Smart Blondes Drink Smart Water

In this sweaty summer heat, one of the most important things is to stay hydrated (trust me, this is a biggie for me since I get dozens of kidney stones every year! If what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, I must be looking like the incredible Hulk these days ha ha!)

My choice for the H2O? smartwater by Glaceau. While I used to be a Fiji girl, I just cannot tell you how great a quick sip of smart water rejuvenates me in the hot summer heat. Whether I am replenishing after my 5:30am workouts or trying to recuperate from a full night of soirees, SmartWater just does it for me. The difference? smartwater is enhanced with electrolytes. Doing some research on their website, I found that "smartwater is inspired by the way mother nature makes water, known as the hydrologic cycle (you remember the ocean, cloud, raindrop diorama from fifth grade right? Actually, it's how we got our name too (hydro=water/logic=smart)."

Oh and I have named the little goldfish dude in every refreshing bottle. His new name is Quench. My new slogan for them? Smart Blondes drink smartwater... Glaceau, call me. ;-)

DIY Hermes Kelly Bag

Get the newest Status bag with just the click of a button- and make it eco-friendly? The fully customizable DIY Hermes Kelly bag can be printed right at home- on recycled paper! Design your own!

Although I wouldn't necessarily suggest putting anything in it but a check, its a neat idea, especially for aspiring Crayola Fashionistas! I love free fashion!

Verve: The healthy energy drink

I'll never forget calling Keri's mom while we were at the Super Bowl because we thought we were dying, our hearts pounding a zillion miles a minute from the over consumption of RBVs and Chambulls. I've quit Redbull since.

Alecko, formerly of DC United and now with Chivas USA, told me about Verve and I will admit I was somewhat skeptical. There are a ton of energy drinks out on the market these days, hence it being a $5 billion business! But if Esky says its good, it must be.

Jet lagged, I tried the Sugar Free Verve! by Vemma and have to say, it is far better than I expected. It actually tastes GREAT- no chalky after taste, just pleasantly delicious! We are talking, really, really, really ridiculously tasty! The "insanely healthy energy drink" comes in adorable 8 oz cans packed with vitamins and minerals- many I haven't even heard of before! I didn't feel shaky at all afterwards, just kind of pumped and ready to go!

Try it out, you'll be hooked!

Flipping out over the Pedi Flop!

There are always dozens of cool products coming to market, but rarely are they filling a much needed void. When someone has the ingenuity to develop a solution for one of (wo)man's greatest problems- ahem, keeping their toes looking glam after a pedi without sitting around for hours waiting for them to dry- I must give praise!

I first learned about the Pedi Flop through Kadrieka Maiden of SINPR and I know she will be my saving grace this summer!

These adorable (and comfortable!) flip flops make it ever so easy to get your pedi and then head down M street and finish off the rest of your errands in style, without smudging your Fabulously Fuchsia polish!

I won't lie, I have worn them even on days when I'm not getting a pedi, they're just that comfy! Only $15 and available in pink, black, and blue. To order contact Kadrieka at kmaiden@yahoo.com. They will also be showcased at Beauty Night Out next Wednesday, April 23rd!

Hey Mom- Look! Bouncy Houses for Boozin

So every December 23rd, the annual Kennedy Christmas Extravaganza is held, complete with just about everyone in Silicon Valley- all of the area's execs my dad works with, my moms book club, and the friends of my brother and I who are all trying to get a job and talk to my dad's friends. There are chocolate fountains, champagne bars, live Sinatra bands, Caricture artists, and a piano man. There is also a bouncy house.

Now my mom claims it is for the kids, to tire them out so they'll go watch Christmas movies while all of the adults continue the party, but I think it's really for her book club- who after a few Pointsetta Champagne Cocktails, all end up there- Every. Single. Year.

A UK company, Amber Iris has now put the two together in their Inflatable Pubs! The UK company offers "The Firkin, Kilderkin, Barrel and Hogshead, all named after their beer containers. They cost about $10-30k each (to buy, not rent!)

Anyone care to play?

Another Bloomin Designer

One thing I always have on hand are business cards- keeping mine in my right hand pocket for easy access to give, and collecting new contacts in my left. If I could be a professional networker, life would be good. At the same time, I am an old fashioned Rolodex person, and have tons of the scraps of paper floating around my desk... Not too green.

Jamie Waiek developed the perfect "green" solution-growing business cards. The project dubbed, "Another Bloomin' Designer" was inspired to have prospective clients keep your business card on their table instead of in their pocket. By dipping one edge in water, after four days a cress or alfalfa plant springs from the top. Its pretty nifty I dare say...!

Alchimie Forever Products

Your best accessory is the skin your in. Whether you take that as being confident in your skin, or more literally and surface level, I truly believe it. I came across a really fabulous product line, Alchimie Forever, and am now officially hooked. The 532nm Antioxidant relief for feet was exactly what I needed after Saturday's football game. For my more girlish side, I can honestly say I have never glowed quite so much as after using the Kantic mask. The blue mask is made of blueberries, wild pansies, oats, grapes, and vitamin E and did just the trick to get rid of the red splotchy drinking-face I acquired from my St. Paddy's Day extracurriculars. I truly felt radiant after using the mask. I have very sensitive skin (being allergic to Aspirin (salicylic acid) means your choices in the beauty department are EXTREMELY limited!) but I found that all of the products I used were gentle enough yet at the same time actually worked- a rare occurrence. They have products for both men and women to feel their best, I am actually bringing the Nd:YAG after-shave gel home for my brother for Easter this weekend! After using these products I am most certain that the fountain of youth must be somewhere in Switzerland, as these Swiss products made me feel soft like a baby!

Places to purchase in DC:

Hela Space, Mint Fitness, Qi Spa, SomaFit, the Grooming lounge, and more!

Techy Fashion

Anyone who knows me knows I have two passions 1. Fashion 2. Technology (I am the nerd who spent summers at Space Camp and was President of the Stock Market Club in High School.)

Edoc Laundry, based in Seattle, apparently is on the same page! Remember those murder mystery parties that were all the rage in the 90s, well Edoc is bringing them right onto your T-shirt. Codes are hidden on the clothing that give clues to the murder mystery the wearer deciphers online. They are one of the first brands to bring "interaction' with your clothing, a new concept which I am sure will be copied many times over.

Since I gave probably the worst explanation ever, check it out yourself!

The Brelli Umbrella

So I have always had a little secret obsession with clear umbrellas. I know, random, right?

Anyways, The Brelli Umbrella is 100% biodegradable, saving the atmosphere while saving your well coiffed hair from the rain! A perfect combination of aesthetics and ethics, the spokes are made from bamboo and the canopy from a unique bio-plastic which is fully biodegradable in a landfill setting after two years. It comes in two sizes and will be available for purchase ($28-$38) on March 18th but you can pre-order now! Nifty!

Eco-Friendly Crate and Barrel

Crate and Barrel have launched an impressive new initiative ranging from eco-friendly upholstery and outdoor furniture, to better packaging and business practices.

I applaud their efforts in helping keep eco chic, especially with some of their new lines of furniture and accessories!

Moo-tor oil

Apparently the happy cows in California aren't just happy, they are fat! Each cow carries over 200 pounds of tallow, and GET has developed a good use for the extra weight- environmentally friendly motor oil! Additionally, GET uses only soy based inks and packages their product in recycled milk jugs... Holy Cow!

"Crackberry" Solution

Anyone who knows me knows that I probably spend a good 1/4 of my day on my phone... Yes, I even sleep with it. (Keri Ann also made me a montage of endless photos she has captured of me with my crack...berry. My Crackberry is also very legit, as I recently put a stiletto through the screen while dancing on furniture at Tattoo... resulting in a justified "crack".

For those of us who put the Klutzy in KK, London has rolled out a new solution to those who text-on-the-go. Padded Lampposts. Apparently Brick Lane in London has the highest number of injuries while texting, so the new padded lampposts are hoping to cut down on pedestrian-texting injuries. Are padded walls next... institutionalized? I hope not!

iBamboo? Not yet but almost...

Eco is no longer only for granola-tree-hugging-hippies. Last week I posted some chic eco-friendly laptop cases, and today I have a brand new Bamboo Laptop for you to put in them! Set for release this year, the bamboo laptop by Asus.

"Anyone familiar with the sustainable material will recognize right away that the laptop is made of bamboo. The grass has a very distinct design that environmentally aware designers instantly pick up on."- Slashgear.com

While no specs have been released yet on the eco-friendly laptop, you know I will be the first to have them here when they are!

DIY Fendi Bag...

I would be lying if I said I have never been overwhelmed in the depths of Neiman's thinking to myself, "I could make that!" Fendi has come up with a creative solution for the designer-wannabes. Introducing their new "DIY Baguette". I first saw this on Trendhunter.com, and just couldn't fathom that people would actually spend $1300 to get some markers and design their own bag. Perhaps I am devoid of imagination but this seems like a fabulous idea with an expensive execution!

"For the $1,300 you get a box of special Fendi Pantone markers and a plain white leather ‘baguette style’ bag, minus the signature logo pattern. Don’t worry though, people will know it’s Fendi thanks to the interlocking “F” magnetic closure on the front flap."

Cooler Scooter... I want one!!

How perfect would this be to do laps around the tailgate at the National's Season Opener at their new staidum this Spring? I think I may have to get one...

Wedding Ring Coffin

So I have been blessed with parents who have been married for almost three decades, yet my father left a New York Times article on my plate at the breakfast table Sunday morning for "The Wedding Coffin." My parents are convinced I have A.D.D. of the heart and will never settle down. Whenever I say, "Daddy I want this when I get married" he replies, "Which wedding?" Ugh.

The Wedding Coffin is a jewelry box for your jewelry or engagement ring from your previous relationship. As seen on our favorite shows like Sex in the City or even on some of Washington's finest; its often difficult to figure out what to do with those stones. Bury them- in their very own coffin!

While I don't believe in the trivialization of the sacrament of marriage, I did find humor in the product being offered for under $40... And they say, "Its cheaper to keep her" or it "Pays to stay"... depends on who is paying!!!

MontBlanc's Scented Love Letter Ink

If you find yourself channeling Elle Woods as you finish off those graduate school apps, or writing a "Dear John" letter to the man who forgot you on Valentine's Day, check out MontBlanc's newest creation- scented ink! The cartridges are only compatible with MontBlanc pens and come only in crimson red- so probably not for every day use!