Vote for J.O.A.T!

My girl Jamie over at J.O.A.T has entered the scrumptious looking cupcake above for Duncan Hines Red Carpet Cupcake Challenge.  It would be really awesome if you could take a moment out of your day and vote here for Jamie!  You can vote once a day until the 28th!  My girl Jamie works very hard and really does create the tasty cakes, so I would be the happiest gal alive if she won!  Thank you!

Summer Essentials Series ~ Jackie's Joy

YBB's Summer Essentials Series is back after a brief hiatus, and I am excited to share Jackie's selections.  Jackie is a girlfriend I met at WSU (GO COUGS) who is an absolutely beautiful foodie, creating the must scrumptious looking meals and appetizers this girl has ever seen.  Unfortunately I haven't been able to sample many, but I am always heading over to her blog first when it comes to a new recipe I want to try.  Jackie also might be one of the cutest pregnant women I have ever seen.  Check out all her summer needs and then head over to Jackie's Joy and try not to drool over all the yummy items you find. 

*What beauty product will be with you at all times this summer 2010?*

I have been obsessed with the Philosophy brand for years now, and the *Pure Grace* line has literally become my perfume staple. I went from constantly being on the look out for new perfumes, to being completely sold on Pure Grace. I always have the spray fragrance on hand when getting ready in the morning, and I love the concentrated roll-on for my purse. However, this summer it's all about the philosophy pure grace hot salt rub and shower scrub 23 oz (652 g). It's an oil free scrub, so it's great for your skin during summer months when exfoliating and moisturizing is key. I just love how soft and glowy it leaves my skin, along with that perfect fresh cotton / laundry scent it leaves behind.

*What are you craving for summer 2010?*

Yikes. At 20 weeks prego, this question might need to ask "what aren't you craving for summer 2010?" Everything honestly sounds good this summer, especially fruity refreshing treats. I've been on a smoothie kick since finding out I was pregnant, and lately I can't get enough of refreshing sorbets, citrus granitas or frozen yogurt with fresh berries. Oh what I wouldn't give for a bowl of pinkberry way out here in Ohio...

*What is your essential summer song for summer 2010?*

Even though it was released last summer, I am still loving the soundtrack from the film (500) Days Of Summer-Music From The Motion Picture for my summer listening. I honestly could keep Sweet Disposition by The Temper Trap on repeat through August...and I love the always quirky Regina Spektor and Feist. Perfect for a relaxing evening out on a patio sipping an ice cold...O'Douls. OR maybe just diving in to a huge bowl of pineapple lime sorbet. ;)

Thank you Jackie for sharing your summer selections.  I too am continuing to listen to that soundtrack and never change the channel when Sweet Disposition comes on.  I have only heard great things about the "Pure Grace" line and may just have to pick up a tub of that hot scrub.  Cheers to a summer where you stay cool and get to enjoy lots and lots of treats (since you are eating for two)!  If you like yummy food, pretty pictures and chocolate labs, be sure to head over to Jackie's Joy and see what she is sharing. 

Tomorrow, those cute girls behind Joielala will share there summer must haves with all you YBB readers!

Song Of The Week: Toes

Happy Tuesday to all! Sorry for the lack of posts, but last week was crazy hectic at work and then I left for vacay (which was amazing - post on that later) to Denver and didn't open a computer once.

Is it just me or is returning back to reality after a lovely vacation so difficult?  I couldn't for the life of me think of a song for the week and then remembered how much I adore Toes by the Zac Brown Band and how every time I listen to this song it makes me relax and feel at ease (it also makes me want to book a ticket to some tropical location).

Any fun vacation plans ahead for any of you?  I am already wanting to plan my next adventure away and need some ideas. 

Summer Essentials Series ~ Jamie of all Trades

Hola chicas!  Happy Monday to you all!  The sun is shining and I have a 2.5 day work week ahead of me before I enjoy 5 glorious days of vacay. 

Shame on me.  I promised to get Miss Jamie's essentials up on Friday, and was so swamped it just didn't happen.  However, to quote J.Lo, Ain't It Funny how I am posting her picks today, which just so happens to also be J.O.A.T two year blog anniversary?  So fitting I think. 

Jamie is a great girlfriend of mine that I met my freshman year of college at WSU (GO COUGS).  We may have been in different sororities but that didn't stop us from being friends (no matter what those Lifetime movies tell you).  Jamie and I went to numerous frat parties together and continued to have fun in So Cal years after graduation.  Jamie is always on point.  The girl has amazing style, creative as all get out, and have I mentioned she makes incredible cupcakes?  Well she does and if you are lucky enough to live in Seattle you can try them out yourself!  In case you can't tell Jamie is just so great and if you aren't already following her blog, you really should start!  Without further ado, I present to you Jamie of all Trades summer essentials...

*What beauty product will be with you at all times this summer 2010?*

:: I'm all about a fresh clean face this summer. I'm changing up my skin care routine and starting to wash with a new facial cleanser, Peter Thomas Roth. It cleans your face but it's too soapy. cheers to clear skin!

*What are you craving for summer 2010?*

{tank}

:: I really wanted to say neon because I am, but I said that last year. My new obsession is anything tie-dye and I have to include a food item - pop chips salt + pepper.

Pop Chips

*What is your essential summer song for summer 2010?*

:: Goldfrapp's Rocket.  This song is going to take you back to the summer of 1984. It's a little bit disco and a little bit new wave pop. I even heard a mix of Christopher Cross' Ride Like The Wind (Album Version)and every song from Belinda Carlise's Summer Rain album.  I can see my girlfriends and myself listening to this song out on a boat in the afternoon and dancing at the disco on a hot summer night. Get your tube top ready.

Thank you so much Jamie for sharing with us all!  I am obsessed with POP chips, my favorite is the BBQ flavor with a scoop of cottage cheese on top.  Delish!  That Goldfrapp cover is gorgeous and I just realized I already have this song in my library - sweet!  A very happy blog-a-versiary to you my love!  I love checking in with your happenings and drooling on my mouse pad.  Be sure to pop over to Jamie of all Trades blog and leave her some lovin'!  XOXO

Tomorrow Jackie will clue us in to the "preggers" summer needs.

Song Of The Week: Break My Stride

"Break My Stride" is one of the most stupendous songs to come out of the 80's.  Matthew Wilder is the epitome of 80's awesomeness.  His mustache, leather pants and keyboard just bring the biggest smile to my face this lovely Monday.  I am hoping this song keeps me motivated for the next 2.5 days, "I've got to keep on moving" with a busy work schedule, packing, True Blood watching and departing for Denver. 

I was reminded of my love for this song yesterday when I watched an episode of Glee and Miss Rachel woke up every morning at 6:00 AM to workout and get her day started.  Not a bad idea if you ask me!

Side note: I would kind of love to own that green sparkly leotard - so fun!

Forever Frugal Friday

I am headed to Denver on Wednesday and I have some BBQ's, a Coors tour, some dinner and drinks around town planned, and I am looking for the perfect dresses to look cute and keep cool (temperatures are supposed to be in the mid to upper 80's).  I am loving the whimsical charm of this Silky Printed Dress, which could easily head into fall with some cognac boots and a scarf. 

I also am quite a sucker for pockets and green, and this Solid Floral Dress may just have to accompany me to Denver as well.  I am thinking this with some nude heels will be perfect for dinner and drinks on Saturday night.  Love the color so much and again, paired with some flats boots can also be totally fall appropriate.

Have any of you ever been to Denver?  Any most see or eat places I should check out?  Any killer bakeries or clothing shops?  Please leave me a comment with any recommendations!  Thanks!

Summer Essentials Series ~ The Look 4 Less

Ugh...California's weather is really buggin' me right now.  The gray and drizzle is making getting out of bed all the more difficult and in addition, my allergies are O.O.C (out of control).  I am hopped up on Zyrtec and Tylenol Cold & Sinus hoping to feel some relief...alas no luck.  Which is why I am so excited to share one of my ABSOLUTE favorite bloggers Jen's, summer essentials.

Jen over at The Look 4 Less is your go to gal for replicating celeb and designer creations all for a little less dough.  I mean the girl does not disappoint.  She can find anything, and generally she finds many options of what your favorite celeb was wearing.  Jen contributed last year and I was so excited to she decided to take some time out of her busy schedule to share her must haves!

*What beauty product will be with you at all times this summer 2010?*

St. Tropez Everyday Gradual Tanner.  I have tried tons of gradual tanners and this one is by far my favorite, so I will definitely be using this consistently throughout the summer to give my skin some color!

*What are you craving for summer 2010?*

A vacation! We're heading to San Francisco this summer and I can't wait to spend time exploring the city.

*What is your essential summer song for summer 2010?*

{via}

Katy Perry - California Gurls (feat. Snoop Dogg) . I'm not from California but this song is super catchy and always gets stuck in my head!

Thanks Jen for all your great selections!  I am right there with you on craving a vacation (I'm headed to Denver next Wednesday) and I must try this St. Tropez gradual tanner, my pale skin needs some color!  And I am pretty sure that the song of the summer belongs to Katy Perry as so many of you bloggers have claimed it to be your so.  If you love fashion and saving money, make sure to head over to The Look 4 Less and shop 'till you drop!

Tomorrow the always crafty Jamie over at Jamie of all Trades will share her summer goods leading into the weekend!  Yay that it's almost Friday already!