What I’m using & loving this summer

The throes of Summer are upon us. Some days (like today) are cloudy and cool with dainty raindrops spattering on the concrete to set a calm and reflective mood. Most are unrelentingly hot, humid and energy zapping. As a lifelong “hater” of Summer, to get me through the thick of the season, I turn to things that bring me joy.

#1 Saltair Moisture Bound Shampoo & Conditioner. You’ve probably seen these bottles strategically placed in a prime end cap at Target — but they can be a bit elusive. I finally found a matching pair and was pleasantly surprised by the results. Relatively inexpensive, these haircare products smell divine and wash / condition my hair as well as I could hope. I even bought my mom a travel sized set so she could take them on a recent trip.

#2 The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5% Serum. This sweet little bottle is a bit of a sleeper hit. Recommended via a medical esthetician’s YouTube channel, this product was provided as an alternative to vitamin C which has historically caused my skin irritation. Said to brighten skin and minimize environmental impacts, this pine bark extract is packed with antioxidants. The solution is somewhat greasy and dare I say, warm? It’s a consistency I can’t really describe — but it’s found it’s place as a regular in my skincare routine.

Click here for a peek into my full thirties-something skincare inventory.

#3 Beyond Yoga Spacedye Catught In The Midi High Waisted Leggings. Phoof, that’s a mouthful — but I literally live in these suckers. I am obsessed. The fabric is so soft, the length is chic, and the waistband forgiving. Is there anything worse than a workout / lounge pant that digs into your stomach? I think not… Show a little ankle for warmer days or layer with thick socks for an 80’s vibe.

PRO TIP: check out the sale section frequently for 50% off deals on “out of season” colors.

#4 Himalayan Salted Dark Chocolate Almonds. This treat from Good & Gather is perfect for a mid-day pick-me-up, after-lunch treat or grab + go snack. I typically prefer milk chocolate to dark, but the subtle salt makes this the perfect combo.

#5 MOSH Protein Bars. This was a featured product on a re-run episode of Shark Tank that I stumbled across a few weeks ago. Always one to try a new protein bar, I was further intrigued by the brain health benefits the company promoted. I’ve sampled most of the flavors in the variety pack and have enjoyed them all. The bars are on the smaller side, and have less protein than other options on the market, but the brain health mission will keep me a returning customer.

For more snack inspo, I documented my all-time favorite protein snacks (sweet & savory options) here.

#6 Sandwich Bros of Wisconsin Egg & Cheese Sandwich. I discovered these on a whim when my sister was visiting a few months ago. We needed an easy lunch item and found these in the frozen aisle. Given the simple ingredients, you wouldn’t think these would stand out from similar offerings, but oh they do. They cook quickly & evenly, are creamy, salty and warm, and are satisfying & satiating. I’ve been buying them on the reg ever since and enjoy them as a snack or part of a meal. Highly recommend.

#7 Plant Water Monitor. Slowly but surely I’ve been growing (pun very much intended) my collection of live plants. For the most part I’ve mastered how much water to give my plant babies — but I despise getting dirt in my fingernails every time I test the soil for moisture level. In comes the very simple and inexpensive solution - the Soil Moisture Meter. Give it a wipe down, stick it into your soil for a few seconds and see if the plant requires water. No more dirty fingernails for me! ;)

#8 The Inheritance Games series. I’ve been absolutely flying through this series. I recently started a book that sat on the corner of my bed, sadly waiting to be picked up for days, yet I had no interest.

As soon as I started the second book in this series, I have been reading nightly until I fall asleep. It’s a quick and fun read that keeps you on your toes.

To learn more about how I bolster my reading engagement, check out this blog post.

#9 Resident Alien. I’ll admit, I wasn’t hooked after the pilot episode. But fast forward a few weeks, I had finished all 34 episodes and was saddened to learn that season 4 had only just been green-lighted. Alas, I will wait patiently….

Harry’s expressions and mannerisms are EVERYTHING and I laughed out loud multiple times per episode. A little mystery, a little sci-fi, some romance and a lot of humor — this show is worth the watch.

#10 America’s Sweetheart’s Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Major binge watch potential. This new Netflix series is fascinating, informative and fun to watch. I also found the drive of the candidates featured throughout the series motivational and inspirational. Athletics, drama, dancing + music — what more could you ask for?!

That’s all I have this time around — but I hope you found a few new goodies to try or add into your routine. What’re some of your favorites this month? I’d love to hear from you!