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
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Navigating the Path to Wellness: Your Guide to Fibroid Surgery
Hello lovelies! It’s been awhile since I’ve updated you all on this blog, and for good reason. Since my last post I have moved out of Lebanon, am getting ready to move to Hong Kong, and have been catching up with friends and family in between New York and Los Angeles. And in the midst of all of that, I made the decision to finally have a myomectomy so I can start living fibroid free.
I first got diagnosed with uterine fibroids about 6 years ago, and even though they grew over time, they pretty much remained asymptomatic. But one can’t live with fibroids forever, and since my husband and I are the point of discussing expanding our family, it was important to get them out so I can have a clean slate! I’m now a few weeks post-op and am comfortably recovering enough to share more about my experience with uterine fibroids, my treatment, and recovery.
Uterine fibroids are incredibly common in the United States, and Black women are at a much higher risk of developing fibroids. Estimates suggest that up to 80% of Black women may experience fibroids. In this post, I hope to shed light on the ins and outs of uterine fibroids, the various treatment options available, as well as what to expect before and after a myomectomy
Navigating the Path to Wellness: Your Guide to Fibroid Surgery
Understanding Uterine Fibroids: What You Need to Know About Fibroids
Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are non-cancerous growths that develop within or on the uterus. These benign masses can vary in size, number, and location, often leading to symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, and even discomfort during intimacy. While these fibroids are common, each woman's experience is unique. Some have numerous small fibroids, while others can experience fibroids that grow to grapefruit or even watermelon size! The good news? There are effective treatment options available to help you regain control of your life!
Exploring Treatment Options for Fibroids
When it comes to treating uterine fibroids, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. The treatment you choose depends on factors such as the severity of your symptoms, your age, and your desire for future fertility. Here's a glimpse at some options:
Watchful Waiting: If your fibroids aren't causing major disruptions, your doctor might recommend monitoring them through regular check-ups. This approach can be especially suitable for those nearing menopause or for those that are years away from thinking about having a baby. In my case, my doctors recommended waiting to take any action until closer to the time I wanted to get pregnant, because fibroids tend to reoccur and having them removed too soon would put me at risk for having to repeat the surgery down the road.
Medications: Hormonal therapies and pain relievers can help manage symptoms such as heavy bleeding and pelvic pain. These can provide temporary relief but may not eliminate fibroids entirely.
Minimally Invasive Procedures: Techniques like uterine artery embolization and focused ultrasound surgery (FUS) aim to shrink or eliminate fibroids with minimal impact on your body.
Surgical Removal: A myomectomy or laparoscopy are two surgical options for removing fibroids while preserving the uterus. They can be an ideal choice for women wanting to maintain fertility. Depending on the number of fibroids, size and location, your surgeon will make a recommendation. Myomectomy can either be an open abdominal one, or a hysteroscopic myomectomy. With this procedure, fibroids are removed using an instrument called a hysteroscopic resectoscope, which is passed up into the uterine cavity through the vagina and cervical canal – no incision required!
Hysterectomy: In cases where fibroids cause severe symptoms and fertility isn't a concern, a hysterectomy – the removal of the uterus – might be recommended.
Because of the size and placement of my fibroids, I had to have an open abdominal myomectomy.
How to Prepare for a Myomectomy
If you’re in the same boat I was and have to have an open abdominal myomectomy, here's what you can do to ensure a smooth pre-surgery experience:
Consultation: Schedule an in-depth consultation with your healthcare provider. Discuss your medical history, current symptoms, and any concerns you might have.
Preoperative Tests: Your doctor may order tests like blood work, ultrasound, and possibly an MRI to accurately assess the location, size, and number of fibroids. Mine didn’t do any additional imaging because I was on a tight schedule, and she also said it’s very common to find more in surgery than the ultrasound will even show. More about that later!
Nutrition and Hydration: Nourish your body with a balanced diet and ample hydration in the weeks leading up to surgery. This will help strengthen your immune system and optimize your healing process.
Physical and Emotional Well-being: Engage in activities that bring you joy, reduce stress, and boost your emotional well-being. Engaging in light exercise and mindfulness practices can work wonders.
What to Expect During Your Myomectomy
I had my pre-op appointment a week before my surgery, where my doctor explained all the pre- op instructions. Most important was to follow the rules for when to stop eating and how to fully cleanse the bowels to avoid any complications.
The morning of my surgery we arrived 2 hours before the scheduled time, checked in with admissions, did more blood and urine testing, then got changed into a surgical gown and waited to meet the team. The anesthesiologist came to talk and we went over the anesthesia we would use and what to expect, which helped a lot because I was SO NERVOUS about waking up in the middle of surgery. I also met the nurses that would be working with me. At this point I started getting really anxious, so the anesthesiologist asked if I wanted something to help me relax. Whatever he put in that IV did the trick, because I calmed down instantly and barely even remember being wheeled into the OR after saying goodbye to my husband! But I woke up a few hours later and asked for him, then the nurses got him and bought him in!
The procedure took a little over 2 hours, and they ended up finding 25 fibroids, not the 3 or 4 that showed on my previous ultrasounds!
Tips for Recovering from a Myomectomy
Here's a glimpse into what you can anticipate during your recovery:
Hospital Stay: Depending on the type of myomectomy and your unique circumstances, you might stay in the hospital for a day or two. During this time, your medical team will closely monitor your progress. I ended up staying 2 days because I was so weak after surgery I could barely walk, and I ended up needing a blood transfusion.
Postoperative Care: Your doctor will provide specific instructions for caring for your incisions, managing pain, and resuming regular activities. Follow these guidelines diligently to ensure optimal healing.
Rest and Patience: Your body has just undergone a significant change, so be sure to prioritize rest and give yourself the time you need to heal. This was easy the first few days, especially when I was on the stronger pain meds because they kept me pretty sleepy most of the day.
Nutrition and Hydration: Continue to nourish your body with nutrient-rich foods and plenty of fluids. A well-balanced diet supports healing from the inside out.
Follow-up Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. These visits are crucial for tracking your progress and addressing any concerns that may arise.
Boredom: I’m not someone that is used to sitting around at home all day, so once the initial pain started to wear off and I was physically able to get up and out of bed more, the boredom really started to settle in. There is only so much Netflix I can watch before going stir crazy! I’m still trying to think of things I can do that are entertaining but not physically strenuous, so keep up with me on Instagram and Tiktok to see how that plays out.
And there you have it, a comprehensive guide to navigating the world of fibroid surgery! Remember, your well-being is your top priority. Whether you're considering a myomectomy, exploring alternative treatments, or simply seeking information, know that you're not alone on this journey. Stay informed, embrace self-care, and always consult your healthcare provider to make the best choices for your unique situation. Here's to a future filled with wellness and empowerment!
Here are links to some products I found incredibly helpful for my prep and recovery!
