June 30th, 2011
There’s nothing that beats a refreshing cocktail on a summer evening. This recipe calls for only a few ingredients, and relies on the sweet, fresh flavors of local peaches. We made some last night and deemed them our new drink for warm weather entertaining. What’s your go-to beverage for summer?
June 29th, 2011
Vintage Dress, Free People Sunglasses, Coach Clutch, Pencey Booties
After a week of wearing not much more than bikinis and bug spray, a textured dress was a welcomed change. I’ve had this one since last winter (I wore it in this video), but since the pirate-esque sleeves don’t exactly lend themselves to layering, I waited for a cool summer evening to wear it again. I ordered these shoes in hopes that they’d arrive before our trip, but decided that the box waiting by the door upon our return was far more fulfilling. And since I wear these perforated platforms far too often, I’m excited to have a new blush-colored pair that has a great ’70s vibe.
June 28th, 2011
{Kai and Viva La Juicy – compact, light and floral}
One of the things I didn’t realize about make-up until recently was that your beauty routine should change with each season (I used to use the same tinted moisturizer shade year-round). It’s not to say that every product has to be switched out consistently, but just that certain colors, formulas and scents are simply more appropriate in warmer and/or cooler months. I learned a lot about true summer weather this past week in Costa Rica, with the humid air (hello, frizz) and hot afternoons. It helped cement my beauty philosophy for this time of year (simple, dewy and hydrated) and here are the products that help get me there.
Maybelline Lash Stiletto (lengthening, but not over-the-top)
Revlon Lipstick – Persian Melon (a punchy pink)
Estee Lauder – Bronze Goddess (a shimmery bronzer)
Essie – Haute As Hello
Chanel – Orange Fizz
Essie – Cute as a Button
Orly – Terracotta
Estee Lauder – Hot Coral
John Frieda – Straight Fixation (great for blow outs)
Loreal Elnett Hairspray (I spray it on my hands to smooth fly-aways)
Chanel – Vitalumiere Aqua (light, dewy coverage with spf)
Time Balm – Concealer (perfect for subtle spot treatment)
Nars – Orgasm Illuminator (adds a nice glow)
Bliss – Energizing Cream (moisturizes and brightens)
Neutrogena – Dry-Touch Sunblock (blends easily and doesn’t clog pores)
Olay – Wet Cleansing Cloths (refreshing and easy to use)
Korres – Jasmine Lip Butter (hydrating with a barely there pink)
Aquaphor (great for dry areas)
P.S. See my favorite spring beauty products here.
June 27th, 2011
{Post-breakfast relaxation in a hammock on Playa Blanca}
This past week I was hosted by Four Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo, along with several other bloggers, to experience some of the beauty and culture of the Guanacaste region. The resort was truly spectacular – with two beaches, excellent Costa Rican fare (I ate Gallo Pinto – seasoned rice and beans every morning) and rooms that were almost too pretty to leave.
We were quite busy – between zip-lining through the jungle in a torrential downpour (terrifying but so worth it!), enjoying the indigenous spa and painting a local school. I fell in love not just with the country, but with the Costa Rican people, who are unbelievably inspiring in the way they live their lives; with a focus on education, protecting the environment and embracing the spirit of “Pura Vida.”
You can see more pictures from my trip on my Facebook page.
{View from our balcony}
{Pale pink sweater dress for an early dinner}
{Beach at sunset after the rain}
{Freshly caught fish that was later prepared for our dinner}
{The view from our private infinity pool}
{Typical lunch: fish, plantains, cabbage salad, rice, beans and cheese}
{“Growing Together” volunteer program where we painted a local school}
{Guajito – kind of like a Mojito slushee}
{Prime spot for napping/reading}
© Cupcakes and Cashmere 2008-2013
