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 most looking forward to a break from the morning rush of getting my kids ready and off to school.
I’m looking forward to not having a schedule and spending time with family.
My favorite thing in summer is watching the fireflies. I also love making strawberry ice cream.
The beach!!!! We go to Destin, FL every summer and it’s amazing!
So many things I am looking forward to – My oldest being home from college for 2 whole months, girls trip to Destin next week, spending weekends with family and friends in our pool, and using my new OBB meal plans!!
Sunshine and pool time!
BBQs, watermelon, and sunshine!!
Swimming and riding bikes!
I’m looking forward to camping! I love being outside. It is how I recharge.
I am so excited to play and swim with my kids… and I’m not gonna lie… sleeping in sounds mighty fine to me too!!!!!
I’m most looking forward to lots of family time since my husband is a teacher and has the summer off!!!
I’m looking forward to everything non-school related. No getting ready, no signing paperwork, not paying for school lunches, not this after school activity or that.
I’m looking forward to time by my pool and under my patio cover relaxing and enjoying life.
I’m most looking forward the more relaxed schedule! If I don’t get dinner done until 7:30, no big deal?
I am looking forward to having my daughter home from college for the summer!
I am looking forward to not waking my kids up at 7am and having a *little* more of a relaxed morning. However, now that they don’t HAVE to get up at 7am, they will most likely get up at that time on their own. You know, like they do on Saturdays and Sundays right now…even though I am DRAGGING them out at that same time Mon-Fri :/
I’m looking forward to not having to get up super early and letting the kids play as late as they want at night. They think it’s so unfair to have to go to bed when it’s still light outside.
I’m looking forward to NO schedules and lots of fun with my kids!
Looking forward to sleeping in, no schedules, lots of coke zero and lots of pool time!!
So looking forward to not packing lunches in the morning for my kids! And just excited freedom from schedules. Summer is the best!!
Family reunion in Yellowstone!
I’m looking forward to the relaxed summer schedule after a crazy busy spring sports season.
What a great giveaway! I would love to try some of these things! Thanks!
So looking forward to bbq’s and reading some good books! Anticipate spending quality time with my kids as they are growing much too quickly for me to comprehend that someday soon they will be moving away to college.
Hanging out in the sun with my family.
Okay, I live outside of Portland, Oregon, so I realize that predisposes me to rain but this year has been SO BAD and unseasonably cold and I don’t want 90 degree weather but what I’m most looking forward to is the perfect summer stretch of 80-85 degrees when nights don’t go below 70 and all is right in my world (and my power bill). = )
I reallyreallyreally hate direct sales, too. But gosh dangit, R+F almost has me convinced I need it in my life. It’s like I’m holding out on principle!
I’m really looking forward to spending some time visiting my parents in my hometown. It’s always peaceful, enjoyable and nostalgic. My summer wouldn’t be complete without it!
I’m looking forward to grandkid sleepovers, lazy days and welcoming a new puppy!
My parents have been out of the country for 3 years and they’re coming home this summer! I can’t wait to see them and to have my whole family in town.