5 Things We Love Right Now
Pool Float
You’ll notice that I’m vacillating between summer and back to school in this month’s column. I still have one foot firmly in summer but also realize the calendar dictates I send the kids to school. In light of keeping summer alive for at least one more month, do yourself a favor and get the Aqua Monterey Hammock. It’s perfect for both a visit to the pool and a trip to the beach. I’ve tried it in both situations, and it’s the perfect way to relax in water. It’s very versatile—you can sit, straddle or lie on it. Because it’s lightweight and small, packing it is a breeze! Amazon.com
Ticonderoga Pencils
Contrary to what many retailers told us in July, the true time for back-to-school shopping has arrived, and I know pencils are on every list. Through many years of trial and error, I have found the Ticonderoga black pencils (not yellow) are the perfect pencil. They write smoothly, and the lead isn’t too light. In fact, I hide them in my office so they don’t mysteriously walk away. If you like to write with a pencil, give them a whirl! Be sure to stock up during back-to-school sales! Amazon.com
Portable Blender
BLENDi is a portable 18-ounce cordless blender that’s rechargeable. At the click of a button, BLENDi combines anything from powders to fruits and even ice for a tasty and healthy snack or meal. It’s perfect for making a healthy smoothie on a busy school day morning and perfect for the dorm room if you have college aged kiddos! BLENDi’s innovative design, one can drink straight from the top of the BLENDi and even convert it into a water bottle just by detaching the base. BlendiBlender.com
Hair Dryer
My dad used to say that when he won the lottery, he was going to hire a driver. I always say that when I win, I’m hiring someone to style my hair each day. It’s just not my strongest skill, but I love how it looks when styled by a pro. A friend mentioned an all-in-one brush/hair dryer combo she uses, so I researched (and by researched, I mean I read Amazon reviews) and saw it was positively rated, so I ordered one. While it’s not the answer to all my hair styling dilemmas, it does do a great job of drying and straightening at the same time! Available at local retailers.
After Sun Lotion
My younger daughter has been working as a lifeguard this summer, which means she is out in the sun a lot. She is diligent to apply sunscreen, and just as diligent in applying an after sun lotion. Through trial and error, we’ve landed on Hawaiian Tropic Lime Coolada After Sun Moisturizer. It keeps their skin soft after a day of sun and chlorine and smells great! Available at local drugstores.