See You Soon!

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Big City Belle is a little quiet this week.  I'm still here!  I hope you are having a wonderful week full of love and happiness! 

Special Feature: Veronika's Kandy Koated Dreams

Hi girlies!  I have a very special post today.  I want to introduce you to my dear friend Veronika of Veronika's Kandy Koated Dreams!  Big City Belle exists at this point in time largely because of Veronika.  I am so thankful for her!  You can read my Gratitude post here.

Isn't she adorable?  Can you believe that was a California hair pouf?  Veronika recently moved to Texas, and her hair is finally home!  We are SO happy to have her!  Her hair spray and teasing tools are on Veronika's Kandy Koated Dreams!  Her peppermint-heart husband is adorable, too!  But, I didn't want to post his pic without his permission.  :)

Veronika is a beauty with a heart of pure gold.  Her blog is uplifting, fun, and addictive!  She blogs with a sweetness and vulnerability that I know you are going to love.  Not only does she blog what's in her heart, she blogs what's in her closet! How cool is that?  Oh, and you have to check out the custom MAC make-up counter in her bathroom!!!  SO fabulous!

Veronika is celebrating her 100th blog post and her very first GIVEWAY!  Her giveaway is a SURPRISE girly gift bag valued at over $100.00!!!  I know this is a one goodie bag you DO NOT want to miss!  You have until Friday, July 1st at midnight to enter to win.  Please visit her super sweet blog and show her lots of love!  Good luck!

Summer Favorite Things

1.  Peppermint Cooling Foot Spray from The Body Shop.  This cooling spray is great for a summer vacation.  It is perfect if you will be going to a warm destination or walking while sight-seeing.  I used this on my trip to Paris when my feet were screaming.  It was so refreshing!  Keep it in the mini bar frig and spritz when your feet need some love!

2.  In high school, I slathered on iodine-infused baby oil and "laid out" to get a tan.  Cringe!  Fast-forward twenty years, I am translucent white with the occasional fake tan.  Aren't we all on a quest for the perfect self-tanner?  We think we have found "the one" but, alas a new better one shows up.  Right now, my favorite is Giesee SUN Dark Sunsation Instant Tint in Very Dark. 

3. 4. and 5.  My summer signature scent! I LOVE my Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess!  This was a limited edition but, you can still find it online.  3.  Bronze Goddess Skinscent, pure beach heaven!  4.  Bronze Goddess Luminous Body Lotion, it has the slightest gold shimmer.  5.  My absolute favorite, Bronze Goddess Body Oil Spray.  I love layering all three when I think I am being sexy.  ("A sensuous, sun-drenched blend of bergamot and mandarin cooled with tahitian gardenia petals and coconut warmed with amber sandalwood vetiver".)  Yum!

6.  I grew up in the eighties.  There is never going to be a summer when I don't want to smell like Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil.  (You know, the brown bottle.)  When I wasn't frying like chicken in baby oil, I was frying in Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil.  This Hawaii Coconut Body Lotion from Bath & Body Works has a great summer suntan lotion smell without being a suntan lotion. 

7.  If you color or highlight your hair, this is a summer must-have for you!  Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil is a "lightweight, water-resistant UV defense mist that forms an invisible screen to help protect hair from sun exposure for up to 16 hours, to minimize color fadage, damage and dryness".

8.  Victoria's Secret Coconut Passion.  (See 6.)  In the Texas heat, a body cream like this is not suitable for day use.  However, this is a favorite for summer nights.  It smells good enough to eat, and makes my skin feel like butter.

SO, these are a few of my favorite summer products. If you try any of my faves, let me know!  I can't wait to hear about your favorite summer things!

Pink and Green Thursday: Home Sweet Home Tour

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Hello lovies!  This morning I am linking-up with Trish of Pink Preppy Lilly Lover for Pink and Green Thursday!  It's so much fun!  I hope you are linking-up, too.  I can't wait to see your pretty pinks and soothing greens!  Today, I want to invite you to my fantasy pink and green home tour.  Follow this sweet little brick path to begin our tour.  :)

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Please turn left at the end of this beautiful arbor.

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Have a peek around my fabulous courtyard.

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Welcome!  I am so glad you are here!

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This room reminds me of my favorite queen, Marie Antoinette.  You can check out my previous post on Marie here.

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What a great living space!  Boys aren't allowed in this home, right?

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I love the seating in this breakfast area.

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A home tour wouldn't be complete without checking out the sewing/craft room. 

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Ah, this would be my bedroom.

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You can stay here when you visit!

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How cute is this garden shed?

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I hope you enjoyed my pink and green fantasy home tour!  I'll leave you to relax in this cozy hammock!

Pinterest-ing Wednesday: Let's Get Physical

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Sigh...Wouldn't you love to have a butt like that one?  I am linking-up with Michelle from The Vintage Apple for "Oh, How Pinterest-ing Wednesday" ! Today I am sharing some awesome girl bodies.  These images inspire and motivate me!  Since we are friends, I have no problem sharing with you that I need to lose 15-18 pounds.  I care about my appearance but, I sincerely want to be HEALTHY.  I also have no problem telling you that those 15-18 pounds are a constant battle for me.  I have given up on diets.  No matter how much weight I lose, when the "diet" is over, I gain most of it back.  I realize there isn't a pill, cleanse, sporadic exercise routine, or crazy restrictive diet that is ever going to work for me.  It has taken me a while but, I finally really get it.  I know what we hear everywhere, to be true for me.  There are no short-cuts.  It has to be a lifestyle of exercise and healthy food.  I believe I am FINALLY ready to begin that journey.  I'll keep you posted!  :)

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Pink and Green Thursday: Lovely Summer Drinks

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Strawberry Watermelon Cooler

Ladies, it is already 100 degrees here in Texas!  These little lovely drinks look so refreshing!  How impressed will your guests be this summer when you serve one of these?  The recipes for each one of these yummies can be found by clicking the "via" link under each image.  I will be making the Watermelon Frosty very soon.  If you make one, let me know!  Be sure to visit Trish at Pink Preppy Lilly Lover today for Pink and Green Thursday!  I can't wait to see your favorite pink and green lovies!

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Watermelon Frosty

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Pineapple Strawberry Limeade

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Strawberry Margarita Jello Shots

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Watermelon Lemonade

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Strawberry-Lime Mojitos

Pinterest-ing Wednesday: Happy Camper

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I have a confession.  I love camping!  I really, really do.  Some of my fondest memories growing up are of camping.  I wanted to expose my kids to the crackle of a campfire, the perfect roasted marshmallow, and sleeping in the great outdoors.  So, two or three times a year, I leave behind my make-up and hair products, and get back to nature. 







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I have discovered that camping means different things to girls.  I am talking about a tent, rustic cabin, or one of these little campers!  Brian REALLY wants a camper.  After seeing these cutie pie campers, I want one too!  Wonder if these are what he has in mind?  :)  Every week I look forward to linking up with Michelle from The Vintage Apple for Oh, How Pinterest-ing Wednesday!  I love showing you what inspired me and, I can't wait to see your images!  What are you waiting for?  Go camping! 





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