A Few of My Favorite Things – Summer 2023


Guess what?! Summer is HERE!  As we start heading outside and spending more time in the sun, we can appreciate the great outdoors so much more. From the 4th of July to Labor Day, summer is always filled with fun and excitement.

Here are some of my favorite suggestions for gift-giving and celebrating the summer season!!

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    • Festive Chickpeas: Ready for a wholesome, yummy snack!? These chickpea snacks are 100% vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, & have no preservatives! They are super high in the good stuff, and the fun flavors give them a really yummy kick!
    • Mightylicious: HOLY MOLY… these are some of the best cookies I’ve ever had. Seriously. Gluten-free (I would never have guessed!), kosher, pure ingredients that you can actually taste. The Brown Butter Chocolate Chip will make you fall in love!
    • Moon Fruit: This company uses the natural sweetness of FRUIT to make amazing snacks! They have 1/3 cup of whole fruit per serving & come in Straw-Bana, Blended Berry Blast, and Apple Cinnamon. Plus… no added sugar or artificial flavors! 
    • Atoria’s Bakery: Need more EASY meal prep ideas? These seriously YUMMY, low-carb, vegan flatbreads are my new go-to for wraps, pizzas, sandwiches & much more! The Roasted Red Pepper Mini Lavish Flatbread is incredible!! Try them all!
    • Tidbits Meringues: Healthy meringue bites!? YEP! OMG I love these! Sugar, gluten, dairy, soy, and cholesterol-free. But you’d never know it. Cappuccino, Strawberry & Caramel are my favorite flavors. These are seriously addicting, too!
    • TBJ Gourmet: Bacon + Chocolate = true love! This 58% gourmet dark chocolate bar is absolutely heavenly and savory! If you’re a dark chocolate fan, bacon fan, or unique snack fan – this is definitely for you. PS – they have bacon jam + more, too!
    • BrainPOPA healthy, productive, tasteful, and fun smart soda packed with 4 amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, complemented by an anti-oxidant caffeine blend in all four flavors. These flavors GOT me – & I’m ALL about BrainPOP now! SO GOOD! 
    • Loco Bebé: This organic baby food features exotic Caribbean flavors like Mucho Mango, Passion Fusion, Caribbean Pumpkin & more in perfect pouches! No pre-processed purees – it’s ALL fresh & ALL good for your little one. Prepare for new experiences with baby!
    • Muddle & Mint (Per Se): Mocktails made from teas, juices, fruits & herbs? Sign me UP! And check out these flavors: Hibiscus Sage, Grapefruit Rosemary, and Green Tea Mint. Ya’ll – it’s all the flavor without the hangover! Perfect for summer sipping!
    • Love, Liv Bakeshop: Flavor + Fun + Health – that’s their focus. No unnecessary sugar, totally inclusive, gluten-free, nut-free, and absolutely DIVINE! These snacks are made so EVERY kid (& adult!) can enjoy. I tried the cookies & can’t stop eating them!
    • Franny GrainsPerfect for lunchboxes, topping overnight oats & yogurt, or just enjoying by the handful, this yummy granola is made from clean, simple ingredients w/ no refined sugars, artificial sweeteners or preservatives! Check out the FLAVORS!
    • Sarge’s Shrimp & Grits Sauce: Calling all southern food lovers! This sauce is savory, rich & absolutely DELICIOUS! Use it as a dip, in cooking, as a marinade & more. It’s super unique, and works SO well with all of your own dishes or their other awesome products!
    • Oatsome: Living a healthy lifestyle? This one is for YOU! Oatsome has rolled oats, overnight oats, & quick oats… and they are SO GOOD! I’m a big overnight oats fan, and this is THE BEST. Organic, gluten-free, tons of protein & amazing taste. Jump on this one!
    • Better Body Foods: Healthy food with tastier, better-for-you options? Sign me up! The PB Fit Peanut Flour Baking Blend made some of the most DELICIOUS, high protein pancakes I’ve ever had!! Check out their entire line of yummy food – you don’t want to miss this!
    • Aloe Vio: This aloe water is about the most refreshing thing I’ve ever drank. Seriously! And the flavors… holy moly! Watermelon aloe water is my new go-to for hydration. Plus, it’s healthy and made with real aloe. Who knew? Now you do!
    • Humble Chips: Calling all chip fans! These organic chips are made with REAL ingredients for REAL flavor. And OMG do they have flavor! It’s crunch on crunch on crunch, too – like kettle chips but better for ya! Plus, the bags are compostable! Definitely try these!
    • BioLift: Need something other than an energy drink, coffee, or soda to kick off your day? BioLift helps improve brain function, work productivity & more – with natural ingredients like elderberry, guayana, & ginkgo biloba! Plus, they taste AMAZING!

      • Mabel’s Labels: This company gets you prepared! Summer camp, back-to-school, and beyond! These AMAZING waterproof, durable, adorable labels come in so many cute & customizable designs. You’ll label everything once you experience them!
      • D is for Donut: LOVING THIS! “A is for Apple Fritter” and “B is for Beignet.” Not only do kids learn the alphabet, they get to see fun versions of different donuts AND can even use the recipes in the back. I love the rhyming text and the gorgeous images! 
      • Once Upon A Book Club: A subscription book box? YES! This summer, kids 7-12 can score cute curated boxes with wrapped gifts. The page numbers indicate when to open each present – encouraging continued reading!
      • My Little Zone: Super high quality, uniquely designed baby items that are still affordable? YES! I can’t get enough of this company – I have a play mat & changing table covers & couldn’t be happier. Check out ALL of their incredible nursery accessories & baby bedding!
  • Tamagotchi Uni: A social platform for virtual pets? YUP – The Tamaverse! Tamagotchi Uni merges the classic with the modern by providing a wrist-mounted critter-rearing device that lets you connect and play with friends over Wi-Fi. How fun is THAT!?
  • Lil Wish Lanterns: Ohhh to be a kid again! These are so stinking cute! The idea of making a wish is universal and full of hope, optimism, and love. These kits come with a Wishimal, lantern & more. They even light up as a night light… LOVING THESE!
  • Heart Blaster: Looking for easy slides for your kids to wear to the beach or the pool this summer? Heart Blaster‘s White Top slides are cool, SO SUPER comfortable, and the perfect streetwear style that every tween/teen is looking for in fashion!
  • Hayden Girls: I absolutely LOVE this clothing company! I’m obsessed with the Mommy & Me duos they have right now – sundresses galore that match!! You’ll definitely want to browse their collections that are super stylish AND still affordable!
  • Ponyback: These TikTok viral ponytail hats available in sizes youth S/M – adult XL/XXL specialize in moisture-wicking, magnetic back opening designs that provide flexibility for any up or down hairstyle! They are SO comfortable, too!
    • Joy Creative Shop: The stress kids feel learning how to write thank you notes inspired these fill-in cards! Made for kids & early writers (ages 3-10), they are colorful, adorable & make it easy to show gratitude while learning at the same time!
    • Kitten D’Amour: This super cute & fun jigsaw puzzle will get the kids off their electronics and back to some classic relaxing time! I love the writing on the puzzle – making it more unique AND challenging. Plus… it’s on sale right now for under $10!
    • Busy Baby: This line is incredible! Created by a mom to make parents’ lives easier, their collection of 100% food-grade silicone placemats are a game changer, for SURE. The tethers are genius, the feeding utensils are brilliant… EVERY parent needs Busy Baby!

      • Undergents: This luxury male underwear praised on Amazon as “the most comfortable underwear ever” with 2,000+ 5-star reviews features fabrics 3X softer than cotton and moisture-wicking properties perfect for warmer weather!
      • goSili: While the women carry huge Stainless cups – men go for simple. Check out goSili’s awesome silicone cups, tumblers & straws! These are soft, eco-friendly, come in great colors, dishwasher safe, and good for hot OR cold beverages!
  • The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself: For the man of few words – this is a great keepsake to pass onto kids! It’s ALL about you – likes, dislikes, dreams, memories… and it’s really fun to fill out! It’ll even help keep your goals on track. This is brilliant!

  • Samuel Hubbard: This sustainable shoe brand aims to combat fast-fashion and the overproduction resulting in excess inventory. ‘The fewer, the better’, – only buy shoes you love, that are built for comfort & will remain stylish long after the season is over!
  • Lugz: True to size, TONS of styles for work OR play, and ultra comfortable. What else could a guy ask for in footwear!? Lugz is a go-to for every season, but I’m loving their new summer styles! Check out the Lear Sneakers & Changeover II Sneakers – my bf’s favs!
  • Peepers: Eco-friendly & naturally sourced, these glasses are AWESOME! They are lightweight, made for men & women, and made from recycled plastics, bottles, wheat & wood! Be sure to check out the new Fall ’23 styles – loving the sass in these frames!

      • Anti: This stuff is crazy cool. It’s the first ever carbonated elixir tonic. Drink it alone OR with your fav alcohol. It’s geared towards fighting hangovers! You can have it BEFORE drinks, or the morning after – and it tastes so unique, too!
      • LITTIL: When it comes to summer vacations with your besties, capturing the moment is an essential. These luxury, influencer and celebrity-approved ring lights are the perfect way to take your vacation content and group selfies to the next level!
      • VitalityIf you and your bestie are planning to get active this summer, these sustainable athleisure pieces feature moisture-wicking and odor absorbing fabrics perfect for warmer weather activity. Plus, they’re available in sizes 2XS-4XL!
      • Bloomers: Summertime is all about excitement, energy, & a sense of play, and there’s no reason your lingerie collection shouldn’t be too. Featuring bright colors w/ lightweight & breathable lace, these are the perfect way to brighten up your bestie’s top drawer summer wardrobe.
      • Candier: Celeb-loved sassy accessories featuring bright colors perfect for summer! The candles are so unique, hilarious & amazing… but they also have bath bars, jewelry, car air fresheners with sass, hilarious room sprays & so much more!
      • EMILIA SHADES: Last season, I found the PERFECT matte liquid lipstick! Y’all… check out the color options!!  No stickiness, glides on SO smoothly, and my lips feel nourished after applying. Plus, it LASTS. Every quality you could need + so much more in a lipstick!
      • Stream2Sea: This company truly cares about the environment & our ocean! They make incredible personal care & sun care products that are water-based, non-greasy, biodegradable, and safe for you AND the environment! LOVING THIS!
      • Purell: Germs are stupid! Combat them with the most trusted hand sanitizer, & my personal all-time favorite! They even have new travel-size mint & lavender bottles for on-the-go. Picnics, school, around the house, BBQs, concerts, road trip – you need Purell!
      • Tarabusi Creek: This vegan bath & body brand is luxury on a dime! Their Lavender Fields Bath Bomb had me melting in my tub. And the Grapefruit Mojito Wax Melts soothed my soul. There’s something VERY peaceful about this company & their products!
      • PediPocket: These blankets are extra long, super soft and has a brilliantly designed foot pocket.  You can easily snuggle to your nose while still covering your toes, and with 3 sizes and 21 colors, there’s a PediPocket for everyone. These are AMAZING on road trips!
      • Loloma Coconut Oil: This pure organic virgin coconut oil is absolute HEAVEN in a super cool package! Not only does it smell amazing, it’s free from h armful chemicals, paragons & sulphates. It’s perfect & safe for babies OR adults – and your skin will never feel better!
      • Illuminessence: My new obsession!!! This organic skincare line is truly remarkable. After just a week, I’ve noticed a difference in my skin – softer, less breakouts & a great glow! The Itch Fix is a neat roll-on cure that’s crucial for summer, too!
      • Lugz: Ok, I admit – I am totally addicted! I’ve never owned more stylish, comfortable & long-lasting shoes. I still have pairs from 10+ years ago that are going strong! I’m LOVING the Clipper Slip-Ons  (I have 3 pairs!) & adorable Lear Sneakers for summer!
      • Urthy Scents: Their KWENCH line has me sooo excited! The body oils & sugar scrubs feature botanical blends, are toxic-free & feel like pure luxury! These are GREAT for pregnant women, or women in general who want glowing, refreshed skin!
      • DIDI BEAUTY: One of the fastest-growing brands in Africa, this cosmetic company knows what it’s doing! From lip oil to equalizers, they have it all – and every single product is made to help empower women in their own skin. I love that!
      • Freewell: LOVE LOVE LOVE! This Power Gloss is an absolute game-changer that simplifies multiple products into one. It’s like the deep conditioner to end all conditioners. My hair has never looked better, and been healthier since I started using it!
      • Tolani: These absolutely gorgeous dresses are some of the most unique, globally-inspired, crazy awesome dresses I’ve ever seen or worn! They also have beautiful tops & bottoms. You won’t believe how difficult it is to pick out a favorite!
      • Stickyize: If you’re anything like me, you constantly misplace your glasses – causing major panic! This inventive company created magnetic reading glasses with a base that goes just about anywhere – so you can always find your stylish glasses!
      • scrub-dub: Health + beauty + innovation = a magical body-cleansing experience! This amazing eco-friendly tool revolutionizes body scrubs. Bacteria & grossness on your loofah are a thing of the past – and ohhhh this feels sooo amazing!
      • Poof! Patch: Decorating your zits?! YEP! These body art inspired hydrocolloid patches are infused with calendula, which heals zits, bites, and minor cuts quickly. Plus, you can show off your style and heal at the same time! I’m in LOVE!

      • Turbo Trusser:This neat little device attaches to the wings & legs and can be used on a rotisserie, grill, smoker, in the oven, an air fryer, or deep fryer! Makes for a juicier, more flavorful chicken or turkey…plus, it’s dishwasher safe!
      • Handzies: Individually packaged soap + water wipes! SO convenient for lunchboxes, backpacks, sports bags, the car, your purse, and more. Carry on road trips, hikes, picnics… & they don’t contain alcohol, BZK, triclosan, artificial perfumes or dyes!
      • Bamboozle: This is the ultimate in sustainable cooking! These cooking, compost, serving, dining & kids kitchen items are UNREAL! I got the Baking Bundle & fell in love instantly. If you love the environment & cooking, this is for YOU!
      • Friendsheep: Say “goodbye” to plastics, & “HELLO” to this eco-friendly brand! These environmentally safe & sustainable home items are super cute, made of wool, reusable, organic  & handmade! The Eco-Fresheners + Essential Oils are my fav!
      • Wild Berry Incense: Hand-dipped, amazing fragrances, longer lasting – everything you could want in incense sticks! These stay fresher longer & burn stronger – making them absolutely the BEST I’ve ever used. And the scents… ohhhhh the scents!!!
      • Moso Natural: For any room OR your car – these Moso Natural air purifying bags are the perfect solution to summer stink! They are scent-free odor eliminators that absorb odor for up to 2 years! I have one in my preschool diaper changing room – SCORE!
      • Darzzi: Who doesn’t love being cozy!? These throws are about as ridiculously cozy as you can get – gorgeous designs & patterns, knit, super soft, minimalistic… Everyone from babies to college students to grandparents will want one of their own!
      • Backyard Candles Coconut Candles: BEST CANDLES EVER!  First, they are absolutely gorgeous and unique because they are handmade with up-cycled coconut shells… how cool & environmentally awesome is that? Plus, 5% of sales is donated to help the environment! Their scents (the summer ones are awesome!)  are crazy good and the candles burn for so long!