School's Out For Summer: Let's Play!

It's officially Summer, and most of the kids are out of school. Now what?  For some, there is camp, but what to do on the days before and after? Time to get out and have some fun in the sun. Here's a roundup of toys that will keep the kids happy all Summer long. It's also a great shopping guide for Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and weekend guests. The shortest route to your hosts' heart is a gift for their child!

HERE: 13 Fun Finds For Kids

Design Your Own Kite

Inspiration for hours! First there will be some quiet time while they hand paint their own design. Then give the kids their exercise and the excitement of seeing their own design in action. A great little birthday party gift.
Hearthsong 

My First Garden Planter and Accessories 
Here's a way to get them to eat their veggies. Have them grow their own! This child-size wooden planter will give the kiddies hours of time and a new respect for nature.
Hearthsong  

ALEX Toys Active Play Gigantic 3 in 1 Net Set
Little hands will have big fun succeeding in three different outdoor games - Volleyball, Badminton, or Tennis. Everything you need is included for 3 years and up. 
Amazon  

Kiddimoto Balance Bike and Helmet
Not only are these bicycles cool, they teach kids how to balance for a lifetime of cycling. For kids age 3 and up.
Barney's New York  

Candylicious Bubbles
Bubbles have been a Summer staple for decades. Now they are even better because they are edible! This big kid thinks this is a fun idea for a birthday party. Think of the YouTube moments! Read all about this FDA approved treat!
Amazon     

Flamingo Inflatable Pool
A pink flamingo always brings lots of smiles. Fill it with water for hours of Summertime fun. This gift really makes a splash!
Pottery Barn Kids

Pacific Play Tents Ice Cream Truck Playhouse
Let's face it, we all scream for ice cream.  The kids will chill out while playing and scooping up some soft serve in this indoor/outdoor tent. Good to know that Amazon has this $50 less than other stores.
Amazon   

Mini Metal Play Table
If molded plastic just doesn't blend with your outdoor decor, try this set. It's both good looking and practical for picnics for two, playtime and more.
Land Of Nod   

Versatile Bilibo Toy 
Children ages 2 - 7 will love their Bilibo to rock, roll, spin in, sit on, peek through , and more. This award winning toy has unlimited play value, and can be personalized to the pace of the child. Great indoors or out. Not convinced? watch a really cute video of this terrific toy in motion.
Hearthsong   

Micro Mini Deluxe Scooter
Too cool for school but perfect for Summer. This terrific toy makes exercise fun for little two - five year olds. The smart T-Bar accommodates little ones as they grow. Lightweight and portable, it's travel friendly, as well. Off to Grandma's they'll go.
Giggle  

Hydro Twist Pipeline Sprinkler
Super sized old fashion outdoor fun!
Target   

Light Up Hula Hoop
Better get more than one of these, because the adults will certainly want one, too! A great way to extend Summer fun from day to night.
Hearthsong

Vilac Skittles Set

Candy coated fun! Kids five and up will love trying to knock these colorful skittles down. 
Alex and Alexa

Tiny Finery: Gifts For Baby

Saturday's At Shop This

Today I am thinking about Fathers and Grandfathers everywhere, especially my own.  The image above also reminds me of the love story between Mr. Shop This and Ms. Shop This. It was a beautiful thing to watch from birth to about age 13. Then the teenage years arrived!  Dads are so important at every age. I miss my own Father, and am so very happy that my baby Daddy and husband is who he is. Thank you, for making me a Mom! 

Still need Fathers Day inspiration? Brooks Brothers is having a huge sale. Give Dad a $150+ E-Gift Card & Get a Free $25 GC. He'll love being frugal and shopping the sale! Details

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Heading to NYC anytime soon? Read about FEED founder, Lauren Bush Lauren's, (that's a name) favorite haunts in the city, at One Kings Lane. While you are there, shop her chic Summer FEED Collection & feed the world.  

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Have you explored the Domino Magazine website recently? If you love interior design, do yourself a favor, and take a peek. You'll find affordable decor inspiration, home tours, gifts and stories you will love.

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A big welcome to two new stores that I will be working with:  Sabon NYC exceptional bath and body products. The body scrub is divine!  John Varvatos designer clothing for men with refined tailoring and a very modern vibe.  
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Summer Beauty Freebies: Neiman Marcus is featuring "Camp Gorgeous" with a complimentary bag & samples for $100 purchases.  (Free Shipping, too) Create your own Lancome Free Gift with any $35 Lancome purchase at Bloomingdale's.  And....Enjoy 20% off a curated collection of Summer skincare and makeup at Dermstore. Code: SUMMER

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On The Slide: All the chic, comfy mules, sandals and slides you need for Summer at Shopbop. 

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Summer Citronella: Shoo those flies away with Shop Terrain's  collection of bug repellent candles, sprays and diffusers. Best yet, they all have lovely fragrances!

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This weeks Fave Find: Carneros Picnic Table With A Chilling Trough. Genius!
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Cuff Links For Cool Dads

XOXOXOX

Shop This

Foodie Friday: Meals With Men In Mind

Mom always said that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. I happy to know of a few other ways, but we are talking food today. :) Since Sunday is Father's Day, I do have men on my mind. So I have rounded up a group of recipes that my own Father and Mr. Shop This would love. I hate to admit it, but there isn't a real healthy recipe in the bunch. Father's Day is only one day a year. Go ahead and let him splurge! 

HERE: 17 Ways To His Heart

No Bake Triple Deck Peanut Butter S'mores Bars
Yes, I'm doing it - I am starting today's post with a dessert. Have you ever done that? It is great fun, and both men and kids love it. This recipe is ooey gooey and ever so easy! 
Half Baked Harvest   

Ribs With Cherry Jalapeno Barbecue Sauce
My father, who thought he was barbecue King of the universe, always added something sweet to his fabulous sauce. This recipe is the perfect mix of sweet and spicy. It is spiced rubbed and then slow cooked. Nice.
Heather Christo   

Lemon Cheesecake Donuts
Homemade lemon curd whipped with mascarpone cheese, piped inside the hot doughy yeasted doughnut. Nothing more to say.....
How Sweet Eats  

Butter-Basted Rib Eye Steaks

Not my favorite cut of steak, but the men in my life always love it. This recipe from Alain, Ducasse, calls for basting the meat with a mixture of butter, garlic, and thyme.  It does sound yummy!
Food and Wine    

Grilled Corn With Sriracha Aioli
I've said it before. Why would you serve just a boiled ear of corn in the Summer? If you have a grill, you must make this!
Minimalist Baker 

Reese's Brownie Ice Cream Cake
If you wish, you can make this cake with store bought ice cream. Trust me, your guy won't care. It's the end result that counts. 
Bakers Royale  

Jameson Whiskey Blue Cheese Burger with Guinness Cheese Sauce + Crispy Onions
Now this is a burger! I never saw a more manly recipe. But, really, who wouldn't love it?
Half Baked Harvest   

Skillet Blueberry Cobbler With A Cheddar Biscuit Crust
There's something about pairing fruit and cheese. It always works. My own Father would have gone nuts over this dessert!
How Sweet Eats

Loaded Hasselback Potatoes

Here's how to change up your average baked potato.  Pre-slice and stuff with butter and cheese before you bake them.  Oh, Mr. Shop This!

Tablespoon.com   

Coconut Iced Coffee & Mini Chocolate Glazed Coffee Doughnuts
I found this outrageous recipe by Tieghan of Half Baked Harvest at the Girly Design Blog. I am not a coffee drinker, but this picture could make me one! 
Girly Design Blog

Sonoran Hot Dogs

One of Mr. Shop This favorites - the hot dog. I have to admit that a basic dog bores me. This Tex Mex style has grabbed my attention.
Oh Sweet Basil   

Snickers Cheesecake
You begin with an Oreo Cookie Crust and then it just gets better and better from there. YUM!
Brown Eyed Baker

Hickory Grill-Smoked Chicken

 Grill-smoking a chicken is much like roasting one except for wood chips added to the fire and a drip pan with water to create smoke. Fresh herbs and spices are rubbed under the skin to make sure the flavors go into the meat itself. 
Williams-Sonoma

Adult Chocolate Covered Pretzel Shake
This recipe had me at "adult." With Frangelico and whipped vodka, it just can't be bad.
Host The Toast    

Chili Cheese Dog Grilled Cheese
I found it. The best (and worst for his health) present for my husband! This sandwich is obscene, unless you really really love hot dogs and grilled cheese.  He does.
 Bakers Royale   

Coconut Banana Cream Chocolate Truffle Pie with Dulce de Leche

Oh my goodness! This pie looks perfect to me. Interesting enough, it has no sugar in the crust. Instead it is sweetened with honey.
Half Baked Harvest 

Jumbo Cheesy Italian Meatballs

The secret to a good meatball is bread soaked in milk. This recipe does not call for that. It does call for stuffing mini mozzarella balls into the larger meatball. Very interesting. 
Food Network  
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Foodie Friday: Get Your Grill On!

Summer Smiles & The Right Lip Color

I was greeted with a great big smile by "Mr. Shop This" yesterday. He announced that it was National Smile Power day. That's all I needed for today's inspiration-lipstick! The temps say that Summer is finally here. It's time to switch out your beauty routine. The Spring/Summer runway makeup looks were everything but shy. Deep hues, rich reds and pinks that pop were featured. After spending a day in the makeup aisles on line, here are the shades I loved best.

HERE: 12 Of Summer's Best Shades

Brighter than pale, this pink pops! I love the name - Be Silly. It's from MAC'S new Flamingo Park Collection.

Stila Beach Lips
Here's the secret to the perfect beachy nude as created for designer Trina Turk: Mix Stila's Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Caramello with Grapefruit Lipglaze. Together they create my perfect shade of nude!
Stila Cosmetics

What's juicier than Summer melon?  Clinique's Pop Glaze Collection offers a tutti frutti palette that's so fun for warm weather. This color is Melon Drop Pop.      

M.A.C. Versicolour Stain
Infused with emollient oils and a creamy lightweight texture, this lip color will never crack or peel. It's the perfect fusion of of gloss and stain. Every color is bright and right for Summer. See the hot hues at
Nordstrom 

I'm not much of a drugstore makeup devotee. The packaging usually is not very pretty, and super hard to get into. Milani Lipcolor is the exception. The gold trimmed case looks a bit upscale and the summery shades are lovely.

Amore Matte Lip Crème in Cherish  

Nars Lip Covers

I haven't tried these yet, as they are new for Spring and just a limited edition of colors. Reviews say that these stylish shades deliver saturated liquid color. Love the packaging!
Nars  

Tom Ford Soleil Collection

From Tom Ford's latest beauty collection. I so love the lips on this beauty. I believe it is the shade of Scandola. 

Neiman Marcus

Laura Geller Luscious Liquid Lipstick
Infused with Vitamin E, this liquid color dries to a semi matte finish. Not shown is the prettiest peach called Peach Butter Cream.
Laura Geller

Dior Addict's Milky Tint Nourishing Fluid Wet Effect in Milky Pop. The perfect pink/orange blend for a pout that pops! See it at 

Nordstrom   

Summer Lip Balms 
If you aren't a lipstick girl, consider a lip balm. Sephora has a great variety to choose from. They hydrate, add a light and sheer color, and keep you sun safe.
Sephora 

Lancome Juicy Shakers

Do you remember Lip Smackers? Here's your grown up version in a pretend cocktail shaker. Now, how fun is that? These are new from Lancome and available in 20 pretty shades, each with its' own flavor. "Mix the pigment-infused bi-phase lip oil by shaking and then dab on the moisture-rich formula with the cute little cushion applicator." Read all about them on Nordstrom's Beauty Blog

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