Happy Almost Fourth of July everyone! I can't believe we are already into July, I guess time flies when you are having fun. Over the past few weeks I have been thinking about what items are essential for summer and I decided to share my favorites on here. I know this post is typically a top 5, but I didn't want to only choose 5 items. Let's get started!
Swimsuit | Sunscreen | Lip Shield | T-Shirt | Straw Bag | Unicorn Floats | Bubly
Sunscreen: The one thing I have learned, after spending much of my life in FL, is that sunscreen is key to healthy skin. I have had more sunburns than I can count and the days after a sunburn are just miserable. I used to not use sunscreen because they would make me feel sticky or would irritate my sensitive skin. A few years ago I was introduced to Rodan + Fields body sunscreen. It is an SPF 30 and I use it for everything from being out and about in Atlanta, to spending a full day outside at Disney. The sunscreen is very light and doesn't make you feel sticky or like you have on a thick coat of heavy lotion. I do reapply it, as needed, throughout the day and I just love this sunscreen!
LipShield: Protecting you skin from the sun is important, but have you ever thought about protecting your lips? I used to be one of those people who thought anything you put on your lips would protect them. Let me be the first to tell you, lip gloss (with glitter) will only attract the sun and make your lip sunburn a little worse. After being introduced to the sunscreen I also tried Rodan + Fields Lip Shield. I carry this with me at all times and I also put in on top of my lipstick for extra moisture and extra protection. The lip shield also feels very light, so you don't have to worry about something heavy being on your lips.
Swimsuit: This is something I am new to, because I haven't put on a swimsuit in years! After becoming confident in myself I started looking for a great one piece suit, because I am not quite ready for a two piece. I had been looking around for a really cute one piece, that wasn't going to cost a lot of money, and stumbled upon this suit at Walmart. This suit is very chic and comes in a couple different prints. The best part...this suit is $19.96! How can you beat that! It fits true to size and you could buy a couple for your summer fun. It would also look super cute paired with a pair of jean shorts and sandals. You can also add a light kimono to complete the outfit!
Cute T-Shirts: Summer to me, is a time for cute t-shits paired with shorts so you are cool and comfortable. I found this top over the weekend at a store called Palmetto Moon and it was perfect to add in this post and I also knew I needed it in my wardrobe. The shirt is made by Simply Southern and all of their tops are super cute. If you are looking for cute t's head over to Palmetto Moon's website and take a look! They also have stores in the south, so check their store locator to see if there is one near you!
Straw Tote: No summer outfit is complete without a straw tote. There are some that are really structured, like the one I have, and others that are more flimsy and can hold anything. This bag is great for everyday use as well as throwing in a towel and using it as a beach/pool bag. I have been using this bag for weeks and the only issue I've had is carrying my laptop. The laptop will fit, but it has to be at an angle, which makes it a little hard to carry. So, if you are looking for a great straw tote, definitely check it out.
Unicorn Floats: I am a big believer that the summer is all about the accessories, which means anything unicorn related is not bad. I have been wanting one of those huge unicorn floats for the past few years, but I don't have a pool and can't really justify having this float at my house. My mom has also told me I can't put a 9ft unicorn float in the area between the family room and the kitchen..yes, I tried to add it as furniture to the home! I found these beverage floats at Palmetto Moon as well and I thought they were the best of both worlds. I still get my unicorn float, but I can use these in the home, on the porch or in the pool/lake. If you are looking for the joy of having a unicorn float, and don't have room for a huge float, then this is definitely your best option!
Water: There is nothing more important than staying hydrated over the summer months. I found Bubly water when Mom and I went to the Atlanta Bruch Festival and immediately started looking for them in the store. This is my favorite carbonated water and the flavors are simple. There are no weird mixtures of fruits, there is just basic flavors: cherry, strawberry, lemon, lime, mango, apple and grapefruit. I have one Bubly a day and it is great to quench your thirst I have shared this water with so many of my friends, so I wanted to share it with all of you as well!
BONUS ITEM!!!
My bonus summer essential is a great grill! I have had my Char-Broil Grill for almost three years and I use it all the time! To me, grilling is a great way to spend evenings in the summer and the food you make is amazing! I have made everything from steaks, chicken, kabobs, shrimp and I even made grilled veggies over the weekend! My grill is a 4 burner grill and can fit so much food! I found this grill in the Lowe's ad and had my neighbor pick it up for me, since no vehicle we owned at the time would fit it. Watch your Sunday ads for who has the best deals, but I have linked the one that is the closest to mine above!
I am sure I could come up with more items and keep this post going, but what are your favorite essentials for summer?