Summer Essentials Series ~ La Vie...J'aime

Happy Hump Day!  Today the awesome Jaime from La Vie...J'aime joins us to share her summer essentials.  I have been following Jaime's blog for 3+ years now and the blog is just overall awesome.  My favorite feature is her Friday Faves and just about anything she shares.  This Boston local is always attending fantastic events and sharing all things wonderful.  If you aren't already following, be sure to sign up! 

*What one item can you not be without this summer?*

My iPhone — from finding out the UV index with the SPF app, to communicating with friends in a group text, to posting my fave pics on Facebook, I cannot be without it!

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

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A tan! Well an airbrush tan to be specific. I burn very easily and am in 3 weddings this summer. I decided to get airbushed tanning done and love the results—easy & healthy! If you are in the Boston area, try Perfect Tan.

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

"Party Rock Anthem" by LMFAO

Thank you so much Jaime for being part of the series again!  I am one of the few people I think who still operates on a blackberry, but I have an Ipad and love all the goodies that come with it.  That SPF app sounds right up my alley, may need to speak to B about downloading it!  And a perfect spray tan is the best!  Healthy and glowing my absolute favorite! 

Tomorrow, I am excited to share Live.to.the.point.of.tears summer list!  Don't miss it!

Song Of The Week: Hang Me Up To Dry

Hang Me Up To Dry - Cold War Kids by DowntownMusic

Last Friday I grabbed HH with my girl Christy in Venice at Canal Club and drinks after at James Beach (home of the yummiest/dangerous mojitio).  It was great catching up with Christy and James Beach was popping.  Mid sip of my Acacia chardonnay I was greeted (with much pleasure) by the sounds of the Cold War Kids incredible song "Hang Me Up To Dry". 

It had been awhile since I had heard this song but it absolutely perked me up as well as the lady bartender who loudly proclaimed "I frickin' love this song".  I couldn't have expressed it better myself and knew I just had to make it song of the week.  The song is sexy, catchy, fun and totally pumps me up! 

Enjoy!

Summer Essentials Series ~ Dwelling & Telling

Today's summer essentials come from the stylish and gorgeous Linley over at Dwelling & Telling.  Linley is always sporting the latest fashion trends and might I add she sports them fabulously.  Her style, recipes, and Fab Five Fridays are my favorite items on her blog, but just about everything she posts is fantastic!  Make sure to head over and check out her latest Fab Five, but only after you see her summer essentials below:

*What one item can you not be without this summer?*

This summer I have found that every day I am reaching for my bronzer! I am addicted to Benefit's Hoola Bronzer! It's the perfect shade for me, and honestly, I think it would be complementary for just about anyone! It's a perfect bronze and it has a matte finish - which is what I need as a professional. Don't get me wrong, I love shimmer, but not when I'm at work. Moving on, I've been clinging to bronzer this summer mostly because I have been MIA at the pool - aka, it's the middle of summer and I am tanless. Sweeping the bronzer on the areas that would naturally be "kissed" by the sun is my go-to look before leaving the house!

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

Neon and neutral combos! I'm not the biggest trend follower - I'll sometimes wear a look or two that's trendy each season, but otherwise, I'm just wearing whatever I want. However, this summer I cannot get enough of pairing neon and neutral. I did a post on some of my favorite neon/neutral picks, a How-To nails tutorial, and I wore my own version of neon and neutrals. I'm loving it!

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

Mac Miller - Knock Knock

I'm a big fan of hip-hop music. Not cheap "hip-hop", but classic, talent-filled hip-hop. I really like Mac Miller - he exudes talent and creates fun music. He doesn't take himself too seriously and his music just makes me want to dance. Sure, the song has nothing to do with summer, but it's been on repeat (along with this song) in my car all summer long.

Thank you so much Linley for sharing your marvelous selections!  I have never listened to Mac Miller but I am REALLY enjoying this Knock Knock tune!  Also the nail tutorial was such a great feature and I love your neon/neutral ideas!  Be sure to head over to Dwelling & Telling for a daily dose of goodness!

Next week I will have more summer essential goodness from awesome bloggers!  Ya'll come back now ya hear?

Summer Essentials Series ~ The Look 4 Less

Today's summer essentials comes from the uber talented Jen over at The Look 4 Less.  One of my fave blogs for a long, long time.  Jen has an incredible skill of finding any look you desire (whether you saw it in your JCrew catalog, on Rachel Bilson or some other fabulous celeb) and finding a damn near replica for a lot less.  I mean it is seriously crazy how she can literally find anything for less.  My only problem with her blog is I absolutely want to own EVERYTHING she posts and it may not be the best thing for my wallet...

Jen shares her summer picks below and let me just point out that she does not disappoint with her style and price points!

*What one item can you not be without this summer?*

Right now I'm loving cat eye sunglasses, like this great pair from Forever 21. They add a glamorous feel to my summer uniform of a tshirt and shorts/skirts.

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

White Jeans. I haven't taken the plunge because I'm one of THOSE people, you know - the one that always ends up ordering spaghetti or BBQ and then manages to spill on my new white pants.

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO - I always have to turn the radio up when I hear this song!

Thank you so much Jen for taking time out of finding all sorts of fashionable frugal frocks and sharing your summer faves!  I am desperate for a new pair of white jeans (mine may or may not be a little tight) and adore the LMFAO video, who knew they could dance so well?  Be sure to follow The Look 4 Less and be prepared at all the wondrous items you will be introduced to!

Tomorrow Linley from Dwelling & Telling will be sharing her summer essentials!

Summer Essentials Series ~ Mr. & Mrs. OB

Today's (much delayed) Summer Essentials comes from mama to be Emily from Mr. & Mrs. OB.  I first met Emily in summer of 1999 when she pledged Alpha Gams and we have been sorority sisters (and friends of course) since then.  Emily has always possessed great taste and style and looks oh so dang cute as a preggo!  Be sure to follow her progress (she is already at week 36!) and her fantastic SF life over at the blog.  But first take a look at her selections below!

*What one item can you not be without this summer?*

Shu Uemura Essence Absolue -

I have a lot of hair and it is thick/wavy/curly and can be a frizzfest. Being pregnant has increased my internal temp quite a bit so blowing my hair out some mornings it just not gonna happen! My hairstylist introduced me to this product and I just love it. I put a few pumps in when my hair is still wet and let it air dry for an easy beach hair look. It also works great for when I do wear my hair straight. It smells yummy and is not overpowering! 

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

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Summer Nights -

I am craving warm summer nights spent outside! Summer nights in San Francisco are usually spent under quite a bit of fog with a chilly wind coming in off the bay. I miss summer dinners in a backyard, lingering over dinner with friends and family! I just want to jump in this photo for the perfect movie night!

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

Sly & the Family Stone's "Hot Fun in the Summertime" -

Love this song and listening to oldies in the summertime. When I hear this song it makes me want to be in a lounge chair with summer beverage in hand enjoying the nice warm breeze.

Thank you so much Emily for taking time out of your busy schedule to share your summer faves!  I am in LOVE with the backyard photo and love Shu Uemura products!  They smell oh soo good!

Check back tomorrow when Jen from The Look 4 Less shares her summer essentials!

Song Of The Week: Going to California

Is there anybody out there? I realize that is a Pink Floyd song but after my 21 day hiatus from blogging I am feeling a wee bit guilty and yet So Fresh and So Clean (now I'm quoting Outkast) with my little break.  And so I would like to say Hello Again, thank you for returning back to YBB, I promise to be a much improved blogger!

These past 4 weeks have been absolutely incredible and I cannot wait to share photos and stories of all my experiences and memories.  My Seattle sandwich with am Amsterdam filling has left me so happy to be back in California.  Which made me want to share my fave Led Zeppelin song Going to California. 

I love the simplicity and melody of the song and it really makes me oh so happy to be back in the Golden State. 

Summer Essentials Series ~ Sweet Nothings

I feel so lucky and happy to have Danielle from Sweet Nothings back for a third year sharing her essentials.  I also feel lucky that I can call Danielle (as well as the gorgeous Kristen) my friends since we have actually met in person and enjoyed lunch.  Danielle is a gorgeous gal with the absolute best style and always showcasing beautiful fashion, hair, accessories on Sweet Nothings.  Oh you want more, she also shares fantastic quotes, home decor and her loveable sweet George dressed in adorable holdiay appropriate gear.  Still don't believe me?  Go see for yourself, you will surely become a daily reader like me all those years ago... 

Hello YBB readers! I am so happy to be back for the third year to share my Summer Essentials with all of you...you can check out 2009 and 2010 as well...

*What one item can you not be without this summer?*

This summer I cannot live without my favorite cat eye sunglasses. Mine are from Urban Outfitters(and only 10!), but you can find them anywhere, My motto when it comes to sunnies is The Bigger the Better, and these are no exception.

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

Summer 2011 has been an interesting one thus far, full of a lot of changes and decisions on my end. So, what am I craving? For it all to work out how it supposed to. And for me to just relax. And to enjoy a cocktail or two while it all falls into place..like this one featured on The Glitter Guide.

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

Ok, this was a lot harder than I thought to choose a song. Bc I currently have been listening to "Give Me Everything" since February, so I don't consider it a summer song, but man everytime it is on the radio(which seems like every 5 min in LA) I dance in the car. or my room. or in my cube.  I also am obsessed with Katy Perry's "Last Friday Night" but am really embarrassed by that-and I mostly think it is because it describes college.. So, I went with another song from Planet Pit, which is such a fun cd that just makes me want to dance on every track.  "Shake Senora Remix" featuring T-Pain, Sean Paul, and Ludacris will get you ready to go out dancing with your girlfriends.

I couldn't agree more about the sunglasses and that sparkletini looks just perfect for summer time!  And you know that I just adore me some pitbull!  Shake Senora is one I haven't heard yet, and will be downloading immediately!   A huge thanks again to Danielle for her awesome lists that just keep getting better!  I cannot wait for our next lunch and shopping excursion. 

Tomorrow my sorority sister Emily will be back with her summer list!

Summer Essentials Series ~ Miss B & Hustle

Hallo from Amsterdam!  While I help get things situated with our new Euro office I am happy to continue to share some great summe essentials, this time from the marvelous gals over at Miss B & Hustle.  These girls are always sharing magnificent travels, wonderful music and fashions to drool over on their blog and it is a site not to miss! 

*What one item can you not be without this summer?*

image via pintrest

We both live on green smoothies, especially in the summer, our favorite recipes can be found here...

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

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Lots of sunshine, bonfires at the beach, seeing good bands play and making sure we laugh so hard, we cry on a regular basis!

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

We both LOVE Gaga and this is the perfect summer song!

I am just loving this list and in complete agreeance for all of these summer must haves!  I have always LOVED "Summerboy" since I first heard it and it just puts me in the best of moods!  I would like to thank Taryn and Krissy for sharing their selections and always have a fantastic blog to read daily!  Be sure to head over to Miss B & Hustle and get your daily fix of fabulous!

Tomorrow the glamorous and fabulous Danielle over at Sweet Nothings shares her picks!

Greetings from Amsterdam!

I am finally settled in and have all systems working here in Amsterdam!  The weather so far has been lovely (knock on wood) and I have done a little exploring thus far but still have so much to see and do.  If you have been to Amsterdam and have any must see or must eat at destinations please leave me a comment and I will be happy to explore! 

Happy Monday to ya'll!!