It’s officially hot where I live in Texas, so I’m declaring that summer has already arrived. In fact, when we shot these photos, we were sweating so much that I felt like I’d just gotten out of the pool. Not a pretty sight.
It was great to be outdoors, though, and that’s one change I’m trying to incorporate into my summer routine. Yes, it’s hot. Yes, it’s sticky. And yes, I still won’t be going out in the middle of the day. But I am going to do my best to do some outdoor exercise in the mornings and evenings, because it’s just good for mind, body, and spirit to be outside. I have taken a break from running a few miles when I go out to just doing some power walking. It’s much easier to walk with my favorite books loaded on Audible to take with me, which I listen to on my iPhone 7+. My biggest concern, though, has been dropping my phone or it sliding out of my pocket. I’ve broken TWO iPhones that way on walks in my neighborhood. So…see these fun patterned capris? They have HIDDEN pockets that comfortably and SAFELY hold my iPhone or keys or credit cards or whatever I want! I usually just workout with my iPhone and Bluetooth headphones, but these are also awesome when I’m running errands and don’t want to take a purse. They are by RaesWear, a company that makes the cutest, coolest, hands-free clothing. I can’t tell you how much easier it has made my workouts, especially if I’m running a trail or walking long distances while listening to music or books. I no longer worry about any phone mishaps-the phone and everything else stays put in the pocket. I looooove the peace of mind. If you don’t buy one other piece of workout clothing this year, make sure one of the capris, leggings, skorts, or yoga pants by Raeswear is in your collection.
***(In case you’re wondering the books I currently have downloaded on Audible are “Kind is the New Classy” by Candace Cameron Buré and “Wealth Building Secrets from the Bible“, by Jonathan Geraci.)
Another change I’m working on this summer is using more natural products and looking for vegan companies to purchase from. I’m still an avid eater of fish, but I try to keep aspects of the vegan lifestyle immersed in mine. I have researched shampoos, conditioners, and body washes recently that have more natural ingredients and aren’t harsh on the environment, and came across Love Beauty, and Planet. Before I get into all that, can I just say how incredible these products smell??? I tried the MuruMuru Butter & Rose Body Wash ($6.99), which reminds me of the aromatic scent of a rose garden, and then the Coconut Oil and Ylang Ylang Shampoo & Conditioner ($14.49 for the set). The hair products have a light, slightly tropical scent, and it lingers in your hair even after blow-drying and heat styling!
It doesn’t take much of these products to be effective, either, which I love. You definitely get more bang for your buck. So back to the vegan thing….they make all of their products vegan, and never ever test on animals, which is awesome. They use 100% recycled materials to make the bottles and encourage consumers to recycle them once they are empty. Oh, and their sourcing partners help promote fair wage jobs and ethical sourcing for our essential oils and absolutes. It’s a win-win! I think you’d really love using these products, and they make very cute gifts, too! You can shop Love, Beauty and Planet collections at Walgreens, Target, Wal-Mart, Ulta and Amazon.
These are just two small changes I’m trying to make for my overall health and the health of our planet. It’s not anything earth shattering, but it’s nice to know there are little things I can do everyday to try and be better.
Photography: S. Jackson
2
Love Beauty and Planet is also at RiteAid