As you know from my previous post, I’m in the mood for a new summer purse. I really like the one from Fred Flare, and since I was at Target today, I decided to see what they have, and I found this very similar red-and-white nautical bag!

It has the same rope detail, plus two additional pockets. Not only is it half the price ($14.99), but it was on sale. I was super tempted, but in the end, I opted for this colorful satchel instead. It will be great for spring and perfect for my weekend trip to San Diego.

It’s very summery, very affordable, very adorable. I have all these beach vacations planned, so maybe I need to snap it up. Want one for yourself? Fred Flare is selling it here.

I’m really interested in trying out this perfume. According to michaelkors.com:

This luminous scent bursts open with a kaleidoscope of citrus sensations; exhilarating clementine and juicy orange fuse with luscious neroli. Accents of hydroponic pineapple add to the tropical bliss.Exquisite orange flower accentuated with luxurious jasmine sambac and exotic Hawaiian ginger lilies transport the soul to the island destination.

The jet-set style is amplified by sexy white amber, creamy sandalwood and rich, flowing balsamic notes reminiscent of warm tanned skin.

Exhilarating. Luminous. Exquisite.

It retails for $60, though, so I need to sniff it before I shell out. Fortunately, it also comes as a scented lip gloss for $12, so I may end up trying that instead.

I can’t wait for summer. With three beach vacations on the Horizon (San Diego, Pensacola, and HAWAII!), I just have fun, sun, and sand on the brain. I’m not quite ready to buy a new swimsuit, but I have been checking out some of the latest styles. The surfer girl in me loves pretty much everything by Roxy, but I found a couple of cute ones at Victoria’s Secret, too.

First up is the Aaron Chang Reversible Koi Triangle Top. I adore the orange (my favorite color), the halter style, the cute fish pattern, the reversible fabric, and the bamboo rings. A total winner.

I also dig the Op Rainbow Triangle Top. This one also has a flattering halter and cute rings, and I love the festive, slightly 70s vibe of the rainbow stripes. Adorable!

I love Rachael Ray’s 30 Minute Meals. I know people tend to find her annoying, and I’m amazed that she manages to have 5 shows (30 Minute Meals, $40 A Day, Inside Dish with Rachael Ray, Rachael Ray’s Tasty Travels, and The Rachael Ray Show) and a magazine (Every Day with Rachael Ray). I’ve seen the magazine and all the shows, and while they are all okay, my favorite remains the original 30 Minute Meals, to the extent that I have my mom tape it and mail it to me on a regular basis (I don’t have Food Network). I just love to watch Rachael cook. She’s goofy and hyper, but she gets it done every time. Frequently, she makes things that I would never eat, like veal and anchovies, but I’ve gotten some really great dessert recipes from her (peanut butter cup sundaes!), and I know how to make cheese sauce now. I pick up tips all the time, and I know all sorts of things about herbs that I’ve never eaten: thyme is lemony; cumin is smoky but not hot; if you can’t handle cilantro, try coriander, etc. I never thought of grilling a pineapple until I saw her do it, and her raves inspired me to try arugula (hated it). The woman eats a ton of vegetables, and I think that must be her secret. How else would she have so much energy (and look so good)? While I haven’t jumped on her cauliflower bandwagon, I am eating more spinach, and I’m always hoping she’ll make an entire meal that I’ll be willing to try. My fingers are crossed.