Summertime Essentials

About this time in July lots of people start wishing for fall.  It's hot and muggy outside so we're all stuck indoors with our AC on Power Ranger. As much as I hate breaking out into a sweat the moment you step outside, I'm not quite ready to give up summer yet. I still have quite a few things I want to do before I'm ready for pumpkin spice lattes and apple picking.

1. BrewHaven - The best thing to ever come to New Haven, IN.  I can't wait to sample beer all day with friends and not have to worry about the littles.
2. Outdoor Concerts - We saw America last night at Foellinger, and it was great.  There's something wonderful about being outdoors and listening to a rock concert.  Johnny M. is in 3 weeks at Deer Park and to say I'm excited would be an understatement.
3. Turn 29, again.  Maybe the fact that I was born in August is why I love summer so much. 
4. Go berry picking with the kids.  I know of two farms in the area that offer berry picking.  Even though I doubt they'll be too into it this year, I'm still excited to take them.  
5. Go to Cedar Point.  I don't know If I'll be able to make this one happen, but I really want to.  It's been over 2 years since my last visit and I'm dying to get there before the season is over.

Starbucks Venti Cold Cup - I drink iced coffee like it's going out of style.  The Venti size it 24oz, slightly larger than most store brand cups.  I use it for my iced coffee at home and when I am out.  You get a $.10 discount if you use it at Starbucks and then you have a drink that doesn't sweat.  Rob has taken to using a cold cup to mix his evening cocktail. I like it for just ice water too.

Goody Spin Pins - I love having long hair.  It's kind of more of a pain in the butt than it's worth sometimes, but I love it. I hate having my hair on my neck when it's hot out. Now that my hair is really long, my trusty pony tail holder isn't the best at keeping it all contained and I wind up readjusting my hair every 30 minutes. Enter the spin pin.  These are so easy to use and hold long hair in a cute bun way better than a pony tail holder.  I lost a set of them and just bought two more to replace them.  If your hair is medium to long in length, you should definitely give these a try.

Little Tikes Anchors Away Pirate Ship - This provides so much entertainment for the kiddos when it's hot and we're stuck at home. I looked at probably 10 different ones before deciding on this one.  It has a squirt gun, pirates, and a shark.  How can you go wrong?

Swimways Baby Spring Float - This is seriously the best baby float.  We were able to float them on it last year and this year they can actually sit in it.  It has a removable canopy to shade them from the sun. We just bought a second one so they can both float at the same time.  Target has them on sale this week. Score!

Tovolo Ice Pop Molds - Homemade popsicles are where it's at.  We have three sets of these, one star and two regular. H and B have a popsicle just about every night right before bath time.  I love that these have a built in handle that's easy for them to grasp, although they don't always use it.  Our latest batch consisted of kale, blueberries, strawberries, peaches, bananas,  and vanilla yogurt.  No measuring, just throwing together all of the fruit I had with some steamed kale.  The kids love them and I love knowing they're getting an extra helping of fruits and veggies.

Battery Operated Mist Fan - I purchased one of these last year when it was 100* for like three weeks straight.  We were taking the kids to the zoo with their cousin, and this was perfect for keeping us all a little cooler.  I think I paid $10 for mine at Wal-Mart.

BabyGanics Spray Sunscreen - I think this is the third time I've raved about BabyGanics, but I just can say enough about it.  I LOVE this sunscreen.

I hope you all are enjoying your summer and surviving the heat.  If you follow me on Pinterest, justjm03, you know I'm already starting to think about the upcoming holidays. As excited as I am for fall, and even winter, I'm glad we're only half way through summer.  It gives me plenty of time to plan adorable matching Halloween costumes.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.  I think there's pizza, beer, and The Walking Dead planned for the rest of mine, once the kids go to bed of course.