Try This: Not-So-Ho-Hummus

You have to stop whatever you're doing right now. You have to get up and go to the nearest Trader Joe's (or your favorite Trader Joe's or the furthest Trader Joe's, what do I care?) and you need to buy the Tuscan White Bean Hummus.

I am going to forgo the abbreviation here: Oh my GOD! My cuz Sophia and I devoured half a container in about 15 minutes. It's a must-have go-to snack for any fridge, big or small, poor or rich. I just had it on my sandwich and I can't stop thinking about it.

Try This: Dry is the New Wet

In the last year my friend Patrick and I have stressed the importance of top quality. Lay's potato chips have been replaced by Kettle or Miss Vicki's, Hershey's chocolate with Thomas Haas and tea bags with loose leaf. After all, there's no other way to go.

As I have sworn off soda (except for on vacation and when mixing with booze) I have been longing for something to fill the void but still maintain my ridiculous standards. And I've found it...

DRY soda is perhaps the best libation that has passed these lips. It's smooth, it's simple and it's original! It comes in four very unusual flavors: lemongrass, rhubarb, kumquat and lavender. I know what you're thinking. "Lavender soda?! Sounds disgusting!" Well it's not. It's effervescent and it's not soapy or overpowering, and it's my favorite flavor. All of these flavors are subtle and soothing, with a hint of playfulness.

And they're practically guilt-free. One bottle contains either 50 or 60 calories, depending on the flavor, and is made up of only 4 ingredients! Beat that, Coca-Cola!

I get it at Whole Foods, so check it out there or visit the website (www.drysoda.com) for more info.

PS. What's exclusively high-brow in YOUR diet?