Summer Favorites 2026

Before the summer gets away from us and we trade slower mornings and longer days for backpacks and cooler evenings, Cari and I wanted to take a quick break and share with you a few of our favorite summer things. 

I know some of you may not even be thinking about fall yet, but where we live, school starts in early August. And I think we both may be in denial, so here’s a list of our favorite things to help us savor the summer for a little longer… 

💚 Lime popsicles and strawberry lemonade slushes

These cold treats have been so refreshing this summer with our record-hot temps in Virginia. But we can’t help but think how creative God made us, because in different seasons we crave different flavors. While we’ll be savoring as much pumpkin spice as possible in the fall and peppermint flavoring in the winter, for now we’re soaking in the sweetness of fruit-flavored cold treats. 

Poppi drinks – We’re a little late to this fad but bring on the prebiotic sodas. So delicious, and good for you, too! We’ve been drinking flavored waters like Spindrift and Waterloo for a while, but Poppi has found a new place in our heart (or stomachs) this summer!

💚 Skin Care and Sunscreen

Banana & Coconut Smelling Sunscreen

Just like the fruit flavors, some scents just scream summer, and this is one of them. We don’t have a favorite brand of sunscreen, but Sun Bum is one that gives off our favorite summer scent. What’s your favorite summer scent? 

KYDA Color Correcting Primer w/SPF 50

A friend posted about this product on Facebook, and I am in love! One application in the morning has protected her from sunburn and given her a even colored complexion. Some days, she’s almost forgotten to wear foundation because the coloring is so even. We don’t know how it does it, but we’re in love! 

Coconut & Lime Whipped Tallow Butter

Hydrating like nothing I’ve ever experienced before, tallow butter helps with collagen reproduction, leaves your skin moisturized, and looking younger. I use it after time in the sun, on my face at night, and on cracked heels. I don’t know all the science behind it, but from experience it appears to have moisturizing superpowers, and I can’t say enough good things about it! 

💚 Pickleball

A tennis player in high school, Cari has found a new love for Pickleball. While I have yet to be able to play with Cari, two of my daughters have caught her enthusiasm for the game. They can’t wait to play with her again. What started as a way for Cari and her husband, Nate, to spend time together and get some exercise has turned into a favorite new pastime and even a way to meet new friends on the court. I can’t wait until it’s my turn to give it a try!

💚 Summer Fiction Reading

We often find that the extra time in summer gets allocated to writing, but Cari & I have unanimously agreed that this summer has been for reading. While there are so many books we could mention, we’ve picked just a few, and it looks like we may have had a bias toward historical fiction and mysteries this summer. 

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

Full of mystery and interesting characters, the story starts with the search for a missing girl but will leave you unraveling secrets and pondering second chances. 

The Secret Life of Sunflowers by Marta Molnar

An historical fiction book about Victor Van Gogh’s sister-in-law, Johanna Bonger. Full of surprises, this book will leave you hanging on every word. 

We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker

This book is a quick read with short chapters and surprising twists and turns. A book about right and wrong and everything in between. You won’t know who to trust, but by the end you’ll love them all (or at least most of the characters anyway).

What are the things you’re loving and savoring this summer?