The weather here in Canada went straight from freezing to boiling, pretty much in the snap of a finger. We have been experiencing a heat wave and all of the peeps who complained about the cold are now doing the same about the heat.
Not me.
I love the heat. I feel like I’m no longer blending in with the milk bag (yeah, we have bags of milk in Canada) and I’m starting to get some colour back to my skin. I have even been able to wear my Too Faced Born This Way foundation!
Nonetheless, it makes me think of summer and all the essentials I will be stocking up on for this beautiful season.
Let’s get down to business. I need a pool in my backyard. I’ve been working on convincing Brian that this is an absolute summer essential, but so far it’s a no-go. Until then, I will have to make do with other avenues this summer.
Here are the items I will be bringing with me to the pool.
Sun Care
If we’re going to be out in the sun and water, a good sunscreen is in order. I always seem to gravitate toward Hawaiian Tropic and it’s probably because it smells like vacation in a bottle. I absolutely love the Silk Hydration after sun lotion.
This year I will also be trying something new – Sun Bum.
Swimwear
Over the years I’ve been a bit of a swimsuit hoarder. However, every year I find it harder and harder to find a well-fitted suit that is cute, modest and comfortable. I have a long torso so it has always been a hassle to find a one-piece. Some places I have found decent swimsuits are la Vie en Rose and Target. I tried ordering from Asos, but even though I ordered the DD size, they were still about 2 sizes too small. If you know some great places for long torsos, comment below, I need to know.
Sunglasses
Having blue eyes have turned sunglasses from a cute accessory into an absolute necessity in my life. I just can’t function without them. I also have categories now as well, because, well, if you let the ocean try on your $500 pair of Fendi sunglasses, you might not get them back. Also, don’t let the ocean try on your swimsuit.
I now have a pair of Prada sunglasses that are kept safe and other less expensive pairs that I bring to the ocean with me. Aldo has some great finds and when I’m really desperate, there’s always Dollarama.
Hydration
There’s no point in being in the sun if it’s going to drain you and leave you with a headache.
Insert water here.
Yes, this is the time where you need to be super careful not to overheat or dehydrate. My favourite way to stay hydrated is with sparkling water. My kids call it rich people water. Maybe I do feel a bit fancy when I drink it, but it gives me the fizz I crave without draining the life out of my skin. Some of my favourites are Perrier, La Croix, and San Pellegrino.
Entertainment
Whether you love to crank the tunes or dive into your favourite novel, you’re going to need some form of entertainment. I mean, kids are a great form of entertainment too, so go with what you’ve got.
Here is my current Spotify playlist (by jm5y). I throw this on anytime I’m working out, driving my Jeep, hanging with the cool kids or when I’m lounging by the pool.
Don’t forget to grab a speaker for your tunes. We have a speaker named Big Blue. He’s biting the dust, so this year we are bringing home Big Blue Party X. These are great because they are portable and water-resistant.
As far as books are concerned, my favourite authors are Richard L Mabry, M.D., John Bevere and this summer I’m going to read the If I Run Series by Terri Blackstock.
Pool
I’m totally adding this in because I’m fairly certain that my backyard is missing this vital part of my summer plan – a pool.
Yes, my parents have a pool. Yes, you’ll most likely find me there. No, that doesn’t excuse me from needing a pool.
Like I said, I’m working on convincing Brian that this is the absolute summer essential that we need, but so far he hasn’t seen it quite the same. I’m currently presenting him with the idea that he will no longer need to cut the grass (since it would obviously be cement).
Let’s just be real, although summer is officially starting tomorrow, I probably won’t be lounging by my own pool, in my own back yard. I will, however, probably be in my swimsuit, lathered with sunscreen, sipping my rich people water and working on writing while the kiddos jump and splash in my parents’ pool.
Good times. Summer memories. I love everything about it. What are your plans this summer? Will you be lounging by the pool or heading to the beach? Comment below.
Rowena Francis 