#Blogmas Day 8: Holiday Wish List - Quay Australia

Not only do I need new glasses, I am also itching for a new pair (or 3) of new sunglasses! And I have been lusting after a bazillion pairs of Quay Australia sunnies since last spring. I think these create such an edgy, trendy eyewear look for an AMAZING value – Most pairs retail for $50 bucks! These are totally statement pieces that would work perfectly year-round and really give your everyday look a polished, chic finish. I'm drooling over the pairs below at the moment. If you could pick one, which would you choose?

1  Girly Talk in Tortoise Shell
2  Delilah in Black with Smoke Lens (currently sold out)
3  Steelcat in Gold with Gradual Gold Lens
4  Isabell in Black Tort/Silver
5  Envy Nude
6  Love Child in Tortoiseshell with Smoke Lens

#Blogmas Day 1: Fall Favorites

Sidebar: Can you begin with a sidebar? Whatever, I'm 30, I do what I want... Ahem... Today is my birthday! I'm 30 years old, can you believe it? I can remember back in the heyday of writing this blog, I was turning 26 and announcing my big move to NYC (where I sort of fell into a black hole and barely ever blogged again...but that's irrelevant, right?) and now four years have gone by in what feels like the blink of an eye! I don't really have any anxiety about being in my thirties *yet* so I'm just kind of enjoying the day and celebrating the things and people and life I love. If I DO decide to have anxiety, I may drop those feelings here for all of you, because it's cheaper than therapy!

OKAY, back to our regularly scheduled programming. I'm attempting to do #Blogmas this December. No, no, another bad start! I'm DOING #Blogmas this December. I'm carving out some time to devote to doing what I love! And I thought I'd begin by saying Farewell-to-Fall-and-Welcome-to-Winter® by listing a few of my fall faves for all of you below! These are things I have been beyond obsessed with across the beauty/skincare realm, with a few candles thrown in because nothing says fall like a 3-wick candle from Bath & Body Works.

1  Becca x Jaclyn Hill Champagne Glow Palette

I need to preface by saying that this palette has literally vanished from Sephora's website since I bought it, and as far as I knew, it was a Holiday item...which I'm taking to mean that it's sold. out. everywhere. If so, I am not surprised because the Jaclyn Hill Champagne Pop highlighter from Becca was THE top-selling product of the summer, and this palette gives you that signature shade in the center along with two other beautiful shades on either side - a light, stunning highlight that mixes beautifully with Champagne Pop for pale skin, and a blush overlay that looks gorgeous on the apples of your cheeks or wherever your want some GLOW. I looooove this (like, I'm obsessed) and will probably cry when I hit pan on these, but a little goes such a long way that I hope it will last me quite a while. 

2  All Things LUSH Bath

I fell for LUSH very, very hard this fall. I had never really purchased any bath bombs before (or even used my bathtub really) but LUSH bath bombs, bubble bars, and bath melts have become my ultimate guilty pleasure and the best way to #treatyoself. If you have a tub, get yourself to LUSH and try these. They're all-natural cruelty-free products and they smell and feel amazing. (Note: LUSH sells tons of other beauty and body/shower products, but I haven't tried them yet so stay tuned for reviews on non-bathtub related items!)

3  Boscia Luminizing Black Mask

This mask from Boscia has been a super fun addition to my beauty routine this Fall. It's like shiny, black vinyl applied in a thick layer on your skin, and it tightens up and peels right off in one go, taking blackheads and imperfections with it (kind of like a pore strip for your entire face!) I am addicted.

4  Cargo Cosmetics Venice Enchantment Eyeshadow Palette

I got this Cargo palette from Birchbox specifically for Fall, and I have really enjoyed creating looks with it! Full disclosure, it isn't my absolute favorite eyeshadow formulation in the entire world, but most of the shades and pigmentation are gorgeous – especially the maroons and browns in the top row. Most of the shades have glitter, and some are more shimmery but there's no true matte shade in here. While I love matte eyeshadow, I also love my glitter so this wasn't a deal-breaker for me! It was perfect for Fall, and I wore it QUITE a bit.

5, 6, 7  3-Wick Candles from Bath & Body Works

Fall isn't Fall without a 3-wick candle burning in the background, and these three were some of my absolute favorites this season. Autumn was such a perfect, crisp almost apple-like scent (I went through 2 of these) and unfortunately it's not for sale anymore, because the holiday candles have moved in after Halloween. Pumpkin Pecan Waffles is a super-sweet, delicious confection of a candle to burn in the kitchen and I bought a few of these to gift to friends and family this season. And Party Dress, I will be going back for 2-3 more of these to stock up for Winter. It's girly, feminine, and not too overpowering. This is the one where guests will always ask "What is this amazing smell emanating from your bedroom?" Obsessed. Look out for sales where these are 2 for 24 (and 12 for each additional candle). You can get a great deal!

8  Clinique Pretty Easy Liquid Eyelining Pen

This liquid liner from Clinique is the bomb. I have tried (and failed) to master liquid and gel liners for basically my entire adulthood, and this product helped me succeed! It's super easy to apply, does not budge all day, and creates the perfect super-black winged eyeliner I've been rocking this Summer and Fall. It's a must-have!

9  Clinique Just Browsing Brush-On Styling Mousse

I am in love with this brow mousse from Clinique, and it really adds some extra definition to my naturally sparse, blonde-ish brows, more so than a clear brow gel would. I still use other brow pencils to define the shape, but this is always my last touch to polish off a bold brow. Love!

10  L'Oreal Color Riche Le Matte Lip Pens

Saving the best for last, these lip pens were my absolute favorite discovery this Fall. I bought every shade, and each one is incredibly wearable. They are super easy to apply, and extremely long-wearing. And the matte finish is incredible for the price. I don't usually gravitate toward drugstore makeup because I work literally next door to a Sephora, but I'll keep buying these again and again as long as they sell them! If you try ONE thing from this favorites list, make it these!

Reviews: LUSH Twilight Bath Bomb

Claims  Comforting, Relaxing, Restful

Featured Ingredients  Lavender Oil, Ylang Ylang Oil, Citric Acid

How-To  Drop into a warm bath and enjoy! This bath bomb puts on a bit of a show as it changes from pink bubbles to blue bubbles, turning your bath water from pink and frothy to lavender to a beautiful deep purple, even leaving behind a milky shimmer. 

My Review  This smell is incredible. The lavender oils made my bath (and my skin) smell amazing, and it put me perfectly in the bedtime zone, which was exactly what I was counting on! The name "Twilight" is quite appropriate considering the colors and the scent, even the shimmery dreamlike texture. While all of Lush's bath bombs feel luxurious while you're immersed in the tub, I've found some to be more moisturizing than others, especially after the bath is over. Twilight definitely made my skin feel softer. The verdict: this is my favorite bath bomb so far. I will definitely stock up on these.  

Questions and Answers - Beauty Edition

1  What's your favorite eyeshadow to wear? The entire Urban Decay Naked 3 palette is my spring/summer favorite, with its golden pinks and neutrals. With fall right around the corner though, I'm excited to play with the Naked Smoky palette.

2  What's the one product you wouldn't leave your house without? That would be eyebrows... I have sparse, light brows, so enhancing them is a must to give my face structure. My one-stop-shop for eyebrows is the Anastasia Brow Wiz, but I really lock them in using the Anastasia Brow Gel.

3  What's your favorite makeup look? This season, I loved a fresh face and playing up rosy, glowing skin. My top products for this are Nars Orgasm, with its rosy, golden shimmer, on the apples of my cheeks and Benefit Watt's Up! cream-to-powder highlighter on my cheeks and brow bone.

4  Which feature do you play up the most? Definitely lashes. My recipe for insane #realsies is to start by layering Benefit Rollerlash to lift and curl, and top with Clinique High Impact Extreme Volume, my holy grail mascara, for crazy umph. Confession: Rollerlash never feels fully dry to me, and tends to smudge, so it needs a finishing coat.

5  Which feature do you try to downplay/cover up? Any fine lines or signs of aging! I know it's crazy, but I'm turning 30 this year and skin care has become even more of a priority as a means of prevention! I've been loving the Clinique Smart Custom-Repair Serum and the Clinique Repairwear Anti-Gravity Eye Lift Cream. They both have become must-haves in my daily skincare regime.

6  What's your favorite makeup brand, if you could pick only ONE to exist? This is a hard one because I love so many brands, and trying new products, but I'll default to my first-ever beauty counter brand, Clinique. They have every type of product you could possibly need, their packaging is clean and well-designed, and I trust their products...especially the 3-Step Skincare System which I always default to.

7  Which product have you re-purchased over and over again? Definitely the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment. It's a sad day when I've used the last of this lip balm, and at $22.50 it's a bit pricy to repurchase over and over, but it's the most moisturizing, nourishing lip product I've ever used.

8  What's one product you would NEVER repurchase and why? The Drybar Cream Soda Smoothing Cream, for sure. I've had a lifelong struggle with my thick, frizzy hair. I've tried many a product that promised to smooth and relax, but this just weighed down my hair and made it look greasy. Yuck! I stand by Drybar's products, especially their dry shampoos, but haircare is so personal and this one was a fail for me.

9  What's one beauty treatment you'd ALWAYS pay to have done? I would always pay for a pedicure. Living in NYC, I walk everywhere and I'm on my feet constantly. It takes quite a toll, so I'd never regret spending the extra money for a professional pedi.

10  What's one beauty treatment you'd NEVER pay to have done? That would be the dreaded bikini wax...enough said.

11  What's one beauty trick you can share with everyone? Cleaning your makeup brushes regularly (at least once a week) is a must. It prevents dirt, oils, and bacteria (read: breakouts) from finding their way to your face! You can use anything from baby shampoo to professional liquid cleansers or even solid brush cleaners. Pick a day of the week and make it part of your beauty ritual.

12  Best advice you've ever been given regarding makeup and beauty? NEVER touch your own eyebrows. Leave it to a professional to shape them, and never ever over-pluck. Trust me, once they're gone, they're gone...unless RevitaBrow actually works. It's on my must-try list!

Inside My August Birchbox!

Well hello there! This month I decided to treat myself by signing up for both Birchbox AND Ipsy's monthly boxes/glam bags. I have been buying tons of full-size products in the interest of trying new things, and 10 dollars each for these subscription services seemed like a much better way to discover products I love (or don't love) without the price tag the full-size item. I missed the cut-off point for this month's Ipsy bag, but I did make it just under the wire to receive an August Birchbox.

Below is what was in my amazing box, along with the value of each sample as compared to the full-size product available on the Birchbox website, plus a little review for each! It may be too soon to say, but I am very impressed with my Birchbox, and if you're interested in trying a subscription, you can get the ball rolling here! Enjoy! xo Jenna

Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk - Natural Tint 
Full-size | $20.00 for 3.2 oz.
Sample value | $06.25
I'm a huge fan of dry shampoo, like it's in my could-not-live-without-it favorites (which I may do an upcoming post on soon). I have my go-to which is Drybar Detox, but this Klorane version may convince me to switch it up. The tint is slightly darker than Drybar's (which is powdery white) so it blends better into my hair's natural light-brown-auburn color. It smells great, and I was very pleased with the sample size. Great for an on-the-go spritz.

Dr. Jart+ Dermask Vital Hydra Solution Deep Hydration Sheet Mask 
Full-size | $06.00
Sample value | $06.00 (full-size product)
I had never tried a sheet mask, though I know beauty bloggers/vloggers have been praising these forever. And now I can see why. One weekend evening when I felt like really having a #treatyoself moment, I applied this and wore it in a fabulous bubble bath using some of my recent Lush purchases. It was ahhhmazing–super moisturizing and refreshing–a great experience. And getting a full-size product in my Birchbox was awesome!

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Cleanser
Full-size | $35.00
Sample value | $02.50
Full disclosure: I have not yet tried this product, because I've been trying to use up another sample of the Boscia Detoxifying Black Cleanser from Sephpora. But I am looking forward to giving it a try this upcoming month! And props to the Dr. Brandt social team for giving my Instagram pic a little likey-lou. That is always appreciated, by me at least! (By the way, follow me on Instagram here for more NYC and makeup adventures!)

Benefit Watt's Up! Cream-to-Powder Highlighter
Full-size | $35.00
Sample value | $07.27
So, this was the only product in my Birchbox that I wasn't SUPER jazzed about because I already own this full-size product. And I am not 100% sure I love it. I've really struggled to find a highlighter that works perfectly for me...and I'm not sold on liquids or creams/cream-to-powders. I may just cave and buy the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector pressed highlighting powder one of these days...or see if my desire to strobe-like-the-sun fades when Fall rolls in. But for now, I have a travel size of Watt's Up!, which should lighten up my makeup bag.

Coola Face SPF 30 Unscented Matte Tint
Full-size | $36.00
Sample value | $03.60
I loooooved this, and of anything in my Birchbox, this is quite possibly what I would purchase in full-size first. The texture was like this...whipped, light, fluffy texture–similar to Benefit's Pore-Fessional but less heavy or creamy. It was not at all greasy, like my current Facial sunscreen feels...it would be amazing as a primer under makeup. This product is advertised as being tinted to even out skin tone, and I didn't quite feel like it was enough coverage where I'd wear it without any foundation...but would absolutely wear it to the beach with no other makeup, skin-tone-evenness or not!

FINAL TALLY: 
Money spent on the monthly Birchbox | $10.89 (including tax)
Value of my August Birchbox | $25.62

I have done tons of research on Birchbox and Ipsy, and have watched countless unboxing vids on YouTube in preparation for this. And while people aren't always 100% pleased with their samples or the value of their box, as far as I'm concerned...as long as the value of my box is worth more than $10.89 I've got my money's worth. And so nearly $15.00 of free product is quite a treat! Looking forward to many, many more monthly Birchboxes coming my way!

The Secret to Sensational Summer Legs

Hello everybody! This summer has nearly come and gone, but this tip was too important not to share. Because I, Jenna Sais Quois, have uncovered––after twenty eight summers of life––THE secret to my best ever summer legs! Seriously, they've been smooth, glowing, and most importantly not transparent (because other than freckles, I do not tan #gingerproblems). And while I wish I could tell you that it just happened and requires minimal work, there are a few critical steps involved. But not to worry, I've outlined the different steps and products I use below! Best of luck with your own sexy summer gams, ladies or gents!

Step 1: Dry Brushing

Now, this is a new to 2015 step for me, but beauty bloggers and vloggers have been recommending it like crazy, saying it helps to smooth, exfoliate, and even reduce the appearance of cellulite. I don't just use it on my legs, I use it all over my body, and have definitely noticed improvements. The dry brush I use is from The Body Shop for $12.00 and worth every penny.

Step 2: Exfoliating

I think exfoliating is super important for both the health and overall look of your skin, and it's a step I've always done though my products of choice have evolved over time. The Clinique Sparkle Skin Body Exfoliator feels gentle and lovely but the best feature for me is the packaging, which takes up very little space on my shower shelf vs. most others that come in large pots.

Step 3: Shaving

This razor was new-to-me for the Summer of 2015 and I'm loving it. It's called the Venus Swirl Razor from Gillette, and the unique ball joint at the head makes the razor perfect for navigating the contours of your knees and ankles. It's kind of like the Dyson Vacuum of razors, in that way! I'm a big fan, and will definitely be continuing to use this razor for the foreseeable future. I just need to order the replacement blades from Target or something, because I can't find them in Duane Reade. 

These next few stops can be either combined, or used independently of one another. I like to use 2 out of 3 for everyday, and a combo of all 3 for special occasions. 

Step 4: Moisturizing

This moisturizer has been my favorite product of 2015, hands-down. It's the Jergen's BB Body Protecting Skin Cream, and it's firming, nourishing, formulated to hide skin imperfections, and gives the skin such a beautiful luster. Plus it smells amazing. Whenever someone catches the scent of it, they always ask me "What is that scent?" like it's perfume or something. I've gone through two bottles already this summer, and they aren't cheap for a drugstore lotion but I don't even care. Give me more. I'm addicted. I will say, I use the medium to dark lotion on my pale skin, because it blends beautifully and gives me a nice subtle tint to the skin when I'm not going full-out with my next favorite product.

Step 5: Tanning

I am very happy I discovered Sally Hansen's Airbrush Legs, a product I've seen in drugstores for years - but was a little too scared to try the airbrush can because it seemed, I don't know, too intimidating. But behold - there's a new lotion formula. I like to apply this after my Jergen's lotion, so it's a bit easier to blend into the legs. I just let it dry-dry-dry completely before I dress for the day. It is truly a miracle product! It evens and perfects your legs until they literally look like Hollywood Barbie legs or something. And it isn't like most self-tanning products that have a chemical smell and leave a permanent affect (where if you mess it up, you're stuck with it for quite a while). Small Disclaimer though: This comes off with a scrub in the shower. But if it rains, it may rub off on clothes so check the weather! And don't ever sit on a white couch, just in case...

Step 6: Glowing

If I'm not doing the full tanned leg bit, I do quite like to add a glow to my moisturizing lotion (all over, not just on my legs) and just strobe out my whole body by adding a bit of the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector ––I use the shade Opal––and it gives a gorgeous effect. I don't actually love a liquid luminizing product on my face, but I love it for body. it looks beautiful on legs, shoulders, décolleté, wherever you want a healthy summer glow. 

Hope all your gams are glowing out this August! xo Jenna

JSQ in the Kitchen: Southwestern Black Bean Salad

In keeping with my Resolution to cook more, I whipped up one of my favorite recipes last night and can I please just tell you...Skinnytaste.com NEVER LETS ME DOWN. Every recipe is amazing, and Gina (who I just fangirl over constantly on this blog and on Pinterest) lists the Weight Watchers points and calories for every meal.

While this Southwestern Black Bean Salad recipe is totally more of a Summertime hit, if you're craving protein-rich beans, sweet corn, or avocados (which is every day of the year for me) this salad is super easy to whip up on a weeknight. And if you're cooking for one like I am, it also stores well in the fridge for a few days so you can nibble on it all week. Personally, I use 1 cup of it (4 Weight Watchers PointsPlus) as a salsa (I double the amount of tomato in the recipe to achieve this effect) that I pair with Original Flavor Pop Chips for a touch of saltiness (and only 3 more PointsPlus). This is quite honestly my favorite snack, and today I even brought it for lunch!

NOW, Skinnytaste is even a cookbook. I obviously own a copy that I bought the day it became available at Barnes & Noble, and even gave a copy to my mom for Christmas. If I really wanted to learn to cook, I could just cook my way through the Skinnytaste cookbook a la Julie & Julia...Totally kidding, but actually 62% serious. Bon Appetit! 

Keds x Kate Spade New York

Labor Day has come and gone, but with the warm weather lasting well into October here in New York City, September is definitely still feeling like summertime! Which got me thinking about these adorable Keds x Kate Spade New York that I'd been eyeing these past few months. I am just mad for the patterns, and I'm actually loving the slightly more pointed-toe variety too. But I have to say, my favorite is the cork pair that is totally in line with the Jenna Sais Quois color palette, but it's unfortunately no longer available. Of course! Taylor Swift also has a great fall collection for Keds which I may blog about next week while I'm on a Keds kick! Say what you want about Taylor's music (I happen to love it but it's not for everyone), she has sensational style.

I hope you've all had a lovely summer and are ready for my favorite season. It's right around the corner...hopefully!

1  Keds x Kate Spade New York Cork Shoes (No longer available)
2  Keds x Kate Spade New York Champion
3  Keds x Kate Spade New York Pointer in Floral Pink On Sale!
4  Keds x Kate Spade New York Champion Seaport Dot On Sale!
5  Keds x Kate Spade New York Champion Laceless in Geo Navy Red
6  Keds x Kate Spade New York Champion Jersey in Green Stripe Jersey
7  Keds x Kate Spade New York Pointer Cheetah in Blue
8  Keds x Kate Spade New York Champion Mariner Stripe On Sale!

Spring Has Sprung at Anthro...

...And it's also sprung in New York City as well. Yesterday I walked from my office to the Whole Foods at Columbus Circle with only a light jacket, and it felt perfect. I even lingered to snap a few Instagrams. What is this feeling!? But back to the point of this post, I am just as smitten with these beautiful, frothy spring pieces from Anthropologie. Especially the long peach blossom number at the bottom, which is reminding me of something Betty Draper in seasons 1-3ish. How about you guys? Are you experiencing Spring's better-late-than-never arrival in your necks of the woods? I hope so!

Flora Vignette Dress

Silk Tableau Shift

Galen Dress

Embroidered Bleuet Midi Top

Peach Blossom Maxi Dress

Beautifully Bilingual Wedding Stationary

I'm beyond inspired by these gorgeous 1940's inspired wedding invitations my friend, co-worker (and fellow Ohioan) Galina Arnaut designed for her sister Irina's wedding this past summer. The entire stationary suite was developed as a nod to her sister's stunning, golden bias-cut wedding gown. Taking inspiration from their Moldovan heritage, and to accommodate for their many Russian-speaking guests, they were printed with both languages on the alternating sides. Possibly my favorite detail, though, was the vintage post card RSVP that showcased the custom-created rubber stamps they commissioned from Casey Design Rubber Stamps in the East Village. Enjoy!

In addition to the stationary, Galina also adapted these designs for the bridal shower place cards and menu.

Blog Favorites: Skinnytaste

Skinnytaste, from blogger Gina Homolka, has been a favorite blog in our apartment all summer long, and it's been an amazing (and completely fail-safe) resource for delicious and low-calorie recipes. We are a Weight Watchers apartment, so it's great that she's listed the Points+ values there as well as the calories. A major strength of the blog is that nearly every recipe is loaded with fruits and vegetables, and it's great for families because the produce isn't disguised, but rather presented in a way you never knew how delicious it could be!

My roommate Colleen made the Loaded Baked Sweet Potato recipe for us last night and it was to. die. for. Seriously. A perfect welcome to Fall. (Note: this particular recipe is from guest blogger Anjali from The Picky Eater)

Loaded Baked Sweet Potato recipe from Skinnytaste.com

Below are a few more of our favorite recipes from throughout the summer! If you haven't already, I definitely suggest you check this blog out! So so so tasty.

Southwestern Black Bean Salad from Skinnytaste.com

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad from Skinnytaste.com

Bobbi Brown Navy & Nude Eye Palette

I know that Summer is nearly over, so I'm a bit behind on this, but I've had my eye on this Bobbi Brown Navy & Nude collection, and the eyeshadow palette specifically, for quite a while! (I tend to troll the aisles of the Sephora on 5th avenue after work, and let's just say I may have obsessed for long enough that it's time to finally bring this baby home). Does any of you have this in your makeup bag? With the nude tones, and the slate and navy colors, I definitely think it can transition from summer to fall quite easily!

Glamorous Getaways

Well, my friends, another glorious summer is coming to an end. And while, normally, I'm the biggest cheerleader for fall, I must admit this time of year is usually not without a quick lament about all of the places I didn't go on my summer vacation... Of course, I'm ashamed to admit my expired passport was partly to blame! But when you don't have the time (or budget) to jetset around the world, there's always Pinterest! Below are a few clippings from my Glamorous Getaways pinboard. Bon Voyage!

Saint Stefan, Montenegro  |  Original Source: fabuloustraveling.com

Cinque Terre, Italy  |  Original Source: catchthejiffy.com

Tent Village  |  Original Source: shelter-co.tumblr.com

Ocean adjacent pool  |  Original Source: imgfave.com

Santorini, Greece  |  Original Source: dustjacketattic.blogspot.com

Fiji  |  Original Source: Unknown

Taroudant, Morocco  |  Original Source: fromtherightbank.com

A Lady Never Forgets Her Earrings

The title of this post was something my Grandmother always used to say to me. In fact, she was full of other adages such as "Only the cook washes her hands in the kitchen sink," and "You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar," and many, many more. She taught me skills I still appreciate today like how to do embroidery, how to mend clothing, and she tried many times over to teach me to crochet. She herself was extremely adept at it, completing over 140 blankets in her lifetime all of which bore a cute little label inside reading "Crocheted for you by Rose Marie Bruce."

Sadly, I lost her this past Saturday, August 10th very unexpectedly, as she left to join my handsome grandfather Gene who passed away last summer. Both of them were loved and treasured by friends and family and especially me. I will never forget their wisdom, the sounds of their voices, and especially won't forget the strong love I felt for them.

The picture below was (we think) their engagement photo. Weren't they a handsome couple!? I love love love my grandfather's glasses, and especially my grandmother's jewels and lipstick!

Rose Marie Bruce (née Weiss) and Gene Bruce, Sr.

Yügen Fotografi

My friend (and current co-worker/former studio-mate from college) Jaclyn Denmark is a rockstar designer by day but also an amazing photographer by night and weekend. She just started this blog to showcase some of the photos captured during her life as a summertime beach bum and year-round Brooklynite and I couldn't wait to share it with you guys as well. I think she does a super job of capturing texture in her pics and truly conveying the beautiful "grit" of city life. I hope you enjoy some of my favorites from Yügen Fotografi:

All images copyright Jaclyn Denmark

Glamping!

When I stumbled across this photo series on Buzzfeed, I just had to share! I have always been a fan of summer camp, having gone to good ole' Camp Frederick quite a few times back in Ohio. But many of the East Coasters I know got to go away to 4 or even 8 week camps almost every year as kids and early teenagers, just like in Bug Juice. Stilling sighing with jealousy! I looooved camp.

How glam are these camp counselors from the 1950s in the photo below? They are up an at-em with their cute little penoir sets and their red lips! I imagine there were some pretty lucky male counselors at the all-boys camp across the lake, just waiting for their chance to spot these bathing beauties in their binoculars. "Just because you're in the woods, it's no excuse not to look your best!" quoth Phyllis Nefler in the classic film, Troop Beverly Hills. Let that be a lesson to us all!

Photo via Buzzfeed

Goodbye Captiva!

I have been having a simply marvelous time on Captiva, in our beachfront cottage! I never ever want to leave. Though, I am sadly aware that the week is coming to an end. I will say, though, the best part about returning to New York City is remembering that I live in a city that plenty of people go to on their vacations. And I'm lucky enough to call it my home. Love you, New York, and I'll see you any day now!

Vacation: All I Ever Wanted!

Well, pardon me for the Go-go's reference! But I will be out of the blogging office for a nice long vacation on Captiva Island in Florida. There will be sun, there will be sand, there will be shells...and there will be plenty of Instagrams! Toodaloo!

June is Bustin Out All Over!

Forgive the "Carousel"/Leslie Uggams reference, but I am so thrilled that Summer is here! Well, sort of...New York City has been experience some fairly heinous weather lately that has felt a bit more like October. But I have decided not to let that cramp my excitement!

With the start of my second summer here in the Big Apple, I wanted to share with you some of my summer favorites that I've been reading/listening to on my commute.

The Age of Innocence | Edith Wharton 
This old New York story is full of lust, scandal, and impropriety all wrapped up in a 'Society' package.

New York Diaries | Edited by Teresa Carpenter
This compilation of journal and diary entries, each written on one of the 365 days in a year, spans four centuries of New York life.

No One Belongs Here More Than You | Stories by Miranda July
This book of short stories are conversational and thought-provoking and I enjoy Miranda's quirky take on subjects from the mundane to the self-actualizing.

The Heavy: a Mother, a Daughter, a Diet | Dara-Lynn Weiss
This book has been the topic of much debate, especially when it comes to parenting and dieting/relationships with food. But I ultimately admire this mother's choice to put her 7-year-old daughter on a diet after reading this insightful book.

All of these tunes can be found on my Spotify playlist Perfect Summer, shown below. Give it a listen and leave a comment listing a few of your favorite reads and tunes this summer!

Songs of Summer: Some Nights

This album, Some Nights by Fun. is definitely on my "most frequently played" list this summer. My roommate tipped me off that the entire album is just as likable as that "We Are Young" song (before hearing it  eleventy-billion times, anyway) and it really is! The title song basically had me at hello. It's so multi-dimensional and harmonious, not to mention just plain infectious. The singer's voice has such a Freddy Mercury quality. Anyway, give it a listen. It's great on the iPhone, but I bet it's even better on vinyl.