Summer Must-Haves: The Products We Can’t Stop Talking About

Summer has finally arrived… at least in my world. For me, the real kickoff has always been the Fourth of July—sparklers in the yard, grilling on the patio, kids laughing (and occasionally screaming) on the swingset, and me lounging poolside with my latest pair of sunnies and something delicious in hand (non-alcoholic, of course). As a kid, it was the week that we moved from the city (Providence) to our beach house in Narragansett, where my best memories are.

I’m all grown up now (well, sort of, I’m now a 71-year-old has a habit of acting like a teenager) and I still get the summertime feeling when I here the fireworks going off. Only as an adult, it means kicking back a little. After months of sprucing up the backyard, replacing worn-out furniture, patching pool tiles, and giving everything a good refresh, this year I’m treasuring every second spent at home this summer. There’s something sacred about sitting outside with the sun on your shoulders, your feet in the water, and relaxing, even if it’s for an hour or two each day.  It’s like having a “mini-vacation without packing a bag.”

And now that everything is finally how I want it, I’ve pulled together a list of the things that are making this season even better. These are the summer essentials we’re obsessed with right now—and honestly? I think you might fall in love with them too.

HOME SWEET BACKYARD

☀️ The King of the Swings (For My Grandson, Of Course)

King Swings

When you’re a grandma, all you want is to see those little eyes light up. My grandson Jack is my heart, and he’s going to be turning 2 shortly. His favorite thing to do? Swing…high and HIGHER. I swear Ben’s arm must get so tired pushing him as he flies up and down. One of the things they want when they move into their new house is a King Swings Playset. It’s something that’s going to last through birthdays and friends, playdates and parties, and just going out back to have fun. This is the company that makes the kind of playsets you dreamed of as a kid.

Beautifully crafted, customizable swing sets and playhouses that bring families outside for quality time. Whether it’s swinging alongside the kids, enjoying a tea party in a The Lodge Playhouse, or simply watching little ones laugh and play, King Swings creates the perfect setting for a day full of cherished memories for the whole family, all while enjoying the outdoors.

• You can order the perfect configuration for YOUR yard at King Swings

🔥 Grill Master Extraordinaire (And Thank Goodness I Don’t Have to Cook)

Kaluns 21-Piece BBQ Tool Set

Full disclosure: I married an ex-chef. Which means I basically hit the husband jackpot. He still loves to cook, especially on the grill, so I gave him this Kaluns grilling set for Father’s Day, and he’s been beaming like a kid with a new toy. It has every tool he could need, and probably a few he didn’t know he needed. And me? I just sit back and let the aroma of sizzling burgers and skewers waft through the yard. Heaven.

It’s no wonder there are 2,500 delighted users that have hailed it as Amazon’s Choice, this comprehensive set equips you with all the necessary tools for an extraordinary grilling experience: a robust stainless steel spatula, tongs, skewers, a grill brush (complete with an additional head), and a four-pocket apron—all elegantly kept in a chic aluminum case.

Key features include:

• Long-lasting, dishwasher-safe stainless steel tools that resist rust and damage
• Versatile spatula for flipping, slicing, tenderizing, and popping open drinks
• Travel-ready case ideal for camping trips, tailgate parties, and summer cookouts
• Perfect gift choice for anniversaries, birthdays, or housewarming celebrations
• Hurry because there’s a PRIME DAY DEAL on these BBQ Tools

💦 Lounging, Poolside Edition

Aquari Solara Shirt Dress

There is no better feeling than slipping into something light and breezy as I head out to the pool, book in hand. (Okay, fine—sometimes it’s my iPad, but the vibe is still vintage summer.) I’ve been living in my Aquari Solara Shirt Dress. It’s effortlessly chic, lightweight, and somehow works as both a swimsuit cover-up and something I’d wear out for iced coffee. Just toss on a pair of sunglasses (more on those below) and I’m good to go.

This trendy and ethically made piece offers the perfect balance of sophistication, comfort, and elevated style for your next girls’ trip, poolside lounge day, or backyard tan session this summer!

• FYI – It’s also great over a pair of skinny jeans or tights, so versatile! Aquari Solara Shirt Dress.

👗 The Dress I Slip Into Every Afternoon: The Spa Dress

The Spa Dress

You know that moment when you’ve just done a few laps in the pool, your hair’s still a little damp, and the sun is still shining but you’re ready to wrap yourself in something soft, cool, and effortless? Enter: The Spa Dress.

This has become my go-to piece for lounging around the house (and yes, even out in the yard). It’s lightweight but not clingy, feminine without being fussy, and it feels like your favorite towel and favorite sundress had a very stylish baby. It comes in two lengths – long and short and is made of the softest bamboo fabric. I just slip it on after swimming or even when I’ve had enough of wearing real clothes, but still want to feel cute and put-together.

I’ve worn it to answer the door for deliveries, sip cold brew under the patio fan, and even out front when chatting with neighbors. It walks that perfect line between cozy and chic—and now I can’t imagine my summer wardrobe without it. If you want to see it in action at the spa, check out how it made my recent spa cruise so much better.

• Pick a couple up (you’re going to want both a long and short one) at The Spa Dress

DRINKS + TREATS (ALCOHOL-FREE BUT FULL OF FLAVOR)

 

🍊 The “I Don’t Drink” Drink That Feels Like a Cocktail

Schofferhofer and Clausthaler

Since I’ve made a conscious effort this year to cut WAY back on my alcohol (yes, even wine…I know…shock), I’ve been on the lookout for drinks that feel festive but won’t leave me dragging.  Schofferhofer Grapefruit Hefeweizen low-alcoholic grapefruit wheat beer (it’s only 2.5% ABV) is my go-to when I want to feel like I’m part of the cheers without a lot of alcohol. They’re crisp, refreshing, and perfect for a hot Florida afternoon.

In our neighborhood, we have a BYO get-together now and then, and instead of bringing a can of soda when everyone else is drinking beer, I bring a Clausthaler Original Non-Alcoholic Beer or their new dry-hopped Clausthaler IPA!! Yes, you read that right. A NON-ALCOHOLIC IPA and it’s delicious. It tastes just like a good full bodied German beer. They also have a grapefruit beer and Clausthaler ISO 0.0 for active people looking to reward themselves with a high quality, great tasting 0.0 % brew. Clausthaler ISO 0.0 % is the tasteful, exciting, and healthy option to refuel and hydrate your body after exercising and being active.

Learn more at:

• Schofferhofer
• Clausthaler

☕ Cold Brew That’s Actually Worth the Hype

Cumulus Coffee Machine

Okay. Let’s talk coffee. I’m picky. If you’ve been following me for any amount of time, you know that I’m a former Starbucks manager. I “retired” back in the 90s, but have been passionate about coffee. After moving from Rhode Island to Florida, the hot-brewed stuff just isn’t cutting it in July. Enter: the Cumulus Machine. It makes the smoothest, richest, dreamiest cold brew I’ve ever tasted—at home. Oh, I can make a great iced coffee a la Starbucks with my double strength Italian beans the old school way, but what a PAIN when I can now just push a button a VOILA I’ve got café quality coffee at home in my jammies (or my swimsuit or whatever I want to wear or not wear) and DAMN it’s good. Something you don’t usually hear me say about coffee at home (unless I’m pressing).

SO…NOW you don’t have to trek out to the nearest drive-through and pay $7 for a mediocre iced coffee anymore. Honestly, this machine changed my mornings.

FYI – Right now it’s on a SECRET (shush) SALE

• Offer: 20% OFF with promo code SECRET20 that will be auto applied at checkout at Cumulus Coffee Machine

• From 07/07/2025 to 07/13/2025

🌿 My Husband’s Secret to Unwinding at Night

Drink Reframe

While I’m sipping cold brew or grapefruit spritzes, my husband is winding down with his new favorite thing: Reframe. It’s a non-alcoholic relaxation drink, and he swears it helps him feel more at ease than anything else he’s tried (and trust me, he’s tried everything). With 0% ABV and 10mg THC per serving, you get all of the fun of having a drink with NO HANGOVER!

Enjoy it as a drink (with cannabis instead of alcohol)!

I love that it gives Mr. S. that little mental exhale after a long day. It’s our new evening ritual: he with his Reframe straight up, watching the sun go down, and listening to the cicadas buzz, and mine mixed with a little something sweet.

Available in Tropical, Citrus, and Mixed Berry.

• Order yours at Reframe (or subscribe like I do)

🍪 The Perfect Sweet Treat (that I may have hidden from Mr. S)

Walker’s Shortbread

If you know, you know. Buttery, crumbly, perfectly sweet shortbread cookies that taste like they came straight from Scotland. For summer to keep them fresh in the humidity and pool splashing, I put out the Shortbread Rounds Snack Packs – packed in packets of two (just enough for a snack for either adults or kids). Adorned with the iconic Scottish thistle, each shortbread round is crafted from their founder’s cherished all-butter recipe, perfected over 125 years.

But don’t stop there, they also have:

• Salted Caramel & Milk Chocolate Chunk Shortbread – Combining the best of traditional Scottish baking with the sweet, delicious taste of salted caramel and rich Belgian chocolate chunks, these cookies offer a truly indulgent treat.
• Stem Ginger Shortbread – Real Australian stem ginger blends seamlessly with the subtle richness of all-butter Scottish shortbread, creating thin, crisp cookies with a distinct and delicious flavor. Enjoy the perfect balance of sugar and spice in every bite.
• Shortbread Petticoat Tails – Perforated for easy sharing, these all-butter shortbreads capture their distinctive name from the intricate petticoats of the 12th century, including those worn by Mary Queen of Scots. They are sprinkled with sugar for a sweeter taste.

These are not your average cookies. They’re an indulgent moment and an extra special treat for the little ones.

SUMMER STYLE + SUN PROTECTION

🕶️ My Newest Sunglasses Obsession

Margaritaville Island Time Sunglasses

You can never have too many sunglasses—especially when you live in the Sunshine State. I found Margaritaville Island Time Sunglasses recently, and I’m hooked. They’re stylish but not over-the-top, with just the right amount of flair. Plus, they have that laid-back, beachy vibe that says, “I live for summer.” Which, if we’re being honest, I do.

For me, it’s all about the Driftseas. That’s my style. Old school 1960s, funky, laid back, with a little edge. Ben, on the other hand, loves wearing his Cabanas. I think it’s the Risky Business feel to them (maybe he thinks he’s Tom Cruise back in the day) that makes them go from classic to fun. There’s definitely a too cool for school feel about all of the Margaritaville styles

• Parrothead or not, you’ll definitely want to check out Margaritaville Island Time Sunglasses

LIFE, SLOWER AND SWEETER

This summer feels like a soft exhale. We’ve been through a lot these past few years, from life changes to global changes, and I think many of us are finally figuring out what it means to enjoy staying home. To savor the moments in our own backyards, surrounded by the people we love and the little luxuries that make life feel full.

For me, summer isn’t about jetting off somewhere (because it’s something that I do regularly anyway). It’s about early mornings with coffee on the patio, afternoons spent watching Jack splash around in the pool or swing high into the air, and nights with my husband at the grill, the dog curled up at my feet, and fireflies blinking in the distance.

And let’s not forget a good playlist in the background (I’ve been on a 70s-throwback kick lately), comfy lounge clothes, and the permission to do nothing sometimes. Because we deserve that.

A Few Bonus Faves That Make the List Every Year

• Oversized beach towels (the fluffier, the better)

• Citronella candles that actually work (try a few scattered around your sitting area—game changer)

• Outdoor fairy lights strung across the yard for a little sparkle after dark

• A waterproof speaker for music by the pool (I’m partial to Fleetwood Mac and a little Nora Jones)

• Cooling face mists that I keep in the fridge (it’s like a mini spa moment every time I spray)

Final Thought: Celebrate the Little Things

So here’s to July 4th, my unofficial launchpad into the season of sunshine, simplicity, and savoring life right where I am. I’ve curated my summer to reflect what I love most: comfort, family, ease, and a touch of indulgence. If that sounds like your kind of vibe, then trust me—these must-haves will fit right in with your summer, too.

Whether you’re swinging in a hammock, dancing barefoot in the grass, or watching your grandbabies turn your yard into their personal playground, I hope this season brings you the same kind of joy I’m soaking in right now.

And if you need me? I’ll be outside—with sunscreen, snacks, and a smile.