Summer Faves!

Summer and I are lovers. There, I said it. I long for summer all year, and cherish every moment we have together. This summer is extra special because it is my first summer being part-time for the whole season. It’s really freaking exciting. Working part-time = more hours of summer-fun-having. And, since I am kind of an expert at summer (no big deal) I thought I would share with you my ‘must haves’ for a killer summer.*

1. Shaklee SPF 30: This sun screen is great and safe and gentle and it works! I use it on the kids and on my face/chest. Like all things Shaklee, a little goes a long way. Protect your skin, protect your babes.

2. A Great Maxi Dress: There is nothing better than being able to get dressed in 30 seconds and look great for almost any occassion. You don’t even need to shave your legs! I believe that the right maxi dress can be flattering on ANY body type. If you are short and/or curvy, just make sure you create a waste. Any cheap belt from Target will do.

3. Pomegranate Tea and Performance Electrolyte drink: Let’s face it, sports drinks are gross and full of junk (fake sugar, artificial flavors/colors). You and your kids should not be drinking them any more. And, most of those flavored tea drinks out there are loaded with sugar and artificial flavors. These are 2 of my favorite products and I especially like them together! This is my go-to for getting up and moving on hot summer days.

4. (speaking of drinks…) LaCroix: LaCroix has tons of different naturally flavored sparkling waters. The taste is very mild and pairs perfectly with fresh squeezed citrus and Vodka! Grab some Titos and LaCroix and then invite me to your party.

5. Antiperspirant Cream: Shaklee makes a really great antiperspirant cream and it has become my new favorite. I would always just buy whatever random deodorant off the shelf at Walgreens. Not any more. (btw, I LOVE buying things that I already have to buy anyway..but, from myself. I get paid to buy things from myself. How cool is that?)

6. All of the Flats and Wedges: Heels are nice, but sometimes in the summer you need to be careful. You never know when you will be walking thru grass or spending a day walking at a festival. Flats and wedges are a neccessity. They are so easy to find, and can be really cheap if you look in the right places.

7. Outdoor Activities: Depending on where you live, summer can be short. Where I live (north of Chicago) I’m lucky to get 4 months. Figure out how to be outside as much as possible. Run outside, do yoga outside, go to movies in the park, swim at the beach, sleep in a tent in the back yard, dine al fresco, sit around a bon fire until 2am, be in nature, lie in a hammock. I swear being outside in nature re-sets your soul and is mandatory for a healthy existence.

8. Stress Relief Complex: Yay, the kids are home all day…every day….awesome… This helps. You’ll just have to trust me on this one. Winky face.

9. A Sense of Adventure: I got this one from my sister who we call the Queen of Summer. She is a do-er and I am a relax-er (she gets mad at me a lot). But summer is for staying up late and meeting up with friends and traveling to new places and trying new foods/recipes. It is for saying ‘what the hell?’ and putting fun first.

10. Sky Guide: I just found out about this app. It is seriously so cool. It’s a map to the stars based on your exact location and where you are pointing your phone. So, if you are outside star gazing, you could point your phone in the same direction and it tells you what you are looking at. What?! I still don’t understand telephones let alone this futuristic insanity.

11. Healthy, quick meals: Summer is not a time for standing in your kitchen cooking! Summer is about smoothies, and salads, and a quick dinner on the grill. This is my absolute favorite protein for smoothies. Perfectly balanced, no artificial colors/flavors/sweeteners. AND, it is designed to help you hold on to muscle.

So that is my list of must haves for the summer. What did I miss? Cheers to the best summer yet!

*I am a Shaklee distributor. I make money on sales from these links. I DO love these products, but these are just my personal recommendations. Check with your doctor on anything that you are unsure of.