Summer Essentials Series ~ Mr. & Mrs. OB

Today's (much delayed) Summer Essentials comes from mama to be Emily from Mr. & Mrs. OB.  I first met Emily in summer of 1999 when she pledged Alpha Gams and we have been sorority sisters (and friends of course) since then.  Emily has always possessed great taste and style and looks oh so dang cute as a preggo!  Be sure to follow her progress (she is already at week 36!) and her fantastic SF life over at the blog.  But first take a look at her selections below!

*What one item can you not be without this summer?*

Shu Uemura Essence Absolue -

I have a lot of hair and it is thick/wavy/curly and can be a frizzfest. Being pregnant has increased my internal temp quite a bit so blowing my hair out some mornings it just not gonna happen! My hairstylist introduced me to this product and I just love it. I put a few pumps in when my hair is still wet and let it air dry for an easy beach hair look. It also works great for when I do wear my hair straight. It smells yummy and is not overpowering! 

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

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Summer Nights -

I am craving warm summer nights spent outside! Summer nights in San Francisco are usually spent under quite a bit of fog with a chilly wind coming in off the bay. I miss summer dinners in a backyard, lingering over dinner with friends and family! I just want to jump in this photo for the perfect movie night!

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

Sly & the Family Stone's "Hot Fun in the Summertime" -

Love this song and listening to oldies in the summertime. When I hear this song it makes me want to be in a lounge chair with summer beverage in hand enjoying the nice warm breeze.

Thank you so much Emily for taking time out of your busy schedule to share your summer faves!  I am in LOVE with the backyard photo and love Shu Uemura products!  They smell oh soo good!

Check back tomorrow when Jen from The Look 4 Less shares her summer essentials!

Scenes from MLK Weekend

Watched the Hawks lose horribly against Da Bears.  On a good note, Venice Beach was absolutely gorgeous and sunny!

Enjoyed a "Brie BLT" and "Friggin’ Amazin’ French Toast" at Grub.  So frickin' good!

Tested out my rapping skills and explored the John Lennon exhibit at Grammy Museum.  Lots of music and fascinating facts.  Plus if you show them your AAA card you get a nice little discount!

Enjoyed my favorite cupcake hands down from Lark Silver Lake Cake Shop.  "Colleen’s Caramel Cup Cake" was finished in three bites and had me eyeing B's cupcake for more.  Seriously TDF!

Can't wait to see what this weekend has in store for me!  Enjoy your weekend whether you are in snow, rain, or sunshine!  See you on Monday where my life *should* be a little calmer and I can finally share my Golden Globe Red Carpet Review. 

Ciao lovers!

Gift Giving ~ Mother's Day

This Sunday, May 9th is a special day to celebrate Mother's all around you.  Whether it's your own mother, grandmother, best friend or next door neighbor, here are some gifts that any mother is sure to enjoy and are definitely well deserved.

This savory Alain Milliat Jam Gift Set is perfect for the Mother who likes a little jam with her morning toast or scone.  These jams are a little fancier and more a treat from her everyday Smuckers.  The Fig Violette sounds delish!

Perfect for Cinco de Mayo margaritas a few days late, these Calypso Citron Summer Drink Glasses, will help any Mother transition into summer entertaining.  I actually own these in blue and cannot wait to put them to use...perhaps this weekend!

I sure didn't inherit the love or passion for gardening like my Mom does.  But this Landlubber Gardening Set is soo cute, and totally perfect for that trendy mom who wants to look cute while she tends to her garden. 

If your Mom is anything like my Mom, then she LOVES candles.  I always think of my Mom and our home whenever I smell this scent, but the other scent I attribute to my mom is her love for flowers.  Specifically Fresh Cut Gardenia.  The LAFCO Home Candle Collection are available in a variety of scents, which I am sure you can find the perfect match for the mother of your choosing.

If your Mom is a wine drinker, why not help her get the best glass of in the fastest time possible.  The Vinturi White Wine Aerator will help make that happen.  I have heard great things about the Vinturi Wine Aerator before and love the idea of not having to wait around to let the wine "breathe", and Mom's usually are racing against the clock as is, so why not give her a little extra time?

If you and a sibling are looking to split a nice gift, this Cooler-Outfitted Picnic Tote is the perfect gift.  Perfect for concerts in the park or any other outdoor activities mom will inevitably be participating in this summer.

Entertaining and Mom's go together like, ram-lama-lama-ka-ding-a-ding-a-ding-a-dong (or something like that), and this Entertaining With The Seasons Cookbook will help any mother do just that with a little ease and some pizazz. 

Maybe your mom enjoys beauty products or is always on the go.  These Stephanie Johnson Lime Coral Makeup Pouches are absolutely darling and perfect to store any Mom's many goodies and items they carry with them "just in case".  Seeing as I am technically a "Dog Mom" to sweet little Waldo, I am hoping he may read this post and purchase me one to store my makeup in.  Love!

I still haven't seen "It's Complicated" but my Mom LOVED it and I am sure some Mother in your life loved, it or will love it too.  I mean it stars Meryl Streep, a woman who I have always said I would love to have as my M.I.L.  Throw in Alec B and Steve M, a gorgeous kitchen and Nancy Meyer and I am pretty sure no out there will be disappointed with this gift.

Whomever you celebrate with this Sunday, be sure to give them a big hug and thank them for being such a great Mom :) 

Thank you Mama Debs for being the best Mom, I am thankful for all you have done and continue to do for me!  I love you!