lebanese designer Jessica Khoueiri-Achkar, offers fresh and modern fashion for women that mixes masculine with feminine. The brand is Beirut-based that according to its website, ‘boasts a collection of confident, feminine and refined silhouettes that scream urban elegance, with a touch of Rock n’ Roll. Beirut just suffered a significant explosion at its port, with over 6,000 injured and over 100 dead. On top of the coronavirus pandemic, this is a time where supporting a Beirut-based brand and small company is especially important. 

BITE studios is a Stockholm and London-based label that is focused on sustainability. You’ll find streamlined and modern pieces made from organic silk, cotton, and wool that focus on detail, quality and sustainability. If you want to support an international eco-conscious brand and really be intentional with the clothes that you are purchasing, or even just be intentional about making an eco-conscious effort, this is a great brand to know. 

Looking for new swimwear? Oséree is an Italian swimwear brand founded by Isabella Cavalli and Jannine Vinci that celebrates tradition with a modern approach. The brand’s signature pieces are the Lumière One-Piece Lurex Swimsuit and sparkly two-piece. This isn’t just any swimwear, but luxury swimwear that is minimal yet exquisite, inspired by Parisian style and elegance. 

It is worth curating these pieces to discover something new! Whether you shop by style, brand, or a mix of both, there are many small brands out there to get to know. Especially as most of these brands listed here are international, you can also add a taste of European flare to your wardrobe. 

For Our Younger Readers..Some Pregnancy Tips

Image source: Pexels

So you have decided to get pregnant. It’s a big decision for people to make. Your body will be carrying a baby around for nearly nine months, so preparing your body for that task will undoubtedly help you on the journey.

Multivitamins

Having a baby grow in your belly can use up a lot of nutrients from your body, so taking a multivitamin will give you a much-needed boost. 

Opt for ones that companies have designed for those who want to get pregnant. Try out a few options, so you get the one that is right for you.

Folic Acid

This additional vitamin, which is often recommended for women wanting to conceive, will be of benefit. The folic acid tablets help prevent neural tube defects during the early days of your pregnancy. You can purchase these over the counter. Your doctor may continue to prescribe them only at a higher dosage if needed during the rest of your pregnancy.  

Healthy Diet

Eating a healthy well-balanced diet is essential during this time. Limit the amount of fast food or processed foods and instead increase your salad, green leafy vegetables and drink plenty of water. Increasing your fiber intake will also be of benefit.

Exercise

Taking regular exercise will be of benefit to you and your baby. It doesn’t have to be high-intensity aerobics. It can be a 30-minute brisk walk. Doing this at least 30 minutes each day will stand you in good stead when it comes to carrying your baby during the last trimester, especially.

Health Check Up

Visit your doctor to get a full check up. This is particularly important if you are undergoing IVF treatment. As well as understanding how IVF works and opting for somewhere with top IVF success rates, you will want to get your body ready for the process. To understand the IVF process in more detail, the information here will be of use to you.

Limit your Stress

Stress can have such a negative impact on the body. 

Practice meditation, go for a walk, take some deep breaths, or do anything else that you enjoy. This will ensure you keep your stress levels at a minimum. Another idea is to try yoga. As well as destressing your body, it will help strengthen and stretch your body, improving it for your pregnancy.

Sleep Well

With a new baby, sleep will be hard to come by. Get as much rest and sleep as you can during the pregnancy. You don’t have to stick to a particular routine; sleep and rest when you can. You can read up on 3 truths about parenting a new born to help you during that stage.

Reach your Health Weight

Being a healthy weight will help you carry your baby without much stress. A healthy weight is one where you are comfortable rather than looking at scales. 

Talk to your doctor and get advice if you feel you would like to drop a few pounds before pregnancy.

There is so much to think about when you want to have a baby. 

However, with a little planning ahead, you will be in the right place both mentally and physically to have a healthy pregnancy.

Peach Cobbler in a Cast Iron Skillet

Ever since I got my Coastal Cast Iron pan..I have wanted to cook everything in it! I read that it is also the best pan to cook sweets in, especially Cobblers and cornbreads. Supposedly, the favor is much better in skillet. This peach cobbler recipe popped into my inbox this week and it seemed like the perfect thing for my first Cast Iron baking project. I am planning my cobbler to be the perfect finale for a Labor Day Lobster Bake…..To get your own Costal Cast Iron pan and 10% off click HERE.

image Pixabay.com

Peach Cobbler in a Cast Iron Skillet

Adapted from SuccessfulHomemakers.com

Ingredients

  • 2 cups sliced peaches
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup milk
  1. Pre-heat oven to 375*F.
  2. Places sliced peaches in a large bowl. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of sugar and flour. Stir to coat peaches and set aside.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, 3/4 cup sugar, baking powder, salt, and milk, set aside.
  4. Over low heat, melt butter in a cast iron skillet.
  5. Pour the batter over the melted butter – Do not stir into the butter.
  6. Pour the peaches over the batter – again, do not stir.
  7. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until crust is light brown and puffy.
  8. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
  9. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream.

How To Keep Your Picture Perfect Smile

Of all the things that can influence our appearance, none are quite as important as our smile. It’s the foundation of our style! If you have an excellent smile, then you’ll want to work to ensure that it stays that way. A lot of people take their picture-perfect smile for granted, incorrectly believing that it’ll be with them forever. But this is not guaranteed. If you want your smile to look as beautiful in 30 years as it does today, then take a read of our tips below. 

Pexels – CC0 Licence

Say Goodbye To Sugary Drinks

If there’s one thing that will compromise the quality of your teeth, it’s sugary drinks. Indeed, one of the main reasons why so many adults have teeth problems is because of the number of sugary drinks they drank when they were younger. Drink manufacturers are pretty good at selling the taste of their products, not so good at explaining what’s inside the drink, and how bad it is for you. If plain old water doesn’t do it for you, then look at other options. Even adding some lemon or cucumber to water can make it taste much better, and it’ll be good for you. 

Nail Your Dental Routine

Did you know that one hundred years ago, only ten percent of the population brushed their teeth on a regular basis? It sounds crazy, but it’s true. It’s not that today’s society is completely flawless, however. Many of our dental routines can be described as ‘basic.’ It’s not enough to just stick a toothbrush in your mouth; you have to know how to brush effectively. You’ll also want to learn how to use dental floss properly, and invest in high-quality mouthwash (low-quality options can cause more problems than they solve).

Handling Problems Early On

Even if you are practicing good dental hygiene, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to avoid dental problems forever. Sometimes, you’re just unlucky. Having dental problems aren’t anything to worry about on their own. What’s important is that you take care of them as early as possible. Treating an abscessed tooth is a straightforward process, but if it’s left too late — or you don’t receive any treatment whatsoever — then you could experience serious health side-effects. As well as handling problems when they arise, you’ll also want to simply take a proactive approach when it comes to your dental health. That means regular trips to the dentist!

For the (Wannabe) Sports Stars

If you’re an active person who loves the rough and ready lifestyle, then you’ll want to take extra care of your teeth. Trauma is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. If you’re engaging in forceful sports, then consider wearing a mouthguard in order to protect your teeth. If your tooth does happen to be knocked out, then put it in a glass of milk, and head to the dentist straight away. It’s possible that they’ll be able to reattach it. If not, you’ll need to work with a dentist that specializes in cosmetic dentistry. 

Additionally, gum health is fairly important too. Don’t hesitate to get a consultation to discuss gum surgery with the pediatric dentist Modesto.

Navy Lobster

I have had it on my list to write the post on one of my favorite local stores, The Navy Lobster in Greenwich, Ct for so long. This little gem is right off the Post Rd and it is filled to the brim with treasures. Mary Beth, the owner, curates her charming space with unique finds from all over the globe. From soaps and candles from Positano to southern embroidered cocktail napkins. If you are searching for the perfect hostess or birthday gift, Mary Beth has you covered. After just one visit you will quickly see why it is a go-to in Greenwich and the surrounding areas.

Here is Mary Beth’s version of the back to school bag. Her pouches are fabulous for cosmetics, pencil and pens, and even masks. The block print masks are soo great too and made of the softest, thinnest breathable cotton!!!

I am such a fan of blue and white accessories. I love that monkey candleholder and those vases…….

Here is the place to go for a book bag….one is prettier than the other…

All of the french soaps are sooo amazing….

These “Art Of” book make great gifts and I love that tissue box holder, so cute in a college dorm room!!!!

Navy Lobster has a never ending selection of cute note pads and cards…

The Bill Cunningham book is high on my list and I love these petit appetizer dishes..so chic!!!

Love the throws too…..

The selection of cocktail napkins and guest towels is also huge…

Not to get too political!!!!!

Love these napkins and hand towels!