Start summer with my favorite things
The sun’s out, the world is opening up, and I’m loving every minute of it. It has been super hot here, so we’ve been spending a lot of time at the pool and enjoying bbqs with friends outside. Did I mention that I LOVE summertime?
In true Julia-fashion, I’m always finding joy in the small things; the perfect summer recipe, a good laugh, and finding a workout that (finally) feels great. So take inspiration from some of my favorite things, and sprinkle some happiness into your summer.
7 summer favorites
1. Summer Vibez. Yes, with a “z!” This June Vibez playlist will make any summer get-together more fun. Listen on Apple Music or Spotify.
2. Peach Tea Palmers. A take on an Arnold Palmer drink (lemonade and iced tea), this version is sugar-free and super refreshing! Here’s how to make it:
Bring a pot of water to a boil, then take off the heat. Throw in eight bags of Celestial Seasonings Country Peach tea in the pot.
Once cool, squeeze in five lemons, and add sweetener to taste. I use monkfruit or stevia to keep it sugar free, but honey would probably be delicious.
Pop it in the fridge, and voila!
For a summery grown-up drink, just add vodka.
3. Barre Blend. I’ve finally found a workout that doesn’t toss “the girls” around like juggling balls. Beachbody’s Barre Blend is giving me a great workout (minus the sore boobs), and I’ve noticed a more toned waist and arms, and a bit of a lift to my backside.
I’m a huge fan of Beachbody on Demand, because there is a huge variety of workouts, and I can do them when it’s convenient for me, at home, where no one is watching my uncoordinated self. Perfection.
4. Tropical Sunscreen. I don’t like overly scented products in the summer, and this sunscreen has the perfect touch of scent. Alba’s Tropical Fruit sunscreen smells exactly like summer, without being overpowering. I bought a four-pack so I could stash a bottle in every bag and stroller for those unexpected summer adventures. I especially love that it doesn’t cost a million dollars to use a safe sunscreen on our bodies.
5. Caramel Apple Moscow Mule. Yes, another drink recipe; but this one is for grown ups only. We finally got to eat IN a restaurant for the first time in forever, and I ordered a Caramel Apple Moscow Mule. It was so freaking delicious that we went home and tried to make it ourselves. After several taste tests over the weekend, we’ve perfected it!
Over crushed ice, pour 1.5oz of apple vodka (we used Ciroc), the juice of half a lime, and top with ginger beer. Then drizzle some caramel sauce over top and voila! A not-too-sweet drink for summer.
6. Nalgene. I feel like I’m living in 1995 with this water bottle, but I went out and bought a Nalgene. Maybe it’s the wide opening instead of a straw, but this retro water bottle is helping me drink a lot more water. My husband even got one, so now we are those old people with matching water bottles - but I am digging it.
7. Ted Lasso. If you have Apple TV+, you need to watch this show. I’ve become a super sensitive tv watcher, and murder-y dramas or documentaries don’t do it for me. Ted Lasso stars Jason Sudeikis, and it’s the perfect mix of uplifting, heartwarming, and funny. It’s one of the best shows I’ve watched in a long time.