Lately like most of us feeling the effects of the economy, I've been really good about not spending money (except on food, wine and Sunday bets at the track.) However having just seen the SATC movie I have a major itch to shop again. I was drooling over all of the fabulous clothes and the creative outfits that Pat Fields put together, but I could not stop thinking about the Dior Extreme Cutout Sandal worn by Carrie in several scenes. The shoes are my 'must-have' item this summer and after a thorough internet search I found the Steve Madden knock-offs for 1/7 the price! Of course then I rationalized buying them in both brown and black. Is it just me or has SATC brought about a resurgence of shopping?

I've been on the go a lot recently and my skin is definitely feeling the effects of travel, stress, partying and sun. Luckily Skyn Iceland's Skyn Renewal Kit has come to my rescue. It's an awesome travel kit and includes a face wash, healing serum, night cream, eye cream and cool face mask. Their motto is 'Solutions for Stressed Skin' and I love how clean, refreshed and revitalized my skin feels plus how great it smells.

This is for the people who watched 'The Real Housewives of New York.' If you experienced the addiction & intrigue that I did followed by the guilt of wasting an hour of your day watching trainwrecks, then you need to check out this blog. The commentary on every episode and every housewife had me rolling on the floor with laughter because I had the exact same reactions when I watched. Check it out but keep in mind you'll have to scroll thru other postings in between re-caps.

Lately I have been on the hunt for the perfect pinkie ring. I love the look on guys--very macho elegant, and on girls--chic and edgy. The pinkie ring definitely has a cool factor about it but you have to get the right one. My dad sometimes wears one that is gold with a jade stone, symbolizing good luck in chinese. I want to get Drew and I matching gold pinkie rings that we can wear on our right hands. I saw the pictured ring on a De Beers ad and like the shape, but obviously the stones and design are too feminine for a guy. I want something meaningful to both of us too, like a family crest or our initials. Any suggestions? Is this so Sopranos?!

2 cans of drained and rinsed garbanzo beans
3-4 cloves of garlic
juice of 2-3 lemons
1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup of warm water
1 T. cumin
dash of cayenne pepper (optional)
salt + pepper

Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender until creamy and according to your own taste. You can create variations by adding ingredients such as roasted red peppers, olives or sun-dried tomatoes. Note: Most hummus recipes call for Tahini (sesame paste) however I usually skip it since I don't have it on hand. This hummus still gets rave reviews and is super easy to whip up!

I'm into reality shows that feature real people accomplishing cool things, have an educational aspect, or that feature down to earth relatable people. Some of my faves are Project Runway, Jon and Kate plus 8, Cash Cab and Work Out with Jackie Warner. Here are a couple more shows I've added to my Tivo list that you might want to check out.

The Millionaire Matchmaker: I love Patti Stanger's no-nonsense approach to handling her clients. She sincerely wants to help people find love and it's hilarious how accurate her analysis of people is.

Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern: This show combines two things I love: food and travel, although thankfully I won't be eating any of the food featured. Andrew leads us on a cultural experience through interesting and often scary cuisine, eating things like bulls testicles, turtle blood and hen's uterus-yuck!

While in NYC we discovered THE tastiest cocktail dubbed "La Poire" at newly opened Bar Blanc. Often times made with pear (as the name suggests), this fab libation is a mix of Elderflower syrup, Grey Goose vodka and Cava bubbly. Pretty simple and such a crowd pleaser. La Poire gets two thumbs up from Splendora!

This is so cute-"Charlie bit my finger!"

My cousin got asked to work as Matthew McConaughey's personal wardrobe stylist on his latest film 'Ghosts of Girlfriends Past' which they are shooting in Boston. She's had a career in costume designing for as long as I remember, working on shows such as The Wonder Years, Party of Five, Chuck and What I Like About You.

Here's an article in the Boston Herald with a picture of MM getting 'styled.' Too bad my cousin has her back to the camera! But I can understand it's probably hard to take your eyes off of the clean-shaven Mateo.

Check out this amazing Wolfgang Puck dinner that my sweet hubby slaved away in the kitchen making me for Valentine's Day. He's normally a Kraft Mac 'n Cheese + frozen chicken nuggets kind of guy so I was thoroughly impressed that he 1) chose this complex recipe and 2) pulled it off with flying colors.

I love making gourmet meals but I don't like to put in the time. One look at this long list of fancy ingredients (i.e. Japanese neriume, lamb demi-glace) and amount of work involved (blend, boil, brown, puree, strain, reduce...just for the sauce!) would have instantly halted any consideration of my attempting to make this meal. Yet my trusty 'sous chef/dish washer' chose this for his first meal, even adding an artichoke side dish and homemade ice cream-cookie sandwichess for dessert. Looks like the tables have turned in my kitchen and I gladly welcome the change!