Thursday, June 27, 2013

Sun Kissed Beauty Products


Sun Kissed




Our favorite summer beauty products...

1. Diorshow Mascara - great mascara for long full lashes
2. Nars Laguna Bronzer - for subtle contouring 
3. YSL Lipstick - loving this orangy coral hue 
4. Bobbi Brown - highlight the apples of your cheeks and cheekbones, as well as a simple eyeshadow
5. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer - this goes on light with good coverage, however, it doesn't stay smooth all day. I carry a touch up compact to help even it out towards the day's end
6. Mac Primer - smells great and glides on

xo

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Beach Wedding Attire


The Beach Wedding



This weekend Ditty and I head to the Florida Keys for a beach wedding. The formal celebration of a wedding combined with the laid-back sand and surf makes beach wedding attire a tricky area to navigate. For this wedding, I'm selecting a breezy lose-fitting lightweight dress with ruffles by Parker. I want to combine the dress with dressier accessories including embellished or metallic flats, a soft wind-resistant ponytail with curls, and great earrings. 

xo

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Watermelon, Feta, and Mint Salad with Lime Vinaigrette






I have childhood memories of my dad haphazardly cutting fresh watermelon slices for dessert after an outside BBQ dinner of steak, corn on the cob, and baked potatoes. Our watermelon slices were never in perfect triangles. Instead we ate face-sized jagged messy chunks of watermelon. It was, and still is, the perfect summer dessert.

I was trolling the internet for a less messy way to use watermelon. This bistro-esque salad looks gorgeous with the juicy red watermelon, bright green arugula, and white feta. I was initially hesitant about the mint - my usual encounter with mint is a barely muddled leaf from a mojio that unfortunately slips through my straw. However, finely cut mint is a surprisingly gentle flavor.

How it measured up
Appearance  B +
     It would have been more appealing if the feta stayed in larger pieces. Next time I'll gently mix in the feta at the end.

Flavor A
     Awesome combination of sweet watermelon, tangy lime, cool mint, and creamy snazzy feta.

Health A
     The only "unhealthy" ingredient was the feta, reduced fat would shave off some calories too. Otherwise, low calorie and a good serving of vitamins from the arugula and low calorie watermelon.

Uniqueness  A
      It was a non-traditional way to use watermelon. The combination was outstanding. I also loved how letting the onion soak in the dressing absorbed the dressing and got rid of the onion bite.

Difficulty - Easy

Time - 15 minutes

TIP - I am a horrible chopper so to get the fine chiffonade mint I stacked the leaves on top of each other, rolled them from the tip of the leaf, and cut the strips with kitchen sheers.

Overall A


Enjoy! xo

Watermelon Salad
Recipe courtesy The Neelys

Serves:
4 to 6 servings

Ingredients
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 lime, zested and juiced
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 red onion, thinly sliced
4 cups seeded watermelon chunks
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup mint chiffonade
2 cups baby arugula

Directions
Add the white wine vinegar, lime zest and juice to a small bowl. Whisk in the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Add the thinly sliced red onion and let marinate for 5 to 10 minutes as you prepare the rest of the salad.

Add the watermelon, feta, mint, and arugula to a large bowl. Toss with the vinaigrette and serve immediately after dressing.


Monday, June 24, 2013

Strawberry Fields Forever







Living in the city, my inner farm girl is relegated to farmer's markets. So when summer rolls around, I love to head out for some strawberry picking at a local farm. Probably because it involves eating. 

What are your favorite summer activities? 


Wednesday, June 19, 2013

City Safari



Beauty and a Beat









It has been a while since I have obsessed over a song. Then Pompeii by Bastille showed up on my radar and I've been obsessing for about 2 weeks now. The tribal sounding harmonies inspired today's neutral mixing with a simple touch of leopard. 
xo 

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Grecian White




Cover up - Elan (similar here), Coin Necklace - Tory Burch (loving this one), Bathing suit - L*Space, Shoes - Cole Haan, Purse - Louis Vuitton

Monday, June 17, 2013

Travel To: Harbour Island, Bahamas

Travel To: Harbour Island, Bahamas

Balcony from the House

Wooden chairs for relaxing

Conch shells

Pink sand beaches

Island chicken

Island dog

Island artwork

Up close

Boys on Bikes

Queen Conch for conch salad

Island flowers

Old boats

Gusty's Bar with a sand floor - dress code: Decent

Beach access path

Rooster

Island road signs

Mirrors for tight corners

Famous lone tree


Puddle hopper flight

Harbour Island, Bahamas an island juxtaposed with local island life, gorgeous oceanfront homes, and handfuls of tourists. The island itself is approximately 3 miles by 2 miles and is renowned for its one of a kind pink sand beaches. As you'd expect on a tropical vacation, it's fully equip with island-fun activities including snorkeling, diving, and fishing.

The landscape is a mix of wild chickens and cats, boutique hotels, an abundance of tennis courts, local shops and food shacks, and white chipped paint picket fences. In one word: charming. There are some cars on the island, although the overwhelming locomotive choice is the golf cart which is easy to rent upon arrival. Not to mention incredibly fun to drive.

One unique aspect of Harbour Island is the flourishing local life.  Many islands focus on the appeal of tropical scenery; here however, local life is embraced as part of the main attraction. It's not uncommon to ride pass uniformed children on the elementary school playground while driving a golf cart to a boozy lunch at Sip Sip. Or have breakfast with yesterday's snorkeling guide at Arthur's Bakery.

Great for: Groups looking to rent houses or couples looking for romance and adventure (couples recommendation: The Rockhouse)

Getting there: Fly into North Eluthra, Bahamas. From there take a 10 minute taxi to the ferry boats. Board a ferry boat for a 10 minute ride to the island.

Best lunch: Sip Sip

Best Cocktail: Sky Juice at Sip Sip, all Cocktails at the Rockhouse

Best Dinner: The Landing

Must try: fresh conch salad from queen conch

Strongest Drink on the Island: Ramora Bay Marina

Best local bars - Gusty's and the Viccum

Best boutique: Pink Sands Hotel Boutique

Beware: Island life is costly for locals and tourists alike. Casual restaurants are easily $30 a head, and purchasing groceries is noticeably more expensive.

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Flower Snapback




Ditty showed up with this enviable flowered snapback hat.  If it wasn't for a 2010 resolution, "You're an attorney not a klepto, so stop stealing Ditty's clothes." this hat would have undoubtedly found its way into my suitcase... along with those jelly flats. #badsister

What's your favorite accessory this summer?