In this life, it is very easy to get caught up in all the craziness and put our own happiness on the back burner. However, the truth is, life’s craziness never ends, so we can’t keep using that as an excuse for why we put everything and everyone else ahead of ourselves.
So, this month (and every month), make sure you take some time to treat yourself! Whether it’s to take a break from life, or just because you deserve it, do something for yourself that makes you happy. Don’t stress about what might happen to the world around you if you take a little time off; that world will still be there when you decide to come back to it.
**This post may contain affiliate links (which means I make a small commission when you shop from them) and sponsored products (gifted items are indicated with a [c/o] and sponsored items with a [sp]) because we all have to pay our bills, and I’d rather keep creating awesome content for you than get a real job. All opinions are my own.**
A One-Piece Bathing Suit – I am on such a one-piece bathing suit kick right now and I truly below every woman needs one for summer. They’re great for days at the pool when you plan to do more playing than sleeping in the sun, and I’m so confident that you can find one you feel great in. I’ve already rounded up 12 different flattering options for you to pick from (and these recommendations are all under $100!).
Sweat-Proof Summer Makeup – I enjoy playing with different makeup looks in the summer and finding ways to accent both my mood and my outfit. I do not, however, love when my makeup starts to slip and slide around my face. So, after years of long hard research, I’ve finally found a routine that keeps my face in place on hot, sweaty days. Soak up my secrets to sweat-proof summer makeup here.
Workout Outside – Whether it’s playing a unique outdoor game with family, going for a run outside, or finding a trail to hike on, do yourself a favor and take a few of your workouts outside each week. Many researchers are currently exploring the effects of being outdoors on mental health, but there’s already been some evidence to support that green spaces can lower both cortisol levels (the body’s main stress hormone) and levels of perceived stress.
A Weekend Unplugged(ish) – I just got back from a few days away at my friend’s cabin. I didn’t bring my computer, responded only to essential texts messages, and just posted one thing on Instagram (and that was only because I had a deadline to meet). It’s funny because I didn’t plan to have a weekend “unplugged”; it just sort of happened that I was more into the moments than my phone. So, don’t make it into a big scary thing, just make more of an effort to put your phone down!
Local Ice Cream – One of my favorite things to do in the summer is visit the local ice cream shops, grab a few scoops, and find a bench nearby to enjoy it on while taking in the scenery (or people watching). Best addition to any summer night!
Find a Small Town to Explore – Last month when I was in New Jersey, I got so much enjoyment out of exploring the quaint, smaller towns nearby. I loved how much character each one had and the uniqueness of all the different things in the shops and boutiques. Even looking at how unalike the buildings and storefronts are makes walking up and down the streets worth it! So whether you’re traveling or sticking near home this summer, find a few one-of-a-kind neighborhoods around to explore. The best part is, there’s almost always a local ice cream shop in these kinds of towns, so you can hit 2 different things to treat yourself to this month at once!
A Cold Brew Coffee Maker [c/o] – Anyone else cold brew obsessed? This baby from Cuisinart will give you delicious, smooth cold brew coffee in as little as 25 minutes and is currently 50% off! I’ll be using it all summer long to satisfy my coffee addiction.
Tortoise Shell Sunnies – Inspired by nature, “tortoise shell” has mottled amber, brown, and honey speckled patterns, and is meant to mimic the look of the shell from real turtles. The tortoise shell glasses I have can go with literally every outfit and they’re the pair I’ve been gravitating towards grabbing every day when I walk out of the door. I’m loving this pair that has cool reflective lenses, these ones that have lavender accents, and this cat-eye pair with a bit of a retro feel!
Wide-Leg Pants – Being that they’re comfy, easy-to-style, and versatile, wide-leg pants are perfect for when you need a more practical summer outfit or you’re just looking to mix something different into your wardrobe. Recently on The Gem, I’ve styled both a breezy, beachy, striped pair and a cropped navy pair that you can wear so many ways!
This Detoxifying Cleanser – I forgot to bring cleanser with me when traveling in June, so I grabbed this Yes to Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Cleanser at a nearby Target (thank goodness for Target!). At first, my breakouts got a little worse, but as I continued it, they calmed back down and my acne looks better than it has in awhile, which has left me quite impressed. The Yes to Tomatoes line also includes other acne fighting products like a body wash, zit zapping dots, charcoal peel off mask, and detoxifying charcoal facial wipes. If you’ve tried any of them, let me know in the comments!
