My June Favourites
We are officially half way through 2020, and I can’t be the only one who is absolutely thrilled about it. 2020 has put us through the ringer, and I was just thinking the other day about how I did a blog in January with my goals for the upcoming year, and one of those goals was to travel more…haha, joke’s on me, isn’t it? Well, since I can’t travel much (shout out to COVID-19), at least the summer weather is here, and I can enjoy the warmth & sunshine!
Normally, I’m not a huge fan of summer – I don’t really love the heat, and where I live, the summer weather mostly consists of being humid all the time, with the odd just straight up hot day, but I have to say after months of being stuck inside, I’m welcoming the warmer weather, the longer hours of sunshine & the fact that I can go outside without freezing (or being in snow). This months favourites have a lot of outdoor emphasis, so without further ado, let’s jump in:
Growing Your Own
Over the last few years, I’ve gotten more and more of a desire to grow plants. Last summer, I bought 6 herbs (parsley, basil, lemon balm, mint, chives & dill) and I successfully grew, harvested & used those herbs, which was a big shock to me, as someone who often would refer to herself as a plant killer…like, I killed a cactus because I forgot to water it. Yeah…you read that right. This summer, I ended up going full force into my plant obsession, and picked up some new herbs – parsley, basil, peppermint, cilantro (ew – it’s for my boyfriend), chives & lemon thyme. I also bought myself lavender, two hibiscus plants & a palm tree. Yeah, I really stepped it up! I also invested in some beautiful new planters from Hudson & Oak – the OG Blush Round Planter (size small), and the Mustard Cylinder Planter (size medium). My cylinder planter isn’t here yet, but I’m so looking forward to putting my palm tree in it!
Refreshing (+ Homemade!) Lemonade, Beautifully Served
Who doesn’t love a nice cold glass of lemonade on a hot summers day? Well, it hasn’t been super duper hot yet, but I’ve definitely been making lots of the coconut lemonade from Fraiche Food Full Hearts, and serving it up in my Palermo Pitcher from The Cross Decor & Design. I’m not a huge sweet-tooth, and I find so many lemonades are sosweet, it’s almost unbearable, so I’ve loved making this lemonade and sweetening it to a point that feels right for me. Not to mention, it’s always nice to make something yourself!
Reminders of Hawaiian Paradise
I think I’ve more than well established my undying love for Aerie and everything that they sell, right? Well, if I haven’t, I’m here to tell you – I’m obsessed. I happened to take a look on their website not long after my trip, and of course they had just come out with a Hawaiian collection (if you ask me, I’ve seen so many Hawaiian/tropical inspired pieces this summer, so it seems like Summer 2020 is the summer of Hawaii!), and of course I needed to order at least one thing. I picked up this Swimsuit, and have been obsessed with it ever since. Due to COVID-19, I haven’t been able to make it to a lake or a pool, but I have to admit, this swimsuit makes a really cute bodysuit for a hot summers day with a pair of shorts! It also comes in a beautiful blue & I highly suggest checking out their other Hawaiian inspired pieces if you love Hawai’i as much as I do.
Music for the Hot Weather
This might seem a little basic, and like I’m super late to the party (I kind of am), but I’ve been so obsessed with throwing on some Spotify playlists, especially when I’m hanging out on the deck. I love that I can select a reading playlist while I’m sitting in the sun, reading a book and I get a bunch of songs with no lyrics to distract me. Or, if I’m sitting outside with family, enjoying the hot weather, I can throw on a summer-inspired playlist. If you’re not already on Spotify, you totally should sign up!
Sweet Hydration
I can’t be the only one completely obsessed with Bubly Sparkling Water, right?! Actually, I know I’m not – my best friend Brianna & her roommate are obsessed too. But for real, if you haven’t tried these drinks already, and you love La Croix’s, I can’t recommend them enough! I find the La Croix drinks are delicious but why not get something similar for a couple of dollars cheaper per case!? They’re literally 0 calories, 0 added sugar, naturally flavoured and taste so good (if you love flavoured sparkling water).
Accessories for a Good Cause
I don’t know what took me so long to come across Pura Vida Bracelets, but I’m so happy I know about them now. Ever since getting back from Hawai’I, I’ve been majorly vibing the beach & ocean, and anything that allows me to feed off that love, and Pura Vidaallows me to do that. They have so many beautiful pieces of jewelry that feature waves, ocean animals, and I also lovethat their handmade bracelets are coated in a wax so if you go in the water, they won’t get ruined. Another big factor of my love for Pura Vidais that they employee women in third world countries & pay them a living wage! We love a company with good ethics and good products. I’m also a brand ambassador for the company, so if you find anything you like, use code EMILYLAVINSKAS20* to save yourself some money on your order (and they now have a dedicated Canadian website, which is amazing for all of us in Canada!).
Well, I can safely say I am welcoming July, and enjoying the summer weather a bit more. Like I mentioned at the beginning of this blog, I’m thrilled that we’re half way through the year, officially – I think most of us are longing for 2021 at this point…and hopeful that it’ll bring far more positivity than 2020 did. Until Friday, friends! Xo.
* Note: Some links above are commissionable affiliate links. Code for Pura Vida Bracelets is a commissionable code.
