I don't know if you can't already tell by now but I love the warm weather, I love the balmy nights eating outside with my friends, using any excuse I can to head to the pool and to the beach, and I love that summer gets people back outside and enjoying each others company.
But there are a few things I can't live without in the summer and some essentials I thought I might share with you all, along with gelato always being stocked in the fridge here are a list of a few things I place at high importance.
Aloe Vera and Sunscreen:
Sunscreen to protect myself from the sun and most importantly my face, and then Aloe Vera for when I accidentally stay out in the sun for just that bit too long and end up looking like a red tomato. Apart from Aloe Vera being a great healer with sunburn I have also been using it lately to clear up my skin. Nothing else has worked as efficiently as this has, especially when I've got some raw skin I need to heal quickly; I place a bit on the affected areas every night until my skin calms down again. No joke, it heals scaring and red marks so quickly and leaves your skin so soft. Highly recommend.
A great pair of bathers:
I know this is a bit of no brainer in summer, but sometimes it can be hard to find the right swimsuit and for the right occasion. If I want to go swimming out in the waves I need something sturdy and practical that I know won't fall down on me when I'm diving underneath the waves pretending to be a mermaid. Then there's the perfect bikini for tanning in, of course sun safety is important but even with sunscreen on you can build up a natural tan, these bathers are great for minimal tan lines and are great for lounging by the pool in. I opt for lahanaswim, arabella swim, and Glassons for great bikinis for minimal tan line.
Ice packs and cold spoons:
I probably sound like an old lady saying this but a cold spoon in the refrigerator is a trick that has worked for years and continues to work for those puffy eyes and especially great during summer to cool down your face. Ice packs are again a great idea to keep around for sunburns, cooling down and keeping your food and drinks cool when you head outside.
Writing Journal or/and Books:
I don't know about you but there's just something so magical about finding a shady spot in summer and reading your favourite novel. If reading isn't your thing I quite enjoy journalling, I write down whatever is on my mind, poems, diary entries, short stories, or ideas for my next blog post. I especially find it quite therapeutic and often use my quiet time to reflect before I act too rash.
The perfect throw on dress or outfit:
I find especially in summer I don't want to be putting too much effort into my outfits or just find it too hot to wear numerous pieces of clothing. I want something I can throw on over my bathers but also something I can dress up if I need (especially with my change of mind with events). For me it's my favourite little white dress from 'Tree of Life' that I always take with me to the beach and then add some earring and shoes for dinner when the bathers dry.
Misting Spray:
I've mentioned this before in my summer travel essentials but I'll say it again, the Mario Badescu Skincare facial spray is my favourite misting and cooling spray. It definitely cools me down and sets my makeup at the same time. The best thing about this spray is that it's so affordable so I usually stock up on a few and keep some in the fridge and at my work to refresh during the day.
Iced Tea:
Ask anyone and they'll tell you just how much I'm obsessed with coffee (blame that on my mother who also has the same addiction, it's a very Lorelai and Rory situation there), but I don't know what it is about summer but it has me craving a sweet iced tea. I have the cutest little tea set from T2 that I love to use with their tea flavours, my favourites would have to be the fruity and spice infused ones.
A great Summer Playlist:
This is definitely one of the most important elements to my summer, having an important playlist will set the scene for your summer and it's always great to have a playlist ready for any occasion. I love a mixture of slow jams for the beach and then some classics for sing a-longs for road trips.
Music Festivals and summer concerts:
It wouldn't be summer without the concerts and festivals. I live for a good music festival just check my socials, everyone is there to enjoy the music and the best time. I'm that person that always has to be up the front for my favourite acts so you can be sure I stock up on the water before I'm in there so I don't have to miss any acts. I also love getting to dress differently every time and be in an environment where people don't discriminate and you can be dressed however you like.
The perfect small portable speaker:
In my group of friends it's essential that we have music playing in all social settings, at the beach, the pool, the park, bbq's, you name it and we'll be there with our own boombox. Thankfully modern technology has changed boombox's to mini booms; small speakers but with maximum volume. I have used my trusty UE Mini Boom for years now and it has never faltered in quality, if you want a bit more volume upgrade to the Wonder Boom. Some other great portable speakers I like are the Bose Mini Soundlinks and the JBL Clips (a very small speaker but so easy to take anywhere).
A good afternoon beverage and a great set of friends:
I couldn't not put on this list a good beverage, my perfect summer day is described as being with my friends at the beach with some hot chips and cold ciders. I don't need anything fancy from a crystal glass or to be at a nice restaurant venue, as long as I have my group of friends I know we'll have a great time. The most important part about enjoying your summer is to remember to take some time out for yourself and to also enjoy the company you surround yourself with.
Summer is my favourite time of the year for many reasons but partly because I get to spend it with the people that mean the most to me doing the things I enjoy the most.
So that concludes my summer essential list, what are yours?
T x
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