SUMMER/FALL FAVES 2020
It’s been a hot minute since I’ve graced you all with an essential or favourites list! You’ve missed them right?
Honestly, I wrote this out like over a month ago and it was meant to be a Summer Faves or Essentials list, but like now we are in September and not much summer is left. Lucky for you all, the items on the list can definitely take you into the upcoming fall months, and even the winter ones.
I obviously don’t need to tell you the world has been a heavy place, stressful, making people feel anxious and so on. I’ve also been on my own personal journey and haven’t been in the headspace to write carefree “fluff” blog posts. I honestly even forgot that I enjoyed sharing my season favourites or essentials, so it feels great to have a list of things I’ve enjoyed and want to share with you and I hope it brings you a little joy and introduces something into your life you weren’t aware of before reading this!
In the summer I tend to relax more and love spending extended time outside. Sometimes, or more times, that includes having a drink on the deck in the backyard. My sister in law is on a kick of sugar free drinks, which I’m all about, and gave me a can of Good Vines White Wine Spritzer. This will now be my official go to summer drink, and right into those warmer fall days drink. I love that I can enjoy it out of the can, instead of a breakable wine glass. Makes this spritzer perfect for weekend dockside drinks, or backyard BBQ or pool drinks without having to worry about possibly breaking a fancy wine glass. Also big plus, it’s a Canadian company and I much prefer to support local versus imported.
Summer also means more vacation days for me and I like to take long weekends and do day trips. Given that there was nowhere to travel since spring, I’ll probably be doing a lot of long weekend day trips in the fall too. I hate taking my usual big purse around for day trips, and prefer to use a cross body smaller bag. I’ve been using this little one from Walmart all summer, and actually even before the summer started. With COVID I’m not interested in taking more than I need to into stores anymore, so I’ve been using this bag since this all started. It carries just the essentials, cards, phone, lipgloss, gum, car keys and cash. This purse can also be used as a chic fanny pack if you preferred.
This is not a normal summer essential or favourite, but for me personally a necessary one this summer, and going into the fall and winter. A face mask. I wear my mask if going into any indoor space because personally I feel protected by wearing it. I feel I’m protecting those who medically can not wear a mask. I got my handmade mask from A.M.E.G. Designs. Friends, ditch the medical masks, or big brand made masks, and please buy a cloth or cotton mask from a local small business. Amanda is usually doing a ton of wedding dresses and alterations this time of year, but because of COVID there are no weddings or any special events happening. Her making these masks is how she’s keeping her one women owned business alive, which many others like her are doing. Let’s do our part to support our Canadian small businesses when they need us the most.
A different type of mask I’ve been thoroughly enjoying since quarantine, is Arbonne’s Rescue and Renew Detox Mask. This mask smells great, dries in about 5 minutes, which is perfect for this constantly busy toddler mom, and legit leaves my skin actually glowing. I do my masking on Wednesday and Sunday nights, usually while my little is in the bath.
Another product I’ve added to my “beauty” and self care is MONAT’s 2 in 1 Black Shampoo and Conditioner, along with their volumizing line shampoo and conditioner. The 2 in 1 shampoo is actually considered a part of their men’s line, but the rep I bought from swears by this product for hair growth. I’m telling you right now, this shampoo did not disappoint. I’ve been trying to grow out the new baby hairs that have been growing at a snails pace since giving birth over 2 years ago. I had flyaway side burns and like bottom scalp hair, just at your neck, that were not growing long enough to ever do a high ponytail or topknot without looking like a mess. Within 2 weeks of this shampoo most of that hair has grown long enough to not look like a rag a muff. I’ve noticed thicker hair, which is HUGE for me. I have the limpest hair of all time. With my hair growing more, I’ve also noticed less grease buildup, so more time in between having to wash it again. I’ve also noticed less dry scalp, but that could be because it’s the warmer climate months versus dry winter months. I’ll have to let you know once winter hits if the dry scalp returns or not. Anyways, this is miracle in a bottle and to me the price is the same as any salon priced shampoo’s.
Lastly, is this flattering as fuck one piece, with peek-a-book midriff, bathing suit from Aerie. I’m OBSESSED with their particular leopard print so when I saw a fellow Instagrammer wearing it I had to scoop it up. I love that you tie the top yourself, perfect for small chested gals like myself. They have this suit in multiple patterns and solid colours, all on sale right now too! That snake print one is totally calling my name!
That’s my list of must have’s for this season, and well beyond. Pretty much everything but the bathing suit will take you right into fall and winter, though I mean if you drink enough of the Good Vines you may feel inclined to bust out the swim suit and parade around your house or use your bathtub as a makeshift pool. Whatever gets you through COVID my friends!
What have been some of your faves this past summer? I’d love to hear what you’ve been enjoying and what’s been giving you a bit of joy.
Keep safe and healthy!
Meg