Nut of the Month

I cannot believe it is already the end of May and Memorial Day is here. Being from North Carolina Memorial Day means the beginning of summer. I have learned that for some New Yorkers the summer season does not start until July 4th, but that seems like you are just shortchanging yourself by a month. So when the days start getting long, the pool opens, kids are talking about finals, graduation parties are happening, the weekends are full with fun escapes and we start getting the boys’ clothes ready for camp . . . . then I know it is summer.

While summer is one of my absolute favorite times of the year, it is also one of the most hectic – there is simply never enough time to ft in all of the activities we want to do. One of my tricks for summer weekends is to do as much in advance planning as is possible. For instance, I know that summer means weekends away and the need to have great hostess gifts. I think the key to a great gift is getting something that is unique and always trying to find items that the whole family can enjoy. Whenever I nail this criteria I immediately stock up. (Now that Black Squirrel Outfitters is carrying more of these types of items life is a bit easier for me.)

This Memorial Day we are making what is becoming an annual tradition of visiting good friends down in Virginia Beach. I hope I survive the heat and that the Southerners like our Black Squirrel treats.

Where ever you are have fun and enjoy the long weekend, and the taste of summer.

What could possibly be cool, new or different about a reusable metal sports water bottle? We all have them or have seen them everywhere. Unlike most plastic water bottles, they don’t end up in landfills and users don’t have to worry about chemicals from the plastic. But still – aren’t water bottles a bit boring?

Well, the Hydro Flask is not your typical water bottle, and with our recent hot weather, it is this month’s must have “Nut”. The Hydro Flask is constructed of stainless steel, is 100% BPA-free, and is 100% recyclable. But the real benefit is that the double wall insulation keeps your cold liquids cold for at least 24 hours, and your hot liquids hot for at least 12 hours. Hydro Flask bottles won’t sweat with condensation and come with a lifetime warranty.

Enough of the facts, the real benefit was realized a few weeks ago when we had a 90 degree day in Westchester and lots of lacrosse. Hayne, my 11 year old, filled his Hydro Flask with ice and water, and took it to his game to put it to the test. At half time, he took a sip and, yes . . . the water was cold. A teammate needed some water so Hayne let him have a “water fall sip.” Hayne’s buddy was amazed that Hayne’s water was cold. Again after the game, the friend asked for more water and . . . same thing. The friend then called over all his other teammates, shouting, "Hayne still has cold water!”

The other anecdote worth sharing is a friend who has already purchased three Hydro Flasks for her children, bought a fourth on Saturday for her husband. He had been requesting store-bought plastic bottled water, and she finally told him, “It's time for you to have a Hydro Flask like the kids.” It IS better for the environment, and the water stays cold.

The other cool component is that with every purchase you can direct 5% of the proceeds to a charity of your choosing through FivePercentBack.org.

Try one and taste it yourself.