Minimal Make-Up for Summer Getaways

Last week while sitting on the beach at the lake, I got some great tips from my sister Laura, who is a make-up artist and esthetician, about minimal packing for summer getaways. She said there are really only four pieces of make-up that one needs to look fabulous on the beach, in the boat, or whatever lovely summer destination you find yourself in. Most of the recommendations below "double in the program" with multiple uses for one product. Now get that summer beachy glow!

Clarins SPF 40 Tinted Sunscreen: High-protection sunscreen and foundation in one. I tested this one at the lake and loved it!

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick: Can be used as bronzer, eye shadow, highlighter, & cheek color.

Diorshow Waterproof Mascara: Laura swears by Diorshow and loves this waterproof version for summer swimming.

Stainiac by The Balm: Cheek and lip stain in one. I also really like Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for lip/cheek action.

PS. Laura's Summer Beauty Essentials

Not So Extreme Couponing

At this point in life, remembering to bring a coupon to the grocery store is not something that I am capable of doing as anyone who's found expired coupons in books, on the floor or haphazardly left in sock drawers at my house can tell you. I have a TON of respect for people who have the patience and skill to coupon.

Thanks to This Beautiful Frugal Life I learned about Savings Star and it's become my new favorite grocery shopping game!

The quick explanation: Basically you create an account and link it to your grocery store loyalty card, then pick coupons online you want. You go buy the products and 2-30 days later you have $ back from the purchase in your Savings Star account where you can get it back as an Amazon gift card, put in or bank account or donate it.

They don't always have a ton of products I buy, but there's usually something I can use. My favorite so far was $2 off Pom Wonderful, which I love.

Also, I discovered that many grocery stores have their own ecoupons that you can activate online and it automatically takes $ off at the register when you use your loyalty card while shopping.

Sometimes the stars align and theres a store ecoupon and a Savings Star coupon for the same product. When that happens you can do what I do and feel super proud of yourself for saving money and then proceed to guiltlessly throw overpriced tea or all natural lotion that promises to make you a better person into your cart.

Vintage coupon image via The Old Post Road

Goodbye Sister!

My little sister is all grown up, has graduated with a masters in teaching and accepted a job at an international boarding school on Jeju Island, Korea. Even though I'm sad to see her go, I'm so excited for her new adventure. As a child she ALWAYS wanted to go to boarding school and now she's got her chance!

Be excited for some interesting posts inspired by her time on Jeju Island, a popular vacation destination of the southern coast of Korea known for education and a sex themed sculpture park!

Stephanie, you MUST remember to have someone take a first day of school photo that is just as awesome as the one of us above.

Monday Motivation

This is a good reminder for the first day back after vacation...or really any day. 

Hope your Monday is off to a great start. 

(photo via)

Friday Roundup

Happy Friday! Or not so happy for those of us who are coming to the end of our vacation....sad. We've had a fabulous week at Priest Lake, more to come next week on our adventures.

Hope you had a good week too, here are some links to get your weekend off to a great start:

Cannot stop watching these gifs of the fabulous Gabby Douglas's all-around gold metal performances.

Hate to admit it but already dreaming of fall clothes.

Hilarious faces of Olympic divers mid-air.

Beautiful Spanish getaway. 

Olympics inspired cocktail recipes.

Cherry Meringue Cake...yummmm.

Cute hostess gifts for summer parties.

(photo of Priest Lake via)

Vacation Reads

What type of books do you like to read on vacation?
I always like to see what people bring with them, what sort of things they find relaxing and I am always looking for recommendations so I thought I'd do a little informal poll of what books everyone brought to the cabin with them.

In my hammock paparazzi shot, Patrick is reading The Art of Fielding. Teresa is listening to the audio book of Steven King's 11/22/63.

I've brought along The Sun Also Rises, which I was inspired to read after devouring The Paris Wife, a fictional account of Hemingway and his first wife Hadley's time in 1920's Paris with the rest of the Lost Generation.

Teresa's sister Laura is reading Mindy Kaling's Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) which we both loved. Incase you missed it, we raved about this one here and here.

Teresa's mother-in-law is reading Skinny Bitch about becoming vegan and also Paris Noire, which she picked up after meeting the author on a recent flight.

Kasi and Ryan, baby Kenedee's parents, are reading Heat Wave (the hit TV show Castle is based on these books) and The Book of Basketball.

And last but certainly not least, three-month old Kenedee brought along The Curious Cat.

Wedding Wednesday: Wedding Roundup

This week, since we're on vacation, we've brought together a bunch of fun wedding inspiration and ideas from around the web for your enjoyment. Check it out!

These centerpiece ideas are gorgeous, unique and budget friendly.

Very personalized fingerprint wedding bands.

Reception dresses from BHLDN. Great to cut loose and dance in after the ceremony or perfect for the whole day if you're looking for a short dress.

Vintage LOVE sign. Great decor piece for your wedding that you could definitely use afterwards. I'd totally put this in my house.

Guestbook Calendar. Have your guests sign on their birthday.

Creative/funny save the date.

Tips for the groom.

The wedding part of my other job, on instagram @jkoeweddings. Find the photo above and more there.


PS. I thought this would be a good chance to ask, what do YOU want to see on a future Wedding Wednesday? I'd love some suggestions in the comments!