Here’s to another month of favorites!

LMNT. Last year I curated welcome bags for my sister’s birthday weekend getaway. Inside I included a few sticks of LMNT to keep the guests hydrated and healthy. I’d heard about this brand but had not yet tasted the product. One sip in, I thought — this tastes like the sea — not for me! Some months later I ordered a full pack inspired by a recommendation from a favorite YouTuber. Adding ice changed the game (I typically consume room temp beverages and didn’t consider making my initial LMNT cool). At current time, I’m addicted to my beloved LMNT. I crave it after a workout or a long sweaty walk and find it delicious and hydrating. Interestingly, I no longer taste any hint of salt, but either way, it does not disappoint. Try a variety pack here.

**Kiel James Patrick**. Given that I chose to buy a house in Colorado, you wouldn’t think that coastal aesthetic would be my vibe. But give me a preppy casual outfit, a cardigan over the shoulders and a classic wooden speedboat any day. I live somewhat vicariously through this site and dream of someday vacationing or “summering” Back East. I love the all American nautical vibe, classic styles and bright colors.
**e.l.f. sunblock.** I have a love/hate relationship with SPF. I know it is necessary for health and wellness, but I hate the tacky feel and scrubbing required to remove it each night. My go-to for many years was SuperGoop Unseen Sunscreen (which I still love) but then I moved to the dupe, e.l.f. Invisible Sunscreen. Similar formula at a lower price point, yes please! Now that summer is here, I’ve been using e.l.f. Woah Glow. It blends in quite nicely and gives you a legitimate glow.

Cat tent. My cat Poppy (Pops) is obsessed with outside. She stands stoically at the screen door hoping, wishing praying that I’ll let her outside. The problem is that she can’t be trusted. She lays on the warm rocks, thinking she successfully tricked me into believing she’ll stay put — then 3 seconds later darts to the fence or starts chomping on my recently planted ornamental grasses. And so I decided to get her a little abode that she can safely hang out in when I’m doing yard work, entertaining or reading on the porch. This option is reasonably priced and offers me peace of mind when she is acting feisty.

Ezekiel products. I’ve been consuming Ezekiel bread for many years and love that there is a healthy portion of protein in each slice. The tortillas are new to my rotation but I love them all the same. Now, are these products as delightful as a buttery brioche or a thick slice of sourdough? Certainly not. But as a vehicle for sandwiches quesadillas, etc. — when you want to be less indulgent — they are a wonderful option. As a bonus, they are highly satiating for this “always hungry” gal :)

Air fryer cooking. I discovered this technique around Easter (yes, I know I am inexcusably late to the game) and have been finding new uses weekly. From veggies to quesadillas to bagels, the options are endless and quite often, quicker than using the oven. I’ve been particularly pleased with the outcome of tofu: what used to take 45+ minutes in the oven now is ready in less than 15… a revelation :) Sur La Table offers a reasonably priced option.

**Candle pairing.** I am an avid candle burner. More so in the cooler months, for obvious reasons, but really throughout the entire year. In the winter the flicker and crackle of the flame bring comfort and joy. In the summer, the scent of gardenia in the evening is a gentle way to relax. Lately I’ve been playing with different combinations to evoke memories and build more complex scent environments. Consider pairing a hotel lobby scent with a floral bouquet aroma to transport you to your favorite luxury destination. Or a burnt caramel note with a citrus & champagne scent to add ambiance to a dinner party.
**American Dream Nut Butter.** If you’ve read my prior posts, I believe I’ve successfully expressed my appreciation for a theme. I also regularly enjoy nut butters with fruit, in smoothies and on toast. American Dream Nut Butter offers a variety of butters, often in line with current seasons, holidays and events — a dream (wink) come true for me! As a plus, they are super-packed with protein. Peruse their nut butters here.

Hot tubs. Is there anything like the smell of chlorine? It transports me to summer morning swimming lessons where our reward was 10 minutes in the hot tub. To me hots tubs are inviting all throughout the year, whether crunchy leaves are rolling by like tumbleweed, cottony snow is falling around you or the setting summer sun shines on your tanned shoulders. However, I only have access to hot tubs on a regular basis come summer, so my time to enjoy is now :)

Around the NFL podcast. I was deeply devastated by the outcome of the 2024 Superbowl, and considered giving up on the sport once and for all. Now that several months have passed, when I receive notification of a new Around the NFL podcast drop, my heart starts to flutter, and excitement for the new season grows. The hosts are engaging, funny and knowledgable — and start to feel like close friends deep into the football season.

I hope some of these items become your new favorites, as well :) Happy June!