The weather is finally starting to warm up, at least for most of the country. It’s funny because, here in LA, the weather is honestly heaven for most of the year, yet I hardly ever picnic. This summer, I’m 100% dedicated to at least a few picnics, and I’ve found a few “essentials,” at least according to me. No one wants to carry a ton, so I tried to keep this list to the bare minimum.
A picnic basket: For obvious reasons…you need something cute (and functional) to hold snacks, blankets, wine, etc.
Wine glass holders: I discovered these a few years back and guys, they are brilliant. They work in grass and sand, so all your options are covered.
A picnic blanket: No one wants to sit in the grass so make sure to always have a lightweight blanket, which will also prevent grass stains.
Blackbox wine: Ok, so you may have seen my video a few weeks back where I RAVED about boxed wine or, more specifically, Blackbox wine. Up until that point, I had actually never even had boxed wine before and I was shocked to find out how delicious (and convenient!) it is to drink wine from a box. I put the box of white immediately in my fridge so it would stay chilled and just refilled as necessary. What’s great is that they also have smaller versions, so you don’t have to carry a big box around for picnics. I found a new summer obsession…
Available in ten delicious varietals and two sizes (3L and Tetra), Black Box Wine is pretty amazing; Black Box Wines is perfect for all your summer gatherings.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Black Box Wines. The opinions and text are all mine.
Seeing that kids from my former high school are now open-minded enough to do this…just heart warming.
I hosted the first annual “New Yorkers in LA” dinner at Whisper Lounge at The Grove on Tuesday and it was SO much fun. More to come on this in a post next week!
I’m obsessed with my new lucite bar stools (and so is Gea). More decor posts are in the works! I’m finally going to finish decorating my apartment, lol.
Catching up with my good friend Sal, over margaritas (obviously)
Here’s a weird fact: I really only started wearing makeup toward the end of college. Ok, with the exception that I did, occasionally wear the super classy white eyeliner on my eyelids during high school. Oh yeah, I did that. So sure…now that I actually DO have to wear makeup, my routine is usually under five minutes…mostly because I’m lazy and always running late. In this video, I show you my not-so-secret under five minute routine (FOUR minutes, to be exact!) that will give you the bare minimum as far as coverage, and not looking like a beast.
When I first saw this lip balm, I knew that I HAD to try it out. Aside from the gorgeous packaging, you know I’m a sucker, Clarins Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balm has pretty much everything that I look for in a lip product: a mild tint and moisture. In one easy word, this product is magical, and reminds me of being a kid…here’s why:
The “crystalline glaze,” aka the clear outside, plumps and accentuates lip contours and, let’s be honest, we all want plumper, fuller lips
The “pigmented core,” aka the juicy center (a la a Tootsie pop), is the actual thing that provides the color and the fact that you can see the differentiation is just FUN.
Best physical–SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50: Physical sunblock is one of the best options for sun protection and I really love this version from SkinCeuticals. With SPF 50 and a little color-infused technology, the water-resistant block uses titanium and zinc oxide to protect you. It’s good stuff, trust me.
Best for the beach–Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray SPF 70: I feel like so many of my friends hate putting on sunscreen once we’re already at the beach, so this is the PERFECT option for those picky few. The spray form prevents sticky sand hands and the technology provides salt and water-resistant sun protection that’s also broad-spectrum.
Best for hydration–L’OREAL Sublime Sun Sheer Protect Sunscreen Oil Spray SPF 50+: At first glance, I thought this was tanning oil, the most insane product in existence. But at second glance, I realized that L’OREAL had the foresight to create a sunscreen oil (e.g. NOT for tanning), which is actually quite genius. You get all of the benefits of oil (the moisture, vitamins, etc.) but are also protected with SPF 50. If only this existed when I was in high school…Also, for every Sublime Sun product sold in the U.S. (through the end of this year), L’OREAL will donate $1 to the Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA) for the L’OREAL Paris-MRA Team Science Award. Over the next three years, they will donate over $750K to the MRA.
Best for the face–Kiehl’s Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream SPF 30: So this isn’t the traditional sunscreen, per say, but going with the fact that you should be wearing SPF every day (especially on your face), I really recommend this version from Kiehl’s. It’s a powerful, skin fortifying anti-wrinkle cream that goes on nicely and doesn’t feel greasy.
Best natural–Yes to Cucumbers Natural Sunscreen SPF 30: Perfect for anyone who likes to do the natural skin care thing (OR has sensitive skin). This mineral-based formula provides SPF and also contains soothing ingredients like aloe and cooling cucumber…plus you can use it on your face and body and won’t have any breakouts.
