25 Expert Tips to Make This Summer Your Best!
Summer's calling, and whether you're dreaming of exotic escapes or soaking up the sun in your own backyard, preparation is key! This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to purchase to make the most of your summer! From essential travel gear to home decor that screams summer vibes, and lifestyle upgrades for ultimate enjoyment, we've got you covered. Get ready to create your ultimate summer shopping list!
Why You Need a Summer Prep & Shopping List:
Getting ready for any new season is exciting, but can be overwhelming, but summer is one of those times you want to spend as much time as possible outdoors enjoying life, instead of at home stressed out and trying to organize.
I always SWEAR by having a summer prep checklist to:
Stress-Free Adventures: Knowing you have everything you need for your travels minimizes pre-trip anxiety and ensures smooth sailing.
Efficient Packing & Spending: Planning your purchases in advance helps you buy only what's necessary, saving you time and money.
Home Oasis Ready: Equipping your home for summer entertaining and relaxation maximizes your enjoyment of the season.
Enhanced Summer Lifestyle: Investing in the right gear for your favorite activities makes them more enjoyable and convenient.
Let's dive into the ultimate summer shopping list!
25 Expert Tips to Make This Summer Your Best:
The Ultimate Summer Prep Checklist!
Part 1: Vacation Prep - Your Ticket to Seamless Travel ✈️🌴
No summer is complete without at least one vacation! I am working on plans for a few, and even though I always prefer to spend more of my money on the trip than on the prep, I do need to refresh a few items before heading out on my next adventure. If it’s been a while since you treated yourself to a vacation, and some new vacation ready outfits and accessories, here is what I recommend you add to cart:
Lightweight Dresses: Breathable and stylish, lightweight dresses are perfect for staying cool in warm climates and transitioning effortlessly from day to evening.
Classic Linen Separates: This is the fabric of summer and is perfect for running around your city or exploring a new country on vacation. I love having a rotation of linen tops, tanks, pants and dresses to keep me covered for every trip.
Swimwear You Feel Good In: Packing at least two swimsuits ensures you always have a dry one, essential for beach and pool days. And don’t worry about the skimpy cuts or trendy looks, go for what makes you feel good! And don’t forget your sarong or kimono. It can double as a cover up or elevate even a simple sundress or shorts and tank combo. Throw in a travel friendly beach bag that will hold all your essentials, and you are good to go! This one from Simple Modern is perfect for carrying everything you need and is a breeze to clean up.
Shoe Wardrobe Refresh: Comfortable footwear is a must for summer! Think about picking up a pair of versatile sneakers that are perfect for active adventures, travel days, and casual sightseeing. Casual walking sandals are also a must, so invest in some quality walking sandals to be able to explore all day while preventing blisters and foot fatigue.
Stylish Sun Protection: Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays while adding a touch of style to your look. You can also opt for a stylish sun hat to provide crucial sun protection for your face and scalp and just look pretty cute in your pics!
Compact Travel Tripod: As someone who travels solo often, this is an essential! You can easily capture stable, high-quality photos and videos, like the ones I shot of myself in this post! I love this one that comes with two ring lights and can extend fully up and down to capture the perfect overhead shots.
Durable Packing Cubes: I look like I pack light, but my bag is usually stuffed to the brim! Packing cubes have been a game changer for helping me organize my luggage, compress clothes to save space, and make it easier to find what you need.
Part 2: Home Decor & Summer Entertaining - Creating Your Summer Sanctuary ☀️🍹
Entertaining at home in the summer is always a blast! Whether it’s for BBQs, cocktail parties, or movie nights, this is how you can transform your home into a summer haven and host events with a level of chic that will rival even the impeccable Megan Sussex!
New Outdoor Decor: Refresh your outdoor space if you have one – you’ll be using it a lot more this season! Even if it’s a small space, some fresh cushions, outdoor rug and string lights can change the ambiance and create a more inviting and comfortable outdoor living space.
Entertainment essentials: invest in some colorful melamine plates and bowls and shatterproof drinkware. They are durable, lightweight, and perfect for outdoor dining without the risk of breakage. And while you’re at it, add a new pitcher to cart! Its perfect for serving refreshing summer drinks like iced tea, lemonade, or infused water in style. And don’t forget the citronella candles or torches keep pesky insects away, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space in peace.
Beach and Pool Vibes: is it really even summer without some beach or pool parties planned? Upgrade your towels to some fluffy fresh ones in fun pop color designs and grab a cute inflatable floatie for even more fun!
Part 3: Summer Lifestyle & Activities Shopping List - Embrace the Season! 🚴♀️🍉
Whatever your fave summer activities are, it’s time to get ready for all of the fun in the sun!
Essential Fitness Upgrades: It’s time to grab some lightweight workout gear, new hiking boots, and a fresh pair of kicks for all the hot girl walks you’ll be going on! And don’t forget a water bottle to encourage hydration and reduce single-use plastic waste.
Fun Beach Games & Active Entertainment: Enhance your beach or backyard fun with engaging activities that will keep you and your friends active.
A new Journal or Coloring Book: I love the idea of having a dedicated space for capturing your summer memories, thoughts, and inspirations. And coloring is a perfect way to relax and unwind, and definitely beats the nightly doom scroll!
Part 4: Beauty Upgrades for New Season
My skin has gotten weirdly sensitive as I’ve gotten older, so I’m being extra careful about the ingredients and products I introduce into my routine. Summer weather can cause extra irritation, but the increase heat and humidity can also make it impossible to keep your makeup on and looking good.
Gentle Cleansers: Keep this part of your routine simple to ensure you are not overloading on active ingredients. I love Cetaphil cleansers and moisturizer to keep my skin balanced and not compete with other ingredients and stress out my skin.
Sunscreen: Don’t leave home without it! You really should be wearing it all year round, but especially in summer when you are getting a lot more sun exposure.
Longwear Primer & Setting Spray: Humid temps are terrible for keeping your makeup looking fresh! I swear by priming and setting my skin properly to keep my face on all day. And if your skin is extra oily, you can consider adjusting your usual foundation to a powder formula.
Moisturizing Foot Masks: You’ll be showing your feet off a lot more this season, so keep those little piggies soft and moisturized with frequent exfoliation and moisturization.
What are you looking forward to most this summer?
Make the Most of Your Year: 10 Things to Do Before the End of 2023!
And another year has basically flown by! I still remember ringing in the start of 2023, and in what feels like the blink of an eye, I am prepping for Thanksgiving and getting ready to dust off my holiday decoratins!
As we approach the end of another year, it's the perfect time to reflect on the goals we set and the experiences we've had. The end of the year often brings a sense of closure and a fresh start, and there are plenty of things you can do to make the most of the time left in 2023. While my personal productivity has fluctuated A LOT this year due to plenty of emotional and life ups and downs, I’m ending the year on a positive note, focusing more on self-care and less on feelings of accomplishment.
Keep reading for 10 things to do before the end of the year, so you can finish the year on a high note, no matter how you are feeling right now!
10 Things to Do Before the End of 2023!
Reflect and Set New Goals
Before jumping into new adventures, take some time to reflect on your accomplishments and experiences throughout the year. What were your goals at the beginning of 2023, and how far have you come in achieving them? Celebrate your successes and learn from your challenges. Then, set new goals for the coming year. Whether they are personal, professional, or a combination of both, having clear objectives can help you stay motivated and focused.
Explore a New Hobby
The end of the year is an excellent time to try something new. Explore a hobby that you've always been curious about. It could be painting, gardening, dancing, cooking, or any other activity that piques your interest. Learning a new hobby can be a fun and enriching experience, and it's a great way to broaden your horizons.
Volunteer and Give Back
The holiday season is a time for giving, and there are numerous opportunities to volunteer and give back to your community. Whether you choose to volunteer at a local food bank, participate in a charity run, or help organize a toy drive, contributing to a good cause can be a heartwarming and fulfilling experience. Make a difference in someone's life and spread kindness this year.
Reconnect with Loved Ones
Life can get busy, and it's easy to lose touch with friends and family. Before the year ends, make an effort to reconnect with loved ones. Call or meet up with old friends, arrange a family gathering, or simply send a heartfelt message to someone you care about. These connections are invaluable and can bring a lot of joy to your life. Since I’ve traveled and moved around so much, I’m working on scheduling touch bases with my friends and family to make sure I stay connected. With everyone being so busy these days, you have to be proactive about managing relationships with loved ones.
Declutter and Organize
A tidy space can lead to a clearer mind. Take the time to declutter and organize your home before the year's end. Donate items you no longer need, reorganize your closets, and create a serene and clutter-free environment. It's amazing how a clean and organized living space can positively impact your overall well-being. Some people prefer Spring cleaning, but I prefer to do a deep clean and purge this time of year, so I start the new year with fresh, clean energy.
Travel Somewhere New
Traveling can be a source of inspiration and personal growth. Plan a trip to a destination you've never been before, whether it's a nearby town or a far-off country. Exploring new places can provide you with unique experiences, broaden your horizons, and create cherished memories. Even if you don’t take the trip now, take advantage of Black Friday travel deals to plan a dream trip for later!
Learn Something New
The pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong journey. Before the year is over, consider learning something new. It could be a new language, an online course, or even picking up a new skill, like playing a musical instrument. Expanding your knowledge and skill set not only enhances your personal growth but also offers new opportunities and challenges.
Prioritize Self-Care
Taking care of yourself is crucial for your overall well-being. Make self-care a priority before the year ends. This can include practices like meditation, regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and pampering yourself with a spa day or a weekend getaway. Ensuring that you are physically and mentally well will enable you to tackle the challenges of the coming year with resilience and positivity.
Plan for the Future
Set yourself up for success in the new year by planning for your future. Whether it's creating a budget, making investments, or setting up a retirement account, taking steps to secure your financial future is essential. Additionally, consider updating your will or estate plan to ensure your loved ones are protected. Planning for the future can provide peace of mind and a sense of security.
Create a Year-End Tradition
To make the most of the year-end, consider creating a tradition that you can look forward to each year. This could be a special New Year's Eve celebration, a gratitude journal, or even a symbolic ritual that marks the end of the year and the beginning of a fresh start. Traditions can bring a sense of continuity and anticipation to your life.
As we approach the end of 2023, it's the perfect time to reflect on the year that's passed and prepare for the year ahead. These 10 things to do before the end of the year can help you make the most of your time, create memorable experiences, and set the stage for a fulfilling future. So, seize the remaining days of the year and make them count. Whether it's personal growth, giving back, or simply cherishing the moments with loved ones, make the most of your time before we ring in the new year!
What are you looking forward to most for 2024?
10 Things to Do Before the End of 2023!
Reflect and Set New Goals
Explore a New Hobby
Volunteer and Give Back
Reconnect with Loved Ones
Declutter and Organize
Travel Somewhere New
Learn Something New
Prioritize Self-Care
Plan for the Future
Create a Year-End Tradition
Read more in lifestyle
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8 Savvy Tips You Need Now to Be Perfectly Prepared for Fall
Well, it’s officially Fall!
I feel like summer flew by in the blink of an eye, and before we know it, we will be cozying up in cashmere, making hot cocoa, and having holiday movie marathon. If you’re ready to get into the spirit of the season, keep reading for 8 Savvy Tips You Need Now to Be Perfectly Prepared for Fall.
8 Savvy Tips You Need Now to Be
Perfectly Prepared for Fall
1. Refresh your wardrobe for Fall
As soon as I’m back from my trip to Paris, priority number 1 is rolling my closet from summer to Fall. That means packing away my sundresses, tanks and shorts and pulling out the sweater dresses and leather pants! Even though I store everything either hanging in a separate closet or cleaned and folded in storage bins, they still sometimes need a little refresh before wearing. I’ll air things out on a hanging rack or do a quick DIY dry clean just to freshen them up.
It also gives me a chance to do a mini closet inventory. Any summer items that are in poor condition or I’ve just fallen out of love with can donated, and any Fall favorites that need some tailoring or repairs can get taken care of before I’m ready to wear them.
2. Boost your immune system as the weather changes
You probably don’t have to think too much about Vitamin D in the summer since it’s so easy to get the sun in! We get most of our Vitamin D from the sun, so our intake decreases when the weather is colder since we spend most of our time inside during the fall/winter seasons. If you find you are not getting outside much, a Vitamin D supplement can boost your mood and immune system!
3. Deep clean your house
We do spring cleaning so why not fall? The colder weather this time of year means you’ll naturally be spending more time indoors, so take some time at the start of the season to create a space you’ll love. Scrub down the areas of your house that are likely to collect germs, like the kitchen and the bathrooms. Go through your cabinets and dust the hard-to-reach places that you may neglect during your normal weekly cleaning.
You can also take some time to make sure your home is prepared for extreme weather conditions that may occur later in the year. Make sure you have flashlights, batteries, and snow blower and shovel, and basic emergency equipment and medical supplies.
4. Save and practice some new soup recipes
Cozy season is the perfect time to warm, comforting food. Browse Pinterest for some new soup or stew recipes and if you’ve been eyeing a slow cooker or Instant Pot, now is the perfect time to buy one! I personally can’t wait for lazy, chilly days inside with a bowl of my homemade Instant Pot Chicken Soup.
5. Do some financial planning
This time of year is a great time to review your finances and asses where you are before the end of the year. Take some time to review your debt, savings, and any progress you've made towards financial goals you may have set for yourself in the beginning of 2022. If things look bleak, don't worry too much or get too anxious. Reflection is an important step to start making progress. If you have been lucky enough to make some major money moves or have some financial wins, talk to your accountant or tax preparer to get an estimate of what your tax liability might look like. You'll still have a few months to make adjustments that could reduce your tax burden come April.
6. Upgrade Your head-to-toe hydration
The temps start getting cooler and drier in Fall, so now is the time to step up your moisturizing game. Add some hydrating skin care, with a focus on ingredients like hyaluronic acid and collagen. Even though summer is over, that doesn't mean put the sunscreen down. Daily sunscreen use is proven to prevent fine lines, wrinkles, and early signs of aging, as well as reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.
And when it comes to moisturizing, don't neglect the rest of your body! Swap your lighter summer lotions for rich body butters and ultra-moisturizing oils to keep hydrated from head to toe. And speaking of head - now is a great time to check up on the health of your hair and try a new deep conditioner or moisturizing mask as well.
7. Switch up your fitness routine
I love my summer workouts, but the slightly cooler temps make me want to do more outdoor fitness. The summer heat is far too oppressive, but a lot of outdoor activities become way more fun in September and October. Things like hiking, walking, or running, or even outdoor calisthenics are a blast when it's not 95 degrees and sunny every day. Plus, if you have end of year fitness goals, or want to prevent holiday weight gain, try a Fall fitness challenge to keep you engaged. I get a lot of inspiration and ideas from some of my fave fitness YouTubers and looking at local resources for ideas for outdoor calorie burning activities.
8. Use your vacation time
Fall is one of my favorite times to travel. The weather is still warm enough in some of the summer hot spot destinations, but the prices and crowds drop significantly. Plus, it’s cheaper to travel in fall since it’s part of shoulder season, and prices will start to tick up closer to the holidays.
Since Americans notoriously underuse our PTO, the last few months of the year can serve as a friendly reminder to put some vacation days in and use them before it’s too late.
What are you guys most excited about for fall? For me, it’s the change in fashion and the cozy, comforting food!
Just to recap!
1. Refresh Your Wardrobe for Fall
2. Boost Your Immune System as the weather changes
3. Deep Clean Your House
4. Save and practice some new soup recipes
5. Do some financial planning
6. Upgrade Your head-to-toe hydration
7. Switch up your fitness routine
8. Use your vacation time
Check out these posts next:
Fall Beauty 101: How to Look Stunning This Season!
5 Easy Ways to Transition Your Style from Summer to Fall
4 Vacation Workout Tips You Need to Stay In Shape on the Road!
How to Make Holiday Entertaining Easy with Drinkworks® Home Bar by Keurig®!
This post is sponsored by Drinkworks® Home Bar by Keurig®. All opinions are my own. Content for 21+, Please enjoy responsibly.
Are you starting to feel the Holiday vibes? This one has been a crazy year to say the least. I’m planning to spend the rest of 2020 getting in some much needed pre-Holiday R&R. It’s time to get intentional about winding down and getting back to focusing on you. This holiday season may be unlike most others with all the guidelines and restrictions on travel and get togethers. While you may not be able to go to your favorite destination or have the holiday season you are used to, there are still ways to make celebrating at home special.
Every cocktail pod is filled with real ingredients and natural flavors, and yes, they include alcohol! So, all you need to add is ice and garnish. Plus, it’s a great value for at home entertaining. No need to stock up on assorted spirits and mixers, the pods are an easy crowd-pleaser! You can make a different high-quality cocktail for everyone, with no measuring, mixing, shaking or cleaning. It even adds the perfect amount of carbonation to drinks that are supposed to be fizzy! And it literally takes less than a minute to craft the perfect cocktail!
There is also a ton of versatility with the pods. They have over 2 dozen flavors, from Mojitos to Moscow Mules. And the Fireside Collection is a fun holiday themed pack, with flavors like Ginger Snap, White Russian, Pomegranate Elderflower Spritzer, and Spiced Punch. My favorite drink is the Moscow Mule, and I also fell in love with the Rose Spritz. But you really can’t go wrong with any of the cocktail flavors!
And thanks to Drinkworks Home Bar by Keurig for partnering with me on this post!
Redecorating 101 - How to Update Your Home on a Budget
It’s been just over a month since we moved into our newly purchased condo! I’m still so overjoyed we were able to make our dream of becoming homeowners come true. Considering the current coronavirus crisis, the history of housing discrimination, and the financial challenges affecting millennial homeowners, we know how lucky we are. It means so much to be a homeowner, especially a black homeowner. I’m planning to share more about our journey to homeownership, but for now let’s talk about redecorating!
Since becoming a millennial homeowner is no easy feat, we wanted to keep the moving and redecorating costs as low as possible without compromising on style. We were able to repurpose most of our furniture, but needed a few accent pieces and storage furniture to complete the new place. Buying the home meant having to downsize a bit, so we needed to be smart about how we set everything up. We are also both working from home due to covid, so had to maintain a decent office set up. Today I’m sharing my tips for redecorating your home on a budget, some of my favorite affordable home décor finds, plus Amazon finds under $50! Whether you are a new millennial homeowner like me or moving into a new rental apartment, I hope these redecorating tips help!
Sell Unwanted Furniture Online
Before you start you move and start redecorating, start thinking about furniture and décor that you won’t take to the new place. I sold several pieces on LetGo in the weeks before the move, like our enormous sectional and some of the work from home office furniture. Facebook Marketplace is another great resource for reselling used furniture and home goods. As a millennial homeowner, staying on budget was top of mind! Redecorating was important, but so was not going broke over it. I made about $800 selling gently used furniture, and reinvested that money into our redecorating budget. Just play it safe when meeting people to close the sale! You can never be too careful when inviting strangers in or near your home. I scheduled all the exchanges for when my husband would be home, and we bought every piece of furniture down to the lobby so no one got our actual apartment number. Use best judgement and exercise caution! Scheduling was easy for our move since so many people were working from home; if you are reading this later and things are back to normal, just give yourself more time to plan.
Shop Secondhand for the Best Deals and Steals
If you are selling furniture online, why not think about buying some as well? You can always find motivated sellers that are willing to negotiate on price. Plus, you can take your time browsing if you aren’t in a rush to get everything at once. I wanted to finish redecorating as soon as possible, so I didn’t do much secondhand shopping. But if you have time to scout, I highly recommend it! Or do as many millennial homeowners do – take a page out of the HGTV book and scout estate sales and vintage stores for unique finds. Those guys are masters at renovating and redecorating, so if it works for them it can work for you too! If you do buy any secondhand furniture, make sure to inspect it for any signs of pests before completing the sale. And as soon as you get it home, thoroughly sanitize surfaces and pop any fabrics into the laundry. You don’t want to take any risks!
Sign Up for Emails to Get Discounts
Excessive emails can get annoying, but when you are moving or redecorating, they come in handy. Most major retailers offer an incentive for email subscribers – usually 10-15%. It isn’t a lot, but when you are moving and redecorating an entire home or apartment, you need every discount you can get! I signed up for email alerts everywhere from Wayfair to Overstock and made use of those deals for sure!
Use Cash Back or Affiliate Links to Make Money Back on Your Purchases
I’m a big fan of cash back sites like Rakuten, RebatesMe and affiliate networks like RewardStyle. Most affiliate networks are for influencers only and you have to apply to become a member. However cash back sites are usually easy to sign up and can definitely pay off! Depending on the retailer, you can get anywhere from 2-8% cash back on your purchase. Again, it doesn’t sound like a lot of money. But when you are shopping at scale around redecorating a home, the small amounts add up quickly. I’ve made almost $150 in cash back just from purchases I’ve made this month! If you aren’t a member sign up here and get a $10 bonus!
Shop on Amazon for Surprisingly Good, Affordable Finds
Amazon is a redecorating secret weapon! Whether you are a millennial homeowner or just trying to freshen up your apartment with some redecorating, it will quickly become your go to! I found everything from functional storage ottomans to fun decorative elements, like my little succulent wall! Plus, you just can’t beat that Prime 2-Day shipping and free returns on many items. We took advantage of that a few times, thanks to items we thought would be perfect for our redecorating scheme, but turned out not to work once we saw them in person.
Make Small Changes that Can Have a Big Impact
I’m a big fan of decorative accents and wall hangings. We have a painting hung on almost every wall! If you don’t have an art collection, get some stylish affordable prints to pull your room together. You can also get some peel and stick wallpaper to make an easy statement wall, or hang some cute planters for a pop of greenery. Redecorating is about more than just the furniture – the decorative aspects can bring the whole room together.
Hope these tips help if you are planning a big move! And stay tuned for more about the home ownership process and issues affecting black homeowners and millennial homeowners.
