Patagonia Reflip Chip Flip Flops

I'm the pickiest person in the world when it comes to flip flops and only started wearing them when I discovered Reefs.  They're the only ones that were comfortable to me--until now.  Patagonia's Reflip Chips are at least as comfortable and even better, they are made from soft recycled materials and are totally recyclable through Patagonia's Common Threads recycle program.  The fabric that fits between your toes (what can make flip flops so uncomfortable) is sewn perfectly and is soft and thin and barely noticeable. Perfect for travel, they are super light weight and comfy enough to support some extended walking. 

They're vegan too.  And did I mention they're cute?  They come in three colors, all bright and cheery and perfect for summer.  Find them HERE.

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New for Summer: Sierra Trail Mix CLIF BAR

Need some easy access energy for your summer hikes and travels?  Clif Bar has come out with a new flavor, Sierra Trail Mix.  It's 70% organic, gmo free and contains sustainably sourced cocoa from farms certified by the Rainforest Alliance.  I'd like to see that USDA Certified Organic seal on Clif Bars as well, it looks like they might be moving in that direction.  Seirra Trail Mix, as the name implies, contains trail mix ingredients like raisins, peanuts and chocolate.  It has a little bit of salty-sweet going on and is super kid friendly.  My son goes bananas for Clif Bars of any kind, and boy do they come in handy when you are caught out too long without a snack.  Pulling one of these out of my bag when things start to go cranky can turn the whole day around.  Find them HERE.

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Grand Trunk Parasheet: Beach Bag Must Have

Headed to the beach this summer?  If you're traveling and don't want to bring along bulky towels, Grand Trunk's Parasheet is a great solution.  They are super light weight at 20oz (less for the single), come in a handy attached stuff sack, and easily fit right in your beach bag.  They come in a rainbow of colors and single and double sizes.  I'd opt for double as I think bigger is better in this case, though the single is more compact and would be perfect for kids or those who want to minimize bulk even more. 

The blue is gorgeous and soothing, like your own portable oasis.  Sand shakes off with ease, so you don't have an accumulation at the bottom of your bag the way you do with towels that have been on the beach.  It also dries very quickly.  Pockets are sewn in the corners and sides to fill with sand and weigh it down so it will stay flat and won't blow away, and there are stake loops too.  It's perfect for picnics and no worries if you spill food on it, you can just throw it in the wash when you get home.

Grand Trunk has a lot of innovative gear, and they're an eco minded company.  Find the Parasheet and other travel necessities HERE. 

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Just in Time for Summer: LUST FOR LEAF

Hot off the presses--I just got this in my hands just now or I would have insisted you pick up a copy for the Fourth.  Maybe there's still time to grab one locally?   LUST FOR LEAF is a fresh, sassy and slightly risque vegetarian cookbook packed with recipes for some inspired eating this summer and beyond.

Meals perfect for camping, picnicking, and potlucks but with some serious originality.  I haven't seen a cookbook come my way in a while that made me stop what I was doing and read.  Yes, read.  The prose is entertaining and it's full of glossy photos.  I haven't had a chance to try recipes yet but I will for sure, and most often you know by looking at a recipe whether or not you're going to like it.  First on my list (and on the menu for tomorrow) is the Watermelon-Strawberry Aquas Fresca (with cilantro) and I can't wait to try the recipe for squash blossoms.  V's let you know instantly whether a recipe is vegan while fabulous recipe titles and cool info-icons with drink and music suggestions add to the fun.  Amusing it is, but there's real substance here.  It's full of creativity and made me laugh while making me hungry.

The Kindle version is available now, but unless you have a color display, I'd get the hard copy for the abundance of photos on every page.  It's not for everyone perhaps, I've never been told to stir the shit out of something in a cookbook before, but it's raunchiness definitely gives it a unique voice.  And I think that edge just might appeal to some who otherwise might not be interested in a vegetarian cookbook.  It would be an awesome host/hostess gift if you're headed out for a Fourth of July party tomorrow (or any summer party for that matter).  Find it HERE. 

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