For many of us May and June seem to always be the busiest most hectic months of the year.  Schools are out,  and with that - end of season parties, awards ceremonies, moving up ceremonies and of course the most important of all milestones - graduations!   Why does  it always seem that graduations take place on the hottest days (with lots of humidity and /or rain ? )   Under these conditions it’s definitely difficult to put together an outfit that keeps you cool AND looks cool.  How do YOU tackle the challenge of what to wear when it’s super hot ?  Ahead a few thoughts on how to beat the heat that are literally, "no sweat."

1. Light weight layers: Sounds like a strange way to beat the heat... but it makes sense -  

Look chic in a cool summer dress.  Leave the bermuda shorts at home or in your locker at the golf club where they look best...

A great fitting pair of white pants - Not an easy task I know.  Make sure you check the back view before you buy because white can be so sheer.  It also might be necessary to go up a size.  

A crisp white summer shirt - Love this all year but especially when the temperature rises... A statement piece of jewelry is all that is needed to complete this look. 

Thank you for reading.  Hope that you are getting ready to celebrate the upcoming Memorial Day weekend and also the start of the graduation "season"  -  endless backyard BBQs and patio happy hour parties.  Be safe and enjoy. Don't forget your sunscreen!  Lori

Mothers day- is it just an invention of the retail world? Cards- hopefully made with love and a gift or two?  My family and I have done many things over the years to celebrate this day- gone to ball games, big barbeque bashes, even treked out to Queens to one of our favorite Italian restaurants (Don Peppe- right by Kennedy Airport- it's worth the trip) - There was the year my kids and AJ made me breakfast in bed.  Only problem was none of them realized there was a difference between instant coffee and brewed - I had a big hot mouthful of coffee grinds...  This year is actually kind of special for me.  My mom and dad will be here for the first time in several years as will two of my three kids. Almost a full house! Seriously no matter who is home, no matter what we end up doing, Mothers Day is all about family and just being together.  This year I'm going to have everyone over, make a big easy meal, drink some wine and probably end up watching some random golf tournament on TV. Perfectly ordinary and also pretty perfect.  What will you be doing this year? 

My mothers day BBQ...
 Grilled Salmon, Flank Steak, garlic bread, a great salad and maybe a fluff cake from Natale's for dessert.  I'm not from the cooks, but I do like having people over and I've been told I make a good salad...

Easy Arugula/Mixed Greens Salad

Ingredients:

Vinaigrette: wisk all ingredients together
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Salad:
arugula
mixed greens
cherry tomatos
corn - preferably grilled first
Coarsely ground black pepper
1/2 cup grated pecorino cheese
1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
a handful of pomagranites

Easy and delicious... 

 Hopefully the weather will be nice... It's been beautiful this past week but still a little on the chilly side at night.  (Make sure you have a few extra sweaters on hand for cold guests)

Think casual and comfortable ... 

Looking to do a little shopping for your mom, wife or girlfriend?  A new handbag is a great gift idea -stick with a small one in a pretty new shade - they probably already have a favorite larger one that's in use for every day. This is a great way to amp up any basic wardrobe by adding a single pop of color.  Below are a few great choices for every budget.  Especially great for moms on the go -  the cross body bag -  A must have this season but also practical, stylish and hand free. 

Perfume, a beautiful scarf, maybe a golf or tennis lesson - or even better a massage or facial.  All great choices. A handmade do it yourself gift - my favorite!  It is really the thought that counts.  One thing more - it's probably a good idea to skip that box of chocolates - I never understood that one - what are you trying to do to me?!?

To all the amazing, compassionate and understanding moms and those who celebrate with them I'd like to wish you a most wonderful mothers day.  

Thank you for reading, Lori