Archive for May, 2014

The Best Sunless Tan

Chocolate Sun sunless tanner, RahRah Designs swimsuit (c/o)

In the past week, I’ve raved about Chocolate Sun, a luxe line of all-natural, organic tanning products, to not one but six different friends – including two brides-to-be and two mamas-to-be. So I thought it was high time I shared my secret for a healthy glow here too, especially as warmer weather finally allows us to bare our legs.

My first experience with Chocolate Sun was five years ago at an Austin spa, where we received spray tans before one of my best friend’s weddings. I loved that the ingredients were filled with vitamins and antioxidants that created a truly healthy and natural-looking tan. No fumes lingered in the air (unlike most spray tans, Chocolate Sun is water and aloe-based). No sticky feeling was left on my skin. No overpowering smell afterward. Instead, the smell was actually a very pleasant, faint cocoa butter scent. So last summer, when I was looking to get a healthy glow but wanted to stay away from the chemical-laden spray tans and sunless self-tanners, I looked up Chocolate Sun and discovered they had an entire line of do-it-yourself products. I immediately ordered a bottle and have never looked back. Where else can you find a healthy tan that is actually good for your skin?

I use the Cocoa Glow formula, which includes a blend of botanicals and herbs as well as shea butter, coconut oil and aloe. I put it on at night just like a moisturizer all over my body and face–no special process–then wash my hands after. The result? Streak-free, sun-kissed skin. Yes, it’s that easy!

P.S. How cute is this monogrammed suit? Customize your own at RahRah Designs!

Orange & Fennel Salad

Oh man, I caught the stomach flu last week, and it knocked me off my feet. Literally. It’s good to be back to eating more than chicken noodle soup this week, and I’m happily craving bright, flavorful dishes to accompany the spring weather we’re having. A few weeks ago I created an Alfresco Dinner Guide for The Everygirl, and today Alaina and Danielle are sharing how they took my recipes and styling tips to bring a summertime Italian-inspired feast to life. This orange and fennel salad is the perfect starter for such a feast–and a great way to offset an indulgent pasta main course. It’s light and refreshing with juicy orange slices, crunchy fennel, and a salty touch from capers. It’s also suuuper easy and can be expanded as needed–whether you’re making it just for two or for a larger crowd. Add it to your summer menus!

Orange & Fennel Salad

1 Tbsp. capers, drained and rinsed
1 medium fennel bulb, very thinly sliced and fennel fronds, reserved
1/4 red onion, very thinly sliced
2-3 large Navel or Cara Cara oranges, cut into 1/2-inch rounds
Juice of 1/2 orange and 1 lemon
1/2 c. olive oil

Whisk together the orange and lemon juice, then whisk in olive oil. Cut the fennel and red onion on a mandoline to quickly get very thin slices, otherwise use a steady hand. Cut both ends off the oranges, then slice the peel vertically; remove the peel. Don’t worry about the pith. Cut the oranges crosswise into 1/2-inch rounds. To assemble the salad, start with a layer of orange slices, followed by the onion rings, then the fennel slices. Drizzle with the orange-lemon juice vinaigrette to taste. Sprinkle with the capers and fennel fronds. Season with salt and pepper.