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.
I’m looking forward to lots of unstructured time with my kids!
I am looking forward to having another baby. My husband and I lost our daughter last summer during delivery. We are feeling so blessed to be having another baby girl!
Pool and sun time are at the top of my list! Also, not having to nag my 12 year old son to get his homework done!!!
I’m also a water bottle junkie!
I am happy to have my oldest home from college for a few months, my youngest to get his license, and, most of all, not having to get up quite as early!
I’m looking forward to gardening with my kids. Also not having homework to do because the last 4 weeks of homework time have been a nightmare.
I am a high school teacher, and I am most looking forward to a bit of relaxation this summer!!! Last summer brought a house move and a new job, so I missed the relaxation part!
I am looking forward to spending evenings and weekends in the pool and playing in the yard with my three girls since we don’t have to get up for school!!
I am looking to spending some time on the beach with my husband. I’m down 65 lbs from last summer and ready to rock a swimsuit!
I’m looking forward to sleeping in and less structure.
Looking forward to sleeping in and not packing lunches every day! And looking forward to finding local adventures with the kids!!
What I am looking forward to this summer is spending some good quality time with my family. Making as many memories as we possibly can! Thank you!
Looking forward to a summer wedding for my oldest!
We’ve got a move coming up and a family reunion in California!
I’m looking forward to spending time with my two twin grandbabies
I’m looking forward to vacation time with family. ❤
I’m looking forward to getting our pool up so I can go swimming daily!
I look forward to spending the days at the pool
I am looking forward forward to spending the days at the pool with my kiddos!!
I’m looking forward to a girls-only college graduation trip with my daughter!
I’m most looking forward to having my husband home for the summer. He is a teacher and a coach and spends a lot of time away from the family.
I’m most looking forward to relaxing and regrouping after my first year of teaching kindergarten.
I’m most looking forward to vacations!! We’re going to visit family and I’m excited for my kids to have cousin time!
As a mom, I think I look forward to school summer break more than my daughter! No homework, nothing to sign, no packing lunches, no school activities to keep up with, no car line…everything is more relaxed.
I’m looking forward to a couple of months of not sitting in the carpool line pickup at school and lots of sunshine!
I am most looking forward to going back to the States and bingeing on Americana. We get to see family, friends and regroup before heading overseas again early August.
Being embraced by warmth and sunshine, easier meals, evening fires, lightening bugs, long days, reading/napping in the hammock, flowers, neighbors being outdoors, . . .
I am looking forward to camping with the family this summer- there’s nothing like food and s’mores cooked over a fire!
Going to the beach!
Excited to visit family and having a more relaxed schedule fir a few months.