(This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience.)

As a mom, as a woman, as a blogger, and as a black-belt shopper (wink), I am constantly looking for new products or apparel I love.  I try a LOT of new products and some I agree to share as a blogger because I love them, and some I just don’t care for and so I politely to decline to work with a company or brand.  From the beginning of my blogging journey a few years ago, I committed to only share things I honestly love and would use or have used.  I figured that you, my readers, would enjoy this too and it inspired another new series where I share my favorite things list each month.  Like my best friend, Heather, and I joke…..a true friend shares a good find (or a good sale). I love knowing what other people love and I hope you do too. So here is my list for April 2017.

Paris In Bloom

This gorgeous book by my sweet friend Georgianna Lane was recently released and I was so excited when it arrived!

Not only is this the perfect “coffee table book” because it’s lovely on the outside but wow….you open the book and each photograph that Georgianna has captured of Paris in the Spring time is absolutely magical.

There’s nothing better than grabbing a cup of tea and sipping it while flipping through the breathtaking images and just imagine that I’m sitting at a Parisian café near the Eiffel Tower.  Of course, after tea time I would be off to the flower market on my bike and then doing some antique shopping, followed by a stop at the patisserie for some macarons.  Sounds dreamy, don’t you think?!

Trust me, this book is a must-have and also makes the most perfect gift!  I highly recommend following Georgianna Lane on her Instagram feed HERE and also at A Parisian Moment.

Agape Candles

For those of you who follow me on Instagram, you know it’s no secret that my favorite candles lately are the Agape Candles.  Well, now Rachel (the creator, artisan and also my friend), has come out with another scent that I had to try.  It’s called Blush and I love it.  I featured this candle last month in my Easter Parade Blog Hop and it looked so pretty on my coffee table.

Silly confession:  I wanted to try it because of the name and my affinity for blush pink.  But the truth?  It’s absolutely dreamy and delightful!  It has a clean, soft, fresh and feminine scent.  I don’t know how Rachel does it but she manages to create the most amazing scents without being obnoxiously strong or fake smelling.  They are all so yummy!  I recently tried the Belgian Linen and Fresh Pompelmo and they are also to die for.  Everyone that’s tried them has fallen in love with them.  You can shop Agape Candles HERE and also follow Agape Candles HERE on Instagram.

Golden Plant Mister

That’s right, a plant mister.  Hear me out on this one….I have preserved boxwood wreaths and plants in my home and always have fresh flowers.  The boxwood need to be sprayed a couple of times a week and I hated my ugly spray bottle that sprayed such a wide area at a time and then the kids would leave it out.  When I saw this mister, I fell in love!  Ok, when I type that, it sounds weird haha but my husband is okay with my love for this mister!  {LOL}  It can even be left out “accidentally” or used as decor and reminds me to mist my plants and flowers.  If you get it, you’ll use it.  Your thumb will be “greener” and your plants will love you for it!

French Cottage Sign

This brass cast iron sign was too cute not to pick up for my new kitchen at “Tall Trees Lane” (the nickname we gave to the home we are currently building).  My all-white kitchen and brass hardware and accents will have more of a contemporary feel to it but I will always have an affection for all things French.  So, with a french cottage/contemporary style, I think this adorable “La Cuisine” sign will be the cutest addition somewhere in my kitchen.  I love fun little things like this.

Ceramic Initial Necklace

Can I tell you how much I love finding good shops on Etsy?  There are so many talented artisans, men and women, sharing their talents and creations and that is where I happened upon this gorgeous Single Initial Charm Necklace from Susan Gordon Pottery.

This pretty little fire-glazed charm has a 22k gold luster over-glaze on the top and comes with a lovely gold chain, in your choice of length.  I chose the blush “S” charm (I know, shocking haha) and recently layered it with a longer blush and pearl necklace.  I received so many compliments on it and how it was layered together.  It was so pretty on my neck.

I was so impressed with Susan and the quality and the detail she put into this dainty little charm.  Wouldn’t this make the perfect Mothers’ Day gift?  It could have the mother’s initial on it or even all her children’s initials on it. It would be a great gift for any occasion.

2 New Favorite Water Bottles

Yes, water bottles!  Cute water bottles are an important accessory.  I’m obsessed with this 12 oz glass bottle by Ted Baker London.  The blush sleeve with bows says “drink me” and keeps condensation off your hand or anything else.  I fill it up on my way out the door and put it in my purse.  If I’m thirsty or need to take my meds while I’m out with a client or a friend and shopping, I have it ready to go.  It’s the perfect size (the size of a plastic water bottle) and you can purchase it HERE.

I also fell in love with this Glitter Bomb Water Bottle that I take with me to the gym.  It’s pink and sparkly (yay and yay) with glitter that rolls around the inner wall (no liquid in that).  I like that it has a built-in straw with a silicone mouthpiece that flips open and closed so that I can sip it while I’m on a treadmill or other machine, which is just so much easier. It doesn’t leak water and I can just grab it with my finger and go.  Another plus…since it has a double wall, you don’t have to deal with the mess of condensation. It’ll be perfect for hiking all those waterfalls this summer in the Pacific Northwest. You can buy it HERE or HERE.

Life is short….buy cute water bottles!  These happen to be perfectly practical and necessary as well so it’s a win-win for me!

Face Cream and Pressed Foundation

If you don’t already know, I LOVE skin care and cosmetics!  Once upon a time, I was a makeup artist and worked for several well-known brands.  I’ve tried a LOT of different products and, as I’ve aged and had children and aged some more, have had several different skin issues so I know what works for me and what doesn’t.  I’m a big fan of IT Cosmetics and recently they sent me a kit with more of their Confidence In A Cream, which I’ve tried and talked about before on my Instagram stories.  I love it!  It’s so good for your skin and I love the anti-aging benefits.  My skin just soaks it right up and there is no greasy or oily feeling.

And then, they sent me their new Confidence In A Compact that I’ve been very anxious to try.   I’m always skeptical about a pressed foundation BUT….it won my heart!  If I didn’t love it, I would not be writing this review. It would just go unmentioned.  Ladies, this gave me fabulous coverage, has SPF 50 which is really important, didn’t settle into my creases, felt light, and covered my discoloration from sun damage. Woohoo!  I especially love the brush (my new favorite!!!) that you use to just swirl and then dab it all over your face.  When I read about it, I was so happy to know that it was developed with plastic surgeons and is the first-ever solid serum foundation.  It’s also anti-aging so that’s another bonus.  It’s definitely a bonus and I highly recommend trying it!  Let me know what you think, I’d love to hear your feedback.  Send me an email or leave a comment below.  I just received another fun box from IT Cosmetics as well and I’m so excited to try the products and maybe get to share it with you next month as well if I love it!  So far, I’ve loved everything from them.  Shop more of their products HERE.

Pajama Pants

I pretty much love pajamas as much as I love my other apparel because when I put them on, it means that I finally get to relax for the evening.  I’m not the kind of girl who will wear any old t-shirt or old pair of sweats to bed or around the house.  Nope.  I just adore pretty pajamas and might have a bit of an obsession with buying them.

I found these adorable Rose Ruffle Bedhead pajamas at Target and had to have them.  They’re light and comfy and soooo cute! I love the floral print, the bright summer colors, and the adorable ruffle.  However, I will tell you that they run really big.  I grabbed a medium because I like pj’s to be bigger and roomy but I could’ve easily gotten the small, so I’m exchanging them.  They have a tall waist.  But put on a tank top or t-shirt and no one will know you look like PeeWee Herman underneath hahaha!  Seriously though, I love them.

So there you have it….My Favorite Things List for April 2017!  What did you think?  What are you wanting to try or purchase?  Have you tried any of these things or already have them and have an opinion?  Or….maybe you have some favorite things you’d like to share with me.  PLEASE DO!! Remember, a good friend shares a good find and a good sale, so don’t hold out on me!  Leave a comment below.

Thanks for stopping by today!  I would love it if you subscribed at the top of the page in order to receive my weekly emails of all my latest posts and hear about your next month’s calendar and freebies.  You can also follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook to see what I’m up to in creating a home and lifestyle of inspiration!

xoxo,

The post My Favorite Things List April 2017 appeared first on Summer Adams.

If you’re like me and feel like you run a marathon every day, you also feel like sometimes you just need a break!  Sandy beaches and somewhere tropical sound like the perfect way to relax and recharge.  But let’s be honest, that is not a practical solution every month or week.  That’s why it’s always important to make “me time” or “mommy time“.  Sometimes that means getting together with girlfriends or even taking a whole an afternoon and evening and going places by myself and doing whatever I want, like shopping or going to the spa for a facial and massage.  But sometimes that is not always an option either.  Maybe you’re a single mom or woman with a tight budget. Or maybe going out even requires too much energy and not the peace and quiet or R&R you need.  So here’s my solution for you.  Join me right now for a Pajama Party!  Stay in and relax.  Here’s what FUN {for a party of ONE} looks like!

Take a bath, a hot bath.  Do a little detox and get rid of all of the toxins.  First, you need to grab a large water to replenish your fluids as you sit in the tub.  To detox in the bath I like to use epsom salts.  The magnesium is so good for you and your muscles and it draws out the toxins.  If you just want a nice bubble bath, that’s a fabulous idea as well.  Here are my most favorite epsom salts, bubble baths and bath bombs for you to shop below.

Don’t forget to light a candle, below are also some of my favorites, and grab a bath tray and some fabulous bath towels.  Remember Enya?  I still love that and other soothing music when I take a relaxing bath.  I have a bath playlist that I love and ask my family to not come in and talk to me while I take a bath and I don’t answer my phone.

After your bath, slip into something light and feminine, like a pretty bath robe and slippers.  You’ll feel like a queen!  Don’t you deserve that?  I think so!  In a recent post called Advice For My Daughter, I shared my favorite robes that both Brooklyn and I wore from Plum Pretty Sugar.  They’re divine and you need one!  Trust me, you’ll thank me later!
 You can shop for them here:

Next, treat yourself to some luxurious, rich foot cream and body cream.  I love that my body feels like silk after a bath and I feel so relaxed.  Don’t forget…..keep drinking LOTS of water!!

Deodorant goes on next but have you tried my very favorite?  Donna Karan Cashmere Mist is absolutely FABULOUS and smells like a dream!  It’s been my favorite for years!  Treat your hair to some leave-in hair beautifier.  This one is my favorite and I’ve been using it for the last couple of years for my brittle color-treated hair. Are you feeling fabulous yet?  I bet you are!  Top it off with some light, pretty body spray!

Alright, it’s time to put on some fabulous pajamas.  Now, it’s starting to cool down at night so there’s nothing skimpy here.  Especially after a bath, I want to stay cozy and warm.  Here are a bunch of fabulous pj’s I think you’ll just love.  I splurge on pajamas.  I am at home a lot, working from home and being at home with my family so I love pretty and comfortable pajamas and slippers.

Ok, we’re clean and relaxed and comfortably dressed.  Let’s make a drink.  Now, if you’re looking for something alcoholic, sorry!  I can’t help you there because I don’t drink.  BUT, grab something warm like hot chocolate or tea or whatever you drink and run back here and join me.  I am going to make my very favorite thing ever….a Dirty Diet Coke!  What’s that you ask?  Click HERE for the recipe.  Ohhhhh it is just fabulous!  Every time I drink one, I feel like I’m on vacation. And don’t forget to pin it!

image via Honey Bear Lane since I enjoyed mine so quickly and forgot to take a pic ha!

First off, CHEERS!  I hope whatever you’re drinking is yummy and hitting the spot!  What’s next on my list?  Let’s paint our toenails!  I get my pedicures once a month but in between I try to give them a little TLC and also give them a fresh paint job.  I love bright colors in the summer, sometimes darker colors in the winter, but I really really love that soft pink-polished look all year-round.  Here are some of my favorite colors.

At any pajama party or slumber party, you know what ALWAYS happens….face masks!  Borghese is officially my favorite line of face masks. I was invited to try these last year and I’ve been hooked ever since! Especially the purple firming mask.  It tightens your face so much in 10 minutes and I feel like I’ve had a facelift after washing it off and feel and look like a few years have washed off with it.  I’m obsessed!!

Well, I’m hungry.  Should we make a snack?

If you love pink http://www.cialisgeneriquefr24.com/cialis-generique-professional/ and you love cupcakes, THIS is my favorite Pink Velvet Cupcake (or cake) Recipe.

via Blahnik Baker

They are divine!  The perfect treat to indulge on!  We are NOT counting calories at this slumber party so go right on ahead!

This is the perfect time for a fun movie…..all by myself! Or, sometimes, at this point, I’ll invite a few girlfriends over to watch one of our favorite shows or a fun flick.  If you prefer to stay alone, lock your bedroom door and tell everyone you’re still taking some “me time”.  Put on the show you’re going to watch and grab some BIG comfortable pillows for your bed and the perfect fuzzy blanket.  There’s nothing better!

If you have a hard time watching a movie or TV and sitting still like I do, grab your iPad or laptop and do some online shopping at the same time.  This is my FAVORITE thing to do and the best way to shop AND relax at the same time.  I just received the cutest iPad cover……and I know we all love marble right now.

 Isn’t this gold and marble case adorable? It’s cute AND protects my iPad.  Here is the laptop cover. I love the felt cases for them as well.  The pockets are great and the quality is fantastic!

Such a fabulous accessory.  Wouldn’t it be a great Christmas gift idea too?  Just grab your brand and model and place an order HERE for the laptop cover or HERE for the iPad cover.

I’m also including a fabulous and oh-so-pretty selection of eye masks because if you’re having tadalafil apomorphine this pajama party during the day while you’re kids are at school, why not block out the sun and take a little nap? Go ahead, recharge your battery! You deserve it!

Wasn’t that fun?!  I hope you had the BEST time ever and feel relaxed!  Don’t forget to come back often and do it again and again because we ladies need to pamper ourselves and recharge our batteries!  Thanks for hanging out with me!

{{{HUGS}}}

*This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

The post Pajama Party! appeared first on Summer Adams.

Let me just tell you how much I LOOOOVE my Diet Cokes!  I could drink it all day, e’ry day!  But I know I need to drink more water.  Now, I absolutely LOVE water when I’m working out and drink a ton of it then.  To get myself drinking more water, I’m trying to give my water  a little kick and make it more fun.  I’ve found a bunch of different infused waters recently and also a couple of years ago when I gave up Diet Coke (for 8 months).  I’ll never do that again haha!  But I do need to drink a LOT more water.  So here are some of my favorite ways to get that intake I need…..

Sparkling water is an acquired taste but after living in Portugal years ago, I really grew to love it and it’s great when you’re craving that carbonation from a soda.  I add slices of lemon for another zing to it AND lemon has great health benefits.

Kiwi Water Ingredients:
3-4 ripe kiwis, peeled and thinly sliced (or crushed for more flavor)
2 quarts filtered or spring water

Directions:
1. Add the sliced kiwis to a 64-ounce Mason jar or pitcher.
2. Add the filtered water.
3. Refrigerate until cold and enjoy.

Strawberry, Basil & Cucumber Ingredients:
3 basil leaves roughly chopped
1 strawberry sliced
3-5 slices of cucumber
Ice
Water

Directions:
Combine all the ingredients in a large glass, and let sit for at least 5 minutes before enjoying.  And don’t be afraid of the basil….I promise it’s so good!

Raspberry Lemon Ingredients:
2 cups organic raspberries
8 cups spring or filtered water
1 large organic lemon, cut into half-inch slices
2 dried Medjool dates
1 gallon clean glass jar with lid

Directions
1. Place raspberries into the bottom of your jar. Add the dates, then layer the lemon slices on top. Pour water into jar and place lid on top.  Even if you don’t love to eat the dates, they bring a natural way to sweeten the water…it’s sooo good!
2. Place water into the refrigerator and let infuse for 1 hour.

Strawberry Orange & Mint Ingredients:

1/4 cup fresh mint
1/2 cup strawberries, sliced
1/2 orange, sliced
16 ounces filtered water

Directions
1. Place all fruits and herbs into the mason jar.
2. Fill to top with water.
3. Seal mason jar tightly and let it sit overnight in the refrigerator.

Good ‘Ole Strawberry & Basil (one of my absolute faves):

Ingredients:
8 fresh strawberries
8 basil leaves
32 ounces filtered water

Directions
1. Place fruit and herbs into the mason jar.
2. Fill to top with water.
3. Seal mason jar tightly and let it sit overnight in the refrigerator.

Apple Cinnamon Ingredients:
5 thinly sliced apples
5 cinnamon sticks
64 ounces filtered water

Directions
1. Place all ingredients into large container.
2. Fill to top with water.
3. Seal mason jar tightly and let it sit overnight in the refrigerator.

Peach Pie Water Ingredients:

6 pitted and sliced peaches
2 vanilla beans gently crushed with wooden spatula
32 ounces filtered water

Directions
1. Place fruit and vanilla into the mason jar.
2. Fill to top with water.
3. Seal mason jar tightly and let it sit overnight in the refrigerator.

You can even infuse waters to create a LOVELY and delicious beverage at any event.  I love how Occasions Catering displayed and served their infused waters!

How fun is this from Lauren Kelly Fitness?  My kids would love it!  I think I’ll be doing it this week.

I have done this before and my guests loved it!  Such a great conversation starter

Also….I really like these VOSS waters because their opening is large enough to stuff fruit and herbs into and you can take them with you as you run out the door!  Give it a try!

Hope this is a good start and inspires you to drink a LOT of water!  I know it’s helped me so much.  If you come up with your own blend that you love or find one that I haven’t mentioned, PLEASE share it in the comments below!  I’d love to try it out!

xoxo, Summer

The post Making Your Water Fun! appeared first on Summer Adams.