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

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

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

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

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

H&M Bikini

It’s that time again… time to start preparing for swimsuit season!  It’s okay, don’t panic, you have some time and we have some helpful hints!

If you’re pair shaped:

• Just say NO to bathing suits with a skirt bottom
• Steer clear of bottoms with ruffle details which only add volume

If you’re large busted:

• Stay away from ruffles on the top
• Halters are best for you!

If you’re small busted:

• Avoid bandeaus that flatten
• Underwire and triangle tops are best for you!

If you have a large waist:

• Any sort of crisscrossing, gathering or diagonal pattern across the torso of a one-piece will minimize your mid section.

Desperado?

• Go for the Spanx one piece (we’ve heard amazing reviews!) and a colorful Trina Turk tunic!

Here are a few of our favorite swimsuit picks this season:

1) Betsey Johnson primrose bikini top and tie side bottom 2) Bebe hot coral heart slider bikini halter top and bottoms 3) Splendid marcel navy and white striped triangle top and tunnel bottoms

1)  H&M turquoise bikini top and floral bottom 2) H&M black bandeau style swimsuit 3) D-Cup underwire retro balconet ruched Hipster yellow and white bikini top and bottoms 4) O’Neill triangle and tab side multi-color triangle bikini top and bottoms

The ultimate bikini workout is the plank which targets the abs all around.  The details:

• Lie face down on the ground with your feet flexed, place the back of your fore arms on the floor with your palms facing up and thumbs out.  Lift your body off of the floor while keeping your back (especially your lower back) flat!  Hold the plank as long as you can – increasing as you get stronger.  You can also lift one leg at a time for an additional challenge.  This is the best all-around ab exercise = soon you’ll be bikini ready!

Like we said, don’t panic!  It’s just the first week of March- you still have time to perfect that healthy swimsuit body!

Dreaming of laying on the beach…

Kelli & Lisa

As days become longer and the weather slowly turns a little warmer (for some of us!) our eyes and hearts are set on spring!  And what is more ‘spring’ than florals?!?  We know, we know, “Florals?  For spring? Ground breaking.” as spoken from Miranda in The Devil Wears Prada.  But this year designers really have taken florals to a whole new level—specifically in the floral pant.  We remember when these floral pants (with stirrups!) were a hit ages ago and they are back this spring/summer in a major way!

H&M Floral Pant

1) Floral Pant – H&M 2) Floral Jacquard Swirls High Waist Skinny Jean – Reiss

Not yet ready to dive deep into floral skinnies??  That’s okay, you can tread lightly with these gorgeous floral patterned dresses, tops, skirts and accessories!

LOFT Floral Dress

Macy’s Rachel Roy Top & Skirt – available at select stores and Macys.com

Rebecca Minkoff Floral Print Dress

1) Blue Floral Tube Romper – Delias 2) Glitter Floral Card – Papyrus 3) Floral Stretchy Bracelet – Forever 21 4) Vivienne by Vivianne Tam Floral Print Dress – Dillard’s 5) Bucket Floral Shirt (for him!) – French Connection 6) Field of Flowers Wildflower Blossom Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath – Philosophy

Create your own florals: Spring planting tips!

• Check your planting zone (you can Google an easy to read map) to see which flowers will grow best in your area’s weather.
• You’ll need great tools to get started (pruners, digging shovel, garden rake, garden hose and/or watering can).
• Spring is the best time to plant perennials so that they can get acclimated to their surroundings before the summer heat.
• Plant according to instructions provided by your local nursery.
• Plant when the soil and air are warm.
• Don’t over-rake your garden (this causes the soil to become too thin).
• Lightly water your soil one hour before planting.
• Add mulch to your garden to help avoid weeds, and to keep your soil and roots cool.
• Make sure there is enough drainage for your garden.

 Here’s to a colorful spring; both in your closet & your yard!

Kelli and Lisa

Even if you haven’t made resolutions for 2012, the new year is at least a time to get a fresh start and recharge. What better way to recharge than eating nutritious foods and putting your body in motion?!

We’ve both adopted a healthier lifestyle, but the holidays always manage to throw everyone off track. So we’re getting back to basics with our favorite healthy shake recipe, foods and products so heavenly you’ll want to workout 24/7.

Here’s our favorite workout gear and some products we’ve come to love that will give you the satisfaction of your favorite treats, minus the guilt!

1. Extra padded yoga mat…essential for a comfy yoga or pilates session. 2. Hail Merry Macaroons made from coconuts, cocoa and coconut oil – the perfect healthy dessert! 3. Glass & Silicone water bottle from the Container Store – keep hydrated at your desk & the gym 4. Get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals from GREENSuperfood! 5. Brad’s Raw Leafy Kale- this is a favorite in our homes- replace chips with the healthiest veggie out there!  We promise they’re delicious! 6. Flavored sparkling water in place of soda 7. Nordstrom Zella jacket- moisture wicking and fitted so you can actually leave the house in gym clothes looking cute – defines your waist and is ultra cozy 8. Flax Oil provides your omega 3’s… sprinkle on popcorn in place of butter! 9. Splendid fold waist legging – comfortable and easy to downward dog in!

Our Favorite Health Shake

Here’s our favorite recipe; you can also substitute chocolate almond milk for plain and add peanut butter for a delicious, nutritious dessert shake.

Ingredients (all can be found at Whole Foods or any health food store):

1 banana

1.5 cups almond milk *provides 50% more calcium than milk, made from real almonds, all natural, vegan, soy/lactose/dairy/cholesterol free

1.5 cups frozen fruit (try mixed berries to load up on your antioxidants)

1 Tbsp flax oil *provides essential omega-3 fatty acids

2 Tbsp psyllium husks *promotes heart and colon health

1 packet GREENSuperFood *contains wheatgrass, broccoli, spinach, green tea, acai berry, carrot, the list goes on & on!

Mix in blender and ta da a delicious, very nutritious shake!  This will start off your morning (or end your day if you opt for the dessert version) on a healthy note.

We hope these help you in your fresh start. Here’s to a happy, healthy 2012!

Kelli & Lisa

Farewell 2011, hello 2012!  Last year gave us plenty to smile about, but what really has us giddy is our new list of favorite things all thanks to 2011. Much like Oprah, this is a Bud & Leo tradition; only our list doesn’t appear at your doorstep…sorry! You’re still welcome to get just as excited!

1.     Sheets!

There’s nothing better than a good night’s sleep and the perfect set of sheets is oh-so-important to getting some good shuteye. Our fave is Hotel Collection’s Egyptian Cotton 700 thread count sheets. Ahhhh.

2.     Candles!

Candles are a staple in our homes. Our noses can’t get enough of these Lafco candles. There are so many great scents like chamomile lavender but you really can’t go wrong! Your guests will think they’ve walked into a botanical garden!

3.     Glossy!

We keep our lips shiny with NARS lip gloss. As with all of their products, you get the perfect amount of sparkle and a polished look. It’s so hard to pick just one favorite, but this shade deemed “pillow talk” adds the right amount of color!

4.     And a perfect Nude Lip!

And the perfect nude lip goes to…. YSL ‘Rouge Volupte’ in Sensual Silk.  It stays on all night and really gives you the perfect nude lip to complement a smoky eye and an lbd!

5.     Teavana!

Delicious teas with amazing health benefits… we were sold at our first sip!  Our fave flavors: Blueberry Bliss & Pineapple Kona Pop, Youthberry & Wild Orange Blossom  and Samurai Chai Mate & White Ayurvedic Chai.  If you haven’t stopped by, you need to asap!

6.     Clarisonic!

This skincare system removes 4x the dirt and makeup and makes your skin feel like butter (seriously feels like you just had microdermabrasion).  So soft and smooth!  We love it!

7.     Bobbi Brown Longwear Gel Eyeliner!

After years of feeling like a raccoon after long work days, this eyeliner changed our lives!  Stays in place for the entire day… it’s a dream come true!

8.     Acai Toner!

Kiehl’s Acai Toning Mist is the perfect way to lock in your look. Spray this on after applying makeup for a complete and finished look. Not only does it moisturize, keep makeup on longer, but is smells amazing!

9.     Pure Bliss!

If you’ve recently visited a W Hotel or spa, you’re very familiar with Bliss Body Butter.  One sniff of this lemon sage potion will have you addicted!

We can’t wait to see what products make the cut in 2012!  Happy New Year!

Kelli & Lisa

It’s hard to believe that Christmas is just a few days away…2011 has flown by! As we all get ready to celebrate with family and friends, we want to share a few of our favorite things about Christmas. Christmas is one of the few times where we all slow down and pay attention to every little detail. Just another reason why we love the holidays so much!

When it comes to the Christmas tree, it’s the small details that make a grand masterpiece. And when it comes to the details, we have a little obsession with ornaments! We’ve narrowed down our favorites.

1) Rachel Roy designed ornament – Macy’s (part of the proceeds benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation) 2) Cotton Candy Machine ornament – Nordstrom 3) Glitter Football ornament – Macy’s 4) LOVE ornament – Urban Outfitters 5) Macaroon ornament – Sur la Table 6) Fireside Feelings ornament – Anthropologie 7) Double Decker London Bus ornament – Harrod’s 8 ) Dachshund ornament – Z Gallerie

If you haven’t broken down and gotten a real tree this year, or if you need some extra Christmas scents, we love stovetop potpourri. It’s an easy way to pull items you likely already have at home and fill your home with fragrant goodness!

Stovetop Potpourri Recipe

Ingredients:

• One whole orange or orange peel
• ½ cup of fresh cranberries
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 3 sticks of cinnamon

Directions:

Slice the orange into quarters and place into a saucepan with the rest of your ingredients. Fill the pan with water and place on the smallest burner. Heat on the lowest setting and refill the water as necessary.

You can certainly increase the recipe and add additional ingredients like nutmeg. And if you need a last minute gift or gifs for neighbors and co-workers, package the ingredients in a cellophane bag, add a bow (you can even add a tag with the instructions) and give the gift of a gorgeous-smelling home!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Kelli & Lisa