Summertime is almost upon us! It isn’t exactly my favorite season but there is a reason for all this excitement: I’m looking forward to my two weeks summer break (no work, baby!) and of course, my birthday (4th of July). My husband once told me that I am the only person he knows who celebrate birthday two months in advance and extend two months after. The answer is why not? if I can celebrate it everyday, I would! Carpe diem. So what would be my plans then, come summertime?
Put the phone down. I plan to use my summer break to recharge my mind and body, and just focus on things and situations that matter to me most. The best memories aren’t always captured in Instagram photos but those that retain in your heart. This is going to be a tough challenge as I use my phone to check work emails, edit blog posts, respond to subscribers, etc. But we survived the world before sans mobile phone so I am determined to take up this challenge!
Commune with nature. I would like to go back to basics. You know, just spending time doing mundane things such as reading magazine or meditate amidst the breeze or birds chirping. Away from people, closer to nature.
Spend quality time with my ohana. My husband is also taking a week off in time for my birthday so I would like us to do nice things together, perhaps play tourist again around the island. I picked up some nice swimsuits alongside summer-proof products that I foresee becoming staples in the next few months. To say that I am excited is truly an understatement!
I mentioned products so I thought I’d share with you these lovely items that I have been enjoying recently (read How to Shop Vegan at Sephora).
Pacifica Mineral Sunscreen Body Butter Blood Orange SPF 50. I spotted this recently at Target and if you are a fan of Blood Orange line, you need this. It has 22% zinc oxide, a good sunblock to wear this time of the year. I prefer mineral (physical) sunscreen because it’s safe enough to use for acne prone skin and coral-reef safe. Do you know that Hawai’i is in the forefront in banning chemical sunscreens?
Pacifica Mineral Lip Balm SPF 15. This is also from the Blood Orange line. Needless to say, our lips need sun protection too to prevent chapping, dryness and sunburn.
Sol de Janeiro Ipanema Sunset Glow Oil. I love this! If you’re planning to show off your shoulders, legs, even decolletage, this shimmer oil elevates your look to diva status! I swatched it in my shoulder in this video, check it out!
Angela Roi Zuri card pouch. Made from high quality vegan leather, this is the card case I always bring whenever I downsize my wallet. As you can see from the photo, it has key ring you can attach to your bag (or keys if you prefer it that way).
Toms Sunglasses. I am a fan of Toms because their sunnies are quite affordable and also because of their philanthropy. For every purchase you made whether accessories, shoes or apparel, Toms donate to their chosen charities.
Fedora straw hat. Anything made from straw is a trend this summer. You’ve seen me wear this hat in multiple occasions and it is for a reason, it’s a quick and effortless way to look chic (read How To Veganize Your Wardrobe).
Ipanema t-strap flip flops. I’m all about comfort without compromising style and these flip flops (or slippahs as we call them here in Hawaii) are my faves. I have another pair in a different color and style (read Are Your Shoes Vegan).
Any plans this summer?
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Canvass shopper bag from Paw You
Sounds like you have some great plans for summer! I will definitely be getting out to enjoy nature this summer.
Yes, let’s enjoy nature this summer!
I really need to try the Pacficia blood orange line. I need more sunscreen and 22% Zinc Oxide is perfect for long, bright days.
The usual problem tho with mineral, requires bit of blending but I don’t mind it coz sun protection first before anything
No plans other than a bridal shower I’m throwing and an August wedding in Chicago but those will be fun. Your choices are great as usual.
Yay to the bridal shower. Have fun
So jealous that you can commune with Nature now. It’s too hot (triple digits now) so my nature communal is during the winter. I hope you have a wonderful summer break!
Thanks much! One of the many reasons I love Hawai’i
I’ll be going to CosmoProf again in July and my daughter and her boyfriend will be coming here for a visit. I’ll be seeing friends, having BBQ’s and such.
Have fun! We all need a great summer break
Your plans for summer sound lovely! Love those sunnies
Thanks Allison
Super cute sunnies! And I like your summer plans
Sounds like so much fun! We’ll be going to mexico this summer, can’t wait to travel!
Enjoy and have fun!
I need those sandals!
I am definitely picking up that sunscreen!
I’ll be looking for the Pacifica sunscreen. I love their blood orange line. so yummy!
What wonderful summer plans! Going back to basics is a great idea. You will definitely have a lovely 2 week break from work, and a lovely birthday celebration!
Lazy Summers always sound so amazing to me, but with 3 kids and all their activities mine are never lazy.
Play tourist in your own city is always the best!
Yes to touristy things
This is one of the first times that we aren’t taking a family summer vacation which is weird but I also welcome the change. We’re working the entire summer and our kids are doing various day care/camps but I love your tips!
Have fun and enjoy even without Family summer vacation. Sometimes the simplest things we do are the most memorable. My plans are nothing grand but I look forward to it
Yup I definitely need those flip flops. They are fancier than the meh ones I have!
I shop from Hautelook. Plenty of fancy discounted designer and non-designer brands with decent quality
I’m glad you are taking some time for yourself this summer! Summer always seems to be the busiest on the work front, and I’m jealous of the upcoming vacation!
Yes. I look forward to this. I only have 2
wks off during summer and another 2 wks off holiday.
I actually didn’t know that Hawaii is banning chemical sunscreens. Personally, I prefer mineral ones, but on especially hot days I double up if I plan to be outside.
Yes, finally. Hawai’i is also the first state to ban use of plastic bags
I’m heading to the Caribbean to visit family other than that not much planned. Love you plans great choices
Enjoy your vacation too!
Sounds like a good summer! Playing tourist in the area is something I plan to do, too; Florida is full of good stuff I’ve never seen!
Yes, there’s so much to discover here too. Enjoy your summer
I am so right there with you!!! The whole month of September I celebrate my birthday! We are finally cooling off here in Alabama and can finally get outdoors again!!
Yay! Enjoy summer and I like that you also celebrate your birthday for a month!
I hope you have a great vacation! And I’m going to Target to grab those Pacifica Blood Orange products!
Thank you. Let me know how you like them
the summer is coming up :D, and we should prepare well for it 🙂