Summer is fast approaching and I couldn’t be happier. I’ve reached my limit in regards to rain, more rain, seasonal depression and an IDGAF mindset. I need sun. I need flowers. I need good produce. I need other people to start smiling. We didn’t really have a bad winter where I live. In fact, the holidays were pretty, the snow was tolerable, my vitamin D levels were consistent, and my health was fine. Last year I was dealing with Covid and about to prepare for a trip to the ER that would result in emergency surgery and a five-month recovery. Yeah, I didn’t have much of a spring and the summer was non-existent. I am antsy to do things. I’m ready to go places. I want to get my sassy back.
So as we get ready to say goodbye to spring and hello to summer, we find it is time to pick up a few things that can jazz up this warm-the-soul season of new that is on its way. Put yourself in a bright and cheerful mood by picking up some of these must haves that I’ve discovered for the beginning of summer:

Ole Henriksen’s Dewtopia 20% Acid Night Treatment: Let’s face it—time and weather has taken a toll on our skin this year, especially our face. The indoor heat, outdoor cold, stress during the holidays and other circumstances are all factors in how our skin changes during the cooler weather. As the temps and stress ease, we need to get rid of the old and bring in the new. The skin on our face I mean. Dewtopia does just that. Right after you bedtime cleansing, put a thin coat all over your face and neck (definitely avoid the eye area) and let it work. (There are instructions on where to integrate it into your evening skin care routine. I use it alone after I was my makeup off.) You may feel a little tingling but it only lasts for a few seconds. For me, my face tingles for a little bit, and then it feels like it’s “tightening” but in a good way. In the morning, I wash away all of dead skin cells from overnight then put on my skin care & makeup as usual. I use it 2-3 times a week and it’s perfect for me. My skin has never been smoother, looked brighter and felt softer. It tightens the fine lines and wrinkles giving your face a beautiful blank canvas for your favorite makeup look. OleHenriksen.com, $42.00

BYOMA Nourishing Body Oil: When I had the opportunity to try and test a new isturizing body oil, I jumped at the chance. Its SOO hard to find a good body oil that isn’t soaked in fragrance nowadays. Rather than just leaving your skin slippery and shiny, this oil actually repairs and restores , BYOMA actually regenerates your skin while leaving it hydrated and radiant. This product trial has definitely made a new fan out of me. BYOMA.com, $14.99

MACStack Elevated Mascara: There are definitely different results when it comes to the endless types of mascara out there. Some lengthen, some help to thicken, others even say they will be even sexier if you keep layering it on. I’ll be honest—I very seldom buy the same mascara twice. The fact is that I’m always looking for the next best one. You know…a mascara that will make my lashes look fab while also clearing up the common cold? Maybe I’m not sure but I might have found my newest drool-worthy mascara that make my lashes look WOW! The formula not just volumizes my lashes but make them super long as well. It contains argan oil which keeps them conditioned & strong too. Eyes look voluminous and sexy! I usually only put on one coat because the fact is–it’s enough. But I have used more than one coat for a night out. Plus I don’t have to worry about clumping, sticky fallout, smudging or flaking. I have already put another one in my shopping cart!! Mac.com or Macys.com, $29.00

Juicy Couture’s ”It’s Sunny Hunny” Fragrance: I have to thank a subscription box for this thumbs up product. A while back, one of the choices for my selection product was a small Juicy Couture candle. I’m a huge fan of other Juicy fragrances so I thought it would be nice to check out this scent. I fell in love before I could get the package opened, It smelled just like the candle which was divine! There are notes of citrus, peony, honeysuckle and jasmine that all come together perfectly and wear nicely as the temperatures outside begin to warm up. As soon as I found it on their website, I had my credit card out! I wear this scent almost every day. I even carry a mini fragrance sprayer (Amazon.com) for touchups during the day. Yay, another Juicy fragrance to add to my faves. JuicyCouture.com. $49.00


Wide Leg Jeans and Floral Print Tops: I had to laugh when I learned of this recently because I began incorporating these things into my closet before the list even came out. My sister was the ultimate hippie and flared jeans never left her closet no matter how old she got. When I found a pair of blue bell bottoms, I figured I’d get them just for comfort and kicking around. I had no idea I would fall in love with their fit (and get compliments on them!) as much as I did. I ordered three more pairs ASAP. In addition, I picked up a couple of floral patterned tops to wear with my new jeans too. I even integrated the color of the season– powder pink – which I talked about in my last blog post. SCORE! I can’t wait to start putting together warm weather outfits. Sidefeel Flared Wide Leg Button Fly Denim Pants, $35.99; Zeegoo V Neck Tank Top, $7.94 (both at Amazon.com)
Although spring doesn’t have much time left on the calendar, I think most of these will be hanging around for a while. Keep in mind that as spring evolves even more as the days go by, the importance of sunscreen and sunglasses will grow. Stay tuned for a post about the types of sunscreens that are good for you from head to toe. For now? Enjoy the longer days, the warmer temps and fabulous looks. Oh, and most important…






















































Aveeno®️Positively Mineral®️ Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 – When it comes to protecting my skin from the sun, I’m very particular. I like a product for sensitive skin, a mineral SPF, broad spectrum protection, and highly favored amongst the industry experts…you! This tube is everything this redhead needs to keep her fair skin guarded from the harmful rays. It might not be thought of as skin care but the fact is—it is. Big time. Especially areas around the eyes & neck where the skin is its thinnest. Your sunscreen goes on last in your skincare routine. (To see your order of skincare products,
L.A. Colors Holographic Iridescent Lipgloss in Sugared— I love all things that shine, shimmer and sparkle. Gloss is back right now in a big way, from sheer to highly pigmented. Don’t let the price get you. This gloss serves! Although the colors are super sheer, they give a great gloss topper. I like to fill in my lips with a liner and topping it off with this gloss. Of course they smell & are flavored like cake batter for extra hearts. Hint: If you want access to one, try finding these glosses in Dollar General. The price is right & you can usually get 1-2 shades for $3/ea or less.
CHI Keratin Flex Finish & CHI Enviro 54 Hairspray Firm Hold—Let me be honest, I haven’t used hairspray in well over 5 years. I was styling my hair differently, my salon was using different treatments, it was healthy and I wanted to keep it that way. Recently I’ve been playing around with other fun looks and wanted to keep my hair in place for a few photos. I usually use the Keratin Flex on M-F giving me a soft hold without stickiness. The Enviro 54 is my go-to for all night, weekend looks and to keep my tresses in place for photos without a stiff, glued down look. In the morning I spray my hairbrush with a light conditioning oil to calm frizzies and gently detangle any knots, then apply a light spray of my CHI hold product. I got these in a trail size, but next time I’ll invest in the full size!
Red—I know it’s not a piece of clothing or a pair of shoes, but it is necessary to know what are the hot colors of the season to create a wardrobe full of chic. If you can spark your trendy skirt with a statement color, you are 2x ahead of the fashion game. And one of the hot colors this summer is red. From deep cherry red to fiery brights, there’s a red for you. As a redhead, I have tried to incorporate reds into my wardrobe but I never feel they look good on me. I have been told otherwise however. So I started slow wearing black tops with red accents and a subtle red lip. Now? I’ll go full on. What’s nice about the reds this summer is that the color is going to roll over into the fall/winter fashions too. So get all pieces—camis, tshirts, cardigans, etc.—and be ready to layer!
Statement Sunglasses—When the retro cat eye glasses came back into the scene, sunglasses went wild. Everything old is new again. Grab a pair of aviators or sleek cat eye bedazzled sunglasses and rock that look. Make sure your sunglasses protect your eyes from the sun and aren’t just pretty. I like to have a pair that are amber to wear with warm-colored fashions. I also have a pair of black rimless sunnies that go fabulous with a fashion forward denim outfits. Go try some on and see what catches your eye. Bad pun. Sorry. SHEIN Women’s Rimless Rectangle Lens Fashion Eyeglasses, $2.06
Freshly Picked Blueberry Whipped Soap Sugar Scrub—Its really important that you exfoliate your skin head to toe in the summer. When it comes to your body, you want to treat yourself to a sweetly scented bath treat to keep your skin clean and soft after a day in the sun. This absolute delish smelling lightweight cleanser and exfoliator is gentle on the skin with all natural ingredients and stimulates your senses with a tasty scent that screams summer. I will be getting the whole set (body cream and bar soap) of this scent soon! 






