LIFE & STYLE
Summer Days (& Nights) Edition
By Griffin Miller
During July and August, chances are you’re playing out your summer wish list – from pool parties to picnics to concerts to hiking, biking and beyond. Which is why, my fellow al fresco aficionados, each of the following Editor’s Picks were chosen to make your summer good times sizzle—in the coolest of ways!
The challenge of getting beverages and snacks from point A (home) to point B (wherever the mood takes you) has been met with hands-free panache by Scout. Their lightweight backpack cooler, a.k.a. Play It Cool, has a sturdy wire frame that makes loading and unloading as easy as, well, tossing back a cold one. Info: scoutbags.com
Strikingly thin, digital, waterproof, and built to take on the rigors of the gym or great outdoors, the Nixon Heat Watch is already making its mark as a valuable timing/training tool for athletes like champion surfer John John Florence as he gears up for this year’s Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Got game? Then why not turn up the Heat?
Info: nixon.com
As an admitted cheesecake fanatic, I can’t imagine a more fitting summertime dessert, naughtiness be damned. And then I found Good & Tasty Bakes’ Classic, Chocolate and Key Lime versions—all-natural ingredients, gluten-free, keto-friendly and ready to adorn with berries and whipped cream. Sublime, albeit somewhat addictive
Info: goodandtastybakes.com
No question, the most delicious jewelry items in my summer cache this year are my Mixed Berry Popsicles from Elise Design Company. Featuring an arched trio of parallel pastels—equal parts playful, sunny, and fashionista savvy—these eye-catching ear studs are poised to generate smiles… possibly with a wisp of envy on the side.
Info: elisedesigncompany.com
After way too many months glued to the computer without the impetus, space or equipment to work out, it’s nice to know a home office or TV binge zone is just a Flextride Under Desk Elliptical Trainer by Lifepro away from revamping our fitness levels. Seriously, my husband and I are obsessed… and finally ready to take up hiking!
Info: lifeprofitness.com
No matter what summer shenanigans you’re into, you need to shield your face from nefarious UVB rays. Trial and error with sunscreens never took me beyond stinging eyes and muddy makeup, until Theraderm Platinum Protection Facial Sunscreen entered my life, zapping the above issues to the tune of SPF43. Do. Not. Hesitate.Info: theraderm.com
When humidity skyrockets, even couch potatoes suffer soggy foreheads, so imagine the plight of weightlifters and triathletes. Thankfully, TreadBands lets everyone kiss the drip—and slip—goodbye. With copious style options (“Ursula” and “Aloha” won me over), these headbands are ingeniously non-slip, moisture-wicking, and awesome.
Info: treadbands.com
Candles may be ubiquitous these days, but Backyard Candles’ Coconut Shell Outdoor Candles are something special. With to-die-for scents like Citronella and Lemongrass and the gloriously complex Beach Bum, these soy wax beauties have the dual power to float (my bath indulgence) and dazzle as patio party superstars.
Info: backyardcandles.com
Skimming the periphery of film noir chic while offering the adventure set flexible protection from damaging rays, Spy+ Helm Tech Sunglasses are a study in innovation. From their removable side shields to their mood-boosting Happy™ lens technology, these babies totally belong in your summer arsenal of must-haves.
Info: spyoptic.com
Just when you thought multi-tasking was a human skill, along comes the American Made Organic Beach Throw from American Blossom Linens and suddenly you have a 100 percent cotton throw whose subtle pattern, inspired by a traditional Japanese stitch, can be spread out one minute, dry you off the next and later morph into a stylish hip cover-up.
Info: americanblossomlinens.com
