Wax Job

At this weekend's DanceAfrica outdoor bazaar I hope to find an African print tote bag similar to this one. Handmade by women in Rwanda, part of a fair wage cooperative, there are nearly 30 steps involved in making the wax cloth. The term "wax" refers more to the manufacturing process rather than the texture of the cloth, and the process itself is very secretive. If you come across anything made from this fabric, purchase it immediately! This particular Textile Trade Tote from Anthropologie is the perfect summer accessory; use it to punch up that denim short and tank top ensemble, round it out with a pair of beaded sandals. ($48)

All the Right Moves

The search for the perfect picnic/beach blanket must meet these specific criteria:  large enough for at least 3 people, thick enough to keep out the wet and cold of the ground, strong enough to survive wine spills while managing to be tasteful and subdued in color and design. So what did I find? you ask. The Supreme Mover Moving Blanket! Built "Ford tough" and weighing in at nearly 8lbs, it's got a quilted cotton/poly blend cover with recycled cotton filler, and a double-stitched binding making it nearly indestructible. Sized 72"x80" and available in a pack of 4, the black and white blankets are multi-functional. One will be used as a cat bed, two will be reserved for park and beach outings, and the other will be used for it's original purpose, protecting furniture. ($62)

I'm With Coco

Mama SoFine tipped me off to the wonders of coconut oil years ago. And I still use it! Sometimes I even eat it! Now my new thing is coconut water, which is the clear water at the center of a young coconut. Not to be confused with coconut milk which is the result of pressing the flesh of the coconut to produce a white milky liquid. Coconut water has tons of electrolytes, the stuff you need to quickly re-hydrate and balance your blood pH. In other words, it's natures little hangover cure which also happens to be fat and cholesterol free. I've tried every brand and have settled on Vita Coco which has the best flavor and is most similar to fresh coconut water. Frustrated by the per unit price, I've decided to take it up a notch and order by the flat. ($74)