Summer is finally here which means entertaining, and that certain l’aissez faire feeling you get where you are likely to have that extra drink or buy that fabulous sun dress. Here are the items we’ve tested/ tried on/ eaten. These special things will elevate your summer from whatever to wtf levels of fun and freedom!
HAUS
We love a summer nights party! Make sure your house and outdoor area have cool little areas of interest inserted around to keep people guessing. Like an ashtray for the existential crowd, and a look originally called “Let me Hold Your Butt” ashtray (butt in the smoking term). We also adore this for a hostess gift!
Let them hang out to dry on this perfect hammock – one of the comfiest we’ve ever tried!
GRUB
The new “Entertaining Bundle” from Vitamix makes hosting a get-together simple, delicious, and stress-free. Batch cocktails, sauces, dips, café-quality drinks and much more. And there is NO margarita recipe as good as ours (hint: you need a vitamix and whole fruits, skin on! Grab the recipe here.) Easily make the ice creams featured here with a few ingredients and some ice!
Gorgeous for charcuterie boards or vegan homemade pepperoni pizzas – Plantcraft, the U.S./European deli meat company, has launched its first two plant-based pepperoni varieties in the U.S. Plantcraft fills a more wholesome, unprocessed space in the growing vegan meat market, and marries European traditions with modern food science. Green banana flour – a gut-friendly, high-fiber ingredient – is the star ingredient. All products are soy/gluten free and minimally processed.
This new flavor from our fave Parma! is next level delish. Sprinkle it on ALL your grilled veg, corn, and beyond for epic taste and health elevation. My kids love Parma! so much, they beg me to sprinkle it in ziplocks and send it up to sleepaway camp!
Divine alkaline water with an edge, lovely to serve to guests by the pool or on the deck while enjoying cocktails.
Perfect for on-the-go, road trips, and beach days – these bars, bites, and cookies are impeccable. Not only are they delicious, but the ingredients are clean and free of all yuck.
RAGS TO RICHES
This bikini is the result of a lifelong search to find a bandeau top that was chic and sexy, but just as supportive as our favorite bra and adjustable so that it fit exactly where it needed to. This Joy Bandeau top can be styled 3 ways (Strapless, Balcony Straps or Cross-Back) and provides optimal lift, with softly molded cups. Featuring rouching detail at the front and beautiful side braids that join with an adjustable back tie detail for personalized fit. This is the best of both worlds, strapless sun tanning, and supported confidence. Made with eco-minded recycled nylon from post-consumer products.
There’s something about a chic beaded necklace that screams “SUMMER!” This one is handcrafted in tagua—a plant-based material commonly known as vegetable ivory—featuring blue lace agate and green aventurine beads. All you need to go with it is a house in Nantucket.
Relaxed style meets vibrant color in this prismatic caftan in drapey georgette. Brighten up every room in this statement caftan dress, sure to make an entrance.
You deserve to be sipping a kombucha on this float with your besties, and don’t let anyone tell you any different.
RELAX
Who doesn’t love a summer period… said no one ever. This is most gorgeous, mellow-making bath bombs we’ve used in a fortnight! It contains a powerful synergistic blend of essential oils to ease moon cycle pain and bring balance.
All that expensive bayalage can easily get destroyed after a few days in a chlorine pool. Rebalance your scalp and hair with Hair ResQ Color Protection Shampoo which combines Nature + Science; it is formulated with natural ingredients to address thinning hair concerns for those with color treated hair and is suitable for both men and women.
Mulberry silk pillowcases help retain the moisture in your skin and hair, resulting in a smoother complexion and softer (less frizzy) hair – crucial in summer. Beautify while you sleep – what the hell else are you going to do.
Keep your butt acne free during the prickly, bumpy season by using this after a hot day in the sun.
Camping trips just got that much easier with a completely eco-friendly shampoo bar that can wash the fam from head to toe.
Hair is so dry in the summer. Seal in moisture, smooth hair shaft, tame frizzies and flyaways with this yummy smelling spray in leave in conditioner. We love this for our curly-haired kiddos too!
KIDDOS
This reusable water bottle craft kit will have her reaching for glass over plastic every time! She’ll get to decorate a glass bottle with inspiring waterproof stickers. The sea turtle and whale will remind her to make more sustainable choices every day. As a future leader, she’ll recognize that every positive action adds up to a monumental change in the end.
Take your babe for a stroll n’ snooze without worrying about the brutal sun. This air-permeable stroller sun cover protects baby skin from 99% of the sun’s rays (UPF50+), but lets air flow in easily. It’s the only baby stroller sun cover approved by the Melanoma International Foundation, and if you have a baby – it’s a game changer.
Summer reading – but make it fun! If one small act can create a ripple across the universe . . . what happens when a whole group of kids join together and act? Told in eight perspectives–including one in graphic novel form–Operation Frog Effect is perfect for fans of Andrew Clements, Rob Buyea, and Sarah Weeks, and for anyone who wants to make a difference.
A summer ant farm grows into a learning experience for the entire family in this lyrical coming-of-age story from the award-winning author of Down to Earth.
This one-piece, long sleeve swimsuit delivers major style, the sweetest print, and UPF 40+ protection for endless splishing and splashing. Matching family styles are available which makes it even cuter!
Expecting during the summer can be intimidating – people (your Doctor?! NO!) may be away on their delivery date, and there’s less fan fare. Sending her this birthing kit will carry her through with the right products, tools, and a revolutionary vibe.
Swimming with babies can be slippery and make your arms ache. No longer! Made from the same material as wetsuits, the Aquaroo Baby Carrier is designed for the water. The soft elastic trim and flexible head support will keep your child all smiles whether facing inward or outward. Neoprene is incredibly strong, durable and reliable, swim time just got a whole lot easier.
Rainy summer day and kids home? Here’s your go-to. A slide to pop on the stairs for hours of good fun.
The comfiest ever unisex muscle tee, because sleepaway camp is life – those who know, know.
Tweens are getting their periods earlier and earlier these days (thanks environmental chemicals and hormones in our food!) – but not every 12 year old wants to put a tampon in – or is anywhere near ready for that. Enter period panties – perfect for every age. Modibodi just upped the ante with releasing tween/ teen period swimwear… so now she can tan without worry! Send these up to sleepaway with your tween if you don’t know when the day may arrive.
FUR BABES
Having guests stress out your dogs? Plug this in at the casa to create a zen environment – especially before fireworks!
Vegan, healthful bones that you can give out to Fido without any guilt while you run out for evening Margaritas!
Are your pups getting a little less exercise due to the heat? Consider discussing with your vet and swapping them to a lower fat, vegetarian dog food for the summer months. Here’s one we like for senior pups that’s easy on the tummy.
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Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash