Rx: Beach Day! 5 Tips for Better Beaching

1. Hydrate.  Although it takes some prep time, it is worth it to pack some liquids and snacks in an insulated bag or cooler before going to the beach.  Water is a necessity, and snack STRATIGICALLY.  You want a good beach coma, not a painful one.  Might we suggest, watermelon, grapes, berries, and crackers?

2.  Sun Protection.  You may want a nice sun-kissed glow, but you never want to burn.  We all know that too much sun is bad for your skin, so ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS use some form of sun protection.  (Besides, nowadays you can get a spray tan for instant gratification).  In the event that you don’t apply proper sun protection, and get burned, it’s always a good idea to store some aloe vera gel in the fridge and apply as necessary. 

3.  Beach beauty. Let’s face it, the beach is not the ideal place for lots of make-up because it WILL melt off or get washed away.  So for “beach friendly” make-up, use a dewy tinted moisturizer, waterproof mascara, and lip gloss w/ extra shine.  Depending on your preference, you can kick up the fun w/ some glitter or flavored lip gloss.  To tame the tresses, scrunch and spritz some product in the hair for beachy waves or textured braids.   

4. Location, location, location. All beaches are not created equal.  First figure out the kind of experience you’re looking for: relaxation, shopping, romance, or socializing.  Each beach is different and it’s worth taking a few moments to think about your agenda, access to restrooms, and safety.  

5. Por Los Angelenos. Malibu-YAH is perfect for ocean therapy: Gladstone's is great on a sunny Sunday. http://www.sbe.com/gladstone Santa Monica is good for shopping and eye candy.  Sonoma Wine Garden and The Market have great nosh. http://www.santamonicaplace.com/Dining/Details/106611?list=restaurants Venice Beach is a great place for eclectic trinkets and the Venice Ale House has an amazing beer sampler served in a skateboard. http://venicealehouse.com/ 

Happy Beaching! :) 

Online Sources: 

www.murraymitchell.com

www.pinterest.com (watermelon stars) 

www.nicolemaruyama.com 

2012 Father's Day TRIAGE

Let’s face it shopping for dad can be tricky.  Here are some guideposts.  

1) WorkaholicDAD: TIE. I know, it seems cliché, but a classic never goes out of style.  If your dad works 24-7 (like mine) he will always benefit from an updated tie: to add to his collection and as a reminder of you.  If he’s a workaholic, he will constantly need more ties, and it’s fun to see them hanging in his closet – you'll remember when you added each to the collection. (WorkaholicDAD's might not see you, and you might not see them, but the tie reminds you of each other, which is why it’s a classic father’s day item, and never goes out of style.)      

*Honorable Mention: UGG Scuff Slipper 

2) TECHdad: Nook w/glowlight.  If he truly is a techie, he may already have an ipad, which has some kindle and/or nook features, BUT, the nightlight is unique.  Many a time, and with many a couple, one person can’t fall asleep but the other person wants the lights out. (Or, quite frankly, they have different gaming styles: Solitare vs. Angry Birds vs. Fruit Ninja.)  The nook light is genius, reading in the dark, and you might find yourself wanting one EVEN if you don’t have kids, if you’re married with different bedtimes. (*wink, wink)

3) MACdaddy: Apple TV. This is the best present I ever got.  It’s Blockbuster, Redbox, & Netflix, all built into one.  Your dad won’t have to go anywhere, and can keep a collection of movies and/or TV shows in his apple account. Note: this is also a great tool for “family time" because you can schedule a movie night w/popcorn. . .Sherlock Holmes just came out. *Warning: Proceed w/ caution when using your Apple account, it sneaks up on you!

4) Fix-It Father: Swiss Army Knife. We like to pretend that knowledge of “basic needs” survival isn’t a priority in the modern age, but who are we kidding! NEVER say never.  What is that scout code, “Always be prepared?” Now Swiss Army has knives w/ USB ports AND the basics, which is perfect for a fix-it father. 

5) UNIVERSAL: cufflinks and card.  Cufflinks will find their way into any dad’s wardrobe and a card comes from the heart (which will ALWAYS trump any expensive gift).  Make a home-made card and find some unique cufflinks. My friend makes these. . and I love them J

 

SA wishes you a very Happy Father's Day! 

Online Sources:

www.huffingtonpost.com (image)

www.pinterest.com (Burberry; Nook; Ugg; Swiss Army) 

www.etsy.com (cufflinks - legal miss sunshine) 

Diamonds need love too!

     Jewelry is an art, an expression, and an asset.  So, like all things we love, we must take care of them.  Here are some gentle cleaning and care steps to follow.  All jewelry can be vulnerable to scratches, blows, and harsh chemicals.  Therefore, it is best to visit your jeweler once or twice a year to check the mountings and maintenance of your jewelry, your jeweler will be the most knowledgeable about the particular pieces you have and the appropriate cleaning techniques for particular types of stones and metals. Here are 3 tips for jewelry care and cleansing.  

1. Store jewelry in a dry and dark place, wrapped in cloth, a pouch, a box, or a lined jewelry display w/ separate compartments.   This will protect your jewelry from becoming scratched, stretched, or tangled.  Beaded necklaces should be stored flat. 

2. Be careful when gardening, cleaning, cooking, and participating in athletics. These activities might expose your jewelry to chemicals.  Gold does not like chlorine or abrasive contact. All precious stones and metals have varying degrees of softness.

3. If you are unable to visit your jeweler for a custom cleaning, one option is to clean your jewelry with a very soft brush, lukewarm water and a drop of MILD cleanser.  Rinse and pat dry with a soft cloth.  Some cleaning products are available and created specifically for jewelry.

*It is best to have your pieces cleaned by a professional jeweler, and visiting the store will also give you an excuse to look at the latest designs to add to your collection!

Online Sources:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=1000498521

http://alsonjewelers.wordpress.com/2012/04/25/caring-for-your-jewelry/

http://www.jewelry.com/education-goldcare.shtml

http://www.diamondideals.com/education/care.cfm