5 Lust-Worthy Hostess Gifts to Ensure You Get Invited Back

August is here (can you believe it?!) and it's time to squeeze every last bit of summer left.  Insist that every meal be eat outside, order one more glass (ok, two) of rose, and extend that weekend an extra day.  And while summer may be winding down, giving the perfect hostess gift is always in season.  These gorgeous gifts not only show gratitude but are sure to score you an invite to the next wave of festivities come fall.  

1. Flowers are always a winner and you can never have enough roses.  This Landeau bouquet is available in a variety of hues to match her style.  

2.  What better way to say "Cheers" to summer than these anchor ice trays?!

3. Ideal for the home chef, this recipe journal is as practical as it is beautiful.  

4. The perfect little something to accompany the traditional bottle of bubbly.

5.  Candles can be tricky, but if you know your hostess well enough to be able to sniff out her style, they are a truly thoughtful gift.  Every time she lights it, she'll be reminded of you!  Le Feu De L'eau Candles are shaped by water and couldn't be more decadent.  Extra points if accompanied by these gorgeous Apothecary Matches.  

What's your favorite hostess gift to give or receive?

-MC-

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Summer Skin

Image Source:  Laurie Bartley, Harper's Bazaar

It's unofficially summer, and that means two things, summer Fridays, and it's time to tweak your skincare regimen.  Since East Coast weather is, just now, starting to heat up, I was a bit behind on my own update, but now that we're in full swing, it's time to assess and readjust.  Here is how I make the seasonal switch:

- Lighten Up - Time to replace heavier foundations for tinted moisturizers or BB/CC creams.  These let skin breathe (ie. less clogged pores), and you won't have to worry about having a makeup meltdown - double win.  My all time favorite is VMV Hypoallergenics Skintangible. It's super lightweight, gives skin a dewy finish and offers SPF 30 protection.  Completely obsessed.  

- Switch Your Scent - Heavy, lingering fragrances can feel a overwhelming come the warmer months.  If you are a certain scent devotee, look for a lighter eau de toilette or eau de cologne version.  My go-to this summer is this scent from Burberry.  It feels clean and fresh.

Embrace Bronzer - Just a dusting along the forehead, cheek bones and jawbones gives a well-rested radiance.  Look for formulas that say illuminating, which will give an ever-so-slight glow, rather than full-on disco shimmer.  

Put Your Best Foot Forward - It's sandal season.  Make sure nails and nail beds are well-kept and hydrated. (This foot cream from LCN is amazing.) Complete the look with a fun pop of color.  Right now, I'm wearing Elephantastic from OPI.

Lash Out - I like to keep my makeup minimal in the summer and that means just a hint of bronze plus mascara.  I'm currently obsessed with this one from Touch in SOL.  If gives super long length and doesn't budge or flake all day.  Add a poppy lip color and you're set!

-MC-

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Well Read: The Vacationers

Summer is winding down, and I've finally gotten my hands on a copy of Emma Staub's The Vacationers.  It's been on my reading list since May, and I thought it was the perfect book to end the summer.  I've just started it, but so far, so good!  Have you read it?  What did you think?

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Lake Essentials

Every 4th of July we escape the sweltering city and head upstate to the Lake House.  It's a small Adirondack town in the mountains where the vibe is seriously laid back.  After going for several years, I've given up on certain things -blow drying, long showers, trying to avoid insect bites,  mascara - and learned to embrace others - Navy Showers, serious SPF, buffed nails, the art of the air-dry and streamlined packing.  Here are a few things that kept my bag light and organized this year:

1. A Maxi - I love a good maxi dress.  Be it plain like this one or patterned, a lightweight dress is perfect for the lake.  It can go from lounging to cover-up to dinner.  To keep the bottom from dragging in the sand, while simultaneously adding a waistline, just add a belt.  It's stylish without looking overdone (too many accessories is a sure way to standout in a too obvious way).

2. A Chambray Shirt.  I was a bit late to the chambray party, but now that I'm here, I'm totally embracing it.  I wore mine from Guess tucked into shorts, tied over dresses, and layered for extra warmth at the bonfire.  I love that it can wrinkle and still look totally polished.

3.  Lip SPF.  If there is one thing that never leaves my side during a trip to the lake, it's this lip protecting balm.  I try to be good about applying all-over, but I'm fanatical about applying to my lips.  This one glides one and has a super high SPF.

4.  Simple Tan Sandals.  When I'm not in my Sperry's or flipflops, I love a basic tan sandal.  They go with everything - shorts - dresses, jeans - cover-ups, you name it, it works.  These are elegant in their simplicity.

This year we had beautiful weather, a packed house, the annual clambake, and lots of boating.  Here are a few shots from the weekend:

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Friday Finds

The weekend can never come fast enough in the summer.  Here are a few things I'm excited about this week - 

- The Union Square Market has the freshest goodies around.  Mr. C is currently on a honey comb kick, so I'm looking forward to checking out the weeks's sweet offerings.  Here is a guide to the who's who on the market circuit.

- This easy-peasy gnocchi recipe was a perfect work-night meal.

- Humidity is par for the course on the East Coast.  While I love it - especially when it stays warm after the sun goes down, humidity hair is never a good look.  These ladies know the trick for lovely locks, regardless of vapor levels.

- It's officially peach season!  I'm drooling over this peach cobbler.

- I'm always looking for the next book to read.  I discovered this one at Barnes & Nobles the other day and have been intrigued ever since.

MC Foot Notes

I love heels as much as the next girl, but when the weather gets warm, it's all about flats. Nothing says summer weather like espadrilles.  Flat, but totally beachy-chic, these rope sandals instantly add a dash of Mediterranean without looking out of place.  In fact, they tend to look like you  are heading to some envy-worthy beach locale!  

Image via Ralph Lauren

Originally designed for foot soldiers in the 13th century, espadrilles have evolved (in materials and comfort, I'm sure!), but kept their roots with their natural-colored soles and easy-to-walk-in design.  This season, I'm especially loving those in bright, poppy colors or fun patterns.  One word of caution when shopping for espadrilles, look at the inner portion of the shoe and see if that part also features the rope.   While this does pay homage to the shoe's traditional feel, this can irritate after a bit.  Instead look for those that feature some cushion for maximum comfort.