6 Things Im Lovin' This Summer

I'll admit, summer isn't my favorite time of the year. Don't get me wrong, it's a hundred times better than winter, but I'd happily embrace fall-like weather all year-round and skip the scorching heat. But since there's nothing I can do about it (except move), I'm trying to make the best of this hot and humid (and recently very rainy) season with our little one.

After all, there are some good things about summer. And in my case, there's 6....

1. BOB Jogging Stroller

I'm so glad Ryan and I took advantage of REI's awesome sale last summer and bought this jogger. It has taken me way longer than I ever expected to get back into running after having Evelyn, but this is definitely a great stroller for it, nonetheless. Evie and I have enjoyed many morning runs recently right in our neighborhood. Our friend Holly and her baby girl have a jogging stroller too, so now we can cruise together at nearby parks!

Back to the stroller: It's pretty heavy duty; like a hummer of strollers. I'd never want to have to use it at the mall or the grocery store--it's way too large and I imagine it being a bit tricky navigating narrow aisles and large crowds. But for an outdoor outing or anywhere we'd need to be "off road," the BOB is unbeatable!

2. Starbucks Green Iced Tea {sweetened}

Yes, I recently wrote a post about how I have cut back on my trips to Starbucks by making iced coffee at home. BUT, that doesn't mean a momma doesn't deserve a refreshing beverage every now and again. I love their Tazo iced green tea with some sugar while Evie enjoys a nice nap in the back seat- perfect combo!

3. Ault Park

One thing we've really come to love about Cincinnati is all of its great parks. Ault is definitely one of my favorites thanks to its beautiful gardens and amazing views. Funny story, when we first moved here, I would see signs for "Ault" around town, and for the first few months I didn't visit because I thought it was strange that Cincinnati had an Adult Park. "How odd," I remember thinking to myself.

Turns out it's actually very family friendly, and we usually meet with friends here for a walk or some play time on the swings. We also recently had our first family photos taken here.

Here's the Evster swinging at Ault, one of our favorite summertime activities. (OK, we've only done it a few times, but I think she likes it!)

4. Suave Moroccan Shampoo and Conditioner
Moroccan oil is so good for your hair, quickly repairing any hair that is weak, damaged or color-treated. The problem is that pure moroccan oil isn't something I'm willing to pay for; especially someone who rarely does their hair. My solution: Suave Professional Moroccan Infusion.  This stuff leaves my hair super soft and tangle free, plus it's pretty cheap! I absolutely love how my hair feels once it dries and it seems to help tame my frizzies in the summer heat. LOVE, love, love.

5. Maxi Dresses

If I was OK with looking/feeling like a dirt ball all the time I'd just live in my workout shorts and an old t-shirt. But since I want to look presentable at least some days, a simple Maxi dress is my outfit of choice. They are sooo comfy, flattering and most importantly, cover my pale legs. I recently purchased a few from Nordstrom and my new favorite (and affordable) online boutique, Mint Julep.

{Sorry, I only take selfies of the little one}

6. Rompers (baby rompers, that is)

Personally, rompers aren't for ME. But on the babe, they are so so wonderful! Not only are these one-pieces absolutely adorable, but they are so perfect for summer time. Evie has a handful of rompers that I find myself rotating through on a regular basis now that the summer heat is in full force. The ease in which I can change a diaper when she is sporting one of these is also an added perk!

Below she's wearing one of my favorite Baby Gap rompers.

There you have it, 6 things I do indeed enjoy about the summer!