Bob and I have a busy summer on tap. It'll start in New York City with museums, Broadway and an overdue visit with our one-and-only-son Cole. (You know Mama's excited about that!) And end in Gulf Shores, Alabama, where we'll kick back and relax on one of the Red Neck Rivera's prettiest, white-sand beaches. In between, we'll be staycationing with my baby sister Pam and her crew during their annual pilgrimage to Texas. What fun!
Whether you're jetting away, unwinding close to home or doing both like us, you'll adore these 22 vacation-perfect picks. They're cute, comfy and versatile enough to carry you from a backyard barbeque in Big D to a night out in NYC.
Boasting one of summer's hottest colors, these cobalt blue-infused pieces from Kohl's are both trendy and wallet friendly.
Apt. 9 Fit & Flare Scuba Dress - White with lovely touches of blue, green and light pink, this cool, Betty Draper-approved style reminds me of a Monet 
watercolor. It's surprisingly easy to wear, sliding on without a struggle or the need for buttons, a zipper or a helping hand (just be sure to put this one on before fixing your hair!).
The machine-washable, polyester + spandex fabric helps the full, pleated skirt keep its shape, stretches with you and removes any worry of wrinkling. You also get two, big pockets wonderful for toting your cell and keys if you want to pop down the street for a minute minus your purse.
Wear it with flats for running errands. Add jewelry, a belt, a tote and heels and you're ready for date night. Bob actually complimented this outfit and I didn't even have to ask him how it looked! Now, that's a keeper!
Simply Vera Wang Statement Necklace and Earrings - A perfect pairing, these gorgeous gems are a great way to up your glam factor. The 18" necklace combines brilliant blue, subtle gray and sparkling white stones in a chic, mixed-media design. A jet-black chain with airy links and a 3" extender means you can change the length to suit your style in nothing flat, a must when you're on the petite side like me.
Simple yet stunning, the 2.25" coordinating earrings feature an eye-catching blue drop that dangles from a jet-black wire set with one, dainty white crystal. I love that they're big enough to be noticed even if you have longer hair but not at all heavy.
The $50 dress, $34 necklace and $14 earrings are available at Kohl's and Kohls.com where standard shipping is free with a $75 purchase.
Stars with StripesSure to be favorites, these sensational, striped finds scream, "It's summertime!"
Dana Buchman Striped Canvas & Straw Tote - This beachy, chambray-and-white-striped canvas bag goes with everything from dresses to denim. A natural-hued straw bottom, clever outside pocket and brown, faux-leather handles and piping accent the cheerful canvas design.
Besides loving the the nautical look, I'm wild about this bag's shopping-friendly size (9''H x 14''W x 6''D). It's big enough to hold my wallet, touchup makeup and other essentials as well as tons of coupons (Yes!) and a light sweater in case the air conditioning gives me a chill. The elegant interior has a snap closure, zebra-patterned lining and five helpful pockets (including two with zippered closures) for stashing valuables such as my keys and cell so I can find them quickly.
Apt. 9 Printed Maxi Dress - It's simple to look stylish while staying comfortable in this sweet, black-and-white striped number. The V-neck, V-shaped stripes and wide empire waistband are flattering on just about everyone.
I adore wearing this laid-back charmer at home as well as when traveling, especially by plane. The sleeveless design and stretchy jersey material keep me cool when the temperature rises. But I can top it with a chambray shirt to change up the look and ensure I stay warm while in the air. Although maxi dresses can be a challenge when you're 5'2", the Petite XS fits me like a dream ... no dragging the ground or danger of tripping with this one.
Crave options? This machine-washable maxi also comes in regular sizes and in several striped color combinations, leopard-print patterns and solids.
The $79 tote and $50 maxi dress are available at Kohl's and Kohls.com.
Take It to the MaxiIn black with gleaming gold hardware on the straps, this smart Jennifer Lopez maxi has a dressy vibe. Add a colorful tote, crystal-laced earrings, statement necklace, oversized watch and ankle-strap flats and it'll take you e
verywhere from dinner with the girls to patio parties and shipboard dinners.
Like the Apt. 9 maxi, this knockout has a flattering empire waist. It also features a deep V neckline on the front and back. In front, it plunges a little low for me but pairing it with a lace-trimmed, cami band solves that problem.
The stretchy jersey fabric looks classy, feels comfy and is hand washable so you don't have to worry about dry cleaning expenses. Again, the Petite XS fit me just right but it also comes in standard sizes where you can choose a head-turning leopard print or a variety of other patterns. ($70 at Kohl's and Kohls.com)
Carrying this killer Khloe Tote from Robert Matthew elevates both your look and your mood, whether you're taking time out or stuck at the office.
Everything about this to-die-for, structured creation leaves me awestruck, starting with the tomatoey Red Carpet color. The shape and size (16" W x 11" H x 5" D) are ideal for toting both everyday necessities and vacation nice-to-haves such as a passport, guide book and umbrella. Outside, it shows off three, roomy pockets (one zippered), sleek buckle-detailed handles and a gleaming top zipper closure. The luxe look continues inside with a satiny, crème-and-brown striped lining and four more pockets (two with zippers) to help you stay organized. ($189 at RobertMatthew.com with free shipping on orders over $99.99)
A Thing for BlingI'm crazy about bangles, baubles and beads so sparklers like these always have a home in my carry-on:
Spartina 449 Cartouche Earrings - These fab, go-with-everything finds are made to reflect the beauty of Daufuskie Island, South Carolina. Far more interesting than standard hoops, the fetching, 18K matte gold-plated curves flaunt tiny, white crystals that catch the light much like stones swept ashore by the surf. The earrings' 1.5" size complements basic necklaces as well as bolder designs and they're so light you just might forget you're wearing them. As a bonus, a portion of the profits from all Spartina 449 sales goes to benefit the Daufuskie Island Historical Foundation. ($34 at Spartina449.com where standard shipping is free on purchases over $150 in the contiguous U.S.)
Apt 9 Statement Necklace - Too tired to change after a long day touring? Add this striking, party-perfect choice to your T-shirt, shift or maxi and you're "dressed" for dinner! The airy, gold chain includes five, small light-blue gems surrounded by sparkling, white crystals, which are set on of-the-moment, mint-colored stones. 17" with a 2" extender, it's easy to adjust the length to complement your neckline. ($28 at Kohl's stores)
Timing Is EverythingAn all-occasion must have, this splash-proof Tortoise Shell Lucite Watch from La Mer Collections is as reliable as it is beautiful. The trendy, borrowed-from-the-boys style has designer details like an oversized face, scalloped brown dial, 14K gold accents and an inscription reading "Live the Life You Love." (Now, there's a goal!)
I've been eyeing this pretty pick since first falling for La Mer watches last Christmas. So it was a real treat to receive this champ for testing. With an 8.5" length and removable links, the sleek band fits most everyone. Adjusting for smaller wrists like mine takes only a quick trip to your local jewelers and around $10. ($128 at LaMerCollections.com; join the email list for special offers. Certain styles are also available at Shopbop.com.)
Sandals Made for WalkingWhen Bob and I visit Cole in NYC, we walk EVERYWHERE. One trip, we even hiked from the Metropolitan Museum to Macy's mother ship ... about 50 blocks. Boy, did I regret that idea! The flats that felt fine walking through my neighborhood Target in Texas didn't cut it in the Big Apple.
Since then, I make it a point to pack shoes that are both cute and comfy like Vionic's sassy sandals. Made with podiatrist-designed Orthaheel Technology, these feet savers have been shown to relieve aches and pains. They have what feels like a pillow-topped footbed and a light, flexible midsole that hugs and supports the arch of your foot. It absorbs shock so there's less stress on your feet, ankles and knees. Made for hours and hours of comfort, the Orthaheel design even helps avoid heel, knee and lower-back pain. Ahhhh! No wonder it's endorsed by both the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) and renowned integrative medicine doctor Andrew Weil, MD.
I'm all about strappy styles so I was thrilled to try two, fashionable Vionic options. Both have adjustable straps at the toes (wonderful for hiding my bunions ... Ugh, the price of being 50+ ... without pinching) and ankles (attractive and hurt-free ... so far no blisters). They also feature soft leather uppers, a microfiber-covered footbed and rubber soles so you don't have to worry about slipping or sliding.
Alita Ankle Straps - This adorable, casual option has a 1/2" heel that adds just enough height to amp up the look. Great for daytime, they're sure to keep your feet happy whatever your destination. I recently wore them for a two-mile stroll through Alabama's Bellingrath gardens (if you love flowers, you have to go there!) followed by an afternoon of shopping at the Foley, Alabama outlet mall. It was a fun and pain-free outing ... at least until I get my credit card statement!
Enisa Backstrap Wedges - A dressier choice, these classic wedges have an about 1/2" platform and a 2" heel. They're great worn with shorts, ankle-lenght skinnies or casual dresses for everything from souvenir shopping to Sunday School even bridal showers because the heel is high enough to draw attention but very manageable.
In addition to giving your look an edge, these beauts are incredibly comfortable. I can wear them when on my feet constantly without suffering the toe pain I often get when wearing heels. The only problem is picking a color. I'm wild about the white with sunset-inspired stripes on the wedge as well as go-to black with its natural, straw-like heel. But the Enisa also comes in four other gotta-have-'em colors.
The $109.95 Alita and $139.95 Enisa come in whole sizes 5-11 at VionicShoes.com with a 30-day wear test, free returns and $5 flat-rate shipping. They're also available at Zappos.com, Dillard's, Belks and more.
Tops that PopCraving a bright spot in your wardrobe? Try a stand-out top like one of these easy-care favs from Kohl's. If you're an
ything like me, you'll enjoy wearing these breezy styles again and again at home and on the road.
Apt. 9 Pleated Crepe Blouse - Sleeveless with a covered button front, this lovely top has a pleated back and shirttail hem that's just the right length for hanging loose over leggings or skinnies. It also looks fab paired with a pencil skirt. Just add a belt, tuck it in or both.
I flipped over this hot find in fuchsia because it POPS against white, black and denim ... make that practically anything. But you can choose from many other solids and patterns in both standard and petite sizes.
Sonoma life + style Embroidered Dolman Top - Besides crushing on the eye-catching red color, I'm crazy about the cool embroidery on this casual blouse's shoulders and the rounded hemline. I like wearing it with printed shorts and my Vionic Enisa wedges. But the length and trim-but-not-tight shape also rocks with skinnies.
I found both these precious tops at Kohl's. Shopping there can be addictive to anyone who adores mega-discount coupons and big sales as much as I do. I'm also continually amazed by how helpful the salespeople are there. When I bought these blouses (thank you for the gift card Kohl's!), the cute girl checking me out named Nohan actually tipped me off to a coupon I didn't know I could use. Score! And that helped me go back for more goodies.
The $30 Apt. 9 blouse and $26 Sonoma life + style top are available at Kohl's and Kohls.com.
Although fringe is high fashion this year, it can be tricky for us Boomer Babes to pull off. So I go for tassels like the ones on Spartina 449's Chic Shoulder Bag instead. Topped with gleaming gold mermaid medallions, those sassy trimmings give this ladylike bag a coastal connection.
I've already mentally packed it for my trip to the Big Apple because the elegant design and compact size (8.5''H x 11.25''W x 3''D) make it a top choice for everything from window-shopping on 5th Avenue to catching a Broadway show. Outside, you get a luscious, all-leather construction with two, classy zippered pockets and a shoulder strap that's the perfect length for me. As if that's not enough, a snappy jacquard lining and five small, interior compartments (one with a zipper) help it feel just as rich once you open the zippered top.
I tried this beautiful bag in summer-right ivory with tan accents. But it also comes in heavenly navy and black options. ($149 at Spartina449.com where standard shipping is free on purchases over $150 in the contiguous U.S. and a portion of the profits benefits the Daufuskie Island Historical Foundation)
When I visit New York, I love hunting for jewelry that's different from anything I see at home. I often find fun things - not to mention unbelievable food - at the Brooklyn Flea near Cole's apartment.
But thanks to designer Shari Dixon, unique, handcrafted treasures are as close as my keyboard. I'm hooked on these nature-focused, silver, brown and aqua pieces. Handmade from genuine botanicals preserved in high-gloss resin, they're a delightful way to accent warm-weather styles.
Bark Ring and Necklace - This fascinating, antique silver-plated duo showcases real tree bark atop an aqua backdrop. Shari uses mushroom bark, native to Yunnan, because it's thought to have mystical powers of protection and purification.
With a 1.5", rectangular setting, the adjustable ring is sure to be noticed. The first time I wore it to lunch, our little waitress had to know all about this gem before taking our order! The 16" necklace is great for anyone into layering jewelry (guilty!). Besides being nice and long, it includes two antique silver chains of different widths, a suede strand and a pretty, handmade pendant that coordinates with the ring without being matchy-matchy. What's more, you can flip the reversible, rectangular pendant over to reveal a sweet, embossed leaf design. Don't you just love getting two looks in one?
Starfish on Aqua Ring and Small, Round Bangle - If you're ready to get back to the beach, this sea- and sand-inspired twosome will take you there. Both the ring's 1", rectangular setting and the bracelet's 3/4", round charm sport a lone starfish on an aqua background that reminds me of the Caribbean's relaxing turquoise waters. Nice! I also appreciate that both have an open-back design that makes the size easy to adjust.
Said to be a star that fell from the sky into the ocean, the starfish is considered a celestial symbol of deep divine love. So this adorable, silver-toned ring and bangle are a wonderful way to treat yourself or send a little TLC to someone else.
The Bark ring ($54.50), Bark pendant ($74.50), and Starfish ring and bangle ($39.50/each) are available at ShariDixon.com.
Sun-Kissed Skin
Whether I'm bound for the beach or the backyard this summer, I've got to have beautiful skin. I'm talkin' golden brown baby like the sun goddesses I tried to imitate in the 70s. Then I'd coat myself in baby oil and iodine and lay on a metal roof for hours (who knew it was so unhealthy?!) only to wind up in pain, beat red and splotchy. There's something I don't want to repeat!
Today, I'd rather get my glow out of a bottle. That's why I was dying to try the Norvell Professional Venetian Collection. These unique, violet-hued bronzers are designed to give your skin a deep, sun-kissed radiance - as if you just stepped off an exotic beach on the European Riviera. Ooh La La!
I tried:
Venetian 360° Sunless Eco Mist - This eco-friendly, non-aerosol continuous spray delivers an ultra-fine micro mist. I like using it for instant color. After showering and towel-drying, I get back in the shower, spray this deep brown mist on my body and smooth out the color with a tanning mitt. You can also use your hands so long as you wash them off immediately afterwards.
Since it gives me a golden glow with no waiting, I adore using this body bronzer before date night, pool parties and anytime we're lucky enought to get away. It provides gorgeous, natural-looking color with no awkward orangey tone and no lingering scent. ($40 for 7 ounces)
Venetian Sunless Color Extender - Made to moisturize and extend self-tanning color, this thick lotion gives my skin a nice sheen instantly while building color gradually. I enjoy using it on days when I don't use the Venetian mist. I rub it on with my hands after showering, washing them immediately afterwards.
Like the mist, this self-tanning lotion provides a beautiful brown shade that doesn't rub off on your clothes but it takes several hours for the color to develop. You will notice a mild scent when you put it on but that doesn't last.
Since I'm dedicated to staying tan, I took this easy-to-use lotion with me when we went to Alabama recently. It may have been my first time on the beach this year but, thanks to this bronzing buddy, no one ever guessed it! ($24 for 8.5 ounces)
Venetian 4-Faces - This new self-tanning spray blends violet and bronze hues made for creating or touching up a sunless tan on your face. Although I don't normally use a tanner there, I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried this one.
Like the mist, it provides instant, golden brown results. You can spray on a little if you're hesitant like me, rub it in and spray again if you want to build more color. It's perfect for days when you're headed out for fun in the sun and don't want to bother with a lot of makeup. Just add some sunscreen and you're good to go. ($10 for 2 ounces)
Venetian by Norvell is formulated without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and other things that are not so kind to skin. The 100% vegan, gluten-free products are available at specialty beauty salons, spas, tanning salons and norvelltanning.com.
I'd like to shout out a big "Thank You" to Bob for being a fantastic and extremely patient photographer and to the brands in this post for providing free samples for review and testing.
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Tips:
If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.
If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.
Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.
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