My new favorite trick: Two bags of Stash Peppermint Herbal Tea in a pitcher of water gives it a refreshing, sugar-free, taste of mint.

 I like water but occasionally I find it hard to drink enough and adding a little flavor makes it easier to drink more. Things like Crystal Lite and other products designed to add flavor to water contain sugar and chemicals -- none of which I want in my water.
Cucumber slices, lemons, and limes are great but I don't always get to the store and they are perishable so they aren't something I can keep on the shelf for just-in-case occasions. Other types of tea would work too but, I prefer caffeine-free and many herbals don't appeal to me. In the past, I used an herbal vanilla-hazelnut tea but it was a little too sweet for my taste.

No need to boil the water or even place the pitcher in the sun, just throw the tea bags into the pitcher and leave until the water has the flavor you desire. Easy!

For The "To Read" List

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

Jason Wu Lace-Detail Shirt

When I saw this online, I adored it; in person, not so much. The fitted look the model portrays is nothing like the reality. The blouse is boxy and hardly figure-flattering. A good deal of tailoring might redeem it.

Here are the details from the Neiman-Marcus site:
- Black poplin with tonal sheer deconstructed lace panels and short sleeves
- Double-layer point collar; lace-taped button front
- Pintucked detail on back
- Slim fit (??? - perhaps the blouse I tried on was an anomaly?)
- cotton / polyamide / spandex made in USA


 ... does anyone else find the model a little scary?

Lanvin Draped Half-Belt Dress

Lanvin Draped Half-Belt Dress at Neiman-Marcus

From the site:
- silk crepe
- Grecian-inspired draped front gathers at right shoulder, ties in bow high
- asymmetric neckline
- relaxed draping forms slight cocoon silhouette
- ruched half belt cinches front waist

Thought for the day

Sometimes the best way to turn the other cheek is to hit the 'unfriend' button.
- April 13, 2012

Wine in your floor

This is so fantastic; I want one!

The Spiral Wine Cellar

Martinis...

"Thou shall not match martinis with men" was the counsel of Jo Foxworth, one of the few women in the Advertising Hall of Fame. "Some women can drink some men under the table, but a man under the table can still be dangerous."
-Town & Country, March 2012, p. 134