Summer Essentials Series ~ No Day But Today

Happy Friday dolls!  I am currently nursing a two beer/allergy headache but the sun is shining and it's Friday so no complaints here!  Today, Courtney over at No Day But Today is sharing her summer essentials.  Court is a girlfriend from college (GO COUGS) and one of those people who just glows.  She is always smiling, as sweet as can be and a new mama to the gorgeous Charlotte.  Check out her summer needs below!

*What beauty product will be with you at all times this summer 2010?*

Bumble and bumble Surf Spray - 4.0 oz.: Coming from a girl whose least favorite activity in the world is blow drying her hair (it's thick and there is a lot of it!), the B&B Surf Spray is the perfect excuse, especially in the summertime, to not DO your hair. Just let your hair air dry a bit, spray on the surf and you are set for a summer day!

*What are you craving for summer 2010?*

Living in Seattle, currently I am just craving the sunshine! It seems to be making us wait a bit this year...but assuming it arrives soon, this summer I am craving this adorable swimsuit.  I love everything about it! And being that I just had a baby, I'm pretty happy that one piece swimsuits are still fashionable.

*What is your essential summer song for summer 2010?*

Train - Hey, Soul Sister (Official Music Video). Watch more top selected videos about: Trains

I know it is getting a bit overplayed, but I still just am loving Train's "Hey, Soul Sister"...something about it just feels like summer fun to me, driving around with the sunroof down, singing your heart out!

Thanks Courtney for sharing your picks!  You are the second blogger to rave about the B&B Surf Spray.  I haven't used it in a while but it may be time to try it out again.  Be sure to stop over at No Day But Today and check out the adorable Charlotte. 

Woot!

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I have been dying to try Drybar in Brentwood ever since Daily Candy sent me an email.  I absolutely love having my hair washed and dried whenever I get it cut and wished that there was a more affordable way to enjoy that part without having to constantly get your hair cut. Well now I can at Drybar for $35 and after reading Danielle over at Sweet Nothings review I was sold. 

But wait a minute you LA ladies...here's something even better.  Today at Groupon you can get a blowout for $20!  You better believe I purchased that steal and am already browsing my calendar for my next social event that I can use my blowout for.  I will most definitely post a followup once I experience Drybar!

Don't feel left out if you don't live in LA, click here and sign up for the Groupon in your city.  I look forward to  my daily deal emails and have already utilized two deals since joining in June.  Just sign up, get your deal of the day and then choose to delete it or grab it up.  So simple and so great! 

Word Up Wednesday

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My 2nd favorite Rolling Stones song.

(can't remember where I found this)

It's getting closer.....

Summer Essentials Series ~ P.S.

A very happy (day late) birthday goes out to my girl Michelle!

She's off celebrating in Pismo with BZ and minus her pain in the neck wisdom teeth coming in, I think 30 started off wonderfully for her.  Cheers to many more celebrations in the year ahead Michelle!  Love you!

Today I will also be sharing Michelle's summer picks.  I met Michelle back in my freshman year of college (GO COUGS) and our friendship consisted of running into each other at frat parties and having lots of laughs.  Fast forward six years when she became a part of our "kickberry" group and our friendship has continued to blossom with lots of laughs, embarrassing stories, and love.  Like I posted yesterday, Michelle introduced me to Live.to.point.of.tears with a post that really hit home and she is always there for support.  Be sure to head over to her blog and check out beautiful photos and what's happening in her life.  But first check out her summer essentials below. 

*What beauty product will be with you at all times this summer 2010?*

I will be using my Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer all summer long! It's lightweight and gives you the perfect dewy shimmer over sun-kissed skin (& if you have sun-kissed skin right now, clearly you do not live by me in the NW!) It's not working so well on my current vamp-like skin, but hopefully I can get a little sun soon. I don't like wearing powder in the summer because I always sweat it off, so this gives the perfect amount of light coverage for your face.

*What are you craving for summer 2010?*

I am SO craving the "Summer Twilight Dress"  from Anthropologie! It says summer perfectly to me. It's so delicate and girly, I would love to own this dress!

*What is your essential summer song for summer 2010?*

I love me some Death Cab all year 'round, but in the summer I especially like to hear "Summer Skin".

Thank you so much Michelle for sharing your favorite goods.  I too will not leave home without my Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer and that Anthro dress is just too cute!  I love it!  And "Summer Skin" will always be one of my go to summer songs. 

Check back tomorrow for new mama to be Courtney's summer must haves!

Summer Essentials Series ~ Live.to.the.point.of.tears

Today's essentials come from the gorgeous Brettan over at Live.to.the.point.of.tears.  I was first introduced to this blog that I stalk daily by my birthday girl Michelle, who sent me this post after my breakup.  I loved her honesty and felt everything she expressed in this post and knew right then and that I was hooked on her writing style and passions.  She has an adorably sweet pup Sam, a wardrobe I would die for and she posts the prettiest/sexiest pictures I have seen.  Warning, when you head over to her blog you will become addicted...consider yourself warned.

*What beauty product will be with you at all times this summer 2010?*

Without a doubt, Chanel's Nouvelle Vague nail polish ... and a gorgeous sea blue polish that they showed during the 2010 Cruise Collection runway show.  If you don't want to shell out for Chanel, e.l.f. makes a $1 version :) Just be sure to use a clear topcoat or it'll chip like crazy. But I'm from the camp that Chanel makeup is worth it.

*What are you craving for summer 2010?*

It's a tie.

I crave the sun-goddess sexiness of this Missoni bikini ... reminds me of drinking an aperitif at a cafe in Cinque Terre or Capri.

&

A clambake!!! I want to have one so badly ... Cold beer, good friends, warm fire, corn on the cob, clams and mussels and lobster, potatoes ... Yum. My favorite things about summer, all in one.

 

*What is your essential summer song for summer 2010?*

I'm gonna say anything Ryan Adams, which is total beer-drinking, crab-cracking, backyard BBQ music. Specifically,  "Wish You Were Here [Explicit]"and "Monday Night." 

Thank you Brettan for sharing your summer picks.  I heart that Ryan Adams song and although I cannot eat shell fish have to agree that a clam bake sounds pretty amazing and summer-ish.  Head on over to Live.to.the.point.of.tears for your daily dose of blunt, sexy, stylish stuff.  You will just love it, I know it!

Tomorrow, birthday girl Michelle shares her summer goods with ya'll!

Song Of The Week: Somebody to Love Remix

This is my confession. I have Bieber Fever. You heard it right. I love that little adorable Justin Bieber, and I also enjoy his music. I know, I know, I am a thirty year old woman not a tween, but his song are just so sweet and have great beats.

I am currently grooving to Somebody To Love Remix and after watching the video I can honestly say I like the song ever more now.  Justin Bieber is doing something right because he just purchased a Lambo as his first car (pretty similar to my 1988 Toyota Corolla GTS) and has many female admirers including one Miss Kardashian. 

Try and fight the urge to hate him and his fabulously fluffy hair, give this song a listen or two and let me know if you catch "Bieber Feber".

Forever Frugal Friday

1) Sweet Lilac 2) Turquoise 3) Neon Coral

This summer I am veering away from natural light colors nails and heading straight for bright, bold nails that scream "notice me".  I am loving these cheap, fun options from Forever.  The Sweet Lilac reminds me of Essie's Lilacism, and the Turquoise reminds me a little of POP Beauty's turquoise and the Neon Coral is a cheaper version of MAC's Scorcher. 

Cheers to bright nails!

Summer Essentials Series ~ Joielala Photographie

Happy Thursday folks!  I think I am *finally* getting back into the swing of things after my vacay.  Funny how you kind of need a vacay to recover from your vacay huh? 

Today's summer essentials come from the darling team behind Joielala - Shelby and Taryn.  I have known Shelby since my freshman year of college at WSU (GO COUGS) and we have carried our friendship into SoCal.  We both have puggles that we adore (Waldo is crushing on Zulu tough), a love for photographer Natalie Moser and that California sun.  I have yet to meet Miss Taryn but I can only imagine that we would get along great.  These girls just started up their photography business and have already wowed and amazed many.  They are an inspiration to me and I am so excited to have them contribute to this series. 

*What beauty product will be with you at all times this summer 2010?*

Taryn - Sun Protection Liquid Foundation

Shelby - Girly nail polish in every shade of pink

 

*What are you craving for summer 2010?*

We're craving a fun fashion photo shoot at the SD fair.

 

*What is your essential summer song for summer 2010?*

Hands down: Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros - Home

Thank you Joielala for sharing all your picks!  That "Home" song just put the hugest smile on my face and you most definitely have me craving a trip to a SD Fair also!  Be sure to pop over to Joielala and check out their awesome photography skills.  Their work was recently featured on The Wedding Chicks and I know that we will be seeing a lot more of their work all over the world wide web.  Below are two of my favorite most recent shots. 

The Wedding Chicks

The stunning Karrie who won Joielala's photo shoot giveaway.  Her pictures turned out amazing and are so glamorous!

Tomorrow one of my all time favorite bloggers Brettan from Live.to.the.point.of.tears will share her summer necessities and you won't want to miss it!

Vote for J.O.A.T!

My girl Jamie over at J.O.A.T has entered the scrumptious looking cupcake above for Duncan Hines Red Carpet Cupcake Challenge.  It would be really awesome if you could take a moment out of your day and vote here for Jamie!  You can vote once a day until the 28th!  My girl Jamie works very hard and really does create the tasty cakes, so I would be the happiest gal alive if she won!  Thank you!

Summer Essentials Series ~ Jackie's Joy

YBB's Summer Essentials Series is back after a brief hiatus, and I am excited to share Jackie's selections.  Jackie is a girlfriend I met at WSU (GO COUGS) who is an absolutely beautiful foodie, creating the must scrumptious looking meals and appetizers this girl has ever seen.  Unfortunately I haven't been able to sample many, but I am always heading over to her blog first when it comes to a new recipe I want to try.  Jackie also might be one of the cutest pregnant women I have ever seen.  Check out all her summer needs and then head over to Jackie's Joy and try not to drool over all the yummy items you find. 

*What beauty product will be with you at all times this summer 2010?*

I have been obsessed with the Philosophy brand for years now, and the *Pure Grace* line has literally become my perfume staple. I went from constantly being on the look out for new perfumes, to being completely sold on Pure Grace. I always have the spray fragrance on hand when getting ready in the morning, and I love the concentrated roll-on for my purse. However, this summer it's all about the philosophy pure grace hot salt rub and shower scrub 23 oz (652 g). It's an oil free scrub, so it's great for your skin during summer months when exfoliating and moisturizing is key. I just love how soft and glowy it leaves my skin, along with that perfect fresh cotton / laundry scent it leaves behind.

*What are you craving for summer 2010?*

Yikes. At 20 weeks prego, this question might need to ask "what aren't you craving for summer 2010?" Everything honestly sounds good this summer, especially fruity refreshing treats. I've been on a smoothie kick since finding out I was pregnant, and lately I can't get enough of refreshing sorbets, citrus granitas or frozen yogurt with fresh berries. Oh what I wouldn't give for a bowl of pinkberry way out here in Ohio...

*What is your essential summer song for summer 2010?*

Even though it was released last summer, I am still loving the soundtrack from the film (500) Days Of Summer-Music From The Motion Picture for my summer listening. I honestly could keep Sweet Disposition by The Temper Trap on repeat through August...and I love the always quirky Regina Spektor and Feist. Perfect for a relaxing evening out on a patio sipping an ice cold...O'Douls. OR maybe just diving in to a huge bowl of pineapple lime sorbet. ;)

Thank you Jackie for sharing your summer selections.  I too am continuing to listen to that soundtrack and never change the channel when Sweet Disposition comes on.  I have only heard great things about the "Pure Grace" line and may just have to pick up a tub of that hot scrub.  Cheers to a summer where you stay cool and get to enjoy lots and lots of treats (since you are eating for two)!  If you like yummy food, pretty pictures and chocolate labs, be sure to head over to Jackie's Joy and see what she is sharing. 

Tomorrow, those cute girls behind Joielala will share there summer must haves with all you YBB readers!

Song Of The Week: Toes

Happy Tuesday to all! Sorry for the lack of posts, but last week was crazy hectic at work and then I left for vacay (which was amazing - post on that later) to Denver and didn't open a computer once.

Is it just me or is returning back to reality after a lovely vacation so difficult?  I couldn't for the life of me think of a song for the week and then remembered how much I adore Toes by the Zac Brown Band and how every time I listen to this song it makes me relax and feel at ease (it also makes me want to book a ticket to some tropical location).

Any fun vacation plans ahead for any of you?  I am already wanting to plan my next adventure away and need some ideas. 

Summer Essentials Series ~ Jamie of all Trades

Hola chicas!  Happy Monday to you all!  The sun is shining and I have a 2.5 day work week ahead of me before I enjoy 5 glorious days of vacay. 

Shame on me.  I promised to get Miss Jamie's essentials up on Friday, and was so swamped it just didn't happen.  However, to quote J.Lo, Ain't It Funny how I am posting her picks today, which just so happens to also be J.O.A.T two year blog anniversary?  So fitting I think. 

Jamie is a great girlfriend of mine that I met my freshman year of college at WSU (GO COUGS).  We may have been in different sororities but that didn't stop us from being friends (no matter what those Lifetime movies tell you).  Jamie and I went to numerous frat parties together and continued to have fun in So Cal years after graduation.  Jamie is always on point.  The girl has amazing style, creative as all get out, and have I mentioned she makes incredible cupcakes?  Well she does and if you are lucky enough to live in Seattle you can try them out yourself!  In case you can't tell Jamie is just so great and if you aren't already following her blog, you really should start!  Without further ado, I present to you Jamie of all Trades summer essentials...

*What beauty product will be with you at all times this summer 2010?*

:: I'm all about a fresh clean face this summer. I'm changing up my skin care routine and starting to wash with a new facial cleanser, Peter Thomas Roth. It cleans your face but it's too soapy. cheers to clear skin!

*What are you craving for summer 2010?*

{tank}

:: I really wanted to say neon because I am, but I said that last year. My new obsession is anything tie-dye and I have to include a food item - pop chips salt + pepper.

Pop Chips

*What is your essential summer song for summer 2010?*

:: Goldfrapp's Rocket.  This song is going to take you back to the summer of 1984. It's a little bit disco and a little bit new wave pop. I even heard a mix of Christopher Cross' Ride Like The Wind (Album Version)and every song from Belinda Carlise's Summer Rain album.  I can see my girlfriends and myself listening to this song out on a boat in the afternoon and dancing at the disco on a hot summer night. Get your tube top ready.

Thank you so much Jamie for sharing with us all!  I am obsessed with POP chips, my favorite is the BBQ flavor with a scoop of cottage cheese on top.  Delish!  That Goldfrapp cover is gorgeous and I just realized I already have this song in my library - sweet!  A very happy blog-a-versiary to you my love!  I love checking in with your happenings and drooling on my mouse pad.  Be sure to pop over to Jamie of all Trades blog and leave her some lovin'!  XOXO

Tomorrow Jackie will clue us in to the "preggers" summer needs.

Song Of The Week: Break My Stride

"Break My Stride" is one of the most stupendous songs to come out of the 80's.  Matthew Wilder is the epitome of 80's awesomeness.  His mustache, leather pants and keyboard just bring the biggest smile to my face this lovely Monday.  I am hoping this song keeps me motivated for the next 2.5 days, "I've got to keep on moving" with a busy work schedule, packing, True Blood watching and departing for Denver. 

I was reminded of my love for this song yesterday when I watched an episode of Glee and Miss Rachel woke up every morning at 6:00 AM to workout and get her day started.  Not a bad idea if you ask me!

Side note: I would kind of love to own that green sparkly leotard - so fun!

Forever Frugal Friday

I am headed to Denver on Wednesday and I have some BBQ's, a Coors tour, some dinner and drinks around town planned, and I am looking for the perfect dresses to look cute and keep cool (temperatures are supposed to be in the mid to upper 80's).  I am loving the whimsical charm of this Silky Printed Dress, which could easily head into fall with some cognac boots and a scarf. 

I also am quite a sucker for pockets and green, and this Solid Floral Dress may just have to accompany me to Denver as well.  I am thinking this with some nude heels will be perfect for dinner and drinks on Saturday night.  Love the color so much and again, paired with some flats boots can also be totally fall appropriate.

Have any of you ever been to Denver?  Any most see or eat places I should check out?  Any killer bakeries or clothing shops?  Please leave me a comment with any recommendations!  Thanks!

Summer Essentials Series ~ The Look 4 Less

Ugh...California's weather is really buggin' me right now.  The gray and drizzle is making getting out of bed all the more difficult and in addition, my allergies are O.O.C (out of control).  I am hopped up on Zyrtec and Tylenol Cold & Sinus hoping to feel some relief...alas no luck.  Which is why I am so excited to share one of my ABSOLUTE favorite bloggers Jen's, summer essentials.

Jen over at The Look 4 Less is your go to gal for replicating celeb and designer creations all for a little less dough.  I mean the girl does not disappoint.  She can find anything, and generally she finds many options of what your favorite celeb was wearing.  Jen contributed last year and I was so excited to she decided to take some time out of her busy schedule to share her must haves!

*What beauty product will be with you at all times this summer 2010?*

St. Tropez Everyday Gradual Tanner.  I have tried tons of gradual tanners and this one is by far my favorite, so I will definitely be using this consistently throughout the summer to give my skin some color!

*What are you craving for summer 2010?*

A vacation! We're heading to San Francisco this summer and I can't wait to spend time exploring the city.

*What is your essential summer song for summer 2010?*

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Katy Perry - California Gurls (feat. Snoop Dogg) . I'm not from California but this song is super catchy and always gets stuck in my head!

Thanks Jen for all your great selections!  I am right there with you on craving a vacation (I'm headed to Denver next Wednesday) and I must try this St. Tropez gradual tanner, my pale skin needs some color!  And I am pretty sure that the song of the summer belongs to Katy Perry as so many of you bloggers have claimed it to be your so.  If you love fashion and saving money, make sure to head over to The Look 4 Less and shop 'till you drop!

Tomorrow the always crafty Jamie over at Jamie of all Trades will share her summer goods leading into the weekend!  Yay that it's almost Friday already!