:: new favorite thing: the buff ::

When I went on last month's survival weekend in the White Mountains, one thing we talked about was that everything in your backpack should have multiple uses. So, your rolled up fleece can be your pillow and your coffee mug can also be your cereal bowl. So when I found this bandana in the AMC gift shop, I scooped it up. Since then, it's served as a head band, a sweat band, a sleeping mask, and sun and bug cover.

 

I bought the Lenana, but the Madina above is my favorite from their website. They're all about $15-20. A steal!

:: margarita damage control ::

I've done the math. And it's not pretty. Even if I skip dinner, margaritas, chips and salsa rack up enough calories to get me straight through to next week. So, I've found a few scaled down recipes to help a girl out. Because we're not drinking these things for the sugar.

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The Cooking Light Margarita: 130 calories. 1 ounce premium or silver tequila, 1/2 ounce Cointreau or other orange-flavored liqueur, 1.5 ounces fresh-squeezed lime juice. Shake with 3/4 cup ice; garnish with lime.

Hungry Girl's Rockin' Razzy 'Rita: 105 calories. 1.5 oz. tequila, 1/2 tsp. Crystal Light powdered drink mix in Raspberry Ice, 5 oz. water, 1 oz. lime juice. Optional: lime slice for garnish and salt or no-calorie sweetener for rim of glass.

Fitness Blender's Strawberry Margarita: 134 calories. 1 shot of tequila, 1 cup frozen strawberries, 1/2 oz. lime juice (fresh is best), 1/4-1/2 packet low calorie strawberry water flavoring (depending on how strong you want it to taste), 2 oz. water, 3/4 cup ice cubes.

Any other good skinny cocktail recipes?

:: roam if you want to ::

Kate Pierson of the B52's is still the coolest thing. The hair, the go-go dancing, the eyeliner...the hair. I thought I'd take the liberty of updating her look from 1989's Roam, but to tell you the truth, it actually doesn't need much updating. Which makes her even cooler. Twenty-four years later and she's still got it.

Oh, and that teal sequined number? It's $100 from French Connection. Is it too early to start prepping for New Year's Eve?

Want to watch the Roam video? Click here.

:: take the cakestyle ::

Oh my gosh, I love when this happens. Cakestyle is having their seasonal sample sale! I've only had the pleasure of getting styled by them once (thanks to a Gilt City deal where I paid $150 for $300 of clothing), but their stuff is just divine. And once again, they're selling off their extra inventory at just a fraction of the cost. We're talking up to 50% off DVF, Joie, Chaiken, Shoshanna...okay, I'm getting light-headed.

Here's what I'm grabbing...I'm dying for anything with a dainty little collar lately:

All sales are final, and shipping is free! Go, go, GO!

:: mouthwatering mondays: lemon parsley popcorn ::

Lemon Parsley Popcorn

Source: www.food.com

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon salt (to taste)
pepper (optional)
2 quarts hot popped corn

Directions: 

1. Microwave the butter, parsley, lemon zest, salt and pepper uncovered in a small microwave-safe bowl on high for one minute or until the butter is melted.
2. Place the hot popped corn in a serving bowl and pour the butter mixture over it.
3. Toss to blend and serve immediately!

                          

:: chambray all the way ::

Anything too trendy makes me nervous. And self conscious. Unless I really love it on its own (ponchos, ballet flats, rose gold anything), I won't wear something just for fashion's sake. But the chambray wave that's hitting summer 2013 is something I'm happy to let smack my closet in the face. It's classic and versatile and so easy to transition into fall.

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:: rent the runway dress sale. i die ::

I came late to the Rent the Runway party, but I am a total fan now. From their descriptions to their search functionality to their super organized shipping processes, I have had nothing but the BEST of experiences with these folks.

And now, I hear that they're SELLING some of their dresses. Be still my retail-loving heart. Here are a few of my favorites:

 
From left: Shanghai Garden from Sophie Theallet ($299); Work it Girl from Tibi ($128); Key Pattern Sheath from Narcisco Rodriguez ($399); Column Dress from Tibi ($170); Tangerine Cross-halter from Cushnie et Ochs ($399).

Go here to see for yourself! And they're giving away rental credits based on how much you spend. Win win!