Ryka Sneakers: Designed for Women

I recently attended Ryka Sneakers preview, where I learned about the brand for the first time.  Ryka sneakers has a 25 year history and are made specifically for women's feet shape, which makes sense because our bodies are different from men (hello hips!).  

 The “Q-angle”(quadricep angle) is the anatomical relationship between the hip and knee – measures 5–7 degrees greater for women than men.  Women tend to shift more weight to the outside of their feet which leads to instability at foot strike and higher risk of injury. 

The design of the shoe looks great and is functional.  This black shoe was one of my favorites.  The "scales" also provide compression.

All Ryka sneakers, including Ryka walking shoes, are designed and developed taking into account a woman’s unique fit needs.   I received a sample of the Dynamic 2 Training Shoes in purple/yellow ($74.99) and I can't wait to try them.  The price is also very affordable and would make a great Mother's Day gift!

Eat This Editor Showcase

Sotheby's Designer ShowHouse April 11 - April 19

On Monday, I attended the reception of Sotheby’s Designer Showhouse cosponsored by Architectural Digest.  The famed auction house's fifth floor was transformed into a home by thirteen interior designers and design firms.  Pieces from the showhouse will be available for sale to the public in a dedicated auction on April 20.  

Dining Room by Russell Piccione Design, Artwork James Rosenquist, George II marbletop eagle form console table

Dining Room by Russell Piccione Design

It was a treat to see how designers put together rooms.  Favorites of mine included the Breakfast Room by Ashley Darryl.  The room was very playful with bold striped blue, black and white wall paper as a backdrop, with antique pieces, such as a Chinese export black lacquer cabinet and beautiful neoclassical bronze six-light chandelier artfully arranged.  

Breakfast Room by Ashley Darryl Interiors

Chinese export lacquer cabinet, Breakfast Room

Green Festival Launch Party

The Green Festival is coming up April 24 - April 26 at the Javits Center in NYC.  I recently attended their VIP launch party at the Environment Furniture Showroom and sampled some delicious organic foods and drinks.  I started with tasty organic moonshine cocktails from local upstate New York Brewery Dutch's Spirits, that were really light and refreshing. 

I also had some great vegan appetizers from Candle Cafe.  I've visited the restaurant before and really enjoyed it, it was my first time trying their vegan meatballs and they are the best vegan meatballs ever (I would have believed they were meat if I didn't know better)!

  I also tasted organic, non GMO, and gluten free hummus by Hope Foods  based in Bolder, Colorado.  They had interesting flavors like Siracha and Curry Hummus, but my favorite was the dark chocolate hummus, which was really delicious and perfect for people who want their chocolate and protein fix without dairy.  They also use HPP High Pressure Process which allows them to package the food and preserve the natural taste without heat or artificial preservatives.

I also tried Buchi Kambucha, brewed in Asheville, NC.  It was a tart effervescent drink which packed a punch, and full of probiotics.

Food and Wine

Carolee Jewelry: Fresh Floral Inspirations, Macaroon Pastels, and Tropical Brights for Spring

Last week, I went to a special showing of Carolee Jewelry Spring collections and met their head designer, Jennifer Kato.  If you haven't heard of Carolee, the brand has stood for the ultimate in design, value and workmanship for over 40 years.  Jennifer introduced me to their new spring collections, which are inspired by  florals, colors from macaroon pastels, and tropical brights.  

Catch the Bouqet: Fabric Floral and Pearl Necklace, Beaded Necklace, Crystal Stems Dramatic Necklace

The main collection, which Jen describes as classic, feminine, and flirty uses pearls and semiprecious gems, and are perfect for bridal and special occasion.  Their Catch the Bouquet Collection has a stylish beaded collar and fabric flower and pearl necklace. 

The Gemstone Garden collection has multi-layered pieces, long necklaces that can be worn in different ways, and drop and chandelier earrings.  The Gemstone Garden Five Row Necklace is one of Carolee's most popular pieces.

(L to R: Gemstone Garden Dramatic Necklace and Five Row Necklace)

Carolee is also been a big supporter of Breast Cancer Research, so there are a lot of pink pieces in their collections.

Gemstone Garden Dramatic Drop Clip Earrings and Floral Stretch Bracelet

The Golden Trellis Collection is dramatic with bold silhouettes and made with semiprecious cherry quartz with a golden earthy tone.

Sothys Spa NYC Sensitive Skin Facial

I was recently invited to visit the NYC flagship of Parisian luxury Sothys Spa to try their new Sensitive Skin Facial.  Located in Midtown West just 2 blocks south of Central Park, Sothys has been setting the standard for the professional beauty care industry for more than 60 years and is represented in 20,000 spas in over 115 countries worldwide.

My skin was feeling very sensitive, especially with the changing seasons, and the area around my nose was dry and peeling after a recent cold. The 50 minute facial treatment was ultra calming and soothing and is perfect for the most sensitive and reactive skins.  The sensitive skin facial also included their unique decongesting facial massage with chilled porcelain spoons, which at first felt very cold, but also surprisingly calming.  Afterwards my skin was super soft and moisturized.  My face really glowed and looked dewy and clean.  Thanks to Sothy and my amazing facialist, Zina!  I'm excited to try the samples I received of the new sensitive skin line that was used in my facial. 

Sothys’ complete professional face and body treatments and high performance home care products provide both the spa industry and consumer with products that promote well-being while providing authentic, proven results.  It was also interesting to learn that Sothys uses SpaTM Thermal Water, which is a very pure natural spring water with a low mineral content and a pH similar to that of the skin.  The water comes from the Belgian Ardennes, and has been used by spas since the 16th century, and its balancing properties have now been scientifically proven.