MJ Speaks

As a fan of airline memorabilia, I liked these magnets from the former Pan Am Airlines.  I believe this was the emblem from the "original" Pam Am, rather than one of its later reincarnations.

I found them at the Museum of Flight gift shop in Seattle, as well as online through Pan Am One.

Magnets come in a box of five and retail for $8.

Photo credit:  Pan Am One

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I love popcorn, chips, Frito’s, crunchy Cheetos, and all sorts of salty, unhealthy snacks.  I know that they aren’t good for me (duh!), but the healthier alternatives just taste like cardboard.  Or worse!

I was reading an article about a healthy “new” snack that has me willing to try again.

Pop Chips are made of potatoes, organic white corn, and whole grain brown rice.  Heat is apply to POP it, and it becomes a chip.  There’s no frying involved, so no unhealthy oil.  The popped chip is seasoned, and it’s tasty as is or with dips or spreads

Here are your flavor selections:

• Popped potato chips:  original, barbecue, salt & pepper, sea salt & vinegar, and parmesan garlic.
• Popped corn chips:  sea salt, cheddar, and salsa.
• Popped rice chips:  wasabi.

Looks like sufficient flavors for me to find something that I like.  Probably several somethings, in fact!

The company website has a store locator to help you find a place to purchase Pop Chips, but basically you can locate them at Safeway, Von’s, Whole Foods and Ralph’s, among others.  I’ll be looking for them next time I’m at the market.

Pop Chips embraces the motto “Snacking is Good and Should be Encouraged.”  You’ve gotta like anyone who thinks like that!

Elie Tahari is one of my favorite designers.  There are a couple reasons for that:  his clothing fits my body well, his styles fit my lifestyle, and — this is really important — the fashion fits my budget.

As I was browsing for summer clothes idea, I came across this Briar (also called khaki) dress with eyelet trim.  It has a caftan neckline, with beading and a tie detail. 

I’m not a big eyelet fan, because while it always looks light and summery, it usually looks a little too "little girl-ish" on me.  This dress, however, really caught my eye.  It may be a little short for me to wear as a dress, but it would be a dynamite swimsuit or beach cover up.  It’s made of linen, so the wrinkle factor makes me a little nervous, and at $329 it’s not an inexpensive options.  Still. . . it has me thinking.

The Devon Eyelet Dress comes in sizes X-Small (2-4), Medium (8-10), Large (10-12) and X-Large (14), and is available online, through Elie Tahari stores, or upscale department stores (check locations here).

Photo credit:  Elie Tahari

Isn’t it fun to shop when you feel like your efforts are going to a good cause?

That’s how I feel about Spoon Fed Art, the creative outlet for Los Angeles designer Karin Collins.  As part of her treatment for an eating disorder, she began making one-of-a-kind pendants out of spoons.  After receiving numerous compliment on her designs, she turn therapy into a business and Spoon Fed Art was born.

I purchased the Purple Rose of Cairo (in photo) a couple years ago, and have had my eye on a couple of her new designs.  You’ll need to check back frequently, as items appear and are sold out quickly.  I regret that I didn’t see Iced Petals before it was sold out. 

I appreciate the opportunity to find a unique piece for myself, but I really love that I can support a small businesswoman and a good cause.  Spoon Fed Art is a member of the NEDA, the National Eating Disorder Association.

Shop — support a good cause — get personalized items.  Life is good!

There are some stores that no matter how often I stop into, there is always something new that I have to buy.  Or, an old favorite that I simply must stock up on.

Lush is one of those stores.

I first discovered Lush on a layover and, at the time, there was only one store that was convenient for me to go to.  I’d pick up a layover just to stock up on product, buy gifts, and feed my fix for a few months until I could get back again.

I love the displays of their delicious smelling hand-made bath products.  Besides being al natural, with no animal testing, they all smell pretty damn fantastic!

Lush now has stores in more places than you can shake a stick at (check the website for countries and location), and many products can be purchased online.  Perishable products usually cannot be shipped, however.

While they offer a variety of products (skin care, hair products, deodorants, etc.), the bath products are still my favorites.  And I love the soap that is just cut for you right off the block.

My personal recommendations:  Karma bath bombs (orange and spices), creamy candy bubble bar (vanilla and lots of sugar), rock star soap (smells a little bit like bubble gum), and almond butter buttercream (almond and citrus).

Lush makes life a little easier most days.

I’ve never been a huge Louis Vuitton fan.  It’s not that I didn’t like them, it’s that everyone around seemed to have one.  Or rather, a couple of friends had them and everywhere else I turned people had a knock off LV.  (Yes, I can tell the difference!)

It was never high on my wish list as far as a handbag.

Until I went to Paris last fall.

And there, while strolling along the Champs d’Elysees, I fell in love.  With Louis.  And we entered into a committed relationship limited only be the depth of my bankbook.  I took this Monogram Mini Lin Canvas Speedy (in photo) home with me.

Here are the vitals:

• Monogram Mini Lin canvas; supple, light, and resistant
• 58% cotton, 24% linen, 18% polyamide
• Grained calf leather trim
• Light colored stitching
• Shiny brass metal hardware
• Top zip closure with padlock
• Comfortable, rolled leather handles
• Tonal textile lining with interior patch pocket
• 11.8" x 8.3" x 6.7"

This is definitely not a one-night stand!