Summer 2015 Recap: Fun In The Sun

Summer’s the time of year I reconnect with my family and friends.  Although I adore the Fall, I try to enjoy a little fun in the sun!  My boys are out for the summer and as a mom it’s important to make memories before they start summer jobs, traveling abroad, or preparing for college.

I also like to grab some adult time with a glass of wine (or cocktail) sip gourmet coffee and share laughs with my best friends.  I live here in Maryland but I was born and raised in Alabama; I move around (now) like a city girl but still a southerner at heart.  I guess that explains my cooking hobby and outdoor living.  I learned at an early age that serving a hearty dish brings people together.

IMG_6269

One hidden secret that many may not know is that Alabama has some great thrift stores!  I participate in a good ole’ thrifting session while visiting the heart of dixie.  My normal finds include heirloom items, knick knacks, and various clothing items.  If you’re a true southern girl, one can not forget to visit the local water park (because it’s hot) and host a family barbecue.  My dad will normally cook on the grill; our barbecues are fairly traditional, eating hotdogs, steaks, or seafood.

Summer would not be eventful without a trip to the Smithsonian Institute.  I love the nostalgia of statues and museums.  They’re constantly updating and you never know what’s in store when you visit.  Life can get pretty hectic but don’t forget to relax, rejuvenate and feed your soul!

Other random things I do in the summer –

Read a good novel

Visit the Pool (often)

Dance at a Concert

Golf Outing 

Arts & Crafts

Watch Fireworks

Shop The Farmers Market

Enjoy Netflixs

14
IMG_5357
3

IMG_5269

2

13

12

11

10

9

6

16

15

18

IMG_5075

Visit my Instagram @kwest1908 for more photos

 

 

Summer 2015 Survival Kit: Skin care, Drink Options, and BBQ Set

Summer is around the corner and we’ve compiled your SUMMER 2015 SURVIVAL KIT!

From the latest in skin care to refreshing drink options, milkshake machines and more, below are summer-perfect items to get you through every last sun shining day.

Coconut Oil For Beauty: While most people associate coconut oil with cooking, Extra Virgin Coconut oil actually has a variety of beauty uses and this trendy item can multipurpose as a moisturizer, hair conditioner, teeth whitener, shaving cream, and natural sunscreen. Moreover, most folks would agree that the right facial mask is one that contains coconut oil. Pure, unrefined, and cold pressed, this Extra Virgin Coconut Oil from Carrington Farms coconut oil comes in convenient, portable Paks, so it’s great for toting to the beach or a pool. As an added bonus, coconut oil has been shown to help prevent breakouts, so you won’t have to worry about unwanted blemishes. Priced at $9.99/8- 0.5 oz packets per box at select retailers and online at www.CarringtonFarms.com

unnamed (59)

Organic Beach Towels: In Turkey, where bathing has been raised to an art, khadi is the traditional choice for toweling. Coyuchi’s Mediterranean Beach Towels are traditional lightweight Turkish bath towels with a high/low weave for excellent absorption. Woven from yarn dyed organic cotton and edged in hand-knotted fringe. Cotton is 100% organic, and sourced and woven in Turkey. Priced at $68 at coyuchi.com

unnamed (60)

Travel Friendly Wine: VOGA Italia’s Baby Sparkling is a mini sized sparkling wine- perfectly portioned for one! With a unique screw top cap, you can easily open and reseal while enjoying a summer picnic lunch or day at the beach! For extra cute enjoyment, pop in a straw and enjoy. No glass needed. Priced at $5.99 at select retailers nationwide.

unnamed (66)

Hydrating Coconut Water: Coco Joy is naturally rich in nutrients and hydrating electrolytes and full of sweet flavor from all natural, pure coconut water made from 100% pure green coconuts that contain no added sugar and no preservatives. It’s gluten, lactose and dairy free and is the perfect cool companion to rejuvenate after a day spent under the sun. It delivers antioxidants, calcium and magnesium and has fewer calories, less sodium and more potassium than sports drinks. Coco Joy is brand new to the US and is available on Amazon.com. Priced at $1.90 for 8.40 fl. oz cans and $3.90 for 42 fl. oz. bottles.

unnamed (62)

Portable BBQ Set: You’ve got the beverages, now what about the eats? Prepare a serious BBQ at your local park or favorite outdoor spot with All-Clad Stainless Steel BBQ Set. The set includes 4 grilling tools in a sturdy, metal carrying case for easy transport of tools to the grilling area. Priced at $119 at www.macys.com.

unnamed (63)

Milkshake Machine: Nothing’s better on a hot summer day than a creamy milkshake! Now with Omega’s milkshake makers you can bring the fun home! The extra-large Stainless Steel blending cup clicks on and off for ease-of-use and serving. The powerful motor and detachable spindle aerates mixtures into frothy, smooth textures for superior whipping results. Priced at $179.95- 399.95 at www.OmegaJuicers.com

unnamed (64)

Hot-Weather Ready Pillow: Get your beauty sleep…even on a hot summer night. JuveRest’s The Sleep Wrinkle Pillow’s contoured shape provides comfortable support and improved air circulation around your head keeping you cooler at night. Plus, its patented design minimizes facial wrinkles by promoting back sleeping and compression-free side sleeping. Priced at $179 at www.juverest.com

unnamed (65)