8 of My Favorite Things I Can’t Live Without This Summer

I have eight things that I’m going to share with you that I have been LOVING this summer, I truly can’t live without them. I’m so excited to share these things, so I’m going to cut to the chase and just get started! (Everything mentioned will be linked at the end of this post, just click on the image to be directed to the website!)

1. Lucky Brand Jeans

My favorite pair of pants this summer have been my Lucky Brand jeans in the style, mid rise Ava skinny jean, in the color via alcalde (style #7W14098). They’re perfect for warmer weather because of the wash, rips, and the fact that they’re slightly cropped- although that may be because of my long legs. My ONLY complaint about this pair is that they’re mid rise instead of high rise, but that’s just a personal preference of what fits best on my body. I love styling these with a white t-shirt and sneakers, or with heels for a night out.

2. Cropped Athletic Tops from Amazon

Who would’ve thought that Amazon would have some of the best tank tops I’ve ever tried? Not to mention, they’re under $20 and come in SO MANY colors. I own the top in white, black, pink, and blue. For me, the straps are the perfect length and the compression is the perfect amount. It even has built in removable bra pads. I’ve been lounging around in these tops for weeks, and even wearing them with a skirt when I want to dress them up! If I could recommend checking out one thing from this list, it would definitely be these tops.

3. Kitsch Face Masks

As face masks are the new normal, for now, I decided to invest in some cute ones. I really didn’t like wearing the disposable ones and wanted cute patterns and colors that I could mix and match with my outfits. I had the worst time finding masks that were a decent price and were cute! But finally, I came across an instagram ad for a site called Kitsch. They had the CUTEST leopard print masks. So, I ordered them. These are the softest, comfiest masks I’ve tried. They were a little big on me at first, but I popped them in the washer and dryer and now they fit perfect. I get compliments on the masks everywhere I go.

4. Ange Earrings

For me, the search for cute gold-filled jewelry has been a struggle. Not because I can’t find cute stuff, but because everything costs an arm and a leg. And I know what you’re thinking, just get fake gold, it’s cheaper. BUT NO, when I put on jewelry, I don’t know the next time I’ll take it off. This means I’m wearing it in the shower, when I’m washing my hands, when I’m working out… all day every day, the jewelry is on my body. I didn’t want it to tarnish in the water, so therefore, I needed to find either pure gold or at least gold-filled.

After eyeing up super expensive jewelry for months, I finally came across an instagram page called Ange. They carried the same stuff I’ve been seeing everywhere else, but for a quarter of the price. Needless to say, I went right to their website and bought many, many things. But my favorites are two pairs of earrings. I bought their Josie Hoops, which fit like huggies, and their Tati Earrings. I haven’t taken them off since I got them. (the earrings linked below are similar, for the exact ones mentioned visit shopange.com)

5. The Five Minute Journal

The Five Minute Journal has become a crucial part of my morning and night routines. If I don’t write in it right when I wake up, my whole day is thrown off. I really think that the journal helps center me and makes me happier overall. Every morning, it starts with a motivational quote. Then, it has you list 3 things you’re grateful for, 3 things that would make today great, and your daily affirmations (I am statements). To me, this really helps boost my confidence and helps me manifest things into my day and life. At night, it has you reflect on the day and write 3 amazing things that happened and what would’ve made the day better. Before the journal part of the book starts, it explains this method and why it works. It was super interesting to read the science behind it all. I highly recommend this one.

6. Doing My Own Nails

I have had a BLAST doing my own nails recently. It’s so therapeutic for me, and it is so much less expensive. Over quarantine, I invested in a gel UV light and gel polish. That was the best decision I’ve made this year. I use the Beetles Gel Polish in their Spring into Summer collection. This polish is amazing, there were 20 pieces in the collection and they stay on my nails for weeks. I also bought the SUNUV UV light, which has been great because there is a larger opening on one side for if you choose to do your toes. Another thing that has been a saving grace when doing my nails is this 15 piece nail kit that I bought on Amazon. It has brushes, pens, gems, foil, and tapes in all different colors. It has been essential for the designs I’ve done. The last thing that I just integrated into my nail routine are the Kiss Long Length Tips. These are so easy to apply, and they make my nails look so much longer and feminine.

7. Avocado

You’re probably thinking, “Kristen… avocados have been around forever.” And obvi I know that, but I just started to really like them recently. And I cannot lie, they have made a major difference in my skin. It seems so much healthier and glowy, and the only thing I’ve done differently is change my diet and eat more avocado. I have half of one everyday, and sometimes a full one. I usually put it on salads, but my favorite thing to put it on is toast. I take a piece of sourdough bread, toast it, mash up an avocado with some lemon juice, put it on the toast, and then I top it off with some hot sauce and Greek seasoning. (the Greek seasoning here is KEY)

8. Depop

My last summer favorite is Depop. If you read my post about shopping secondhand, then you already know about Depop. If you don’t, basically it is a place where you can buy and sell secondhand clothes, accessories, and home items. I have been selling so much recently, some weeks I’ve gone every single day having to go to the post office. I’ve been selling stuff out of my closet, but also vintage finds from my grandparent’s basement (don’t worry, I asked for permission). I’ve also done some shopping on Depop, which I always love because it’s like you’re supporting someone’s small business, AND you get a great item for cheaper than it would’ve been in the store.

That just about sums it up for everything I’ve been loving this summer. If you’ve stuck around this long, I appreciate you so much. If you try any of these things, please let me know! I’d love to know what you think!

19