summer collage

Haha if all of you guys not in Auckland could see the weather today, you would also laugh at the irony of me writing a post about summer…. It’s windy, and rainy and to be honest, not that warm but hey! A girl can dream right?

Saying that – Auckland had it’s hottest November on record and we had some corker days at the beach last weekend! (we even went swimming in the ocean – an unprecedented sight in Auckland in November!) plus I know that all you Aussies have been having some wickedly hot days already – so in honor of the summer that you are either wishing for, or actually having, here are my top 5 essentials for summer 2013!

summer

1. TURKISH TOWELS

So apparently turkish towels are the new black! Sick of trying to fit two big bulky beach towels into your beach bag? (I actually BROKE my beach bag on our last trip to the beach because there was too many heavy towels in it! Grrrrr) These are the towels for you!

Super-absorbent and hand-loomed from 100% pure organic cotton or linen (depending on your choice of towel) these babies are changing the way we hit the beach (or bath)

I may have become slightly obsessed with these……

bondi ottoloom

Ottoloom turkish beach towels $64.95

Ottoloom towels

2. A FUNKY BEACH BAG

So further to the previous discussion about how I broke my beach bag with the weight of my towels, I’m on the hunt for a new one and came across these goodies!

Not only can you use a funky beach bag for a trip to the seaside, they are a great size to carry your gym gear, or all those extra things you take into work (flat shoes, a book for the train, your lunch) or you could even use it as an overnighter!

I’m loving this version from The Warehouse – plus the price is budget-friendly too – always a bonus!

beach bag - the warehouse

The Warehouse Beach Works beach bag NZ$20 (and it totally matches my new turkish towel……)

3. FUSS-FREE MAKEUP

It’s no secret, I’m a HUGE fan of BB cream, particularly this one by Garnier. For those who are not sure what a BB cream is, in a nutshell, it’s a 5-in-1 product that hydrates the skin, evens skin tone, corrects blemishes, has spf 15+ sun protection and boosts your skins natural glow – all in one product!!

But what I love the most is that you literally just slap it on! Use your hands, rub it in like moisturiser, make sure it’s evenly spread, and walk out the door – so easy and fuss-free. Plus I find that it stays put in the heat – so no slipping and sliding foundation here, and the coverage is quite light too, which is always nice in summer.

Garnier BB Cream. RRP approx $13. Available at most supermarkets and pharmacies

Garnier BB Cream. RRP approx $13. Available at most supermarkets and pharmacies

4. A FLOATY SUMMER FROCK

You KNOW I love a good frock – they are flattering, comfortable and easy to wear, especially in Summer! I feel out of place if I’m not swanning around in a maxi dress all day in the hotter months!

I love their versatility too – wear all day over your togs with your havianas and your hair up in a messy bun, then switch out your thongs for wedges, add a bangle stack and a kick-ass necklace, let your hair down and you are ready to party!

This is one of my faves available at the moment from Witchery:

witchery Maxi

Witchery strappy trapeze maxi dress NZ$129.90

5. A SUMMER-LICIOUS COCKTAIL

So you’ve whacked on your fuss-free summer makeup, packed your awesome turkish towel into your gorgeous beach bag, all whilst wearing your amazing floaty summer frock – why not top it off with a refreshing summer cocktail like this one! (thanks to Pinterest for the image, and the idea!)

watermelon cocktail

Ingredients

2½ pounds watermelon flesh, seeds removed, cut into chunks
¼ cucumber, cut into chunks
1 cup fresh lemon juice, plus an additional lemon, sliced, for garnish
¼ cup packed mint leaves, plus more mint, for garnish
2½ cups white rum, vodka, or water
¼ cup agave syrup or simple syrup

Directions

1. Put the chunked watermelon, cucumber, and mint in a blender, add the lemon juice, and puree until the mixture is smooth.
2. Strain the mixture into a pitcher to remove the pulp and leaves.
3. Mix in the alcohol or water and slowly mix in the syrup until everything is well-combined.
4. Add the lemon slices and ice. Garnish each glass with a sprig of mint. Serve.

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So now I feel like my summer is totally set….. we just need some sun now OK Auckland? Hello? Sun?

What are YOUR summer essentials?? I’d love to know – tell me in the comment section below

Love & Style Always

Cait xoxo

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