Beauty Benefit

benefit cosmetics has always been one of my favorite beauty brands on the market.  with their adorable packaging, fun names and quality products, you just can't seem to go wrong with anything they make!

 

since moving to brentwood, i am that much closer to the benefit cosmetic store on montana avenue and have been going every three weeks to get my brows tinted and waxed for $32!  these girls know what they are doing and i can honestly say that the store is always packed with customers, a testament to their results!

 

the only problem i encounter when i head into benefit to get my brows done, is i end up leaving with a bag full of products i didn't realize existed until i tried them out.  one of those products is the  instant brow pencil in light...

if you tweezed a little too much in your lifetime and need a little help filling in where some hair is missing, this pencil is for you!  the color is spot on and it fills in your brows without them looking "drawn on" with the help of the brush at the end.  a permanent staple in my makeup bag now! 

my other favorite recent purchase is the finding mr. bright makeup kit...

 

this is the perfect kit if you like glowing skin and products that you can fit in your purse to take with you.  seriously, everything in this kit is amazing!  i had not used the girl meets pearl luminizer before and have to say thank goodness it had a mini size in here as i LOVE it.  i use it now every single day.  i feel flat without it. 

 

i have long been a fan of the posietint product, but love it even more in the travel size, since a little goes a long way!  again this product giver you a pretty, glowy, dewy complexion which is perfection!

 

i have already shared my love for high beam here and the love continues with the mini version.

 

the last perfect piece is the erase paste which is a soft creamy concealer which has brightening undertones to help conceal not only dark circles but also yucky blemishes.  the texture is creamy and doesn't leave your face dry and feeling cake-y like some other concealers do. 

 

best party about the kit is all four of these products are travel ready for under $30! 

 

i also shared my love of their they're real mascara earlier this year here. 

 

if you haven't already jumped on the benefit bandwagon, might i ask you to join me now, as looking fresh, dewy and bright is always in style.  also, if you live close to a benefit store, be sure to pop in and get your brows some loving, they do a marvelous job and it really makes all the difference in the world!

Sephora Staples

 

as much as i love my drug store beauty goods, there are just a few staples that require a visit to my local sephora.

 

during christmas i purchased this stila seeing stars smudge-stick waterproof eyeliner set fully intended to break it apart and gift each eyeliner to a friend and wouldn't you just know that i accidentally kept them all to myself and am hooked?  these eyeliners glide on so smoothly and they last all day long!  but what i love most about these eyeliners is they make lining the inner rim of your eye so simple and it actually stays put all night long (all night) - score!  plus it is important to mention that these liners are sold individually for $20 each so you are getting a steal of a deal at $32 for five of them! 

 

i love my l'oreal voluminous mascara oh so much and wanted to HATE the benefit they're real mascara so bad, but let me just tell you...THIS MASCARA IS AMAZEBALLS.  it really does make your lashes look extraordinary!  i purchased the travel size and was feeling sad when it began to dry up, but luckily for me sephora's b*day gift for beauty insiders in 2013 is a travel size of this mascara AND a travel size of the watt's up (which i am still learning how to use).  if you are still on the hunt for a kick-ass mascara, be sure to give this one a try, it's that good!

 

lastly, i have been blogging about urban decay's eyeshadow primer potion tube in sin for years and years now and i will continue to share this incredible product with anyone who is still clueless.  this stuff is a must-have for everybody, it is available in a variety of different shades (in case you hate shimmer) and is the perfect addition to any makeup bag.  it keeps your eyeshadow in place, is the perfect quick product to rub on your eyelids before hitting the gym or running errands and one tube lasts a whole year (if not more)!  i kind of go into panic mode when i am getting near the end of the tube in fear that i will run out. 

 

do you have any sephora staples i am missing out on and need to try out immediately?  do share! 

 

 

Desperately Seeking Sully ~ Dorothy Perkins

i am not sure how i am just being introduced to the fabulous dorothy perkins, but man oh man am i glad i have now met her! great fashion and stylish items for amazingly low prices. a great site to pick up some new work pieces and just about anything else. here are just a few items i am currently coveting!

 the taupe/navy batwing dress which drew me into the dorothy perkins website

this navy contrast waist wrap dress is just perfect for the office

i love the metallic flair that spices up these apricot twist peep toe pumps

aqua/pewter side bar clutch needs to be mine, stat

this bad ass gold look spike necklace will help me gain some street cred

loving the colors and mixture of prints in this navy spot and stripe scarf

are you new to dorothy perkins too?  have you ordered from them before and if so how was your experience?  what items are you loving right now from the store?

Summer Essentials Series ~ jaime of all trades

Happy First Day of Fall and last day of summer essentials!  We wrap up the summer series with my seriously talented friend Jamie from jaime of all trades.  Jamie is an incredible baker who creates fabulous cupcakes for any occassion and she is available for hire to use for your own party.  Jamie is also stylish, on top of the trends and happens to work for a company I love very much....Starbucks.  Her blog is full of tasty treats, fashionable finds, and all sorts of goodies to try around Seattle.  I love her dearly and am pretty sure you will love her too after reading her blog. 

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

my weleda lip balm.  one of my favorite fashionistas, katherine power from who what wear tweeted about it and i just had to try it.  i am constantly applying this stuff and it smells amazing.  i'm thinking of buying a tube for my purse, my desk, my bathroom, my car.  i can't be without it.

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

bright colored nails.  they feel so summery and look good with a tan.  i'm loving essie's braziliant, seen here.

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

countess luann's 'chic c'est la vie' 

(JUST KIDDING! - phew)  this is always the hardest question for me but i'm picking taio cruz's 'dynamite.'  i've been to a million weddings this summer and whenever this song comes on i wanna get d.o.w.n.  it puts me in such a good mood.

Thank you J.O.A.T. for your summer picks!  I love the Brazillant collection (I own Smooth Sailing) and I am very tempted to try this new lip balm.  I also quite enjoy dynamite and kind of love the message behind the song, as the countess would say - sa bonne!  Be sure to head over to jamie of all trades for your daily dose of fantastic.

I also would like to thank again all the people who contributed to the series this summer.  We had a lot of picks and recommendations and I feel so honored that they took the time out to share their picks and that you took the time out to read and comment.  It really does mean the world to me!  Next week, back to random posts that pop up in my head as well as a few usuals you are used to! 

Let's all be Chic C'est La Vie this weekend shall we? 

Summer Essential Series ~ Love, Lipstick, and Pearls

You are all in for a treat today, Miss K from Love, Lipstick, and Pearls shares her summer essentials.  Miss K is one of my oldest blog buddies who I just recently had the opportunity to meet (back in March) and just this past Sunday brunched and shopped with her as well as gorgeous Danielle from Sweet Nothings.  Miss K is a beauty junky, a recent newlywed and always is sharing the hottest of hot men in her "Hot Man Parade" feature.  She also shares great makeup reviews, recent sale purchases and just about anything else your heart might desire.  Full of fashion, not afraid to take a risk, Miss K is straight up fantastic and her summer essentials do not dissapoint!

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

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The one item I can't be without this summer is a great pair of cut off shorts. It took me forever to find a pair that weren't daisy dukes, but I've live in them all summer long.

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

{via}

Girl trips! I love my girlfriends and as we're getting older, we're not able to get away for weekends like we used to. This summer we have one trip and several nights out planned that I'm looking forward to.

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

 Duh, Britney Spears 'Til The World Ends'! I've been singing it all day everyday, can't get enough of the cd.

Thanks again Miss K for taking time out to share your summer must haves!  I just love girl trips also :)  There is nothing better than time with your girlfriends!  And the Femme Fatale album turned out to be gem for me.  Be sure to head over to Love, Lipstick, and Pearls for your daily dose of hot celebs, fantastic makeup tips, ingenius nail ideas and other great goodies.

Check tomorrow when we wrap up the Summer Essentials Series with none other than JOAT shares the last summer must haves for all on the first official day of fall. 

XOXO

Summer Essentials Series ~ No Day But Today

Today I am excited to bring your Courtney from No Day But Today's summer essentials.  Courtney is a fellow Coug who is the mother of the darling and photogenic as all get out Charlotte (pics above).  Courtney is just about the nicest gal around, whose smile is contagious and just brings the best out in everyone.  Her blog is full of amazing photos of Char that she takes herself and also little beauties you might let pass you by sometimes.  A treat for anyone who visits!

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

Versa Spa

Combine our Northwest "summer" with my white skin, along with my desire to keep my skin healthy...and a tanned body is pretty much out of the question. Enter: Versa Spa. I first learned of it through Miss Lisa Spry who swore it was the only spray tan to go with. No Mystic Tanning for her, and it always looked so even and great after she'd do it, that I quickly became a fan. Even though I am not quite the expert at getting the zero streaks like Spry and Michelle, for the most part it always comes out looking good. Plus, there is almost always some sort of Groupon or Living Social deal to use...or you can just barter with them (again, I don't have quite as good of skills as the Ultimate Sales Lady Spry, but I try)

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

Besides the actual sun (I think I wrote this same thing last year?! Do I need to move?!), I'm craving projects.

I'd like do redo our picture wall to look something like this, a bit more structured but still eclectic.

And maybe enlarge a few from Charlotte's 1 year picture session like this

And I really want to make this.  Being present is something I'm always working on and I would love this constant little reminder that this moment will pass...both the good ones and the bad ones.

*What is your essential summer song for 2011? *

While this isn't really a quintessential summer song...and I have no idea actually if it's old or new (I actually am not even sure where I first heard it?), I've been loving Little & Ashley's "Stole My Heart".  It's my dance-around-the-living-room-with-my-girl song of choice these days!

Thanks Courtney for sharing your summer faves!  I am loving this song from Little & Ashley - so sweet and fun!  And your projects look like a lot of work with a lot of reward!  Love that do it yourself, "this too shall pass" sign.  I am ALWAYS telling myself to live in the present.  It really is a great motto to life.  If you haven't already, be sure to head over to No Day But Today right away!

Pssst...we're halfway there!!

Summer Essentials Series ~ Lovely Happenings

Today's fabulous collection is brought to you by the darling Megan from Lovely Happenings.  Megan is always so cheery, fun, light and stylish and always sharing items that I absolutely must have!  This girl holds a special place in my heart with her appreciation of WSU (her sister goes there) and you can't help but leave her blog in a better mood after you visit it.  So without further ado...

Hello, Yellow Brick Blog readers! I am Megan from LovelyHappenings and I am so happy Lyndsy asked me to help out with my Summer Essentials of 2011. I long for the sunny, dry weather in the summer. Portland's rain can get really painful after a while. I take advantage of the sun while I can and these are my essentials this summer... What one item can you not be without this summer?

My maxi dress! At first, I wasn't sure about this trend and how it'd look on me. So I bought a simple, olive-green racer back maxi dress from Forever21 to see how I liked it (sadly, my particular one is no longer available). I can basically say that I am obsessed with my maxi dress now. I need more for my collection! If you haven't tried this trend yet then I suggest you get your little rear end to the store. Casual, totally chic and awesome for a great summer look.

Maxi Dresses by lovelyhappenings featuring a gray dress

What are you craving for summer 2011?
A longer summer! Does that count? No, I'd just really like more time away from work and time with my boyfriend instead. I want to go camping, go on bike rides, walk to the farmers market, concerts outside, BBQ, eat loads of gelato, and trips to the coast with my boy.
 What is your essential summer song of 2011? Well, I can always listen to a John Mayer or Dave Matthews Band song but this year, Mat Kearney is stealing the show. His new album, Young Love, is awesome. The single "Hey Mama" totally puts a smile on my face and I can't help but rock out to this song. Enjoy!

 

 Thank you Megan for sharing your summer picks!  I just love your collection of maxi dresses and jewelry and the pic of you and bf is soo cute!  Be sure to head over to Lovely Happenings for straight up goodness. Check back tomorrow for some more summer essential goodies!

Summer Essentials Series ~ Menu a la Marguerite!

Happy Friday to you all!  Wrapping up this weeks summer essentials is one of my fave gal pals Marge (really Lisa) from Menu a la Marguerite.  I met Marge in college officially at WSU but quickly realized we actually met for the first time our senior year of high school when I was a guest judge for cheerleading at her high school - small world.  Years later we are still buds and this gal has way of just making me giggle over just about anything.  The beautiful Marge is also a bride to be with "Forever Young" nuptials just around the corner (can't wait!).  Head on over to Menu a la Marguerite for great recipes, photos and fun!

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

Jennifer Anniston Perfume - I. LOVE. IT.  Smells like a beach and makes me feel sexy!  I love it so much that when I broke my original bottle in New York I went to the mall next door to our hotel and bought another one.

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

Vita Coco water.  I love anything that tastes or smells like coconut.  Although this is neither, really, it helps keep me hydrated and refreshed on a hot day!  Available at Costco for super cheap in a 12 pak.

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

I have a few:

Sara Evans - "Suds in The Bucket"

Katie Perry - "Last Friday Night, TGIF"

Thank you Marge for sharing your summer picks!  I rushed out and smelled the Jen Anny perfume after you raved about it and I have to agree it is a great scent, very beachy and summery!  And you know I love coconut water also, but lately have been also enjoying Aloe Vera Water....and "Suds in the Bucket" is one of my faves!

I hope ya'll have a fabulous summer weekend, we only have a few left!!!

XOXO

Summer Essentials Series ~ Saltwater Dreams

Anyone else loving this four day week?  I sure am, boy oh boy time has flown by! 

Today I am happy to share Andi from Saltwater Dreams summer essentials.  Andi has returned again this year with some great fresh selections.  Saltwater Dreams is all about beauty, fashion, accessories, travel, food, pretty much everything and Andi is fabulous about sharing her most recent purchases so that you can judge for yourself before you trust what you see online.  Andi is always optimistic and lovely and you really need to head on over and see all the goodness that is Saltwater Dreams.

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

What I cannot be without this summer is Bright Expert by Lancome. It's so great for helping to dull the sun spots I inevitably get no matter how much sunscreen I use.

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

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What I'm craving this Summer is fresh ingredients! I've been trying to make as many dishes, drinks and desserts as possible with the delicious seasonal ingredients that are available now - peaches, strawberries, blueberries and corn especially and my favorite - Caprese salad made with tomatoes and basil from our garden.

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

My essential Summer song would have to be an old-school Sublime tune--"Badfish". It's just the classic, laid-back, chill Summer song.

Thank you so much Andi for sharing your picks again with YBB this summer!  I am such a sucker for beauty products and you have me dying to try this eye cream!  And caprese salads are my absolute weakness!  True story I made myself like tomatoes from this salad.  And Sublime and summer go hand in hand! 

Tomorrow, my gf Marge will be sharing her summer picks!

Pssst...tomorrow is Friday :)

Summer Essentials Series ~ Avery Bleu

Anyone else feeling the heat wave outside?  Oooh wee, close to 100 degrees in Century City!  I am loving the warmth that has finally arrived (I am sitting in an air conditioned office however). 

Today's summer essentials come from one of my FAVE peeps, and yes I am very partial and biased because it is of course my roomie Avery Bleu is sharing her summer must haves.  Miss Avery and I go way back, like drinking too much spiced rum freshmen year of college and blacking out back (but that's another story for another day).  Miss Avery is ALWAYS on top of the trends, whether she's sporting neon nails, bright pink lips, stripes, sequins, whatever.  If it is currently in season, she is currently sporting it.  She is also always on top of celeb gossip, good music and takes excellent care of our good friend Waldo!  So make sure to head over and check out Avery Bleu just as soon as you finish checking out her summer essentials.

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

Colorful nails!

Pink, green, orange, purple, yellow, glitter..the brighter and sparklier the better. I love it all, especially with a bit of a tan. Here are just a few of my faves from my massive collection.

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

 

LWDs - Little White Dresses

Whether chilling poolside, grabbing drinks with the girls or *sigh* working the day away, a light, feminine LWD is perfect for any occasion. I already own a few, but always have room for another.

 

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

"Knee Deep" by Zac Brown Band featuring Jimmy Buffett

Many of my friends would be surprised by my selection of a country song, as I'm typically more of a hip-hop and altie gal, but this little ditty makes me want to ditch work and relax in the sun, preferably with a cold beverage in hand. "Wishing I was knee deep in the water somewhere. Got the blue sky breeze and it don't seem fair. Only worry in the world is the tide gonna reach my chair. Sunrise there's a fire in the sky. Never been so happy. Never felt so high. And I think I might have found me my own kind of paradise." You simply can't help but do a little knee bounce, toe tap, finger snap or hand clap when it's playing. The addition of Jimmy Buffett makes it even more appropriate for summer. 

AND their song, "Toes", is also good for summertime fun - "I got my toes in the water, ass in the sand. Not a worry in the world, a cold beer in my hand. Life is good today, life is good today." I mean, does that evoke the feelings of summertime goodness or what?

Thanks Avery for sharing your summer picks and nail polish collection with me!  You better believe I was shocked to see your summer selection song was country!!  I have to agree to both songs though, they are quite fantastic!  I am so happy to call you one of my best friends and thankful you share a love for beauty products, chardonnay and Waldo.  XOXO

Tomorrow, Andi from Saltwater Dreams shares her faves!

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

Today B from Live.to.the.point.of.tears shares her summer faves.  I have been reading B's blog for 2+ years now and I can honestly say the girls honesty, truth and zero BS helped me get through a tough breakup.  She is a drop dead beautiful girl with incredible wit, charm and an infinity for her soon to be husband that I know admire (and I am pretty sure most girls do too) and desire.  She has killer clothes, drinks Jack Daniels,  reads those books everyone should read and writes with passion.  Basically, she just plain kicks ass.  Please do yourself a favor and immediately head over, bookmark it, follow her, whatever works best for you.  I promise you will be so happy you did. 

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

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A straw fedora. Perfect to put over your messy-pretty beach or lake hair. This, a bikini, cutoffs and Havaianas are all you need in LA.

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

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Dinner and cocktails at Manhattan Beach Post! J surprised me with a reservation -- we couldn't get in until 9:30 pm but I could instantly see why. Decor is rustic but upscale, atmosphere is lively with lots of "family" seating, dishes are all small plate-tapas style -- perfect for a date. The menu changes nightly and the chef writes in the dishes he's offering that evening, which are based on what's farmers market-fresh and local. They brought us our menus in a little brown envelope with our last name on it, which won me over from the start. Oh, and the custom craft cocktails were heavenly and refreshing, and everything we ate was divine. I'm dreaming of the Blistering Green Beans right now ... If you're in SoCal, hit me up and we'll go.

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

Anything from Ellie Goulding's CD "Lights" ... perfect music for making out, dancing and getting ready with girlfriends, or cocktails with your man. What more do you need? Or, I'll take "You and Tequila" -- Kenny Chesney & Grace Potter. Her voice is heavenly and it's such a sexy summer song. The video is rad, too.

Thank you so much B for sharing your picks for the second year in a row.  Ever since you blogged about MBPost I have been dying to go!  Perhaps we can finally grab a drink there?? Love Ellie's voice and just listened to "You and Tequila" the other day and instantly loved it.  Country music and summer go hand in hand for me. 

Tomorrow my roomie Avery will be sharing her essentials to close out the week!  It's almost Friday!!

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!

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!

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!