As we kick off the week and prepare to wind down the month of July (and my full recap of all my recent adventures will be up in a couple of days!) I wanted to take some time to revisit a few of the finds, purchases and miscellaneous entertainment that I’ve been absolutely loving throughout the dog days of Summer.
This month has been all about healthy habits – from drinking more water, always remembering to have sunscreen on hand, and using products that nourish my body and my senses – especially since I’ve been out in the sun and the heat all over New England throughout these past few weeks. Some of these products have been longtime seasonal favorites, some were impulse purchases, and others came highly recommended by friends.
As always, I’ll first be sharing the items I could photograph before I dive into some miscellaneous odds and ends – so let’s get right into it!
Earlier this month, during one of my bi-weekly trips to Target, I spotted this bright, striped stainless steel bottle from Tabitha Brown and had to add it to my collection – not just because of it’s vibrant and retro design, but also because it’s huge! – and can hold up to 34 ounces of ice water for when I’m running errands, hiking, or going on any of my infamously long road trips around the Northeast or when I visit Southern California.
I know that Stanley Cups were/are all the rage right now, with eccentric accessories and special ice trays and everything – but this bottle is really all I need when it comes to drinking more water and staying hydrated during the hottest months of the year – and it was only $10!
I’ve definitely written about my love of all things Vacation here on ‘Coffee & Chiffon‘ in the past. Their wide array of sunscreens, skin products and fragrances, all contained within the coolest 90s-inspired packaging, smell absolutely amazing.
This lightweight SPF 50 face mist is no exception. It smells great, but isn’t overpowering (which is a must for anything I put on my face,) gives full protection from harmful rays, and doubles as a setting spray for makeup. The bottle is also conveniently sized for easy transport/travel, so this is another one I’ll be packing in my carry-on when I head back to Orange County and Las Vegas in a few weeks!
I drink a glass of water every morning when I first wake up (especially this time of year, when the heat outside and air conditioning indoors can wreak havoc on my skin and hair,) and had recently mentioned to a couple of friends that I was looking to infuse my AM hydration session with something other than lemon to give me a boost.
They both recommended I try a scoop of Bloom plant-based powder, instead – since it not only adds a little flavor to my water, but is also loaded with antioxidants, probiotics and fiber – so it works wonders for digestion and energy. There’s a lot of different flavors to choose from, but I was adamantly told that the pineapple and watermelon ones were the best.
I’ve been adding one scoop of the pineapple powder each day throughout this month and have felt a world of difference!
** The only thing I recommend if you want to try this powder is to use a milk frother when mixing it into your water since simply using a spoon doesn’t always break up the powder or prevent it from settling at the bottom of your glass/bottle. **
Sandalwood is one of my favorite scents in the Summertime, so around July/August, I like to seek out products that feature it for my apartment and my body care. Saltair, who have made some of my favorite shampoos, deodorants and body washes in the past, have a ‘Santal Bloom’ collection that smells of sandalwood, rose and jasmine – and it’s perfection!
I scooped up a full-sized (and travel-sized!) body wash earlier this month, along with some lotion and leave-in conditioner – and it’s made every shower all the more aromatic and relaxing. The formula, infused with monoi oil, cupuaçu butter and kukui oil, is also ultra-hydrating and brightening for my skin. I’m left with the softest and smoothest arms and legs that look great in my sundresses or shorts whenever I step out.
And while that may do it for the things that I could capture with my camera – a couple of other things made the list this month, too!
– Movies/Music/Television –
‘Twisters’ – I saw ‘Twister’ in theaters with my parents when I was a kid and absolutely loved it (and I still do! It’s still so much fun!) so despite my recent dental surgery and recovery, as well as my own brush with a microburst during a series of storms that swept through Western Massachusetts earlier this month, I made it a point to catch this sequel in theaters on opening weekend and had a blast.
This one is silly and over-the-top, but a great Summer blockbuster. I only wish there was a 4DX theater near me where I could watch it again – because I’ve heard those things are incredible for a memorable cinematic experience!
– MISCELLANEOUS –
The ‘Banana Hammock’ Mocktail – If you find yourself in Rye, New Hampshire this Summer and make a stop at Kooks as I do so very often, you have to try the Banana Hammock Mocktail. Brilliant name aside, this is such a refreshing tropical drink – without the alcohol – that I catch myself ordering time and time again whenever I stop by for tacos or a sandwich. It’s got banana puree, coconut milk, pineapple and nutmeg – and is like a smoothie with a fun twist!
The whole Kooks mocktail menu is superb!
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And there we have it – another month of favorites done and in the books! I’m excited to see what makes the list at the end of August, since I’ll be on the other side of the country when I begin to put it together!
’til next time!
xo
Coffee & Chiffon 