* this post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx *

We are already more than half way through the summer, but there is still plenty of time left to have fun! Today I am sharing 4 things to carry in your beach bag, so you can finish the summer off strong!

1. THE BAG

First up is the bag itself!! Having a good quality bag for the beach, park, vacations, etc. is so important! Whether you’re trying to keep your snacks cool at the beach, or packing for a vacation, Vera Bradley has you COVERED!

My go-to combination is the Vera Bradley Weekender Travel Bag and the Family Cooler.

The Weekend Travel Bag will fit everything you need and more. With plenty of zip compartments, it’s super easy to keep all of your things organized. There are also 5 mesh pockets, a trolley sleeve, and a removable strap. If you’re flying, this is the perfect carry-on bag. No need to stress with checking your bag!

The Family Cooler is a must for all of your food and beverages! Whether you’re at the lake, beach, or park, this lightweight, durable, and water-repellent cooler will make your day go a lot smoother. With tons of space, pockets, and a removable lining, this cooler is a game changer. It also has a removable strap to make your life easier!

2. SUNSCREEN

Protecting your skin during the hot summer months is so important!! Finding a sunscreen that is good for your skin,isn’t greasy, and doesn’t leave your skin white can be tricky. When I discovered the brand Eve Lom, and that the founder learned firsthand how remedies sourced from the family garden could be used to soothe and heal skin, I knew my skin was in GREAT hands.

The EVE LOM Daily Protection SPF 50 offers the highest rating of UVA protection with a dual-action UV and antioxidant shields. Free from zinc, titanium dioxide, and parabens.

I love that this product not only protects you from the sun, but it also hydrates your skin! It has been clinically proven to hydrate your skin up to 36 hours after you apply!!! Wow! Made with high quality ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, and paracress flower, you can’t go wrong with this product. It’s the perfect size to carry in your beach bag!

3. PROTECT YOUR BODY’S MOST DELICATE AREAS

The summer = heat and heat = chafing between the thighs! Especially for mine when I’m rollerblading every single day. Monistat Care Chafing Relief Powder Gel has been a lifesaver. It can even be used to reduce redness after shaving. I used to get the worst razor burn after I shaved my bikini line, and now that I apply the Chafing Relief Power Gel right after I shave, I never have any issues!! Yay to no more red embarrassing bumps.

I also love using the Monistat Maintain Feminine Cleanser with Boric Acid. It provides a safe and gentle cleanse that matches a healthy and balanced PH based upon the natural range of a women’s external intimate areas. It is fragrance free and Gynecologist tested! I love that both of these can fit easily in your beach bag and can be used when needed.

4. DIVE INTO A GOOD BOOK

There is nothing better than relaxing on a hot summer day and enjoying a novel. I love getting book recommendations from others, so let me share 3 books with you that I could not put down!

• The Other Mistress by Shanora Williams. If you’re into suspense and drama like I am, you will not be able to put this one down. The main character discovers that her husband is not only cheating on her with one mistress but TWO! She is determined to get both of these women out of her husband’s life and will do whatever it takes to do so.
• The Camp by Nancy Bush. If you grew up watching Friday the 13th, this one is for you. This book is full of murder, fog, and toxic relationships. Truly a one-of-a-kind story that will keep you on your toes until the end.
• The Last Summer by Lisa Jackson. This book is part of a bestselling series about New Orleans homicide detectives that deal with horrendous crimes. This series was on the New York Times and USA Today bestsellers list for 100 cumulative weeks!!! With over 9 million copies sold, this is a series you will want to start today!

I suggest getting all 3 of these amazing books and bringing them with you everywhere in your summer bag! You never know when a reading opportunity may pop up and I always like to be prepared! 🙂

* this post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx *

Spring is my favorite time of the year! It’s a time full of growth and possibility. It’s the perfect opportunity to reset and realign. Today I’m sharing four products that will assist you along your path of resetting this spring!

1. Relax & Read a Book

One of my go-to ways to reset and relax is to immerse myself in a novel. Especially a novel that is real page turner and has my attention! If you’re looking for a nail-biting suspense story that will keep you on your toes I highly recommend Those Empty Eyes by Charlie Donlea and On The Line by Fern Michaels.

On The Line by Fern Michaels has a little mix of family distinction, drug cartels, the culinary scene, and a medical mystery! This is one of those stories that will have you on your toes the ENTIRE time. If you’re a fan of Colleen Hoover novels, you will love On The Line!

Those Empty Eyes by Charlie Donlea is about a very strong female character that murdered her entire family when she was younger. This moody psychological thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you’re a fan of dark suspense, this novel is for you!

2. Take a Biological Age Test

Did you know everyone ages at a different rate? Did you know that there are 10 different aspects to aging? Most of us just think of our age as how many years we have been alive, but in reality there is so much more to it. Elysium Health is on a mission to help people lead healthier lives. With the help of the worlds leading scientists and clinicians, their Index – Biological Age Test is the most precise age test.

Here is what you will receive with your Index:

• Biological Age – the age your body is expected to perform.
• Cumulative Rate of Aging – the pace at which your body has been aging.
• System Age Scores – the biological age of 9 different systems including your brain and heart.
• Science-backed Recommendations – evidence-based lifestyle habits you can used to adopt a healthier life.

Elysium Health’s Index – Biological Age Test is the most comprehensive epigenetic age test and all they need is your saliva! They send you a pre labeled box containing a tube for you to fill with your saliva and ship back to them. They then analyze your DNA and send you back your results via an app on your phone!

You can receive $50 off your order until April 21st by using code ‘GETINDEX50’.

3. Make Sure Your Medicine Cabinet is GMO Free

If you’re like me, you suffer from occasional digestive health issues. Some things just don’t sit right in my stomach and I’m in need of immediate relief. Knowing I have Wonderbelly Antacid on hand to fight heartburn, indigestion, or a sour stomach keeps me at ease.

These DELICIOUS chewable tables are talc free and have zero dyes, artificial sweeteners, parabens, and GMOs. They come in a recyclable container and the Wonderbelly branding is just adorable!! Their NEW flavor Fruity Cereal is just wonderful. I also really enjoy the Strawberry Milkshake flavor as well!

With these 3 phenomenal products on hand, you can’t go wrong this spring!

As y’all know, I live in a van full time! That means I’m always in the need of quick meals that not only taste good, but are made good. I got so excited when I heard Minute Rice released two new delicious flavors of their Minute Rice Cups, Jasmine Rice & Red Quinoa and Jalapeño Rice Cups. These BPA free microwavable cups are ready in just 60 seconds. Never worry about overeating because they are single portion servings!

Minute Rice Cups are non-GMO, have zero preservatives, are MSG and cholesterol free, and Gluten Free. Everyone can enjoy one of these tasty cups. The cup is also 100% recyclable! I like to make rice bowls with these cups by adding a few of my favorite ingredients. First things first, microwave your cup for 60 seconds and don’t forget to remove the film!

For this rice bowl I’m using the Jalapeño Rice Cup. I love the added onions, green peppers, and Jalapeños. It’s the perfect amount of seasoning, saving me even more time to enjoy my meal.

Next I am adding rotisserie chicken, black beans, and a fresh avocado. Wait for your cup to cool down and then pour your rice into a bowl.

Once I have added all of my ingredients, I mix them throughly with the rice. You can make this rice bowl anytime of the day and change up the ingredients every week! These are now a staple in our van kitchen.

I love that with Minute Rice you can make a delicious and easy meal at any time. This means less time in the kitchen, and more time enjoying my meals by the beach.

R I C E B O W L R E C I P E:

• one Minute Jalapeño Rice Cup

• 1/2 a cup of rotisserie chicken

• 1/2 a cup of black beans

• 1 avocado (I love avocado so I put the whole thing but you can also just do 1/2)

* this post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx *

Did you know it’s Women’s History Month? This is the perfect time to honor and celebrate the women in your life, including yourself! You may also know a woman in your community who has contributed to an important cause, and you want to thank her. I will be sharing 5 ways you can celebrate a special woman in your life. Don’t forget to include yourself, ladies! The contributions you make to your community and family do not go unnoticed.

1. Pack a Bag and Take a Trip

Everyone deserves a break from their busy schedules! Taking a day trip to somewhere close, or even just exploring around your community can be so refreshing. Gift yourself or a special women in your life the Targus 15″ Newport Ultra Slim Backpack. This ultra chic bag is perfect for everyday use and to bring on trips. The shoulder straps tuck away so you can convert the bag to a tote, and the main compartment includes a padded laptop cradle.

This laptop bag for women has an exterior that is water repellent! You will never have to worry about your bag getting wet or stained from spills. This stylish bag is perfect for any woman in your life!

2. A Facial at Home

Quality skincare always makes as a great gift for women. I absolutely love trying new skincare products! I’ve recently been using MedPeel’s Hydra-Plump Hyaluronic Serum 2.5% and Advanced Repair Daily Moisturizer. My skin absolutely loves this skincare duo! My skin has been so dry lately, and absorbs these products right up. I’m left with a dewy soft glow that I adore!

MedPeel has over 25 years of experience providing high-performance, professional grade skin care. Their scientific expertise provides formulas that deliver outstanding results!

The Hydra-Plump Hyaluronic Serum 2.5% will instantly smooth fine lines and wrinkles. You can use it in the morning and the evening. I love putting it on under my makeup. My makeup goes on so much smoother!

The Advanced Repair Daily Moisturizer repairs your skin barrier using a power Triple Hydration Complex. Use this twice a day after the Serum and see your skin instantly glow!

3. Order Delicious Brownies and Cookies

One of my favorite deliveries to receive is a tasty dessert! For the women in your life that love sweets like I do, send them a box of Fairytale Brownies! This company uses a secret family recipe and only the finest all-natural ingredients like Callebaut Belgian chocolate to create the most irresistible flavor kosher treats. There are no preservatives, no artificial colors, and no trans fats!!

For the women in your life who has everything, send them the gift that includes everything Fairytail bakes! The Fairytale sampler includes the most popular flavors of cookies, blondies, and three sizes of Belgian chocolate brownies. All treats are individually wrapped.

Each treat or the entire box can be frozen up to 6 months! Just pull a treat out when you’re ready to enjoy and let it thaw for 15 mins. You can not go wrong with this premium brownie delivery service. Use code BABBL15 for 15% off your order!

4. Read About Trailblazing Women

I love sitting down and reading a book that inspires me. Sitting by the beach or relaxing in the bath while reading a book is a great way to recharge! Kensington Books has been providing books for over 40 years. It is one of the last remaining independent U.S. publishers of hardcover, trade and mass market paperback books.

Two books I highly recommend sending to a woman in your life are The Nurse’s Secret by Amanda Skenandore and The Book Spy by Alan Hlad.

Both novels are historical fiction and inspired by the real lives of magnificent women who, despite their outstanding accomplishments, still had to go through trials and obstacles! These books will leave you with a feeling of inspiration and appreciation for all the women in this world have done!

5. A Journal Set and Pen

Something I feel like every woman needs is a new pen and journal! You can’t go wrong with sitting down and journaling about your feeling, goals, and accomplishments! Levenger has luxury professional accessories, distinctive notebooks, and fine writing instruments. What better way to celebrate Women’s History Month than with a set of Emily Dickinson notebooks?! This set of 2 linen-covered notebooks was created in partnership with the Emily Dickinson Museum. One cover has a delicate floral pattern based on a fragment of the ACTUAL wallpaper from the poet’s bedroom! The other cover depicts, in Emily’s own handwriting, the manuscript of her poem “Tell all the truth but tell it slant.”

Pair the notebook set with the Retro 51 Emily Dickinson Exclusive Rollerball Pen AP19545. This pen was also created in partnership with the Poet’s museum! This capless rollerball pen has a lacquered brass barrel featuring a floral pattern based on wallpaper from Emily’s room. The pen is housed in a cylinder storage container that can also be used as pen stand!

You can’t ever go wrong with these amazing products, but especially during Women’s History Month 2023!