Staying Mostly Nice (It Is Still Summer)
Staying Mostly Nice (It Is Still Summer)
& fighting humidity & heat with the help of these favorite things
After July 4th, the rest of the summer is merely a game of surviving and staying mostly nice to people in 97% humidity. If you don’t live in the Southeast, then trust me when I say that that is harder than it sounds. High humidity does not make you naturally predisposed to congeniality.
So in order to save my marriage and friendships from heat-driven rage, I bribe myself with summery things that bring me tiny glimpses of hope in the form of consumerism. Life is more fun with things we enjoy. If it’s needed anyways, why not choose something that makes you ridiculously happy? (we’ll tackle capitalism and consumerism another day)
LL Bean Boat & Tote: It’s been an icon for years and with good reason. Carry all the things, zip it up, and personalize it to your heart’s content. Sure, you could put your initials or name, but have you thought about all you could fit with a tiny little phrase? Mine says “no thanks”. I use the Large with the long straps and it’s a perfect size for the beach, groceries, and an overnight away.
Stroller Fan: A stroller is not necessary or even suggested for use. Babes, we all need this. And if it needs a charge, and I’m forced to be without air blowing at me in a heat index of 102 degrees, you will hear me release a groan that would impress the Balrog (Dad, this reference is for you).
Cooler Bag: rolling coolers are overkill most of the time. And you’d be shocked with how much this little bag holds and how cool it keeps your bevys and sandwiches and peanut m&ms. Plus it’s cute. I’ve had mine for 4+ years now and endorse it passionately.
Woven Hat (Panama/Guatemalan style recommended, I love these: 1, 2, 3, 4): UV rays are not our friend. Protect your skin. Wear a cute hat. Plus it buys your hair a few more days between wash days. Dad caps are also heavily encouraged.
Tanning drops: And when your face and chest are inevitably much lighter than your arms and legs because you’re great at keeping up with SPF and wearing a hat, then you need tanning drops to balance it out. I mix 2-3 drops with my moisturizer a few times a week and everything looks golden and glowy with none of the damage. Yes indeed.
Beach Chair: this is the beach chair to rule them all (Dad, another one!). It’s oversized but easy to carry. And it has a face cut out, a pillow, and holes for your arms so you can read on your stomach! I’ve never felt so passionately about a beach chair but I can’t stop making everyone try it out in my living room when they come to my house. It’s the fashionable recliner of the beach.
Tiny clothes: boxer shorts & mini dresses. I don’t feel like this needs an explanation. The hotter it is, the less clothes you should be wearing. Ditch everything tight. Where tiny, loose things. I’m in a boxer shorts kick with tanks, tees, and the husband’s button-downs. And of course, I love a leggy, cool moment in a mini dress. AYR, J. Crew, and Madewell (I take my true M in each of these) all make feminine boxer shorts that are curve friendly and comfy. And you can find a good mini dress practically everywhere you look, but my Doen ones have been in non-stop rotation this summer. Poshmark & The Real Real are great sources for a second-hand Doen dress. Something with a little sleeve and a short hem is all I want to be wearing these days. Let’s hear it for the legs!
Kindle: trust me, you need this all year round. But it especially shines during the summer. It’s waterproof so you can fearlessly read as you’re submerged to your shoulders in the pool. The ocean will never again make waves of your pages. Protect the hardcovers, use a Kindle. (I have the 8Gig Paperwhite and it’s the best thing I bought in 2021).
Left On Friday Streamline Suit: I feel amazing in this swimsuit. It stays in place, hugs in all the right places, and feels like the cool older sister of my high-waisted swimsuits of summers past. It’s sexy but in a classic way. She is the moment. (Sizing: I usually wear a M/8 and have this in a Medium, long. It fits a tiny bit on the small size so size up if you’re in between sizes).
Ok, gal pals, don’t hold out on us - what are you using this summer to stay cool, happy, and sane?
The Rundown:
Reading this (it’s excellent if you enjoy historical fiction. And I just finished this - it’s my top book of the summer right now. You simply must read if you love a blend of romance and whimsy)
Watching this (more thoughts here)
Listening to this
Cooking these (and salivating just thinking about them)
On the blog:
Here’s What Delighted Me This Week:
Emily Henry released details on the book she’s currently working on.
Have you heard of jelly nails? They’re the lip gloss of manicures and I’m very into them. This plum color is going to be gorgeous for fall.
This is at the top of my wish list. (and look at all these other colors!)
My sister moved into a new apartment and was asking about throw pillows. It reminded me of this post.
Making this for a peach-themed Articles Club tonight.
If you’re looking for an everyday mini-dress that is swingy, romantic, and comfortable, look no further.