So summer is right around the corner–for some of us more than others (my kids are out this week!) Which means that for families, there’s more swimming, popsicles. sleeping in, later nights, grilling, fighting, declarations of “I’m soooooo boooooored!”, and kids asking every 15 minutes if they can have a snack. So while summer is magical and wonderful and it’s amazing to step away from the daily grind for a few months, sometimes you’ve gotta treat yo self. I’ve picked a handful of my favorite summer luxuries and not only am I sharing the things I love, but I’m giving away a box of all these things (plus a few little extra things I love!)
- Rodan + Fields Mineral Facial Sunscreen. Full disclosure: I’m not selling this. This isn’t an affiliate link, meaning if you buy it, I don’t get any kind of perk, money, product, anything. I just love it, which was never the plan because I am really not a fan of direct sales. That said, earlier this year, I had tried literally every type of product they make except for Accutane for acne (and I’m in my thirties…I don’t need adult acne in my life) and finally decided to give their Unblemish regimen a shot. It really helped, but I have very sensitive skin and I felt like washing it twice a day with Unblemish was a little too much for it, so I started using the Soothe regimen at night. Between the two of them, it’s slowly been solving my problems.
The Soothe regimen came with a mineral sunscreen, which I didn’t necessarily need because I already had sunscreen in the moisturizer I was using in the morning, but I really love using this during the day (and sunscreen for me is a must–fair skin + fair hair + a family history of skin cancer + a history of burning = no bueno). I hatehatehate just about every facial sunscreen because they feel oily and greasy and make me break out and they stink, but this is none of those things. It’s definitely spendy, but mineral sunscreens just are expensive and this doesn’t cost as much as others I’ve seen.
2. Contigo Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottles. Hi, I’m Kate (“Hi, Kate!”) and I’m a water bottle junkie. I have so many, but Contigo water bottles are consistently my favorite, both for my kids and for me (the self-sealing bottles are a deal breaker.) I love these bottles because a) they keep my drink cold all day, even in the heat, b) they’re a manageable size, c) they’re spill-proof, d) they have a little part that snaps over where you drink so if you toss it in a bag or take it on a hike, it keeps the mouth part covered, e) you can drink with one hand, so it’s perfect for the gym or when you have your hands full, and f) it doesn’t make your water taste like metal (which is usually my problem with stainless steel bottles.) This two-pack is a fantastic deal, way cheaper than buying them individually.
3. Raffaelo Almond Coconut Truffles. So a few weeks ago, a friend of mine gave me a box of these and my life has been changed. I’d never had them before, and I’ve got them squirreled away in my cupboards and ration them out like there’s a shortage. The funny thing is that if I were to pick a treat, it probably wouldn’t be white chocolate or almonds or coconut, but the combination of them is a.maz.ing. You can probably find these cheaper in stores (although they can be kind of tricky to find–look with the premium chocolates like the Lindt Truffles)–check Walgreens and CVS (of all places). I’ve also seen them at Target, but at my Target, they’re only packaged in larger boxes with other truffles.
4. Dry shampoo is an essential during the hot summer months and finding the right dry shampoo can be kind of a challenge. I got a sample of Living Proof Dry Shampoo (trial size and full size) in my Ipsy box about a year ago and it quickly became my favorite. Most dry shampoos smell so strong and have kind of a baby powder smell to them, which I’m not super into. I also feel like a lot of times, they’re not doing a whole lot except making my hair smell kind of like a sweaty baby, which is nice on a baby but not so much for me. I love the herb-y smell of Living Proof and yeah, it is strong, but not as strong as others I’ve tried. I also feel like it actually makes my hair less gross. I bought a full-size can of it in November and just barely ran out, so a little goes a long way!
5. The Coco Shea line from Bath and Body Works this year is SO amazing! I’ve been loving Coco Shea Coconut Body Lotion (the cucumber is also fantastic) for my body. Sometimes coconut-scented products take on a weird smell after awhile, but these just smell amazing, start to finish, and aren’t too heavy or too light.
I’m super excited to give a box of my favorite summer treats away, so if you want a box of all these things, leave a comment telling me the thing you’re most looking forward to this summer! When you comment, make sure you use an email address you check frequently in the email address field (you don’t have to leave it in your comment). The giveaway ends Sunday, May 21st at 10:00 pm Central time and the winner will be announced in my post on Monday, May 22nd.
Fine print: This giveaway is NOT sponsored, meaning we pay for the cost of the prizes. All opinions are our own. There are some (but not all) affiliate links in this post. Winner must have a US mailing address.
Looking forward to a more relaxed schedule and a few pajama days! 🙂
Summer for me = fresh veggies & the farmer’s market. YUM. I guess I’m mostly always all about the food…..:)
beach time with the family! and no homework 🙂
I am most looking forward to the in-ground pool we’re having installed this summer!!
I’m a teacher of 21 first graders. ‘Nough said… haha but really, just having a little time to get things done and plan my daughter’s wedding in August will be events to look forward to!
[email protected]
Looking forward to spending time outdoors after work with my baby and family! Going to the park, taking a walk, playing with bubbles!
Looking forward to the weather, camp, and much more relaxed work schedule!
Pool time with my kids!
Looking forward to summer fun with the kids!
I can’t wait for slower mornings!! Our family all loves dinner from the grill and mommy loves less kitchen mess. ; )
All three of my boys will be home!!! This makes my heart so happy!
I am looking most forward to summer for the warm weather. Something about the weather changes your mood entirely. I want you go to the beach for sure and just relax!!! Enjoy your summer everyone!
I’m looking forward to the warm weather and days out in the sun.
I’m looking forward to the annual Bear Lake family reunion!
I’m most looking forward to a trip home to visit family!
I’m looking forward to an amazing trip with family this year!
I’m looking forward to being able to spend more time as a family!!
I’m looking forward to having my baby….my third boy!!
Most looking forward to a road trip to visit my daughter.
This past year was my first year as a working mom. I get the summer off and can’t wait to just focus on my kiddos and husband.
I amber looking forward to a break from driving my kids around everyday!
Wow. Autocorrect. I am looking forward to a break from all the driving!
We just moved into a new house in December, so I’m looking forward to seeing my new home through the spring and summer and being surprised by all the different plants and flowers that spring up. The previous owner was into her flowers, so I’ve already had the fun surprise of EIGHT (yes eight) different colors/varieties of lilacs! I didn’t even know they made that many.
I am looking forward to family vacation in Puerto Rico!!
Looking forward to taking my children to Europe to visit their cousins, who they miss dearly. Can’t wait to see my sister and catch up on missed time with family!
Looking forward to beach days and no homework!
Looking forward to a little more relaxed schedule during the summer months!
This is my first summer as a stay at home mom so I am most excited about being able to spend some quality time with my girls!
I am looking forward to the grandkids coming for an extended visit.
Looking forward to our family vacation to Cancun!
I am most looking forward to my oldest being home from college–it has felt strange having a family member missing during the school year!
I’m most looking forward to time with my family, as my husband is a hs math teacher, summers are a precious time for us together. My kids are young and we are expecting our 4th early September, so just sweet time together at the beach and at home over good meals is what I am most excitied for!