As summer ends, I’m determined to squeeze in ONE more picnic! When we lived in Florida, my family spent most of our weekends picnics at the beach. My most precious memories include Eben and a picnic blanket – the perfect setting for mother-son chatting.
Now, he’s a grown man (23! WHAT?), I make sure that when we do spend time together, I’m in the moment (and yes, we still chat like never before!)
Here are some eco-friendly picnic goodies to inspire you to get outside for one more summer picnic:
1. A Cozy Picnic Blanket: I love a good picnic blanket, and now that we are empty nesters, I’m determined to have more romantic picnics (just the husband and me!). I love these picnic blankets. How do I choose which one?
2. A Hydration Station: The essential item to pack on a picnic is water—it’s crucial to stay hydrated on hot summer days (even these end-of-summer ones!). These are our favorite glass carafes; we always use them for multiple flavors of tea in the fridge!
3. A Good Read: Snuggle up with my boys is my favorite (we do scary movie nights when Eben visits from grad school), and next, snuggling up with a good book! This one seems up my alley; I love a good charcuterie board!
4. A Picnic in a Basket: Of course, I will need something to pack all the goodies in. This eco-friendly picnic basket is on my list! I have wanted a formal picnic basket forever!
Do you have a thing for picnics, too? What is your picnic must-have?
Living in the mountains means long days outside, soaking in every ounce of sunshine and fresh air. One minute I’m hiking or paddleboarding on the lake, and the next I’m hopping into the Jeep with Jayson, top down, music up, and mountain roads stretching out ahead of us. It’s perfect, except for what all that wind, sun, and lake water does to my hair.
By the time we pull back into the driveway or pull up to our favorite restaurant, my waves are usually in full tangles and my ends feel dry and frazzled. That all changed this summer when I started using Mint Tools. This stylist-founded brand creates salon-quality hot tools that actually protect your hair instead of frying it, and their brushes? Absolute game changers.
The Kaze Brush: The Best Brush I’ve Ever Used
I have to start with the Kaze Brush because it is hands-down the best brush I’ve ever used in my life. Seriously. My old brushes always seemed to either tug on tangles or just glide over the top without actually smoothing things out. The Kaze Brush detangles effortlessly without pulling, breaking, or leaving my scalp feeling sore.
After a windy Jeep ride or a day at the lake, I grab my Kaze Brush and watch tangles practically melt away. It works beautifully on wet or dry hair and leaves everything smooth and shiny instead of frizzy. If you only get one Mint product, make it this one.
S-Waver: Effortless Mountain Waves
The S-Waver is my go-to for creating loose, effortless waves that actually stay. It’s perfect for when I want my hair to look styled but still natural and carefree (which is most days out here). I use it like this:
After a Jeep Ride: Quick detangle with the Kaze Brush, a little heat protectant, then a few passes with the S-Waver to smooth and shape windblown hair into soft, beachy waves.
Pre-Adventure Styling: If I know we’re heading out on the paddleboards or doing a hike and Jeep loop, I’ll style with the S-Waver in the morning. It gives my hair body and texture that still looks great when it air-dries later after the lake.
Next-Day Hair: The S-Waver refreshes bedhead or ponytail creases in minutes, way easier than starting from scratch.
Crimper Tool: Adding Texture and Volume Fast
The Mint Crimper Tool is such a fun surprise. I thought crimpers were just for wild ‘80s styles (been there, done that!), but this one gives modern, cool-girl texture that works for everything from date nights to concerts at the park. I love it for:
Adding Volume Underneath: I take small sections underneath my top layers, give them a quick crimp, and then smooth the top layer back down. Boom, instant lift and fullness.
Textured Ponytails or Braids: Quick crimps add grip and style so braids and ponies stay put all day, even on Jeep rides.
Festival or Concert Hair: It’s perfect for adding bold texture that looks intentional and fun but still feels soft and touchable.
Travel-Friendly Hair Styling: Pack Mint for RV Trips or Weekend Getaways
Because Jayson and I love traveling in our RV (or heading out for long Jeep weekends), I keep my Mint tools travel-ready. Here’s how I pack for the road:
Kaze Brush: It’s lightweight, durable, and works on wet or dry hair. I keep one in my travel bag so I’m never stuck trying to detangle post-lake hair with a tiny hotel comb again.
S-Waver: It’s perfect for styling when you want a polished look without spending much time. I keep it in a heat-resistant pouch so I can use it and pack it quickly before we hit the road again.
Crimper: It takes up almost no space but makes ponytails and braids look instantly styled, ideal for camping trips, where I want low-maintenance hair with a little personality.
Pro tip: I also pack a small power strip in the RV so I can plug in multiple tools at once and keep cords organized.
Quick Jeep-to-Dinner Hair Fix
For those days when we’re out exploring and decide on an impromptu dinner:
Detangle: Quick pass with the Kaze Brush to smooth windblown tangles.
Style Refresh: Use the S-Waver on a few face-framing sections to revive waves.
Volume Boost: Add a little crimp at the roots under the crown for lift.
Finish: A touch of hair oil or lightweight spray and you’re ready to go, effortless and polished in under 10 minutes.
Mountain Life, Minus the Hair Chaos
Summer in the mountains is wild and wonderful, but it doesn’t have to mean frizz, tangles, and bad hair days. With Mint’s professional-quality tools, especially the Kaze Brush, you can protect your hair, style quickly, and actually enjoy your day instead of fighting with it.
Check out Mint’s Kaze Brush, S-Waver, and Crimper Tool for salon-quality care that fits your real life, mountain views, Jeep rides, RV trips, and all.
Let’s be real, summer is gorgeous, but it’s also sweaty, sticky, and nonstop. Whether I’m running errands in the heat, hiking with Jayson, or heading to the farmer’s market in Banner Elk, I’ve found a new little lifesaver that’s earned a permanent spot in my bag: Otella Cooling Body Spray.
With just one spritz, Otella brings this instant, spa-like chill that recharges your whole mood. It’s clean, refreshing, and exactly what I didn’t know I needed to survive long, active summer days.
🌿 Why I Love It:
💧 Instant cooling relief (seriously, it works)
🚫 No sticky or greasy feeling
🌱 Clean, skin-friendly ingredients
👜 Purse-, backpack-, glove-compartment-friendly
🧘♀️ Light, fresh scent that never overwhelms
I’ve used it during road trips, while walking Olive around the neighborhood, between client calls on our porch, and after sweaty summer pickleball games. It’s the perfect quick reset.
☀️ 7 Summer Adventures Otella Was Made For
You know I’m all about simple, intentional summer fun. If you’re looking to make the most of the season and stay cool doing it, here are a few of my favorite activities, with Otella in tow:
Morning Farmer’s Market Wanders 🍓 Start early, beat the heat, grab some local veggies, and freshen up with a spritz before heading to brunch.
Picnic Hikes + Paddleboard Breaks 🚣 Pack lunch, take the long trail, and keep Otella in your backpack for a mid-hike refresh.
Backyard Movie Nights 🎬 Set up a projector, grab your lawn chairs and snacks, and mist yourself when the air gets sticky.
Outdoor Yoga or Stretch Sessions 🧘♀️ After that final savasana, cool off instantly, bonus if you’re barefoot on the grass.
Beach Days & Lake Dips 🏖️ Between swims, snacks, and sun-soaked lounging, Otella is like your personal ocean breeze in a bottle.
Summer Road Trips 🚗 Keep one in the glove compartment and spritz when you roll into a new town or scenic overlook.
Porch Sitting with Iced Tea 🍹 Add a cooling mist to your evening wind-down. Sip, spritz, repeat.
💚 Clean Comfort You Can Trust
Otella is thoughtfully made with clean ingredients, no artificial junk, just gentle freshness. It’s perfect for busy parents, travelers, outdoor lovers, and honestly, anyone who’s just plain hot.
And yep, it’s available at Otella, so you can snag one (or three) without leaving your air-conditioned comfort zone.
Summer’s Hot. You Don’t Have to Be.
Whether you’re chasing kids, hitting the trail, or winding down on the back deck, Otella Cooling Body Spray is your low-effort, high-reward way to stay cool, calm, and collected all season long.
Because feeling fresh doesn’t have to be complicated, it just takes one spray. 💦🌿✨
You know those magical summer days that feel like they move just a little slower? When the sun is golden, the breeze is just right, and you’re sipping something cool and delicious on the deck or at a picnic? That’s exactly the vibe BellaMatcha’s Lavender Lemonade brings in every bottle.
And spoiler alert: I’m completely hooked.
🌞 The Upgrade Your Lemonade’s Been Waiting For We all love a classic lemonade, but BellaMatcha’s twist is something truly special. They’ve elevated this warm-weather favorite with calming lavender and ceremonial-grade Japanese matcha (sourced straight from Kagoshima, Japan), creating a refreshing, functional drink that delivers smooth energy, mental clarity, and a gentle dose of peace.
💛 Organic ingredients 💜 Naturally calming and energizing 🍋 Just sweet enough 🌱 Non-GMO and vegan-friendly 🧊 Perfectly picnic-ready
Every sip feels like a little self-care ritual, and I’ve found myself reaching for a bottle whenever I need a gentle lift or an afternoon reset.
✨ Ready to Mix It Up? Try These BellaMatcha Recipes!
Because while sipping it straight is lovely, BellaMatcha Lavender Lemonade also makes a stunning base for cocktails, mocktails, and light treats. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:
🍹 Lavender Matcha Fizz Mocktail
Ingredients:
1/2 cup BellaMatcha Lavender Lemonade
1/2 cup sparkling water
Squeeze of fresh lemon
Ice
Optional: lavender sprig + lemon slice for garnish
Directions: Fill a glass with ice. Add BellaMatcha and sparkling water. Squeeze in lemon and give it a gentle stir. Garnish and sip somewhere sunny.
🍋 Icy Lavender Matcha Granita
Ingredients:
2 cups BellaMatcha Lavender Lemonade
1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)
Directions: Pour BellaMatcha into a shallow dish and place in the freezer. Every 30–45 minutes, scrape with a fork until fluffy and icy. Serve in little bowls for the ultimate hot-day treat.
🍓 Berry-Lavender Matcha Spritz
Ingredients:
1/2 cup BellaMatcha Lavender Lemonade
1/4 cup muddled strawberries or raspberries
Splash of elderflower tonic or club soda
Mint leaves for garnish
Directions: Muddle berries in a shaker or glass. Add BellaMatcha, ice, and a splash of elderflower tonic. Stir gently and garnish with fresh mint.
🍸 Lavender Lemonade Martini (for grown-ups only)
Ingredients:
2 oz BellaMatcha Lavender Lemonade
1 oz vodka
1/2 oz elderflower liqueur (optional)
Fresh lavender sprig or lemon twist for garnish
Directions: Shake ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish and enjoy your zen in a glass moment.
One Bottle, So Many Possibilities Whether you’re sipping it cold after yoga, blending it into a garden-party mocktail, or pairing it with a picnic lunch under the sun, BellaMatcha Lavender Lemonade is my go-to for feeling refreshed, balanced, and just a little more grounded.
You can learn more (and grab a few bottles for your fridge) at BellaMatcha.com.
Here’s to calming vibes, creative sips, and a beautiful summer ahead. 💜🍋🌿
If there’s one thing I’ve been leaning into more this year, it’s slowing down on purpose.
For me, that means making time to stretch before the day starts, sip my tea a little slower, and return to small rituals that nourish my body and my mind. Whether it’s a few yoga poses on the deck or five minutes of quiet breathing before bed, having the right tools has made all the difference. And lately, my self-care toolkit revolves around two absolute favorites: the Round Yoga Bolster and the Zafu Meditation Cushion from Hugger Mugger.
✨ Support That Feels Like a Hug Let’s talk bolsters. If you’ve never used one, think of it as your yoga mat’s softer, squishier sidekick. The Standard Bolster has this firm-but-comfy vibe that makes it perfect for everything, under your knees in Savasana, across your spine for heart-openers, or supporting your hips in Child’s Pose. I especially love it when I’m reading or doing a gentle restorative flow. It’s like bringing the spa home.
It’s rectangular, super stable, and beautifully made with long-lasting, upholstery-grade fabric (mine’s a deep, grounding hue that looks gorgeous in my sunroom).
🧘♀️ Meditation Made Comfortable The Zafu Cushion might be my favorite little luxury right now. It’s filled with organic buckwheat hulls, which mold perfectly to your body while supporting healthy posture. I use mine not only for meditation but also for journaling or quiet mornings with a warm drink. It lifts your hips just enough to keep your spine tall and your legs comfy, no more tingly feet or slouching halfway through your “me time.”
Plus, it has a convenient handle, so it travels well from room to room (or to the porch for sunrise meditations).
🌿 Designed for Comfort, Built with Care Hugger Mugger’s whole approach is rooted in sustainability, wellness, and longevity. They’ve been around since 1986 and are known for crafting high-performance yoga and meditation gear that’s free from heavy metals and phthalates, and built to last.
I love that their bolsters and cushions are made in the USA, thoughtfully constructed, and offered in a rainbow of earthy, uplifting colors that make your space feel sacred and serene.
Why These Belong in Your Daily Routine Even if you’re not a hardcore yogi or regular meditator, the bolster and Zafu cushion are beautiful additions to any wellness practice. Use them for:
✔️ Supported stretching or gentle yoga ✔️ Quiet reflection or mindfulness ✔️ Creating a cozy corner for reading or resting ✔️ Encouraging better posture while sitting
They’re the kind of everyday tools that gently invite you to slow down, breathe a little deeper, and create space for calm, even if it’s just for five minutes.
Ready to Add a Little More Ahhh to Your Routine? You can find the Standard Yoga Bolster ($97.95+) and Zafu Cushion ($68.95+) at HuggerMugger.com, or shop them through Amazon, Nordstrom, and Free People.
Because wellness doesn’t need to be complicated. Sometimes, all it takes is a little cushion, a deep breath, and a quiet moment to reconnect.
