Favorite Things: Summer Edition

Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links, however that did not sway the items I chose 😉

My friend Elizabeth started a blog recently called Detroit Duchess. She covers TV, wine, and her favorite products. It’s so cute — definitely give her a visit! She did a neat little feature this past week on her favorite things for summer and it was so fun I thought I would write my own list.

Below you will find my own summer obsessions for both myself and my kiddos.

~ For Me ~ 

La Croix Sparkling Water

This beverage has been crucial in my kicking my pop habit. I never really cared for the taste of pop, but I loved the carbonation. La Croix is the perfect solution. It gives me the carbonation I crave in the summer, but without the calories or sugar. I love the lemon flavor best, but all are delicious and refreshing.

Garden Fresh Salsa {Jack’s Special – Medium}

I always think about making my own salsa…and then reality hits. Why would I take the time to do that when Garden Fresh provides exactly what I want? Truth be told, their Jack’s Special is one of the reasons I got a Costco membership. I prefer to buy it in massive quantities! So good on everything…in cottage cheese, topped on eggs, or in wraps. The ingredients are so fresh, it tastes like summer to me. No BBQ is complete without it!

Bud Light Lime’s Straw-Ber-Rita

Nothing scream summer like an ice-cold cocktail. Although I love authentic strawberry margs, this cocktail in a can gets the job done without needing to clean-up a mess after. This is crucial because I typically can’t enjoy a drink until the kids are in bed…and there’s no way I’m firing up a blender then! I was pleasantly surprised after trying this at a party. So delish! Fair warning: It’s pretty sweet, so you may only be able to stomach one. But at 8% alcohol, it packs the booze of two beers in one 😉 Holla!

Hats and Headbands

I love accessories. Only one issue: My standard dangly earrings and funky necklaces do not go well with having a baby. Even though Karina still likes to play with my hats and headbands, the novelty wears off way faster! I love all the headband creations by All Stitches Vintage {my great friend Lindsey is SO talented!}, and the hat on the right was a gift from my friend Tabitha from Needle Little Gift LLC {both Michigan biz ladies!}. Perfect for days when I don’t feel like fighting with humidity!

~ FOR KIDS ~

KEEN Newport H2 Sandals

My poor Kinley is clumsy like her mama, so I have learned a few times over that decent shoes are crucial for her and her little toes. I was excited to grab the pair of KEEN sandals shown above for her while on sale for $29.99 on Amazon. Such a great, durable brand, and I know I can get more life out of them with Karina next year.

Carter’s One Piece Outfits {With Snaps!}

I adore one-piece outfits for baby during summer. They help keep her cool and make diaper changes a cinch when we’re out, plus I don’t have to dig forever to find matching diaper covers…I’m so over trendy outfits with several pieces. They are a pain! I always try to find Carter’s stuff at Mom2Mom sales, but Amazon, Kohl’s, Meijer, and the Carter’s outlet are great spots to get them as well.

InStep Safari Double Jogging Stroller

I nabbed this while it was on sale for $149 {my birthday present} on Walmart.com. This stroller is awesome and functional. I actually use it for running, which is hard, but that’s a given when you’re pushing 50+ pounds of kids! To me, there are two crucial needs when it comes to shopping for strollers: Cup holders for not only both kids, but both parents too, and a large basket underneath, so this meets my criteria perfectly. We’re already getting a ton of use out of it, and the price cannot be beat.

GoGo Squeez

My girls love these little pouches of flavored applesauce. Low in added sugar, they are the perfect treat for being on-the-go in the summer, or throwing into our picnic cooler for a snack at the park. Sure, I could make my own applesauce, but sometimes convenience wins!

Stearns Puddle Jumper Deluxe Life Jacket

We spend a ton of time enjoying Michigan’s many lakes, so life jackets are crucial. I love the Puddle Jumper life jackets. Kinley knows she needs to wear it while around the water, and she doesn’t even mind. It seems way more comfortable for her over the typical life jacket style, and it gets an A+ for keeping her safe — especially now that she loves running into the water!

What are your favorite products for summer?