Twins Take on the Holiday: Father's Day Gift Guide

Last month, we brought you our guide to Mother's Day gifts.  Today, we're here to bring you our picks for the Dad in your life.  These would be great gifts for your Dad, your husband, Grandpa, or any other special father figure you might have (Babe, I know you're reading, so there will be no spoilers for your gift!--J).  Read on, shop and thank us later.

For the Foodie Father:

For the dad who likes to cook, there's no better present than the perfect grill.  This is probably the place for a corny dad grilling joke, so insert it as you see fit.  Anyway,  The Pit Barrel Cooker is next level when it comes to grilling.  It grills, it smokes, it does your taxes...well, maybe not the last one, but I wouldn't put it past this bad boy.  You can grill traditionally or hang the meat on hooks and smoke it that way. Apparently, "hanging meat on hooks" is a big deal to dudes.  Who knew?  This was the first thing Jess's husband recommended for Dads out there, so that has to count for something.  We bet if you threw in some steaks and a BBQ rub, your guy would be super stoked.  (Get it?  Stoked!  It's a grill...with fire!  We knew there was a joke in there somewhere!)

If the special guy in your life likes cocktails, try this Bitters Making Kit from Williams Sonoma.  This kit gives you everything you need (including directions) except a little alcohol to make your own bitters.  Bitters are essential to the perfect Manhattan and useful in so many different cocktails.  Throwing in a bottle of booze probably would be the perfect addition.  Pearl makes a vodka perfect for making these bitters and our recent favorite whiskey is this Single-Barrel 100-proof Jim Beam Bonded.

Basically, everything that Zingerman's makes is delicious.  You might not want to eat the actual catalog, but frankly, someone has probably tried.  That's how good their stuff is.  Their catalog features top notch products from around the world.  Sign Dad up for the Bacon of the Month Club (It is a real thing...), help him learn to make his own Mozzarella or send him a kit to make the World's Best Reuben.  Dad will thank you from the bottom of his (full) stomach.

For the Sporty Dad:

New running shoes are a great gift for the Dad-on-the-Go.  These Brooks Ghost 8 runners get great reviews and look cool, too.

What guy doesn't want to rep his favorite team?  Around our neck of the woods, this sweatshirt would be a home run, but pick up something to show off your guy's favorite sports team and he'll be happy.

You can get this print in 20 different stadiums.  How cool would this be hanging in an office?

For the New Daddy:

Just like moms, dads deserve something special to commemorate their first Father's Day.  We've written about Shinola before, but we love everything this great local company does.  How classic is this timeless watch?

One great personalized gift option is Shutterfly.  You can make personalized photos, mugs, or even desk calendars.  This is a great way for Dad to show off how cute his kiddos are and remember your anniversary.  Win, win!

For the Pop-Culture Papa:

If your guy is a TV buff, these Game of Thrones themed mugs will be perfect.

Apples to Apples is one of our favorite games to play on a Game Night.




For Any Dad in Your Life:

Even dads like to be cozy.  These Target Merona lounge pants will keep him comfy and relaxed.

This sweater will look great at work or at home.  Plus, it's lightweight so he can layer a button-down shirt underneath if he wants, or wear it alone.

How classy is this water bottle?  Looks great AND encourages Dad to drink more water.  'Nuff said!

What are you getting for the Dad in your life this year?  Let us know in the comments below!

Friday Pick-Six: 5/26/17

Here's what we are loving and living for this week!

1.  Memorial Day is almost here!  If you're hosting or attending a BBQ, here are a couple of recipes that would be great at any Memorial Day shindig:

• Antipasto Pasta Salad
• Ryan's Famous Chex Mix
• Smitten Kitchen Strawberry Icebox Cake
• Moscow Mule Popsicles

2.  We've spoken about our love for Method cleaning products, but recently we tried their Foaming Bathroom Cleanser and loved it.  You spray, let it sit and work its magic and then wipe off with a damp cloth.  It actually works on soap scum and mold in a way that most natural cleaners don't!  Also, the eucalyptus-mint smell is refreshing and springy.  Method for the win!

3.  We were genetically blessed with a lot of great things, but one we don't love so much is the dark circles under our eyes.  We've tried lots of products, but a favorite drug store brand concealer is Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Concealer.  It goes on smoothly without being thick or cakey, but it covers our circles and brightens our eyes.  Check it out!

4.  Would you believe that we (on occasion) carry the exact same purse?  (I had it first!-Jess) We both love the Longchamp Le Pilage Large tote as an everyday bag.  You can fit so much stuff in it (including a Macbook if necessary!) and it's waterproof and stylish.  It folds up to pack easily and the Duchess of Cambridge is a fan.  What more reason do you need to order one?

5.  We spotted these Pineapple Tumblers at Target and fell in love immediately!  Aren't they perfect for summer entertaining?  

6.  Are you on the hunt for the cutest coverup around?  Call off the dogs, the search is over.  You need this JCrew Embroidered Linen Pom-Pom Coverup.  Just order it and thank us later.

What are you loving and living for this week?  Let us know in the comments below and Happy Memorial Day!  We'll be off on Monday, but check back for a post with our Father's Day Gift Guide on Tuesday!  Oh and don't forget--Nordstrom's Half-Yearly Sale is going on now through June 4th!  Check it out!

Twins Take on the Wardrobe: The Perfect Swimsuit: Ryan

With Memorial Day coming soon, we thought we would kick off the summer with a swimsuit preview!  Jess did hers on Monday and here's Ryan!

Anyone that knows me knows that I am addicted to bathing suits.  I repeat.  I'm addicted to bathing suits.  Seriously, for someone who isn't a lifeguard or a bathing suit model, I have a ridiculous collection (we're talking double digits here people).  What can I say?  I like to have options!  As you can imagine, picking a few to feature in this post was challenging, but here are a few of my favorites!

1.  JCrew Scoopback one-piece:  I loved this suit back in the 90s when the babes from Baywatch rocked it, and I still do.  I bought a version of this last season and really dig the retro feel.  Note to fellow readers with a larger chest- don't attempt to run down the beach.  This one is really only suitable for lounging pool or beach side (which, let's be honest, is all I really want to do in a swimsuit anyway).

2. Athleta Twister Tankini:  It's often hard to find bathing suits that offer the proper amount of support.  I love this one because it allows you to pick a top based on your bra size.  I have a patterned one from last season but after checking out the variety of great summery colors currently offered, I might have to add to my collection...

3. I have been coveting Maryisa swimwear ever since it started appearing on the blogosphere a few years ago.  This Spring Scalloped Lasercut bikini is no exception.  Even though it's pricey, this one has a timeless style that you could wear for years.

4.  Speaking of lace, I am in love with this Color Play One-Piece by Becca.  It is sexy without being too revealing.  To me, this would be the perfect suit to wear for a weekend away with the gals (anyone have a bachelorette party I can attend?)  I must admit though, I'm wondering what kind of tan lines you'd end up wearing this baby... ah, who cares, I don't tan great anyway.

5.  For anyone who wants to look like a Bond babe this summer (hello?  who doesn't?) check out this Michael Kors Lace Up Bikini and swim skirt.  I have a couple of MK suits and I love the quality- mine have lasted years and still fit and look great.  Added bonus of the skirt is that you don't have to worry about a coverup or shorts.

6.  I've mentioned my love of the Shade and Shore line at Target before, but check some of these babies out.  For those of you who are brave enough to mix and match (I'm still not there yet), they have lots of different patterns and colors.  (Pro tip: Keep an eye out for sales-- Target often does buy one get one deals on swimwear!)

These are my favorites, what are you going to wear this summer?

Twins Take on the Wardrobe: The Perfect Swimsuit: Jess

Now that Memorial Day is just around the corner, we've got summer on our minds!  Is there anything more elusive than the perfect swimsuit?  Ladies, who among us hasn't had a moment in a fitting room when there are 20+ bathing suits hanging up but none of them make you feel great?  Although we don't claim to have cracked the code completely, we have spent a lot of time thinking about what works for our body types.  This is the key to finding a great swimsuit.  Think about what features you want to highlight, where you need any extra coverage or support.  You also want to think about how and where you're going to wear your suit.  There's a big difference between suits you can wear lounging on a pool deck with a Margarita and suits you want to run around in while making sand castles with a toddler.

We've got different body shapes AND different swimsuit needs, so we decided to round up some of our favorites.  Hopefully one or some of these will work for you!

These are the suits Jess loves!

1. Merona Shirred Twist Front One Piece: With my figure, I'm looking for a swimsuit that defines my waist and supports my bust.  This suit offers both.  The wrap detail makes your waist look teeny and offers a slimming effect.  The bust coverage offers enough support so that I don't feel like I'm falling out, but also looks a little sexy.  I bought this last year for hanging out with the kiddo at the pool in an awesome palm print.  This black is classic, but I am hoping Target offers some new colors this year!

2. Boden Santorini Swimsuit:  As soon as I saw this beauty online, I knew I had to get it.  The color blocking is so flattering and eye-catching.  Is anyone else as excited as I am that one-pieces are on trend these days?  What a great time to be alive!

3.  Merona Shirred Over the Shoulder One Piece:  Notice a pattern here?  Shirring is flattering on anyone who has a smaller waist than hips (me!) and also if you're looking for a little support in the mid-section (me, again).  I also like that this suit offers a shoulder strap, so I'm not fiddling with a halter tie.  And stripes!  Guys, I think I may have a problem.  I'm Jess and I'm addicted to stripes.

4. JCrew Long Sleeve Rash Guard: Speaking of stripes, I'm smitten with this rash guard from JCrew, one of my favorite sources for swimwear.  I was inspired to look for a rash guard last summer by our fantastic aunt (Hi, Maggie!) who rocked this adorable one on our beach vacation.  I loved the option of throwing a rash guard on to limit my sun exposure (Of course, paired with lots of my favorite sunscreen!) Also, this is great if you (like me) spend most of your pool/beach time running after a toddler, bending down to build a sandcastle, etc.  Over the shoulder straps are the key to keeping yourself covered and comfortable.  Plus, stripes!  Did I mention the stripes?!

5. Merona Shirred Twist Front Tankini: This was the first bathing suit I bought after my daughter was born and it's still a favorite.  I was looking for something to wear to our "Baby Swim Class" that was like what I might have worn pre-baby plus a little extra coverage and support.  I have this exact color combo, but it's available in many different colors.  I like to wear the solid bottoms with the patterned top, but you can mix it up!

6. Athleta Zimbabwe Blousy Tankini: Athleta offers a ton of options sized by your bra size, which is a much more reliable way to shop swim, especially online.  I liked this top because it reminded me of a work-out top.  This gives a little peek of skin on the side, but covers you fully and gives a little blousy effect at the mid-section.

7. Paisley Midkini Top by Beach Betty:  Okay, guys, I know this suit seems a bit out of the box considering the rest of my choices.  However, I found it on Target's website recently and found myself pretty excited.  Midkini?!  Did you guys know this was a thing?  I haven't worn an actual bikini this millennium, but I think if I were going out of my comfort zone, I think it would be for this suit.  It provides bust support, a longer line top and a higher waisted bottom.  I may have to order it and be a little brave this year!

What kind of suit are you on the hunt for this year?  Leave us a comment below!

Friday Pick-Six: 5/19/17

Here's what we are loving and living for this week!

1.  Guys, Nordstrom has started carrying Draper James, the adorable fashion line by Reese Witherspoon!  Admittedly, the prices are a little steep, but this stuff is so darn cute.  It would be perfect for a summer shower or party.  Here's hoping that some of it is included in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! (Mark your calendars, it's July 21-August 6 this year!)

2.  Good news, gang, high ponytails are the new topknots.  We've been rocking high ponytails forever, so we're glad we're on trend now.  The key to making this work is the location of your pony.  For a fun flirty look, shoot for the crown of your head and add volume or curl (or try this tutorial).  If you are going for a sleeker look, go a little lower on the back of your head and add some smoothing serum.

3.  One of our favorite accessories lately have been our Charleston Rice Beads.  We started seeing them on all our favorite bloggers a while back, so we knew we needed them.  These long strand necklaces are super versatile and easy to dress up or down.  We even wear ours wrapped around our wrists as bracelets.  Plus, they come in so many fun colors!  Check them out!

4.  Pippa Middleton (our favorite royal sister) is marrying hedge fund magnate James Matthews tomorrow.  If your invite was apparently lost in the mail like ours was, check out this comprehensive look at Pippa's fashion over time to celebrate.  Keep an eye out for photos, too (Prince George and Princess Charlotte are in the wedding party!)

5.  We think one of the great fashion challenges every woman faces is finding a correctly fitting bra.  We both have finally found the right shape for us, but it's been pretty tricky!  This article about solving your bra fitting problems might give you the support you need to solve your problem. Get it?

6.  One of our guilty pleasures is watching The Bachelorette together with a glass of wine and popcorn.  It's not highbrow, but we like to watch, laugh and critique everyone.  The new season features Rachel, an attorney from Dallas, whom we liked on Nick's season last year.  Set your DVR for Monday May 22nd at 9:00 for yet another season of this trashy classic.

What are you loving and living for this week?  Let us know in the comments and TGIF!!

Twins Take On Food: Antipasti platter

Hi Gang-- Ryan here!

If your family is anything like ours, you divvy up food responsibilities for family parties and holidays.  A few years ago, I was on appetizers for Thanksgiving, and I wanted to do something a little more than just your standard chips and salsa.  (Much like on Friends when Monica puts Phoebe in charge of "cups and ice" for Rachel's surprise party, I take any party related task VERY seriously...)

So, in addition to the usual cheese & crackers spread, I decided to fancy things up a bit with an antipasti platter.  The best part?  It's delicious, super simple and requires very little prep work.

First step, you need some antipasti staples like olives and gardinera.  Our grocery store has a great selection of marinated cheese, olive assortments and other veggies near the salad bar, so hopefully yours does too.  If not, you can usually find a pretty good selection in the Italian food aisle.  I generally just put these in small bowls with toothpicks nearby so folks can just grab and go.

Next up...making the antipasti skewers.  I can't overstate how much of a hit these are!  You'll need a few different kinds of cheese (mozzarella, Parmesan, cheddar, provolone) and meats (salami, prosciutto, pepperoni).  The best part is you can customize this however you want, so feel free to change it up and get whatever you and your guests like.  I also get a few classic Italian ingredients such as fresh basil, Italian dressing, sun dried tomatoes and cheese tortellini.  You'll also need toothpicks or small skewers.

A few of my favorite antipasti skewer ingredients

Cook and your tortellini according to the package.   (Note:  I usually do this the night before, but if you don't have the time, you can do them just before assembly, but rinse them with cold water.)  Sprinkle the tortellini with the Italian dressing.

Next, cut up the cheese, meat and any veggies.  I generally go with bite size pieces, but this will depend on how big of skewers you are using.

Finally, all you need to do is thread the ingredients on the toothpicks/skewers.  Get creative!  I usually try to mix up the ingredients so that there are some vegetarian options and some more traditional meat and cheese choices.  I also try to make them as colorful as possible.

Hopefully this helps the next time your fam puts you in charge of apps!  Please let us know in the comments if you come up with any combinations that we should know about.

DIY Painted Ceramic Planters

Hi friends, it's Jess here.  Now that it's warm outside, my thoughts of home decor have extended to our curb appeal and front yard.  When we moved into our house many years ago, the previous owners had two large ceramic planters flanking the front porch.  Over the years, we've used these planters for pretty annual plants, but I've always hated the boring color.  This summer, armed with a little Pinterest inspiration, I decided to do something about it!

Here's what they started off as:

I decided to choose a paint color that I found more pleasing than the current color (I guess one would call this rust?)  Spray paint seemed to be the best paint for the job because I need good coverage that will stand up to the elements outside.  I wanted high-gloss both for the durability and the look.  We did check and Lowes had a great selection of high-gloss spray paints from Rust-Oleum.  However, I had some paint leftover in the garage from a previous project, so I chose this bright blue.

My next step was to clean out the pots.  I started by emptying out any dirt and flowers leftover from last year.  Then I gave the pots a good washing, using a little Mrs. Meyer's Multi-Surface Cleaner diluted in a bucket of water and a sponge. Then I made sure the pots were nice and dry, leaving them out in the sun for a while.  You better believe these things were pretty dirty after sitting outside for the past several years!

On to the paint!  I waited for a sunny, not-too-windy day so I could do the painting outside.  You want to get outside because spray paint fumes are no joke.  I also wore gloves and sunglasses to protect my manicure and eyes.  I spread an old cardboard box (you could use a paint tarp if you're fancy) on the driveway (to protect it from any errant paint) and got to work.  I gave the outside of the pots an even coat, trying to prevent the paint from being too thick or thin anywhere.  Then, I let the pots dry for the recommended 5 minutes before spraying again.

After drying for a few minutes, I sprayed any bald spots, trying to ensure even coverage and a smooth finish.  I think one of the keys here is making sure to allow the paint to dry completely before moving on to the next coat (just like nail polish).  For me, I did 4 coats in some places, but you might need more/less, depending on the paint colors you're using and your base color.

Finally, I filled the planters with potting soil and put in a few colorful annual flowers and some mulch.  Check here for some tips for planting containers.  Plant and water your plants and voila!  Curb appeal success!!

Would you ever try painting ceramic containers?  Let us know what you think in the comments below!

Friday Pick-Six: 5/12/17

Here's what we're loving and living for this week!

1.  Masters of None season two premieres tonight!  We loved this funny and realistic series about dating, family and friendship from the hilarious Aziz Ansari (aka Tom Haverford).  We can't wait to make some fancy pasta, open a bottle of wine and watch!

2.  Don't forget that Sunday is Mother's Day!  You can revisit our Mother's Day Gift Guide for some tips for last minute gifts.  For a gift that will please most any mom, try out these amazing lounge pants from GAP.  They're lightweight and so comfy!  I can't stop wearing them and want them in every color!  Plus, the GAP Cash redemption started this week, so if you earned GAP cash in April, you can take $25 off a purchase of $50! --J

3.  One of our favorite jewelry sources, Baublebar, is having a sale this weekend!  You can take 20% one item with the code SAVE20, 25% off two items with the code SAVE25 and 30% 3 items with the code SAVE30.  We've got our eyes on this Kiara necklace , black and white piñata tassel earrings and this chic acrylic monogram bracelet.

4.  A combination of Benefit High Beam and this killer tutorial from one of our blog heroes, the amazing Eva Martino, are saving our tired looking eyes these days.  If you're short on sleep or if spring allergies are making your eyes puffy (Pollen, we hate you!), try it out!

5.  Smoothies can make for a great breakfast or post-workout snack, but too often they're loaded with sugar.  I made this Blueberry Oat smoothie recipe to share with the kiddo and it was delicious and filling.  You could also substitute almond milk and frozen banana for the milk/yogurt if you're dairy-free.--J

6.  On the recommendation of one of our favorite bloggers, Julie from Peanut Butter Fingers, we recently tried White Claw Hard Seltzer.  These low-carb, 110 calorie alcoholic drinks come in three different flavors.  They taste like an alcoholic version of our favorite LaCroix.  They're definitely going to be a summertime must-have around here!

What are you loving and living for this week?  Let us know in the comments below!

No-Bake Cookies

Every holiday season, our Aunt Margaret (Hi Maggie!) bakes cookies.  We're talking boat-loads of cookies here.  Each year, she tries to limit herself to "Favorites Only" but unlucky for her, we all have different favorites!  So, she's stuck baking sugar cookies for one person (Ry) and Molasses cookies for someone else (Hi Mom).  Even after she pares things down, she still spends the days leading up to Christmas baking her little tush off.

The recipe that follows is Jess's personal favorite, the No-Bake.  These cookies are easy to make and filled with the delicious combination of peanut butter and chocolate.  The best part is that you probably have everything to make them in your pantry right now!  We aren't sure of the exact origin of this recipe and there are probably several variations floating around on Pinterest, but here's the one we use.

Aunt Margaret's No-Bake Cookies 

• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter (We always use unsalted)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 cups oatmeal (Can use quick-cook or old fashioned)
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/2-1 cup nuts (She uses walnuts, but you can add whatever you have or omit these)

Directions: 

Add the first 5 ingredients to a large saucepan on medium heat.  Melt the ingredients together and bring to a boil.  Boil for 2 minutes then turn off the heat and cool slightly.  

Then stir in the remaining ingredients.  

Let the entire mixture cool and then roll (or scoop) into balls.  (Maggie's look a little more perfect than ours, we just scoop and leave it at that).  We like to line a cookie sheet with Silpat to cool them on, but you could easily use wax paper.

Cool in your refrigerator and then enjoy!  These last for a few days in the fridge in an airtight container.  

Give them a try and let us know what you think!

Twins Take on the Wardrobe: Summer Wedding Wear

Summertime often means Wedding Season.  As great as attending the weddings of family and friends can be, you're often stuck trying to find just the right outfit to wear.  As you probably know, different dresses are right for different times of day or venues.  We decided to round up a few of our favorite options for any wedding you might attend this year.  Read on and stress out no more!

Scenario: Morning Wedding and Brunch Reception

Our buzz words for a morning wedding outfit are classy and cheerful.  Daytime weddings allow you to experiment with print and color and allow for shorter lengths.  As it can be a little chilly in the morning, you might want to add a cardigan or wrap to your outfit.  You don't want to show a lot of skin in the morning, so keep things a little more conservative.  Here are a few dresses we would wear to a morning wedding brunch.

How pretty is this eyelet detailing?

This color blue!

Obsessed after seeing this on one of our favorite bloggers, Ashley!

Scenario: Beach Wedding

This event calls for a casual, but still thoughtful outfit.  You don't want to look out of place, but you also don't want to look like you're at the beach to catch some rays either.  You also want a dress where you can move around, as you'll likely be walking across the beach to stand/sit for the ceremony.  We like a boho-inspired look for a beach wedding.  It strikes the right balance between not-too-fancy and beach coverup.  Also, don't forget to look for shoes that work on the beach, if you're actually standing on sand for the ceremony.  There's nothing worse than watching your evening wear shoes fill with sand!  For this look, give these dresses a try!

A gingham gown?  Swoon!

Lilly Pulitzer always gets it right!

Nautical-inspired for the beach?  Groundbreaking...

Scenario Evening Wedding and Ballroom Reception:

This wedding gives you the chance to pull out all the stops and go full-on glam.  We may be non-traditional, but we are okay with black at an evening wedding as it usually projects elegance and sophistication.  Length of your dress can be long or short, as long as your dress brings the drama.  Since most evening weddings involve a big dance party, don't forget to think about your comfort level dancing the night away!

This lace and detailing!  

Did somebody say "Drama?"

How elegant is this?  With a great chandelier earring?  Forget it!

Are you attending any summer weddings?  What are you planning to wear?  Leave us a comment below!