For softly scented, sexy skin:

Get your legs ready for summer with an instant shimmer bronzing stick. A bit of color down your shin bones can go a long way. This version from Michael Kors gives a soft sheen, and the shimmer helps keep skin looking healthy and glowing.

We like: Michael Kors Leg Shine, $10, sephora.com

Image courtesy of sephora.com

For a big date:

We like: Dolce & Gabbana The One Desire Eau de Parfum, $93, nordstrom.com

The name says it all. Smell divine and diva-like with a mix of light lychee, succulent mandarin and refreshing lily of the valley. Spritz it on your neck, wrists, behind your knees and the underside of your hair for scent with every move you make.

Image courtesy of nordstrom.com

For everyday:

We like: LAVANILA Pure Vanilla Fragrance, $58, sephora.com

If you want a non-obtrusive scent for day, try a musky vanilla like this one from LAVANILA. It has a spicy edge to it that keeps it from being too sweet.

Image courtesy of dermstore.com

For outdoor events:

We like: CLEAN Shower Fresh Rollerball, $22, beauty.com

It’s prime time for family get-togethers like graduations, BBQs, reunions and picnics–all of which tend to be outside. Stay fresh and smelling good all day long with a shower fresh scent. Get it in a rollerball version so you can carry it in even your smallest clutch and discreetly reapply whenever you need a quick hit of scent.

Image courtesy of beauty.com

Start with art deco inspired invitations the set the mood of the party, and have all party guests dress in 1920′s attire. Decorate with gilded gold, big floral arrangements + art deco elements, and sip on martinis and toast with champagne.

And just for fun, you could send guests home with a copy of the book that inspired the movie!

Links: 1.Heidi Ryder Photography via Green Wedding Shoes 2. Book Depository 3. BHLDN 4. Heidi Ryder Photography via Green Wedding Shoes 5. The Event Essentials 6. Jigsaw 7. Favor Affair 8. Pinterest 9.  Polyvore 10. Brooks Brothers 11. BHLDN

Image copyright TheBusyBrain

You’ve probably had a barbecue before. You know about the kind of meat you should get, as well as the side dishes, plates and flatware. But, what about those small little touches that your guests are bound to appreciate?

These useful tips will turn your outdoor barbecue into a comfortable affair.

1. Leave out moist towelettes in bowels on every table. After all, barbecue is a messy business. Adults and kids alike will end up with sticky fingers. This little gesture will go a long way.
2. Create a sunscreen station. Done right, an outdoor barbecue is all about sunshine (though a few well-placed shady spots are a must as well). Sunburns aren’t a fun party favor to go home with. Leave out both spray and lotion sunscreens so your guests can reapply during the event.
3. Have flip-flops on hand. Some of your guests may come in high heels, which are a bummer once they start spiking into your backyard and get stuck to the ground. If any of your guests end up in this situation, offer them a pair of flip flops. You can pick them up for just a few dollars a pair at most drug stores.
4. Keep thin blankets at the ready. Some of your guests may stay well after it gets dark, sitting around chatting into the night. And, with the sun going down, so does the temperature drop. Hand out blankets to those who are feeling chill.

When you implement these four tips, you’re guests will be thanking you for it!

Foiled Again

We like: Ciate Very Colourfoil Manicure, $19, sephora.com

Ciate (they also make the fun beaded manicure kits you might’ve seen) has done it again. Get crafty with its newest DIY set, which lets you take flashy, fun foils to create amazing one-of-a-kind artwork right on your fingertips. Apply a clear topcoat for maximum shine.

Image courtesy of sephora.com

Chic Shimmer

Known for her glitter polishes and her vivid color selections, this polish from manicure maven Deborah Lippmann combines both elements in a beautiful bottle. The mermaid collection for summer adds a hint of sparkle to a neon color base. We love this bright orange hue because it looks like a Creamsicle, making it perfect for your next outdoor BBQ or ice cream date.

We like: Deborah Lippmann Million Dollar Mermaid, $19, deborahlippmann.com

Image courtesy of deborahlippmann.com

In The Grain

Love sprinkles on your sundae? You’ll love this pick, which looks like you’ll have a dusting of them all over your nails. Layer it over an opaque white polish to make the color and sparkles really pop. The look is whimsical, fun and very summer.

We like: Nails Inc. Feathers Effect Nail Polish, $9.50, sephora.com

Image courtesy of sephora.com

What’s your favorite new polish for summer?

Sure, balloons are a traditional method for decorating a kid’s party, but they can also add color and texture to an elegant adults-only party as well. And even a kid’s party can feature fun and interesting ways to decorate with balloons.

Use these great ideas for balloon-decorating inspiration for your next party.

Image courtesy of Pinterest

Coat the ceilings with dozens of helium balloons. You could go with a rainbow of colors like the image above, or pick just a few to color coordinate your event. This works for any occasion. Just make sure to turn off your ceiling fans.

Image courtesy of YouAreMyFave

If you’re throwing a milestone birthday bash, hang the important number from your ceiling balloons. Paper numbers will be light enough to still keep the balloons aloft. 1, 18, 30, 50: it doesn’t matter the age. Since objects will be hanging from the balloons’ strings, keep these to just a small portion of your ceiling, such as over the gifts table.

Image courtesy of CatchMyParty

The bannister is a perfect place to decorate with balloons. Bunch them up and tie them to the railing. This is perfect for when you don’t want the balloons to get in the way during the party.

Image courtesy of Pinterest

If you really want to get elegant with your home’s stairs, you might be able to pull of this cascade of white balloons. Now that’s the picture of elegance!

Image courtesy of Pinterest

Even at a classy Christmas party, balloons can capture that elegance at the dinner table. These black balloons act as place-settings for your guests, and they can even take them home as a party favor.

What are your fun ideas for decorating with balloons?

Start with the invites – an all white stationery set with instructions for your guests to wear all white attire will set the scene, and once they arrive wow them with all white details – from the food and drinks to the decor. White balloons, white floral arrangements and the perfect white filagree cupcake liners to finish it off.

Links: 1. Style at Home 2. Trine Thorsen 3.New England Fine Living 4. Indie Fashion Market 5. Camille Styles 6. Cannelle Vanille 7. Hostess with the Mostess 8. Favor Affair 9. Snippet & Ink

We like: Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss, $15, clinique.com

The antioxidant-rich formula and silky finish of this classic Clinique balm will leave your mouth smooth and super-shiny.

Image courtesy of clinique.com

We like: Korres Lip Butter Glaze, $14, korresusa.com

This pick is packed with vibrant color, making a dramatic statement without you even having to say anything. Sunflower oil and other natural ingredients keep your lips soft and coated in rich color. If you love the color impact of lipstick, this moisturizing lip glaze is your perfect pick.

Image courtesy of korresusa.com

We like: Hourglass Prodigy Hydrating Lip Gloss, $26, sephora.com

This squeezable package packs a sheer punch of color, and its tiny size means it can discreetly fit in your pocket or purse for midday touchups. The water-resistant formula stays in place, which will also come in handy during the dog days of summer at the beach.

Image courtesy of sephora.com

If there is a farm in your area, host your party there complete with tractor and pony rides. If possible, let them see and pet the baby animals and set up fun photo opportunities in different areas of the farm.

A barnyard party isn’t complete without a classic game of pin the tail on the donkey, fun farm themed foods and some fresh lemonade. Create some fun signage out of barn board and chalkboard paint, and send the guest home with cute burlap bags filled with goodies.

Links: 1. Frosting and Ink 2. Catch My Party 3. Frosting and Ink 4. Pinterest 5.Allyson Wiley Photography via On To Baby 6. Favor Affair 7. Hip Hostess 8. Michael Hequibal via HWTM 9. Shyla via Style Me Pretty

Image courtesy of Makeup Files

If you want to look great for you next event, consider an at-home manicure that sets you apart from the rest. Forget using just a solid color nail polish: simple manicures are a thing of the past.

1. Coat your tips in sparkly glitter. After painting your nails a fun solid color (turquoise, emerald, pink and yellow are good for the spring), use a clear-based glitter nail polish on the tips. Follow directions for glitter nail polish on the tips from Makeup Files.
2. Do an uncommon French manicure. Typically, French manicures use clear or beige nail polish on the nail and white nail polish on the tips. Impress your friends by using uncommon color combination. Perhaps pink nails with green tips, light blue nails with yellow tips or sky blue nails with turquoise tips.
3. Use a water marbling technique if you’re feeling ambitious. This one’s a bit complicated, but is perfect for those confident in their nail polish skills. You’ll need several colors of nail polish and a cup of water to create a marbeled and colorful manicure. Follow directions for water marbling at Chloe’s Nails.
4. Pick a nude polish. If you still want an interesting manicure but aren’t comfortable with your nail art skills, pick a nude polish. Although you’ll be painting on only one solid color, this beige, neutral shade will set you apart from the rest.

Which method will you choose?

For that necessary outdoor dinner with friends:

Take advantage of spring’s fresh buds and incorporate them into your decor. Light up the night with these floral-filled tealights. Make a dramatic line down the center of the table with them for an added edge. Bonus: these flowers will last all season long and will dress up a table in an instant, no dashing to the florist necessary.

We like: Elegant Orchid Tealight Holder, $4.50, favoraffair.com

Image courtesy of favoraffair.com

For the first brunch of the season:

Toast to the changing season with stemless wine glasses. They’re a more modern take on drinkware, and they’ll go great for filling with crisp, light, white wine for your next Sunday afternoon brunch.

We like Personalized Stemless Wine Glass, $4.80, favoraffair.com

Image courtesy of favoraffair.com

For seasonal spring favors:

Dress up favors with a bright daisy bloom. Fill with fun colored candies like Robin’s Eggs or pastel M&Ms. Scatter these gift boxes around your home in clusters for an easy decoration and treat for guests to grab.

We like: Daisy Delight Gerbera Daisy Favor Box, $27.55 for a set of 24, favoraffair.com

Image courtesy of favoraffair.com

What spring elements do you bring into your home once the season comes around?