My dearest and most fashionable friend, Danielle, is coming from London for a long awaited visit next week.  We’ve bonded uninterrupted since I was six years old, Danny was four – yes, she is younger, not that this bothers me.  And, after two kids, she’s still thinner than me.  Not that this bothers me either.  Although - between you and me - I have been trying to shed a couple of pounds in the last week.  

All joking aside, I am happy with my age and my Latina curves. But I have to admit, it would have been nice to have a whole new spring wardrobe to tool around NYC in next week.  

Alas, it’s not in the cards at the moment.  However, had I discovered the idea of a ‘swap party’ before today, I might have more than the couple of new items – sundress, sandals and two tops – I am going to splurge on this weekend.  Our friends at La Cosmopolatina explain what a ‘swap party’ is and how it’s done:  

How? Look no further than your circle of amigas and throw a swap party! That’s when everyone brings a selection of items they no longer wear, or fit in, or whatever and trades with everyone else’s stuff. Carmen Ordoñez from Viva Fashion Blog gives us a few tips on how to make sure your swap party is a hit.  Click here to read the entire post. 

Image Compliments Of La Cosmopolatina

So while I’m running around looking for bargains this weekend, why not start planning a Swap Party with your friends and sport a fabulous new look this summer?

Everyone seems to have many questions about what’s important when choosing kitchen appliances. This month, IKEA presents useful tips on how to choose appliances that don’t just work, but work smarter.

Tips for choosing appliances:

OVENS AND RANGES

Gas vs. electric: This is one of the first decisions to make when choosing an oven or range. Gas provides instant response, precise controllability and lower operating costs, while electric provides even heat and a lower appliance cost. Consider the types of food cooked and your budget.

Features: Consider daily use to determine the features needed, from self-cleaning functions, to basting and grilling functions, and automatic timers.

Layout: Double-stacked ovens provide plenty of capacity for baking and cooking while freeing up floor space. A separate range can create an additional cooking area on a central island.

REFRIGERATORS

Efficiency: Refrigerator energy standards have changed drastically since being mandated in 1993 and 1998. Look for a refrigerator that is Energy Star® qualified to save on energy and operating costs.

Capacity: Plan on 12 cubic feet of refrigerator space for two people and add 2 more cubic feet for each additional person. Space-saving features like pull-out and transparent drawers and bins make it easier to find and organize food.

Features: Look for features like built-in water and ice dispensers, adjustable shelves and separate temperature controls to make life easier.

DISHWASHERS

Practicality: Like refrigerators, dishwashers should be Energy Star® qualified. Besides being more hygienic than hand-washing, a dishwasher also saves water and time.

Features: Consider family size when determining necessary dishwasher capacity. Standard models accommodate up to ten place settings, tall tub models up to 14. Other options include energy-saving air-drying, delay timers for “off peak” energy hours and sani-rinse options which kill most germs and bacteria.

Other Featured Appliances

NUTID built-in microwave oven $699

Stainless steel. 10 power levels. Auto cook, reheat and defrost functions. This feature-rich microwave has an auto-cook function with seven preset categories. Installation in a high cabinet provides a comfortable work height and clears countertop work space.

MUMSIG built-in double oven $1499

This convection oven features two ovens for top and bottom heating and includes functions for grilling, pastries and self-cleaning, plus an automatic timer.