I thought it would be fun to share with you some of my Summer- Must-Haves! Summers here are HOT. This summer is especially difficult because our community pool is still being built, so we rely on friends and family and blow up toddler pools to keep us cool! 🙂

These items are ones that make our summer a bit more fun and a lot more cool!

1. A good set of Chalk: Crayola Chalk 

I’m a bit of a chalk snob. There, I said it. Ha! I have used lots of different chalk in my life, and now that I have kids, our favorite, by FAR is the Crayola Chalk. It’s nice and smooth to draw with, the colors are vibrant and it washes out of clothes easily!

1. A versatile and easy blanket: CoalaTree Kachula Adventure Blanket

We spend a lot of time outside throughout the year, especially in summer. Live music at various places, parades, cook-outs, beach trips. I always keep a trusty, versatile and preferably waterproof blanket in the back of my car for events just like this. We received this CoalaTree blanket as a gift from Young Living when we went to their International Convention a few months ago and it is AWESOME! It’s a blanket, pillow and poncho and even has a storage pocket. It’s also waterproof and anti-microbial as well as made from recycled materials- you can’t ask for much more!

3. Popsicles: Foodworks Popsicle Molds

Because who doesn’t need some cold refreshments during this sweltering July heat?! I love these Foodworks Popsicle molds for a few reasons. They are 100% BPA free, they come in fun colors and they are reusable- in the sense that you can continue to make different flavors and also in the sense that if your two year old can’t finish a whole one, you pop the top back on and stick it in the freezer! The only thing I don’t love, is that you have to get a creative with how to fill them. They do offer a “stand” you can purchase separately.

4. A good sunhat for the littles: iPlay Sunhat

I got this hat YEARS ago in a Citrus Lane box for E. We are still using it, two kids later for A and it’s amazing. I love that it has SPF. I love that it has a strap that you can secure under the chin, or use it to keep the flaps up and tie it on top of the head!

5. A good tank dress: Mossimo Supply Co. Knit Tank Dress

This is not the exact dress I have- mine is from last season. But, truth be told, this dress is way cuter than mine with the cut-out back! I love to throw this on- whether I’m using it as a swimsuit cover-up, throwing it on with a cute bralette to stay as cool as possible, or even throwing it on to sleep in- it’s super versatile and the swing-dress style is extra cute!

6. After- sun spray: Young Living Lavaderm After- Sun Spray

Once upon a time, I just made sure we had aloe vera gel in the house. We usually get sunburn at least once a year between the four of us. My husband is very cautious with the sun-he was a redhead and has had some bad burns- so we always have all the things on hand. Young Living’s After- Sun Spray has been a favorite. It has this amazing cooling effect and goes on like a spray, but rubs in like a lotion. It’s amazing!

7. A misting fan: Misting Fan

I’m using the SAME misting fan (Squeeze Breeze is the brand- the one linked is similar) that I’ve had since I was in high school and used to go to the beach with my BFF and her family. It is pretty much the best thing ever! When you’re feeling a little warm, but don’t want to go dip in the pool or ocean, the misting fan does an awesome job of just keeping you cool and getting you a little wet- but just a bit, so you can still dry quickly! Plus, there is a fan, so, duh, it’s the best!

8. A good pair of flips: Reef Miss- J Bay Flip Flops

I live in flip flops all summer long. That being said, I think it’s really important to have a high-quality pair if you’re going to wear them all season (or for multiple seasons). I picked this pair up while in Vegas with my hubby. Forgot to pack flip-flops and of my lack of preparedness, I got an awesome pair of flips that are super comfy! I love that this pair is a bit more dressy; making them more versatile.