Summer Essentials

While it's technically still spring, summer break has officially begun and that means a whole new season to romanticize! Since this is my first real summer break as a working mom, I'm planning to squeeze every last drop of summer dreaming that I can into these next three months.

As with the turn of any season, I recently packed away my chilly-weather layers to make room for my summer clothes, and the closet swap got me thinking about all the other essentials I’ll be needing. This summer, I’ve set a goal to unplug a bit and look for as little inspiration as possible from the internet. I want to live, rest, and dream the way I used to when I was younger, allowing my ideas to come from my own imagination this time around.

Of course, as one does, a little bit of Pinterest managed to sneak in, but for the most part, these summer necessities are lovingly curated by me, myself, and I.

The biggest essential on my list actually came from a Pinterest ad. A woman was setting up a gorgeous summer oasis in her backyard, and I immediately exclaimed to my second-born, "We need to do this this year!" It didn't take me long to hit "add-to-cart" on our ultimate summer necessity: a tanning pool.

I don't know how you all feel about sunning, but I absolutely love to spend time in the sun (and with the right sunscreen, you can, too!). Getting outdoors used to be one of my favorite things to do during the summer, and this extra-large tanning pool provides the perfect place to catch some rays and cool off all at once. I actually bought two so that my second-born and I could spend slow summer afternoons reading and chilling in our own personal backyard pools!

To make things even sweeter, I was recently gifted a beautiful beach tote from one of my students (you can find a similar style here) which is perfect for holding our sunscreen, after-sun lotion, and the rest of our oasis essentials.

Of course, the next essential had to be a new swimsuit. I opted for a cute, scallop-trimmed one-piece in a lovely dusty rose color. To complete the look, I scored some fun, beach-inspired jewelry to wear this season. I love adding little touches that make every ordinary day of summer feel a bit more whimsical! This necklace and earrings set are just too cute to pass up and add the perfect bit of mermaid magic to any outfit.

I recently took a little shopping day with Evie, and she introduced me to some of my new favorite body care products. We don't just want to experience summer this year—we want to embody it with all five senses!

To us, the ultimate smell of summer is Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa #48, #39, and #91. If you're looking for a great budget find, Sunryz's Amber Sol whipped body cream is a super affordable dupe for Sol de Janeiro #40! To keep our lips glistening and summery, we're loving e.l.f.’s Peach Ring and Island Colada scented lip balm. And to keep our skin nice and soft for those backyard oasis days, Tree Hut’s Bikini Reef sugar scrub is the absolute vibe.

Lastly, I splurged on some new pastel markers and a beautiful, summery notebook. I can't wait to use them to write down all of my summer memories, dreams, and plans over the next three months!

 It feels so good to be dreaming up my own version of summer again. I feel fully equipped to step away from the screens and lean into a slow, intentional season. This summer is all about finding magic in the ordinary, and enjoying the gift of a new season! What are your must-have summer essentials? Let me know in the comments!