Things I’m Loving Lately: Summer Edition

There’s a chill in the evening air that’s starting to hint fall is on the way. With only one month of summer left, I’m trying my best to soak up every moment. This weekend we have plans to spend the day in Napa, starting with a 5k in the vineyards in the morning followed by a mud bath in Calistoga in the afternoon. Words cannot describe how excited I am!

I had a rough week with Coco while Brandon was out of town so I’m in dire need of some relaxation time. I won’t go into too much detail but let’s just say that after three consecutive sleepless nights and multiple rolls of paper towels, I’m thankful that feeding her brown rice and pumpkin finally did the trick.

Anyway, I hope you have plans to enjoy what’s left of summertime in the next month! In the meantime, here are a few of my favorite recent finds:

Broiler S'mores

#1 Broiler S’mores

You guys, Brandon has never been camping! As a kid who spent plenty of time snuggled up in sleeping bags out in the wilderness, I found that to be shocking. I thought everyone has been camping at some point?

I would love to eventually invest in some gear so that I can take him on his first camping trip but for now I’m settling for camping out at home with broiler s’mores. I like to make them with whole grain honey graham crackers, dark chocolate and vegan marshmallows. YUM.

Hummingbird

#2 Hummingbirds

We bought a hummingbird feeder at Lowe’s for our patio and I swear it was the best $20 I’ve ever spent. Our couch is less than five feet away from the feeder and I love to lay down and watch them while listening to the sound of their tiny wings fluttering. It’s so peaceful and relaxing.

Alba Coconut Milk Body Cream

#3 Coconut Milk Body Cream

I bought Alba’s Hawaiian Body Cream out of excitement for our honeymoon back in April and I’ve been using it all summer. It’s super hydrating without being greasy and the coconut scent is subtle enough that it won’t leave you feeling nauseous.

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#4 Argan Oil Mascara

Last time I was at Sephora I discovered that they stopped carrying the Korres Volcanic Mineral Mascara that I liked so I decided to try Josie Maran’s new Black Oil Mascara instead. I was a little hesitant because I found her original mascara to be really clumpy but that’s not the case with this one. It does such a good job at lifting and separating without making a clumpy, flaky mess. I love it!

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#5 Dry Shampoo

I talk a lot about beauty products in these posts, huh? Sorry, it’s a sickness. But listen, if you’re a dry shampoo user then I bet you would love this one. It smells good enough to eat! And Alterna is good about leaving out toxins so you can feel good about using it.

Where'd You Go Bernadette

#6 Good Books

Thanks to your recommendations on my last book review, I picked up a copy of Where’d You Go Bernadette and I’m loving it so far. The format was kind of weird at first but after the first twenty pages or so, I got used to it. I’m really enjoying the witty and sarcastic humor!

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#7 Google Search Terms

This has nothing to do with summer but I couldn’t help sharing it with you. The majority of the search terms that lead people to my blog are pretty straight forward but every now and then I’ll get one that really cracks me up. I should keep a running list but the most recent one that caught my eye was this: best cake images for girl friend who is a chocalate freak.

I guess food porn really is a thing.

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#8 Running

I’ve been bit by the running bug again! More running means I need new shoes, right? Right. I bought my first pair of Asics Gel Kayanos (they were barely on sale at Zappos) and I’m house-testing them before I fully commit to the high price tag. So far I like them but I’m not sure about the color. What do you think? Too much?

Besides our 5k this weekend, I’m contemplating a 10k in the fall and then I may sign up for a half marathon at the beginning of next year. I’m hesitant to run a half because I’ve heard that people lose their toenails when they run for that long and I’m not sure if I could handle that.  I’m also very under trained for the 5k in Napa so I’m not expecting any PRs this weekend but I am looking forward to the complimentary wine tasting after!

 

Prior Editions:

Winter Favorites

Things I’m Loving Lately: Natural Beauty Product Edition…and food

Things I’m Loving Lately: Wine and Easy Meals

Things I’m Loving Lately: Tea and Trail Mix

Ginger Pear Spritzers + Things I’m Loving Lately

 

Questions:

What are your summer favorites?

What’s your favorite running shoe?

Have you ever lost a toenail from running?

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