Solar Powered

After several days of gloom, we've come to the conclusion that everyone in our office is solar powered.  I guess it makes sense since we live and work in Southern California, but what to do when the gloomy weather hits?  


Until the next sunny day, perhaps dream of going to places like this.....

Summer is finally here!!

Like so many other places across the US, Summer along the beaches in Los Angeles this year has been almost non-existent.

With 'Autumn' now looming, last week Summer FINALLY arrived! Everyone has been dashing to the beach before school starts, or carving some beach-time out of their busy 'get ready for school' weekend schedules.

In the midsts of embracing these first beautiful days of Summer, fashion magazines and stores are full of Fall merchandise! It is so hard to get excited about looking at boots and sweaters when it is 90 degress outside. Particularly now that we are finally able to wear all the cute Summer clothes that have been hanging in our closet waiting for our 'June Gloom' to go!

Now that Summer is truly here, with day after day of glorious sunshine, clear blue skies and warm ocean water, all we can do is be grateful it came at all!

And sometime in late November, when summer finally winds down, it will be time to stock up on Fall and Winter clothes that will be on sale, because fashion magazines and stores will be trying to make space for Spring.

Its' a topsy turvy world of fashion, and nowhere else I'd rather be, except the beach!

Summer with Fall In-Store

There recently was an article about changing the fashion cycle to better match the weather, you know, so that when its' hot you can actually find cute warm-weather clothes, and when its' cold and you're in the mood to get a mid-winter fashion pick-me-up, it is actually something you can wear without going on a tropical vaction.

Seems like such a simple thing, but is rather like trying to move mountains.

I think the out-of-cycle fashion cycle is one reason why the internet has taken shopping by storm. The internet has NO season. You can find whatever you want, whenever you want and have it delivered right to your door. Shopping online takes away the spirit of the 'hunt' that so many of us love when shopping, but does make the whole experience easier if you are trying to find a pretty dress for an August wedding, or a bikini for the Pool Party you were just invited to by your crush.

Anymore, customer service for web-based shopping is great. Not only can you get a live person on the phone, but they often know what they are talking about and are able to help you with how those tough to fit items (like jeans & swimwear) actually fit.

Changing the fashion cycle to match how we consumers actually shop might take eons for traditional stores, but online it is already the norm. Living in California means warm weather begins in July and ends in October - online makes living here fashionably that much easier!

In honor of online shopping and buying in-season, we are offering 20% off PLUS free shipping on our website: http://www.pokopanoswim.com/ through the month of August! Use promo code: SUMMERSAVINGS!!

Swimsuit Obsessed

Which bikini to wear?

One of the hardest parts about being obsessed about what you do for a living is actually deciding which bikini to wear to the beach. Since it was gorgeous on Sunday, we decided to go down to the beach for a few hours.

Deciding to go, and actually leaving, includes 15-20 minutes of bikini sampling before finding the right one for that day. Just like clothes, I have a whole wardrobe of swimsuits for every conceivable occasion: day at the beach, pool party, weekend in Vegas or Palm Springs, trip to Hawaii, weekend with parents. Even though I never wear everything in my collection, I love them all.

I picked this suit, Cherry Blossoms, for Sunday’s day at the beach because I love that this halter top is feminine yet has comfortable support. I am also a huge fan of our gathered hipster bottoms because they fit great and are super flattering.

We played a fierce round of paddle ball with no suit mishaps to report. Since this was the first time I've worn this suit, I immediately fell in love with it. A cute suit that stays in place when I am having fun at the beach is a keeper!

Beach Ready Tip & Tricks - Summer Beauty

Beach Ready Prepping for the Big Day

You’ve been eating right and exercising a little more and you’re starting to see results. Good for you!

There are just a few key beauty tips we want to cover so you’re feeling confident as you sport your new bikini at the beach or pool this summer.

Beach Beauty Tips – less is more.

1. Bikini wax a summer must have. Being well-groomed makes wearing that bikini a much more comfortable experience. If you decide to do it yourself, there are some great do-it-yourself waxing kits out there. But for the price, having a pro do it right is p the best way to go.

2. Be sun-smart. Check your sunscreens from last summer and make sure they aren’t expired. If they are, head to your favorite beauty store to get more for this summer. Expired sunscreen doesn’t provide the protection your fresh from winter skin needs to keep from burning.

3. Be kind to your face. Spend some extra dollars on a sunscreen specifically designed for your face, neck and décolletage. The skin in this area is thinner, more delicate and more prone to showing the signs of sun damage (wrinkles!) earliest. Go with at least an SPF 30 (we all use SPF45 and up in our office). You’ll look younger longer – and who doesn’t want that? Invest in some fun hats, and you’ll be that oh-so-mysterious girl at the beach that every guy wants to meet.

4. The best tan is a faux tan. If you love the sun and having a tan like we do, why not start summer tan day one at the beach? There are some amazing sunless tanners out now that look natural, smell great and last. No one will know you didn’t jet off to the Caribbean for spring break except your closest friends (who will undoubtedly beg for your secret tanning source as soon as they see the new bronze you). Make sure to wear sunscreen though because sunless tanners don't provide you any sun protection.

5. Cellulite Sucks. There is no other way to say it. It is no woman’s friend. The best solution we’ve found – fatgirl slim from Bliss, it works wonders. Can’t swing a special cream? Apply sunless tanner. Somehow having those problem areas bronzed makes them look a little closer to beautiful.

6. Painted and Polished. Summer is the perfect excuse to get a professional pedicure. Treat your feet to a buff and polish and step into those cute summer sandals you've been dying to wear. Best way to save a pedicure from the rigors of sand, is to apply a good topcoat to your toes before you hit the beach. OPI makes a great one that's worth the price.

Next edition we’ll cover Beach Day Hair & Make-Up

Beach Ready Tips & Tricks Part Two

Beach Ready Part II

The Girl Scout Cookies are gone, replaced with a few more fruits, vegetables, and salads. Soda and alcohol consumption is down with more water and tea taking their place. You’re trying to park as far away as possible to get those extra steps in throughout the day. What’s next on our ‘Beach Ready’ plan you ask?

We are big fans of small simple changes that over time, equate to big results, so bear with us as we suggest just a few more.

Eating Right: Small Changes

1. Give up fast food. Period. There is no such thing as healthy fast food. It is as empty a calorie as cookies and chips only with tons of fats, preservatives and fillers. You deserve better, so eat that way!! Shower yourself with fresh fruits, nuts, lean meats, fish, veggies, cheese (yes cheese!) and you won’t miss that nutritionally deficient fast food filler.

2. Clean out your cupboards. Like cleaning out your closet of clothes you no longer wear, cleaning out your cupboard of chips, cookies, cakes, pies, pretzels etc. will help you stay on track. Instead replace these nutritionally empty snack foods with better choices. Since no one is perfect, if you do get the urge to splurge, try to limit your intake of these types of foods to ‘special occasion’ single serving sizes – and try to eat just one.

3. Had enough on food changes? Not sure you can make them all? That’s okay, just do your best each day, keep track of what you eat and make sure each of your three meals (skipping meals equals a slow metabolism) include fresh fruits, vegatables and lean protein and no fast food or snack foods!

Exercise : A Few More Changes

1. Exercise 30 minutes a day 3 times a week. It is warming up, birds are singing, flowers are blooming; a perfect time to take your exercise routine outside! Even 30 minutes a day, 3 times a week can make a big difference in how you look and feel. Maintaining a healthy pace as you walk, jog or ride your bike will get your heart rate up and blood flowing.

2. Add some weight. No, not put on weight, but ADD weights to your workout routine. Muscle burns more calories than fat, so ideally you want to build as much muscle as possible to turn your body into a top notch calorie burner. Small hand weights of 3-5 pounds used regularly whether for bicep curls, lunges or squats make you work harder and help you build muscle as you burn calories. A powerful combination that really helps get you results.

3. Hate the idea of a ‘work out’? Get bored at the thought of the gym or weights? The key to exercise is to move your body for at least 30 minutes. Dance, swim, bike, hike, skateboard, roller skate, volleyball, tennis – the list of options is endless. Try them all till you find one or two you like and, as Nike says, ‘just do it!’ You’ll look and feel better in no time!

Next up, getting ready for your first beach day.

Beach Ready Tips & Tricks

The onset of Spring is always so exciting! However, most of us dread facing swimsuit season! This year we want to share some of our 'Beach Ready' tips and tricks so you can embrace swimsuit season with a smile!

Beach Ready Round One

Eating Right - The #1 way to look and feel better! Keep it simple with three tips:
A. Drink water or tea instead of juice, soda or alcohol
B. Eat more foods that are plants or grow on trees
C. Eat less food that is manufactured, processed and sold in boxes

Exercise - The #2 way to look and feel better! Again just a few simple changes:
A. Park as far away as possible from the entrance of where you work or shop and walk the extra distance to the door.
B. Take the stairs wherever and whenever possible.
C. Take breaks from sitting throughout the day; get up and walk around at least every hour.

Make these few small changes and see how you feel. We'll have more 'Beach Ready' tips and tricks in the next few days!

Beach Brain

Today in our neighborhood it is warm, blue skies and sunny! After all of our rain, it is beginning to feel like Summer really is around the corner!

It puts me right into Beach Brain mode, where the dream of calling in sick and going to the Beach kicks into high gear!
Sadly, I can't play hooky today, BUT, I can offer you 10% off your next Poko Pano purchase if you complete our survey.

Here it is: http://tinyurl.com/affcwx

Thanks for letting us know what you think!