What I’m Lovin’: My Beach Bag of Tricks {Guest Contributor}

Hi all – Jacqueline here.  Jenn has asked me to contribute more often to the blog; therefore, I will be giving you a regular peek into what I’m Lovin’ including favorite finds, fashion challenges and styling secrets, in addition to also providing entertaining ideas and recipe discoveries.

During a recent girls’ weekend, a friend politely snooped in my purse to uncover “my bag of tricks.”  After weeding through a few Hot Wheels, golf balls and crackers, it was fun to discover and share some of my favorite finds.  Rather than sharing the contents of my purse with all of you, I am listing a few of my favorite items just in time for summer.

Jan Marini Physical Protectant SPF 45

As much as I love to be tan, I have been trying to limit my sun exposure by using a moisturizer that has broad-spectrum UVA and UVB sun protection. The best one that I have found is by Jan Marini. The moisturizer has a slight tint and leaves no trace of white film on your face; it goes on very sheer and is water resistant. The 2 oz tube lasts longer than you would think – a little goes a long way!

NARS Bronzing Powder (Laguna)

To provide a sun-kissed glow (again trying to limit my sun exposure), I love NARS Bronzing Powder (my favorite color is Laguna). It is a matte powder without any sparkle or shimmer. I actually found this gem a few years ago when I asked a male sales person with glowing skin what his secret was. His complexion was so compelling that I immediately purchased it and haven’t looked back.

Benefit Bad Gal Waterproof Mascara

Every girl has their favorite makeup item, and mine is mascara. However, when I am playing in the pool or spending the day at the beach, the last thing I want to be concerned with is makeup.  When I want to look my best yet my makeup has to withstand water, sweat and tears, this Benefit mascara is my go-to. Although I would not use this mascara everyday as removal can be a challenge, it is nice to have a little pop around the eyes on special beach days with your main man or even on a poolside girls’ trip.  I use Benefit They’re Real Mascara for day-to-day, va-va-voom lashes.

Kerastase Serum Oleo-Relax

My hair is quite curly.  If I don’t use hair products, I could leave the house having straightened my hair only to return with curls (especially in the Seattle rain). The Kerastase Serum Oleo-Relax has made my hair consistently glossy and straight. Whatever hair struggles you have, I’m confident that Kerastase would have something for you! Although the price is steep, a little goes a long way. I can usually go 10 months without having to purchase a new bottle (washing and styling my hair 6 days a week).      

Longchamp Le Pliage Tote

For years I have noticed chic women carrying the Longchamp Le Pliage Tote and, frankly, wondered what the appeal was. I am sure many of you have used this bag for awhile, carrying books and laptops – you may have even have moved on. However, for me it is my new favorite, catch-all bag for daily travel.  I totally get it now, as this bag can easily fit all of my family’s belongings while we are out and about – including sunscreen, flip-flops, baseball mitts and hats…and Hot Wheels.  It doesn’t feel too cumbersome to carry, as it hangs comfortably from my shoulder and has a zipper for secure storage.  Although I haven’t had to use a diaper bag for years, my family still totes a lot of stuff and this bag is an excellent and fashionable carry-all.

Williams-Sonoma Spicy Grilled Chicken Salad with Peppers and Tomatoes

One of the best things about a home-cooked meal is being able to enjoy it again the next night – who doesn’t love the ease of left-overs?! This salad is a Williams-Sonoma longtime summer favorite.  When I make it, I add a box of cous cous, double the dressing and often add heirloom tomatoes for extra color.  It is best served chilled (day 2), yet I can’t resist eating it when it is still slightly warm from the chicken and cous cous.  It’s that good!

Frances Ford Coppola Sofia Mini

During the warmer summer months (or year-round!), I would like a cold glass of Champagne/sparkling wine, but…when everyone else is drinking Chardonnay, I hate to open a whole bottle only to have it go to waste.  Sofia Coppola’s Blanc de Blancs 4-pack are little 187 ml cans that are perfect for having just a glass (or two).  The only problem is that my local grocery store sometimes runs out and I have to patiently wait for more.

photo credit: rosemarywashington.wordpress.com

Who doesn’t love fresh flowers? In Seattle, Pike Place Market has amazing flowers (among many other things), but minimal parking and summer crowds can make a quick stop difficult, if not impossible.  Luckily for those living in the area, Seattle has many Neighborhood Farmer’s Markets. My personal favorites are the South Lake Union, Ballard and Queen Anne markets, with each providing different festivities. Every week I grab a $10 bouquet of flowers to sit on my dining room table for my entire family to enjoy. Ten dollars well spent!

Please leave a comment letting us know your summer staples.  Or provide us with a future post idea – we’re open to suggestions.  Thanks for reading and enjoy your summer!

~ Jacqueline {and Jenn}