Summer Entertaining Tips

July 31, 2012 by Guest Blogger • Comment

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In the summer, entertaining is a great way to gather your friends and enjoy seasonal food in the comfort of your backyard. Being the perfect host takes just a few entertaining rules to keep things simple and the vibe casual. From easy, hostess-ready beauty to setting a pretty table, here are a few of my tips…what are your summer entertaining musts?

{1} Set the Stage. I like to keep a selection of colorful, printed linens handy so I can just grab whatever fits my mood. Napkins are a great way to dress up white plates with ease, and don’t worry if you don’t have large quantities of the same glassware–just mix and match!

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{2} Quench Thirst. While you’re likely serving cocktails to guests as they arrive, make sure to keep everyone hydrated too. I like to add lemons, limes or cucumbers to filtered water and serve it in a glass bottle, making it easy for my guests to access and giving a refreshing hint of flavor.

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{3} Dress the Part. After prep work is done, escape for a few minutes to freshen up. I like to start with sun-kissed skin, created through a few applications of the Perricone MD No Sun Tanner. With a natural-looking glow as my base, a few swipes of a favorite mascara, and some powder blush mixed with the Face Finishing Moisturizer and rubbed into the apples of my cheeks, I feel polished and ready to host in no time. Be sure to check out the “cream blush” how-to video from the Perricone team here.

summer entertaining - for daily perricone

{4} Serve Family Style. Leverage seasonal ingredients in creating your menu, then load up platters and bowls, letting guests help themselves (and come back for seconds). This watermelon salsa is a summer favorite, perfect on top of grilled steak.

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{5} Add Ambiance. Creating a warm glow with candles is my number one entertaining trick. Keep things simple with tea lights dropped into mason jars of different sizes (whatever you have in your pantry will do). Set them on the table or around your patio ahead of time, then light the candles as the sun goes down.

Lauren Craig is the founder of the lifestyle blog Perpetually Chic, where she shares her keen eye for details through globally and seasonally inspired food, fashion, travel, decor and more. Follow her blog and see more of her inspiration on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Brighten Up For Summer

July 24, 2012 by Guest Blogger • Comment

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Summer is all about lightening and brightening up. It’s definitely the time of year when I feel most drawn toward vibrant colors in everything, from the food I eat to the clothes I wear. Seeking out color is not only mood boosting but also results in healthy, glowing skin. Here are a few ways you can easily brighten up your summer days…

{1} Bright fruits and vegetables are not only beautiful to the eye, but they’re also packed full of important antioxidants. Top your morning yogurt with fresh blueberries or try this delicious blackberry, peach and walnut salad!

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{2} I’m a new devotee to the Brightening Duo (Vitamin C Ester and Face Firming Moisturizer)–have you tried this combo? After using this powerful pair for just a week, I noticed immediate results in the form of visibly brighter, firmer and radiant skin. I no longer have to rely on luminizing makeup to fake a glow. Plus, the citrus scent and subtle rose fragrances smell delightful.

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{3} One of my favorite tricks for brightening up tired eyes goes well with a summery glow–just mix a tiny dab of the Hypoallergenic Firming Eye Cream with an old shimmery white eye shadow. Then using either an eyeshadow brush or simply your ring finger, pat the creamy mixture into the inner corners of your eyes. The effect will be very subtle but really makes your eyes pop.

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{4} Bold colors can be intimidating to wear full on, so give the season’s hottest hues a try in smaller doses through accessories. A nude flat with a neon yellow toe (similar here) or a pouch in cobalt or fuchsia (here and here) allow you to incorporate color into your wardrobe without a serious commitment.

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{5} Don’t forget to use color in your home, too! From throw pillows on your couch to fun napkins for entertaining guests, those little details impart a summer vibe all around you.

Do you eat or wear more color in summer? What are your summer beauty tricks?

Summer at the Market

July 17, 2012 by Guest Blogger • Comment

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Do you have access to a local farmers’ market? The stalls are filled to the brim with gorgeous, colorful produce this time of year, and my favorite way to spend Saturday mornings is loading up on fresh ingredients to transform into a meal to later savor on the patio. Here’s my go-to routine for a perfect summer Saturday at the market…

{1} I’m not big on makeup on the weekend and really like to give my skin a rest. But that doesn’t mean ignoring it. Instead, I opt for a quick process so I can get out the door: I start with Perricone MD’s Hypoallergenic Gentle Cleanser, then follow it with Deep Moisture Therapy to make my skin baby soft and glow. Next I dab the ultra-rich Firming Eye Cream around my eyes to keep those dark circles in check. Last but not least, I let the No Foundation Foundation disappear into my skin, giving me a polished but not overly made-up finish. In the car, I’ll swipe on some lip balm.

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{2} At the market, I investigate the first couple of vendors just to absorb what’s available and gather inspiration. Then I start filling my bag with items I know I’ll either snack on alone or can use as part of a meal. Antioxidant-rich cherries, tomatoes and cucumbers were just a few of the things that landed in my bag last weekend.

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{3} I always keep my eye out for a cheery bouquet of flowers to bring home and enjoy for the week. Fresh flowers are hands down my favorite indulgence!

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{4} Fresh, seasonal ingredients make summer cooking such a breeze and allow for spontaneous new creations. A favorite is thinly slicing a zucchini, carrot, red bell pepper and red onion with a mandoline, tossing everything on the grill, and then layering onto grilled bread with hummus and a bit of mozzarella. Cucumbers, tomatoes and red onion seasoned with salt and pepper and drizzled with olive oil and Sriracha make a nice side salad.