My summer essentials

Friends, summer is here and I’ve never been better. As you might know, I’m a child of the sun—a friend and worshipper to, and better person because of, blue sky and bright rays. (You might call these my summer essentials.)

I’m my best self during this season, and I’d love to share some of my other summer essentials: the things I rely on to continuously live my best life (booked, busy, and as close to tan as I’ll ever get).

Here are my go-to, must-have, summer essentials.

Lounge chair

On sunny days, I prefer to work outside in my yard. To do so, I sit on my favorite lounge lawn chair, right in my exposed back yard. What my back yard lacks in privacy makes up for in Vitamin D, and I owe it all to my tried and trusty lounge chair.

Mine is thrifted, but I’ve seen others available on FB Marketplace if you’re in the market.

Sunscreen

As you can imagine, sunscreen is another summer essential (though everyone should wear it every day, regardless of UV rating).

I rotate my favorites, but I usually go with a Coppertone Sport 50 SPF spray, or a Vacation brand lotion.

Don’t forget to re-apply, often!

My Kindle

Or any type of good book, really! My Kindle is one of my prized possessions, and goes so beautifully with time spent relaxing and recharging in the sun. Plus, it slips easily into a bag when summer travels call my name.

Inflatable pool

It doesn’t get used as often now that I’ve discovered the magic of Milwaukee’s community pools, but I still consider our inflatable pool a summer essential.

It’s simple and iconic: blue and white striped, filled with hose water, dirty with grime, once again sitting front and center in my exposed back yard.

Our pool could probably fit three adults comfortably, though it takes a while to set up.

Tinted moisturizer

With warmer weather, I like to keep my makeup routine short and sweet and as bare as possible. Enter: tinted moisturizer.

I started using Tower 38’s Sunny Days tinted moisturizer this summer, and I’ll never go back. It has a 30 SPF and a light coverage. I’ll often just use that instead of a foundation, and touch up any additional areas with concealer if I need it.

Truly, I’ve never felt so barefaced and free in my life, and I love it.

Birkenstocks

Even as someone who owns a ridiculous amount of shoes, I tend to wear one pair exclusively. My Birkenstock sandals are my pride and joy and warm-weather go-to.

They’re about as essential as it gets in my wardrobe.

Beer garden glasses

This is a little niche, but we keep Milwaukee Parks glasses in our car, to use in case we stop at a Milwaukee beer garden. When you re-use a glass, you get a discount. Plus, it’s sustainable. A win-win for everyone!

A good swimsuit

With all my time spent in the sun, I wouldn’t be anywhere without a good swimsuit. My go-to options are the You Swim two-piece, plus separates from Aerie.

Shorts

During the warm-weather months, my legs are free. Around the house, that looks like cozy options from Aerie (many seasons old, nearly worn to rags).

When I’m out and about, I reach for jean shorts from Abercrombie or Old Navy (I got these black jean shorts this summer and they’re my most worn this season). It’s nice to know that jean shorts are a staple that won’t go out of style anytime soon.

A sense of adventure

Lol, there’s fun to be had in the summertime! From pickleball to kayaking the Milwaukee River, Brewers games to botanical gardens, Summerfest to the Renaissance Faire, there’s a pull toward fun. (And sunshine.)

Let me know what’s on your list of summer essentials!

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