It’s finally summer! It’s actually felt like summer in California for a while, but now it’s official. Summer to me means warm weather, tan lines, and lots of adventures! And we’re definitely starting summer here with the warm weather. And lots of planned adventures. I also have a ton of exciting plans for this blog! Hopefully you plan to get outdoors, go on some new adventures, and make the most out of the beautiful summer!

 

My 2016 Summer Essentials

Bike: I love cruising around town on a bike, whether to run errands, exercise, or just get outside because it’s summer. I have an older bike that I’m not going to show you because it’s a little beat up, but I’ve been eyeing a new beach cruiser. Specifically this one from Amazon here! I love the touch of pink rather than an all pink bike.

Summer Dresses: I’m always hesitant to wear dresses because I like to run around and be wild, but summer dresses should be on your summer essentials list because you look chic and summery. Plus they are way more comfortable in the warm weather. I’d rather wear a summer dress than pants any day.

Reusable water bottle: I drink a lot of water, it’s pretty much all I drink. And it’s important to drink a lot of water and keep yourself hydrated during the warm summer months. I like being environmentally friendly so I use reusable water bottles and take them with me everywhere. I’m loving my new water bottle – it has times on the back to keep you motivated and drinking water throughout the day, but I never use that because I drink so much water anyways.

 

A good book: Nothing is better than relaxing outside with a good book. And I love reading (see the reading lately linkups).

Great bathing suit: It’s the summer, and you’re going to need a great, adorable bathing suit. My all time favorite bathing suit I’ve ever purchased is this Mila Amerikini one I got from A’QUA Custom Swim. All their bikinis are handmade and it shows how much effort and love they put into their bikinis. The quality is amazing, it’s beautiful, and it has survived my running around and flipping into the lake (and to be perfectly honest, my drunken shenanigans).

Bikini: A’QUA Custom Swim

Playlist: Music is a definite must in your summer essentials list! It’s great to just drive around with the top down, or pretend to with the windows down if you also don’t have a convertible. But I like to imagine the wind blowing gracefully through my hair instead of tangling it in front of my face so I can’t see anything. Whether you have multiple playlists or just one for everything, you need to have one!

Cute sunglasses: We do a lot of outdoor activities so I like having a pair of inexpensive sunglasses in case they get banged up or lost. I found these Wayfarer’s and they’re super adorable and surprisingly have lasted me two years. I’m impressed that I haven’t lost them or broken them. Not for lack of trying though, I’ve definitely sat on them and gone swimming with them. But they’re cute and inexpensive. But I am in the market for a nicer pair of sunglasses that don’t go on my adventures with me — suggestions welcome 🙂

Sunglasses: Amazon / Sunscreen: Amazon

Sunscreen: I dislike the oily feel of most sunscreens and I’m not the biggest fan of the smell, but it’s so important to take care of your skin so it needs to be a part of your summer essentials! I typically use whatever sunscreen is on hand but I use this Revercel triple duty sunscreen SPF 45-50 for my face. It doesn’t have a strong smell and doesn’t leave my face feeling oily or greasy.

Sandals: I have a serious shoe obsession – and you can never have too many shoes. Living in California, I pretty much live in sandals year round. My favorite go-to sandals are Rainbows with the rhinestones in the strap. They are perfect for anything casual and going to the lake/beach. But if I’m doing something a little more dressy I love these Tory Burch sandals. They’re super adorable, dressy, and they go with everything! But they aren’t great for walking around all day as they don’t provide much spport.

Workout outfit: A great workout outfit is essential for summer. With the nice weather there are so many ways to workout outdoors. It’s refreshing to get out of the gym, plus it’s important to keep working on your great body even though it’s already summer. Check out this blog post all about workout motivation to keep you on track with your fitness goals!

 

 

Which of these items will you have to add to your summer essentials list? Share in the comments what some of your summer essentials are!