Now that we are all enjoying the sunshine, and before we embark on our summer get-aways, it’s time to pick out the perfect pair of sunnies.  It’s vital that you choose sunglasses that you love but also that fit your face shape.  No one wants to look like a bug and believe it or not if you choose the wrong shape, your face can actually look wider or longer.   Here are a few guidelines to keep you in check before hitting the mall:

• If you have an oval face shape (face is symmetrical): any type of sunnies work for you!  Aviators, wraparound and round will look great!
• If you have a round face shape (the widest point of your face being your cheekbones): Rectangle shape and wide frames will make your face look longer.
• If you have a square face shape (you have a prominent jawline):  round and cat-eye frames are flattering because they’ll balance your jaw-line.
• If you have a triangle face shape (face is the most narrow at your chin): cat-eye, aviator and rimless styles flatter you!

Our fave sunnies by style:

Rebecca Minkoff Bedford

Ray-Ban Cats 1000

Kate Spade New York Angelique

Ray-Ban Large Metal Aviator

Armani Exchange Vintage Metal Aviator

Marc by Marc Jacobs Metal Aviators

Rebecca Minkoff Perry

Ray-Ban Wayfarer

Ray-Ban Jackie Ohh II

Kenneth Cole Reaction Navigator

Armani Exchange Plastic Aviator

Custom Eyes Oversized Metal Aviator

A few things other things to know:

• Don’t leave your new beauties in the sun – sun and heat damage can distort the frame.
• Add a scratch-resistant coating to protect against small scratches (however, this will not protect against all scratches!)
• Keep glasses in their case as often as possible (we’ve all broken a pair, or two!)
• Don’t wear your sunnies as a headband as this stretches their arms.
• Only use the soft cloth that comes with your sunglasses to clean them; paper towels or rough cotton (like denim) will cause scratches.

Now go enjoy the sunshine!

Kelli & Lisa

Mother’s Day is sneaking up on us! In case you still need to pick up something special for the most important woman in your life, we’ve got Mother’s Day gift ideas for you. Here are our pics for Mom that will show her just how lucky you are to have her without breaking the bank.

1. Zig Zag Canvas Bag (Z Gallerie) 2. She’s Moxie Chocolate Gift Box (Epiphany Chocolates) 3. Floating Artwork (Shutterfly) 4. Faceted Perfume Bottle (Z Gallerie) 5. Fields of Flowers Body Wash and Lotion Set (Philosophy)

If you really want to pamper Mom, host Mother’s Day brunch instead of going out. If it’s the thought that counts, then a homemade feast will make up for all of the temper tantrums you threw as a kid! Lucky for you, our favorite brunch dish is SUPER easy to make!

Breakfast Casserole (serves 6)

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
• 1 pound of breakfast meat (ham, Canadian bacon, bacon or sausage)
• 5 eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 12 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 2 quart baking dish. Line the bottom of the dish with hash brown potatoes (remember to make sure they’re thawed!) Make sure to cook breakfast meat ahead of time in a skillet if it is raw and uncooked.

Whisk together eggs, milk, salt and pepper in a separate bowl and pour over hash brown potatoes. Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese over the egg mixture, add breakfast meat and then sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove foil and bake until a utensil can be inserted and come out clean (about 10 minutes). Let stand for about 5 minutes before you blow Mom’s socks off!

Make this recipe healthier by using egg whites, low fat cheese and a low fat meat such as turkey bacon.

Happy Mother’s Day to everyone!

Kelli & Lisa

Cinco de Mayo is one of our absolute favorite Holidays.  Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexican heritage and pride and is a great reason to get together with your family and friends.  From the décor, to the music, to the food, there’s nothing we don’t love about this day!  So, today we’re here to help you host a magnifico celebration!

The Little Things:

• Buy batches of colorful flowers and place in short vases
• Stream colorful paper banners and flowers along your yard
• Buy fresh peppers and place in large glass bowls as food table décor
• Place mini-cactus’ along long tables
• Use maracas for your place settings
• Give every female guest a paper flower for their hair and every male guest a sombrero
• Have a piñata for the kids!
• Serve sopapillas and fried ice cream for dessert

The Ultimate Playlist:

Bidi Bidi Bom Bom by Selena Quintanilla Perez

La Bamba by Ritchie Valens

Macarena by Los Del Rio

La Cucaracha by The Hit Crew

Hot Hot Hot by Buster Poindexter

Your Attire:

French Connection Gwendoline Flower Dress, Ray Ban Large Metal Aviators, Rebecca Minkoff Neon Park Avenue Clutch, Sam Edelman Josie Wedges

Ultra Healthy Guacamole:

The best guacamole is made with the freshest ingredients… this recipe has been a classic in our families for years.  It’s diet friendly and also includes healthy, detoxifying spices!

2 avocados

½ cup of pico

½ lemon

garlic salt

lemon pepper

cayenne pepper

Mix avocadoes with pico (the chunkier the avocadoes, the better!), add garlic salt, lemon pepper and 2 pinches of cayenne pepper.  Squeeze lemon over guac (this adds a tang and also keeps your guac from turning brown!).  Serve with pita chips.  Serves 3-4

Our Favorite Skinny Rita:

3 ounces Patron

2 ounces fresh lime juice*

1 ounce agave nectar

Mix in shaker with ice, pour into two salt-rimmed glasses, garnish with limes.  *Use grapefruit juice for a delicious grapefruit rendition!

We are so excited for Saturday & hope that everyone enjoys their celebration!  Adios!

Kelli & Lisa

Some of the things we love most have just come together into one bundle of amazingness! The new Macerich Mobile App combines our love of shopping, sales, organization and technology all into one slice of heaven.

What We Love 

Not only does this app allow you to map out your shopping trip with a directory and map of your favorite malls, but you can also organize your shopping list as well. If you’re looking for a great deal or have a store you frequent, the app also lists sales and events for stores with current offers. You’ll never have to miss out on a sale again!

Who hasn’t been that person roaming through a sea of cars in the parking lot looking for a needle in a haystack? The app solves this problem for you, too! You can plan ahead by scoping out all of the options for parking ahead of time and when you arrive and begin your shopping adventure, simply have the app save your GPS location so you can find your way back after a long day of focusing on what’s really important…shopping!

Stay in touch with your shopping centers of choice through the app with all of their contact information just a touch away. You can also leave your feedback on your oh-so-fabulous shopping experiences (we’re pretty sure you won’t need that tool for anything negative, but it’s there just in case you do!).

And if you’re still worried about not being able to find your car, you can purchase gift cards through the app as well. Aside from a lifetime of free clothes, we can’t think of anything missing from this lovely new tool.

How to Get It 

If you’re an iPhone, Android or Blackberry user, go to your app store and search “The Macerich Company”. From there, you’ll find a list of all of the Macerich shopping centers’ individual apps. Download apps for all of your favorite places to shop and you’re on your way to having an amazing shopping experience with your new personal assistant!

Happy Shopping!

Kelli & Lisa

Summer is on the horizon and sunshiny days have already begun for most of us which means it’s time for sunscreen and self-tanner!  Proper sun protection is a summer must so today we’ll help you achieve a natural glow while protecting your skin!  First step, sunscreen:

Clockwise from left: Philosophy head-to-toe ‘sunny girl’ age defense sun care collection features ‘here comes the sun’ spf 40 uva/uvb broad spectrum sunscreen for your face, ‘here comes the sun’ spf 30 uva/uvb broad spectrum sunscreen and ‘kiss of hope’ spf 15 lip treatment, Bare Minerals spf 30 natural sunscreen mineral formula leaves you without a greasy finish and comes in three shades, Benefit benetint spf 15 rose tinted lip balm, Peter Thomas Roth uber-dry spf 30 sunscreen absorbs so quickly you won’t even know you put it on *perfect for him!*, Lancôme absolute hand anti-aging spf 15 sunscreen – don’t forget to protect your hands too!

Next step, self-tanner:

Clarins self-tanning instant gel, Origins faux glow radiant self-tanner for the face, Shiseido brilliant bronze tinted self-tanning gel

Self-tanners are tricky, you’re better off pale than looking like a sweet potato or walking around with zebra streaks.  Here are a few useful tricks of the trade:

• Always exfoliate before applying a self-tanner.  This is a must.
• Make sure to use moisturizer liberally the next few days so that your tan lasts longer.
• We’re big fans of the ‘instant gel’ which absorbs immediately so you can see the color right away – this works wonders in finding the perfect tone for your skin and gives you immediate results.  Best feature?  No surprise streaks later!
• Mix vitamin E (or any type of body oil) with your everyday body lotion to leave your skin with a healthy, gorgeous glow!

We hope you enjoy the summer sunshine with a perfect, healthy glow!

Kelli & Lisa

As you can tell from our last most recent posts (Backyard Cocktail Party and Spring Fever: Outdoor Fun), we think that spring and summer is all about entertaining and sharing the gorgeous weather with family and friends. We’ve got you all set with party themes and décor, but your guests also have to eat, right?! We’ve got that covered, too!

We’ve got some of our favorite summer dishes just for you! They’re easy to prepare, light and healthy. The perfect way to keep your guests happy!

Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:

For every 1cup of quinoa combine the following:

• ½ red bell pepper
• ½ orange bell pepper
• ½ head of broccoli
• ½ cup fat free feta cheese
• Greek dressing drizzled to taste

Directions:

Cook quinoa on stovetop following the directions on the box. Let cool in refrigerator while chopping bell pepper and broccoli into small pieces. Combine quinoa with bell pepper, broccoli and feta-mixing thoroughly. Serve with dressing on the side for guests to drizzle over the top to their liking.

Watermelon Salad with Mint Leaves

Ingredients:

• 1 watermelon- approx.. 5 lbs.
• 1 sweet onion
• ¼ cup vinegar (either red or white)
• 1/3 cup EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves chopped
• Salt to taste
• Ground pepper to taste

Directions:

Cut watermelon into bite size pieces (removing any seeds and rind). Peel and slice sweet onion into thin rings and combine in a bowl with watermelon bites.

In a separate bowl, combine vinegar, salt, pepper and whisk until salt has dissolved. Whisk in EVOO a few drops at a time and add chopped mint. Give it a taste and adjust seasonings as you see fit.

Add mixture over watermelon bites and onion and gently toss until evenly mixed.  To add a special touch, garnish with whole mint leaves.

So now that you have all of the essentials for your summer get-together, it’s time to start inviting everyone over!

Bon A Petit!

Kelli & Lisa

Z Gallerie Portofino Pavilion

It’s green out, the weather is perfect, the sunsets are beautiful… it’s time for a backyard rendezvous!  To get ready for your backyard cocktail party, you need to first set the scene!

• Add sand and candles to mason jars and place around your backyard.  They look adorable hanging from trees as lanterns if you attach a wire handle.
• String white lights throughout your trees or bushes (you can order these online for only $5!).
• Spread scented candles around inside & outside.
• Use your potted plants as centerpieces.
• Our FAVORITE accessory for these parties is the bar cart.  This is a must for every household!

Other tricks of the trade:

• Start up your fire pit and have a s’mores bar for guests to make their own s’mores dessert!
• Send everyone home with seeds to plant in their backyard.
• Brew your own beer as a fun drink option.
• Keep food cool and refreshing – think fruit, iced beverages & chilled desserts.
• Don’t be afraid to serve an assortment of bite-sized goodies instead of a full meal.  Guests actually enjoy the mingling with finger foods!  Just make sure there’s plenty!
• Keep bug repellent packs near your back door for guests to use before they step outside.  Another great DIY option is peppermint oil which repels most insects, especially mosquitos and fleas.  Dab the oil on focal points of your clothing or skin.  Or mix 1 part peppermint oil with 10 parts rubbing alcohol and put in a spray bottle for guests to easily apply.
• Be sure to have charms or labels on hand for everyone’s drinks.

Our favorite place to stock up on backyard party items is Z Gallerie, here are our favorites:

Clockwise from left: Fete Appetizer Set, Trio Beverage Dispenser (great for 3 types of Sangria!), Silver Nest Placemats, Pebble Starfish Plates in antique turquoise, Silver Seaburst Napkin Ring

And our favorite, refreshing summer cocktail… a Cucumber & Cantaloupe Cooler:

Made with organic cucumber vodka, basil simple syrup and lemon juice.  Garnish with a slice of cucumber & cantaloupe!  So delicious!

Enjoy your backyard soirée!

Kelli & Lisa

If you can’t tell by our last few posts, we are thoroughly excited about spring’s arrival and the fabulous weather to go with it. (Hopefully your weather is equally as gorgeous and we aren’t salting any wounds.) It’s time to take your activities outside and enjoy what we consider the BEST season, and we have the perfect ideas to get you out and about.

Bikers Crawls- A great way to get together with friends is to organize a bike crawl to your favorite local restaurants and bars. Map out a plan ahead of time and take it to the streets! Live close to some of your friends? Put together a progressive dinner and bike from house to house for a delicious feast.

Let the Games Begin- Get some friendly competition going with games at your next BBQ. We love bocce ball and a game of bags to keep our crowds entertained. Get into the March Madness spirit with a bracket style tournament. And remember…it’s all in the wrist!

May Day- May Day (May 1^st) is just around the corner. We think this is a great opportunity to celebrate with girlfriends and kiddos with an occasion centered around spring’s finest…flowers! Host a May Day celebration in your backyard with spring salads and refreshing beverages.

Set the stage for your guests to pay it forward with flowers. Gather an assortment of florals for your guests to create their own arrangements. Get the kids involved with an activity to pot and grow their own plants. Encourage guests to pay it forward and spread May Day cheer by dropping off their arrangements at a local charity or on the doorstep of a friend in need of some encouragement.

It’s the most gorgeous time of year! We hope these activities help you to enjoy the sensory sensation that awaits you outside!

Kelli & Lisa

For most of us, summer weather is here!  That means it’s time to switch our makeup routine a little by bringing out the bronzing, highlighting, shine-busting, waterproof-ing products we love!  Here’s a round-up of our favorites:

Philosophy Summer Grace Fragrance Layering Set: features summer grace perfumed firming body emulsion and spray fragrance.  So fresh for spring!

Crabtree & Evelyn’s new Avocado, Olive & Basil Collection: this ultra-moisturizing collection nourishes, restores and is antioxidant rich to keep your summer skin supple and glowing!

1. Clinique True Bronze Pressed Powder Bronzer gives you a natural-looking, sun-kissed radiance!

2. Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream absorbs quick and is SO hydrating we love it!

3. Benefit High Beam luminescent complexion enhancer is a satiny pink liquid highlighter that accents cheek & brow bones for a radiant glow.  Famously dubbed the “supermodel in a bottle”!

4. LAVANILA The Healthy Deodorant is 100% natural, safe, and… it works!  We promise!   Formulated without: Parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes, petro-chemicals, phthalates, aluminum or mineral oils- now that’s a healthy deodorant!

5. Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner doesn’t smear, doesn’t crease, and doesn’t budge.  Perfect for hot, humid and muggy summer days!

6. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 is sheer, lightweight and adds a hint of color and a healthy shimmery-glow.  We have loved this for years!

Now onto our favorite oil-fighters!

7. Bobbi Brown Oil Control Lotion with SPF 15: Keeps skin smooth and shine free with a matte finish.  Lisa loves this!

8. Bobbi Brown Blotting Papers: Powder-free tissues absorb shiny t-zones!  And they’re in an adorable refillable case with mirror perfect for your handbag!

9. Clinique Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder: This shine-absorbing, oil-free powder gives skin a fresh, matte appearance.

Cheers to a beautiful, glowing summer complexion!

Kelli & Lisa

Spring break is right around the corner! It’s time to take the much-needed break we all deserve from work, school and the daily grind. If you’re using this time to get out of town, hopefully you’re going somewhere to soak up the sun and sink your feet in the sand. Nothing says spring break like taking advantage of the first opportunity to whip our your bathing suit and flip flops.

We’ve come to the rescue just in time for you to start packing for your spring break adventure. Having the right essentials is always key to a successful and fashionable vacation. If you’re not heading out of town quite yet, keep our list of essentials close by for your summer vacation.

1. Camden Hat- Alloy, 2. Striped Canvas Diamond Tote- Rebecca Minkoff, 3. Sunny Girl Sun Care- Philosophy, 4. Jackie Ohh! Sunglasses- Ray Ban, 5. Paris Postcards- Papyrus

If you’re going to be enjoying some fun in the sun, then sun protection is most important. That’s why we’ve selected a hat, sunglasses and sun care kit…who says sun protection can’t look fabulous?! And if you’re traveling away from home, you’ll want to make sure you check in with your friends and family to let them know you’re safe…and of course having the time of your life!  A great bag will keep all of your belongings chic and organized while you’re having the time of your life.

We hope you have a fabulous spring break! Enjoy some time away from reality, making lots of memories with your friends and family.

We’ll be here when you return to the real world!

Kelli and Lisa