Eva Pace, Managing Editor
@espcourant
Whether you love summer because its an opportunity to buy new bikinis or because school doesn’t plague you at 7 AM, there is no doubt that there are many things that go into making your break great. This list is here to outline for you 10 things that will ensure your summer goes down in history as one of the best yet.
A great summer drink recipe, like this one:
Watermelon-Lime Slushie
INGREDIENTS
1 cup watermelon, cubed
1 lime, juiced
½ cup water
2-3 cups ice
PREPARATION
Pour all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
Garnish with a slice of lime, and enjoy!
While you probably wouldn’t believe it given our stormy winters and currently dreary weather, summer in New Canaan can get HOT. Nothing beats bringing a cool slushie to the beach or pool, but who wants to break the bank with the pre-made stuff? This relatively-healthy recipe will help you keep your summer bod while also enjoying a classic summer treat.
A solid summer read:
I know some people would be happiest going their whole summers without reading the slightest bit of text (besides Instagram captions). But, at least for me, lounging on the beach for hours is made 10x better with a book in hand. The One and Only by Emily Giffin is like a chick-flick in hardcover; easy-going, engaging, and filled with comedic relief. If I could pick any book for the summertime, it would be this one, but if it’s not for you check out the Courant’s “The Bookshelf” blog for our reviews on other exciting reads.
A summer playlist you won’t get sick of:
“My summer would be incomplete without music. Spotify Premium is basically my best friend, so every year I make a summer playlist that I play every time I’m in my car driving to work, going on a run, or lounging by the pool.” Katherine Mettler, Class of 2018
This playlist by Buzzfeed’s Emma Cooke isn’t high-intensity, but it’s ideal for early summer drives to the beach when you want some mellow tunes to listen to.
Lots of N.C. residents can attest to the horror that is Irish skin in the summertime, so a nice sunblock is a luxury worth the investment:
Coppertone, SunBum, and Neutrogena are all classic sunscreen brands, but you deserve something new this summer. This rollable sunblock by BlokRok can be filled with your favorite brand of lotion, while the device does all of the work surrounding application. At only $19.99, it’s worth avoiding the mid-summer slathering of Aloe Vera to soothe your blistering burn.
A high-quality portable speaker:
This portable speaker is reportedly “lighter than a can of soda” and also totally waterproof. In the summer, I know it can get stressful wanting to play your music by the beach or at the pool but panicking that the 50 bucks you spent on your speaker could go down the drain with just a sprinkle of water. This waterproof speaker is the solution to all of your woes.
A totally Insta-worthy summer floatie:
Everyone and their mother has seen the swan floaties that have swamped pools across the States. Be unique and revive your mer-self on this shell floatie that is at least a little less basic than the swans.
Face-masks so you can seize the summer as an opportunity to relax:
These rejuvenating facial masks can do everything from clearing pores to quenching the thirst of dry skin. You can find them anywhere from Amazon to Urban Outfitters, and with a 4 for $10 deal, they’re way cheaper than expensive alternatives. Without tests to study for, take the half an hour you can spare in the summer and treat yourself.
Umbrella straws so you can bring the beach to your backyard:
Having a stash of umbrella straws in your kitchen will make every drink feel like you’re at a resort in the Bahamas. Pop them in your strawberry-banana smoothies, juices, or even just water. It’s the little things, people.
A cold-brew coffee maker:
Just because we don’t have to wake up at 6:15 anymore doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy our coffee in the morning. A piping hot mug of Joe just won’t do it, though. Summer is the time for cold-brew, and with Amazon’s newest deal, you can get this one for 53% off (only $27.99)!
