One fun thing we did earlier this month was take a family vacation to Michigan. I’d only ever visited northern MI as a kid, and had been craving a beach-like setting for the past year, and so we booked a little lake-side cottage in Union Pier, MI about an hour east of Chicago, for a week. It was PERFECTION! Lake Michigan’s sand is super soft and, while the water was freezing, the kids didn’t mind and played and played all day long.
And so well, too. Sun, sand, and water – what a truly magical combo.
It was such a hit that we plan on making this an annual trip, choosing a different town and cottage each summer. You know I love a good tradition! Hit me up with your favorite Michigan lake towns – I’m working my way north to Torch Lake someday!
Other than that, we’ve been keeping busy, seeing friends and family as often as possible. We’re feeling grateful to have a “normal” summer compared to last year, that’s for sure! Do you have July 4th plans? I cannot believe we’re so close – where has the month gone?! That said, today I want to share my favorite finds from the month of June in the latest installment of Favorite Finds. I hope you find something new to love!
Past Favorite Finds
February 2021 March 2021
64oz Insulated Water Bottle
I’ve been really focusing on hydration over the past couple of months, and was tired of constantly refilling my water bottle, so I ordered this Simple Modern 64oz Insulated Water Bottle and it’s been a game changer (and 1/3 of the price of its YETI doppelgänger!) I aim for a gallon of water a day, so I only need to refill this bad boy once to meet my goal. YES, it’s enormous. NO, it doesn’t fit in any cup holders. But, I love it. Bonus that it serves as a refilling station for the kids’ water bottles if we’re out and they drain theirs. I ordered this straw lid to go with. So good!
Caribou Gluten Free Spinach Artichoke Provolone Sandwich
Caribou Coffee’s Gluten Free Spinach, Artichoke, Egg & Provolone breakfast sandwich has actually been a favorite find of mine for MONTHS! I am slightly addicted to it – my wallet is not happy. Each sandwich comes pre-packaged, so there’s no cross contamination, and it just feels good to be able to order a hot breakfast sandwich – that’s incredibly delicious – on the go. Highly recommend. By the way Ben, who is a breakfast sandwich snob, said their Sausage Egg and Cheddar Biscuit (non GF) is one of the best breakfast sandwiches he’s ever had. YUM.
Swim Suit Trio
Between my brother/SIL having a pool, a friend having one, and the pool pass we purchased this summer, Mama was in need of some new swim suits this summer. I’d found a killer one last year but, well, it doesn’t fit anymore. Onward to these gorgeous suits I recently found that are practical (no obnoxious ruffles, ties, etc.) yet comfortable (not overly tight, strappy, etc):
Althleta Maldives One Piece Suit
I audibly whispered “YES!” when I found this Maldives One Piece Suit at Athleta – its exactly what I’d been looking for in a swim suit! High neck, so I’m comfortable when playing around with the kids, but a cut out in the back sets it apart from a standard racing suit. Nice, thick lining too. Obsessed.
Aqua Green Ring Back Suit
I love the color splash on this Aqua Green Ring Back Suit, plus it has ruching on the stomach area which I appreciate. The back DOES have a ring, but I don’t find it to be fussy. This is a fun and pretty yet practical suit.
Waist Detail Suit
This Waist Detail Suit is a little low cut to be playing with the kids, but I find it to be very comfortable and the ribbing detail on the torso is super pretty too. The high back is also nice so you’re not showing too much skin overall.
Good Foods Cilantro Dip
I randomly picked up a tub of Good Foods Cilantro Dip at the store recently, and ate the entire thing in less than 24 hours. Holy Moses, it is DELICIOUS! I love cilantro and didn’t think this was too in-your-face cilantro-y – very subtle, creamy, and just so darn good. Plant based/vegan too. Great with Simple Mills Everything Crackers.
Daily Ritual Jeans
Lume Natural Deodorant
I saw an ad for Lume on Facebook a few weeks ago and purchased it after reading some of the comments praising the product. I’ve been cycling through natural deodorants for the past 5+ years and this one is blowing my mind because it actually WORKS. There is no smell. I run, garden, swim, bike – NOTHING! I use the unscented deodorant, FYI. Just a teeny little drop is all you need.
Ring Ice Pop Popsicles
If your kids are anything like mine, they are obsessed with popsicles in the summertime. Mine also happen to be obsessed with Ring Pops (where they picked up this fascination, I have no idea,) and so they were so thrilled when I found these Ring Pop Popsicle molds – they are so cute! I like how they’re smaller than traditional popsicles so less sugar for your little little ones.
La Crema Rosé
I’ve been on a personal quest to find the best Rosé this summer (it’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it…) and La Crema’s 2019 Monterey Rosé is near the top of my list. It is deliciously smooth. Perfect for sharing with a friend on the patio, sipping poolside, or pairing with a grilled dinner. At $15-16 bucks, it’s also a great value (especially compared to the price of a glass of wine at a restaurant or bar – did NOT miss that while staying home over the past year!) La Crema is easily found in most wine/liquor stores too – give it a try!
What are some of your recent favorite finds? Like this recipe? Share it with friends!