Summer Sunscreens

It's summertime and people are slathering on the sunscreen (hopefully).  But did you know that not all sunscreens are safe.  Scientists are finding that chemicals such as oxybenzone are harmful and some sunscreens may even cause higher rates of skin cancer.  It is recommended not to use spray-on sunscreens either, to my surprise. EWG's Sunscreen Guide has a complete list of the best and worst sunscreens. You can also look the sunscreen you use to see it's rating; along with your moisturizer, makeup, and lip balm!

(Yes, I'm a dork for posting this, but being a biology major and my love of science just had to take over.  Not to mention, all you young ladies need to do your best to prevent environmental causes of cancer that can be preventable!)

Need a Background Change?

Us southern girls like everything we have to be personalized and cute, with no exception to our computer.  For many years now I have been using Print and Pattern blog to find the cutest and most unique backgrounds for my computer.  Each month the website posts fabrics, plates, books, or really anything with a patten.  The designs are from all over the world and very unique. Go through the archives and find your favorite pattern to use as your computer background!

Best Totes in Town

Here are my top 5 favorite tote bags for the summer:

 1.Lilly Pulitzer Market Bag
It's resistant to water and very durable, I use mine all the time, especially for the pool.  It is also less than $10!

2. L.L.Bean Boat and Tote

This is the classic must-have tote; great for any occasion. I own three myself! You can get them in any size (the small one is great as a purse) and L.L.Bean will also monogram them. 

3.Collapsible Market Tote
Between my mother and I, I'm pretty sure we own about 5 of these.  They're good for taking food to parties or on a picnic- my mom loves carrying food to my regattas in them. I even use mine to hold my knitting supplies (yes, I'm secretly an old lady). But anything you need, these bags are great for. But what's so great about them, is they completely fold flat for storage!
Suggestion: this is a great item for monogramming.

4. Vera Bradley Shopper Tote
Again, a great durable tote for the pool and still only $8! These bags are a great steal b/c the material is so cheap, but these bags will last.

5. Le Pliage Longchamp Tote
This is the splurge of the bunch, but definitely the classiest.  Longchamp bags are very simple and wonderful to use as a purse to take out with you for a day of shopping or touring.

Home/ Apartment Decor

Since moving into my own apartment two years ago, I've collected a great database of resources and ideas for decorating. Here are some of my favorites:

1. Paper Lantern by Lilly Pulitzer as a light fixture.  This lantern is typical Lilly, with green and pink seahorses but unlike Lilly is at a price that's to die for!  Just head to your nearest hardware store to get a clamp light and some screw hooks. Place the hooks in the ceiling and wall where the chord from the light will need to be strung. Clamp the light onto the lantern and string up on hooks. For the final touch wrap some pink ribbon around the chord from the lantern to the hook. 

Clamp Light Link (Ace Hardware)

Lilly Pulitzer Paper Lantern Link

2. Homemade display for pictures.  Buy a dowel from the hardware store, cute clips, screw hooks and ribbon of your choice that will match the room.  Paint the dowel a color that matches the ribbon. Cut ribbon around 2 1/2 feet long and tie to dowel separated about 7 inches apart (it's ok if they are different lengths). Clip pictures to the ribbon and hang display in hooks on the wall.

3. Futon Cover. Use a solid fitted sheet to slip over the futon cushion.

 You'll pay just $5 instead of $35 for a custom cover.

4. Bear Bottle Opener. Found this on mod cloth and have been obsessed every since, but have yet to get one!

Bear Bottle Opener Link

5. Mason jars as cups. They're unique, will last forever, and can be used for many purposes. If you want, you can even personalize them with glass paint.

6. Monogrammed plates.  Just stumbled on this website today with personalized plates that were too cute not to share. But they're pricy for just one, so you may want to use it as display or wall decor in the kitchen.

Monogrammed Plate Link

Enjoy! There will be more decorating tips to come in the future! 

Shoes & Shades

Today I just couldn't help myself and had to buy a little reward(s) for all my hard work- shoes and shades!

 This past summer I discovered VANELi shoes, which are reasonably priced, comfortable, and cute.  If looking for that perfect pair of heels, they've got them; or something with a little pizzaz, you'll find it!  Several months ago I found the perfect pair of sandals with a little heel on them and was hoping to get another pair today, but instead got some black heels which are cute and comfortable.  I even got them half off, thanks to the sales rep who found them for me in the stock room!

Suggestion: Always talk to the sales rep, even if you know what you want- they usually have some deals to show you and items in the back that are not on the racks yet.

After my great shoe find, I made my way over to the Costa Del Mar sunglasses stand.  I'm very pleased with the new variety of women's glasses they have to offer now- very fashionable while still maintaining their high quality.  After 15 minutes of indecisiveness I finally found the perfect pair! (picture below)

Suggestion: If you're looking to get sunglasses that are dainty and feminine, be to sure to get lenses that are plain brown- shiny blue lenses aren't the most ladylike.