No need to fear, the CU Grad Gabbers are here.

After a few quiet weeks, the gals are back in action. Read up on great local designers and get inspired to support your own local ladies, find that next great book to kick back with, take notes on natural goodies for makin' sexy time and find out why it's the perfect time to shop for the slopes -- even if your wallet's taken a winter beating. Enjoy!

PANTS: OPTIONAL
By Alicia Riguzzi

So I am a huge fan of the whole saying, "Think globally, live/act/shop locally." I really believe in finding local clothes, food, and such things and supporting the community that you live in. I think this is very important and something that gets overlooked a lot of the time.

Saying that, I have found my new favorite local designer. Woot! Her name is Leanne McElroy and her line is called Elroy Apparel. She makes the most beautiful and innovative clothing that I have seen in a long time. Like I've said, I'm pretty bored with the clothes that are available to the masses, and this line just totally won me over. It's affordable, it's beautiful, it's organic -- how can one go wrong? Leanne is only 24 years old, but has totally perfected the art of what looks good on a woman.

Her clothes are interesting yet wearable. You get that feeling of being a model without the runway. Whenever I wear the jacket that I bought from her fall collection, I feel beautiful, indestructible even. And that is not a feeling one normally gets when bundling up for the cold. I urge you all to check out her spring line and to get out and go around to the stores and search for those local designers. They usually have a wonderful perspective on clothes that I think many of us could benefit from.

ESCALADE ESCAPADES
By Michele Lingbeck

No excuses for not reading this time! I finally finished reading I ,Elizabeth by Rosalind Miles. I trudged through it, finishing mere hours before my neighborhood book club discussed designer jeans, restaurants, potty training and everything else ... but the book.

In retrospect, I blame the book for depriving me of my daily literary escapism. It was historical fiction of the sort that I usually fall head over heels for ... but this one was never able to hook me completely. Check out my blog for more comments and criticism of that book.

Since I wouldn't recommend I, Elizabeth to anyone but the bravest aficionados of historical fiction, I thought I would provide a short list of some of my all-time favorite books to anyone looking for a great read. Most of these are historical fiction: many are set in Renaissance Italy, lots of violence, disease, death and plenty of sex. Pick one up if you are in need of a good escape from the present:

Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant

In the company of the Courtesan also by Sarah Dunant

I, Mona Lisa by Jeanne Kalogridis

Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden

A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving (not historical fiction... but SO great)

My book club is reading Life of Pi by Yann Martel for our next meeting. As usual, I have fallen behind in my reading! There's never enough time in the day for everything we need to do! Here's hoping you find a few quiet moments to read a great book!
CHAIR 10
By Meghan McCarthy

My last posting covered, well, keeping covered. At least the exposed bits of skin that have to remain bare in the winter months in order to do things like see. But, as that's only a very small percentage of what's exposed, I thought I'd share some thoughts on how I keep the rest of my body warm and toasty up here in Vail. After all, what good is that dewy skin going to do you if you're clad in a neon one-piece ski suit?

Let me begin by saying that certain winter conditions preclude looking like you've popped off the pages of Vogue. And, while there are many ski bunnies who would disagree, I generally prefer to take my fashion sense down a notch if it means I stay warmer, drier and upright (read: no stilettos). I also love a good deal, so that means I don't shop in Vail. My slope style comes primarily from online purveyors of deeply discounted gear, since I also don't pay retail. Ever.

Today, I checked out the deals on the website steepandcheap.com, oh, 20 or 30 times. That's because this goldmine of a gear site sells one awesome deal at a time until it sells out, at which point they post a new item priced at at least 50 percent off retail. I also like to browse more traditional online shops like backcountry.com, rei.com and athleta.com.

And, this is definitely the season to score deals, as most stores are putting their winter lines on sale. But, be selective. Just because the backcountry people say it's okay, doesn't mean it is. Not that you'll run into many one-pieces these days, but watch out just the same.


ERIN'S CUP OF KARMA
By Erin Feese

Even though Valentine's Day is over, there are still plenty of opportunities for snuggling. Why not continue the romance with a few natural gifts for you and your honey?

If you're looking to set the mood for a romantic evening, you can't go wrong with these soy candles available at Target. And why not throw in some Alba Botanicals massage oil? I love Alba; all their products smell so yummy.

And if you're getting busy between the sheets, consider buying an organic cotton set ( organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, better for you and better for the environment). Target has a few super cute, reasonably-priced sets, and if you're willing to splurge, Gaiam has a variety of choices.

And you can't forget the chocolate. Get creative with this Lover's Paintbox, or try a bar of Chocolove, available at Whole Foods, which has love poems on the wrappers. Not only is dark chocolate delicious, it is full of antioxidants. ______________________________________________________________

Are you a CU grad gal who is kicking a$$? If you'd like to start contributing to the CU Grad Gab, e-mail horvatb@yourhub.com.

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