Ask a Groovy Gal (Lifestyle & Home)

ASK A GROOVY GAL
TFG DEPUTY EDITOR AND BEAUTY DIRECTOR CHELSEA KAPLAN GIVES YOU THE GOODS ON
HOW TO LIVE LARGE

I’ve just started my own business and need some cute, chic business cards. Any recs?—Sam, Savannah, GA
	Work-from-home mom is so the new stay-at-home mom. Even though your “office” may be in a corner of your kid’s playroom, who says you can’t feign a little professionalism to the outside world by offering up a sleek business card? My favorites are the ones from Whitney English. If you’re unfamiliar with the undeniably elegant, yet totally modern line, which in addition to calling cards prints everything from personalized stationery to party invites, you have to check it out. I’m loving their new spring designs, yet I keep coming back to the “coral” and “Gwyneth turquoise” patterns, my absolute favorites. 100 personalized cards will cost you about $70. Visit www.whitneyenglish.com to locate retailers.

My garden water hose is all over the place. Is there any way for keeping it somewhat under control?—Lara, Morristown, NJ

I got sick of mine taking up half of my driveway too. Fortunately, I discovered the NO-CRANK Columbus 75 hose reel—the answer to my prayers/OCD. This cool contraption is a hose organizer that uses water power to wind your garden waterer into a neat little bundle. All you do is flip a lever, and your hose is wound into a totally tidy package. Bonus: it also comes with a built-in hose cleaner and spray hose holder. Grab it for $64.99 at www.garden-gadget.com.

My husband’s seriously Italian family (think The Sopranos, minus the mob thing) is visiting us in a few weeks. I can’t cook at all, but I know they will be expecting me to. What do I do?—Piper, Kansas City, MO
	OK, I totally have the thing for you. You must, must, must check out the Lucini Italia products (superstar Italian chef Mario Batali is a fan of the products, and you know anything that passes muster with him has got to be good, right?). This line of authentic, handcrafted Italian specialty foods are made from high-quality, 100% natural, fresh ingredients from Italy. The products—everything from super premium, award winning extra virgin olive oils and aged vinegars to gourmet sauces and artisanal soups—are handmade in small batches, so it all tastes really fresh. In fact, everything from the line is so good—and authentic—that I’d bet anything your husband’s family will love them. I especially love the Roman Tomato Cream and Rustic Italian Minestrone soups, and their Creamy Tomato Ricotta pasta sauce is to die for. Check out the entire line at www.lucini.com.

Click here to read all about Deputy Editor/Beauty Director Chelsea Kaplan's life with child in her blog,“I'm Somebody's Mother?”