HAPPY CAMPER

I went camping over the Memorial Day weekend at Lake Camanche, expecting to see people roughing it in the wilderness. Umm, not quite. There were super tents, canopies, folding tables overflowing with food, deluxe grills and more. Having left inspired, and with the Fourth of July and Labor Day holidays coming up, I thought I'd highlight some great camping finds. 

The Lippi Selk Bag is the new solution for those who don't want to leave the coziness of their sleeping bag. This body-hugging jumpsuit looks super-snuggly and is just a brilliant invention, available in three variations. I'm glad that now I don't have to look like an old lady with a huge blanket wrapped around my head and body.

It's not unnatural to crave ice cream in warm weather, but what do you do when there's none in sight? You make your own with this fun and clever ice cream ball from L.L. Bean. Just mix in the ingredients with ice and rock salt and play some soccer with the plastic ball (or whatever you decide on doing) and in half an hour, you will have fresh ice cream. Brilliant.

OK, so this gadget probably won't save you from wild bears or a forest fire, but it's cute and handy, both in the woods or in the concrete jungle. The Miss A Kit comes with a mirror, knife, perfume bottle, needle and thread, flashlight, pill box, and more.  

The mecca of all things camping, Coleman, made it hard for me to find just one thing to highlight from it's extensive line of outdoor gear. When I was camping, I noticed that everything from the flashlight to the tent bore the Coleman name. It seems to be the way to go in terms of long-term, reliable camping gear. Be sure to check out the handy and informative checklists (brought to my attention by my friend, a camping veteran), that will insure that you have everything you need for your venture into nature.

Whatever you do and whatever you buy, make sure to bring a good attitude (because nature's in control here, not you), turn off your electronics, recycle when you can, leave everything the way you found it and enjoy yourself because nature is truly a beautiful thing.

SONG I CAN'T GET OUT OF MY HEAD: DANITY KANE'S "DAMAGED"

MADONNA: WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

I was watching Madonna's induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on You Tube and was enchanted by the long-running, glamorous career of the pop diva. I also recognized and admired the hard work she put into making it and staying at the top of her game. A must for any Madge fan (I'm a huge one), here is another gem I came across: her first live performance as a solo recording artist (at Danceteria in New York in 1982).

DIVAS MEXICANAS

In honor of the Cinco de Mayo, which I'm sure you all celebrated  by downing much more tequila than you should have, I am paying homage to the beautiful Mexican actresses of the silver screen. I love the film divas of yesteryear, and Mexico had a golden era of its own, which was brimming with talent. These are their beautiful stars. Watch their movies, admire their talent and beauty, and see how it's done, Latina style.

- Maria Felix

- Dolores Del Rio

- Lupe Velez

- Angelica Maria

- Silvia Pinal