How is it the end of June already? Didn't school just let out last week?
We haven't exactly been idle, but we've also not done much at all. We've been to our local water park, spent a day at the lake, gone to the movies, and eaten at many of our favorite locally-owned restaurants. I've cleaned out my closet, gotten caught up on laundry, and whittled down my TBR list. I also got a haircut. Oh, and I haven't set an alarm in about five weeks now (that might be my favorite part of summer tbh).
Summers are still weird for me, if I'm being honest. This is my third summer as a teacher off duty, and my mind and body still have not quite adapted to having so many consecutive weeks off. I mean, I did spend 15 years of my life without having summers off, so it's pretty understandable. I have no doubt that I will eventually adapt, but for now I still find myself with this inexplicable need to be productive. I'm channeling most of that into the blog if you couldn't tell.
Here are my favorite things from the month of June plus the ten most popular things I shared.
My Favorite Things
Espadrille Sandals - I'm still wearing these pretty much every day, so they still deserve a spot on the favorites list. They are without a doubt my most-worn sandals of the summer, and y'all have taken notice. These sandals are in the top 10 things y'all loved as well. Sadly, they're starting to sell out, but they are still available in a few sizes. If your size isn't available, check out these similar ones from Target or Kohl's.
Minimalist Black Flip Flops - I'll be the first to admit that I didn't expect to like these as much as I do. They're flip flops, and I usually hate flip flops, but these feel polished and are more comfortable than I expected. Y'all love them, too, apparently as they are also in the top 10 most popular things I shared this month.
Wild Fable Printed Linen Shorts - These are so freaking cute and comfortable. I did size up to a large because this brand tends to be cut a bit narrow for my hips and thighs. The shorts do have a draw-string waist so I was able to tighten them as much as I needed.
Sense and Second-Degree Murder by Tirzah Price - This is a great mystery retelling of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility. You can read my full review at the bottom of this post. This is the second of Tirzah Price's Austen mysteries that I've read, and I think this one is better than Pride and Premeditation. I did just discover that there's a third one - Manslaughter Park - that I'll be reading ASAP.
When We Believed in Mermaids by Barbara O'Neal - This was my June book club pick, and it was such a bittersweet, perfect summer read. Because I don't have the full review published yet, I'll give you a brief synopsis. This is the story of two sisters who find their way back to each other after one fakes her death to escape the cycle of a truly heartbreaking life. It's got love, both familial and romantic, betrayal, and redemption...and the setting revolves around the beach. I'll have a full review for y'all within the next week or so.
Snow Cone Machine - This might be the smartest $20 I've spent this summer. Alexis loves it and uses it nearly every day. It's easy to use and clean and doesn't take up much room on the counter. Y'all have also been loving this one. It's in the top 10 most popular things I shared this month.
Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Lotion - I've been using this daily, even on my face, to try to counter the effects of our harsh summer weather so I don't look and feel like a dried-out alligator. I love the light scent; it reminds me of the beach without being super overwhelming. It also works wonders on sun-abused skin, taking away the sting and reducing redness quickly.
Hydrocolloid Bandages - It's not really a secret that I have bad skin allergies. My super sensitive skin doesn't like much, especially smoke of any kind. So when I had to walk through a cloud of it leaving a restaurant a couple weeks ago, I had a bad flare. These flares start out looking like acne but are incredibly painful and itchy and turn into sores. My bestie recommended trying these, which I didn't even know existed, and I saw results after just one night of use. These have earned a permanent spot in my medicine cabinet.
Camille Rose Guava Slip Whipped Souffle Styler - This is not quite a perfect replacement for my Aussie curl pudding that's been discontinued, but it's close, and it smells ah-mazing. I love guava.
Not Your Mother's Curl Refresh Foam - I know this has made the list before, but I've been using it a lot this summer. It's been especially helpful since I cut my hair back short.
Your Favorite Things
Stay Wild Vintage Graphic Tee - Man, you guys really like the light purple, huh? This tee far outpaced everything else I've shared this month. I don't personally own this one, but it is a decent substitute for my beloved Bluebird Floral Shop tee that is no longer available.
Flowy Shorts - It seems y'all like these pretty flowy shorts just as much as I do. The Amazon ones and Old Navy ones tied for the number two spot. The Old Navy ones have apparently gone viral, and the white floral ones are all but sold out. The Amazon ones come in several different color combos; I own three.
Espadrille Sandals - Y'all have good taste. See above for more details on these perfect-for-summer sandals.
Body Glide For Her Anti Chafe Balm - This was on my Amazon summer must-haves list, but you can find this at Walmart and Target as well.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Face Moisturizer - This was on my Walmart summer must-haves list. It really is such a great facial moisturizer.
His & Hers Water Shoes - My Athletic Works water shoes were also on my Walmart summer must-haves list, and they are seriously maybe the best $10 I've spent. We have season passes to our local water park, and these bad boys are saving my feet without looking dopey. They're also comfortable. I was a little surprised that my husband's Rugged Shark men's water shoes were also on the list. I shared them as a bonus to go along with my water shoes, but I guess I shouldn't be all that shocked. My husband loves his pair, and even my daughter has a pair of the kids ones.
Minimalist Black Flip Flops - I guess y'all like simple, trendy flip flops, too.
Snow Cone Machine - This one really is a no brainer. If you haven't gotten one yet, what are you waiting for?!
Levi Strauss Signature Vintage A-Line Shorts - Do y'all know how hard it is to find denim shorts that don't squeeze my thighs? These don't, and I really do like the higher waist. They're flattering, and they didn't break the bank. I almost included these in my favorites for the month, but looking back I realized that I've been wearing linen shorts more than anything else lately because they're ultimately cooler due to the thinner material.
Large Plastic Tote - This is another thing that was on my Walmart summer must-haves list. I haven't actually gotten myself one yet, but it's coming, y'all. My current beach/lake/water park tote is just not big enough. Unfortunately, the Mainstays one is no longer available to order online. However, some stores still have them in stock, and you can check the website for availability. Guess I better hurry and get one before they're all gone, huh?
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