Summer Faves

I'm thinking about doing a weekly blog on some of my "faves". Favorite things that I use and enjoy on my SAHM budget... make-up, fashion, accessories, items for the home, food, treats and other random things. There will be some splurges here and there, but mostly things that the average gal can afford. :)

I LOVE summer, so my first "faves" will be a few things I love for summer.



1. Origins Sunny Disposition Bronzer: Love, love, love this bronzer! In fact, I love it so much I use it all year round. I think it's a great way to get a sunkissed look without the sun. I use the deep shade and apply it with a kabuki brush. The beauty of a bronzer is that you can build the color. Start out light and add more if you want to look more tan. This bronzer is a bit of a splurge at $20, but it's well worth it. It typically lasts for 6 months of everyday use.
Hint: When applying, do so in a "3" pattern on each side of your face. Brush over the forehead, cheek and chin, where the sun would naturally hit you. Finish with the nose, the neck, down to the chest and don't forget the earlobes... that's right, the earlobes!



2. Origins Halo Effect: Another Origins fave that is great for summer, but is used by me year round. Halo Effect is a face illuminator and can be worn alone or with foundation. In the summer, when I'm just running errands or going to be outside in the sun, I wear it over my sunscreen or mix it with my moisturizer to give a little color and sheer glow. When I want a little more coverage, I mix it with my foundation to give it a little shimmer. Halo Effect is also a bit of a splurge at $17 for .5 fl oz, but I'm able to make it last for 6 months as well.



3. Loreal Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Gelee: I love to have a tan, but don't have the luxury of working on it like I did in my single days. I have also acquired a brain with age... did anyone else use tanning oil with zero sunscreen or heaven help us.. baby oil?? These days I steer clear of the tanning beds and don't spend nearly as much time in the sun. My splurge is the occasional spray on tan, but a great alternative for my budget is a self tanner. Loreal's Sublime Bronze works great for me! You get instant color with the bronzer so the application is a little easier. Sublime comes in versions for fair, medium and dark skin tones and is also available in a lotion form, as a spray on (which I find a little more challenging) and in towelette form. I've used them all and they all give the same result. Self tanners have really come a long way... almost fool proof so don't be afraid! Long gone are the days of the orange oompa loompa look and weird smell.
Whatever your preference, you can find them at most grocery/drug stores and they're quite a bargain at around $10!



4. Sally Hansen Insta-Dri fast dry nail color: Love this nail polish! The brush is a little wider and makes application easy with one stroke. The polish dries in 60 seconds (it really does), so no waiting or worrying about smudges. It comes in 32 shades, but my absolute favorite is Petal Pusher which is perfect for summer. I use this shade year round because I prefer a light color on my fingernails... and pink is my "signature color". :) Definitely a steal at around $4.



5. This is hands down my favorite tee for summer!! The Mossimo pocket tee available at Target. This tee is sooo versatile! It can be layered with a tank, worn with a fun scarf or cardigan or just as is. It is available in a myriad of colors including my favorites this summer.. a really fun aqua and a cotton candy pink. I also love the plain white tee and actually own 3 of them! One I wear out, one I pair with my p.j. pants and one I use as a work around the house/workout shirt. It's so soft and I absolutely love the fit! It's a "fitted" tee, so it's not boxy, the sleeves hit at just the right spot and it's long enough to give you coverage (no thong shots). At $8 this summer must have is a steal! Go get one... or five! :)



6. Old Navy flip flops: Old Navy is a great place for summer wardrobe finds. They usually have great sales and their lightweight pieces are great for the hot Texas weather. My favorite summer item from Old Navy... flip flops! Who can really have too many pairs of flip flops?? ON has fun colors and the price can't be beat... 2 for $5!! I love the metallic silver and gold, which I can wear with almost anything. In addition to their basic flip flop, they also have dressier summer shoes at affordable prices.



7. I love beach towels! Happy, bright colored beach towels! They just scream summer!! Thankfully Target & Wal-Mart have a pretty good selection at great prices. I try to stock up because I never seem to have enough for the nieces, nephews and friend's kiddos when they come to swim in the fabulous Stubblefield above the ground pool. :) I've purchased two this season already.. one at Target for $5 and one at Wal-Mart for $4! In my opinion, the ones at Target are cuter and seem to be a little more plush, but you can't go wrong with either.

Bonus... My 2 favorite summer tv shows:


Mad Men Season 4 premiering July 25th on AMC!


So You Think You Can Dance Season 7. Now showing Wednesdays & Thursdays on Fox.



I have more faves to share with you and would love to hear some of your summer faves! Let's trade secrets!

Happy summer!!
Andi