7 Products You Need to Live Your Best Summer Life

My first outdoor purchase in 2020 was a hammock. I had been dreaming of a hammock for years, but it just didn't fit in my small balcony in Arlington, VA. After departing the busy city for my hometown in suburban Pennsylvania, I wanted to enjoy the clean, fresh air as much as possible, and I'm happy to report I have been.

For me, the best time to lounge around on the deck is in the morning or late evening. When I'm out there, I make sure I'm as safe and comfortable as possible by incorporating these great products.

Sunscreen is a must. I can't relax if I'm crispy. My personal favorites are Clinique CC Cream with SPF 30, Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint with SPF 40, and Trader Joe's Broad Spectrum SPF 50+.

I always throw on a floppy brim sunhat. I have this one, and I love that I can adjust the brim to get a comfortable fit or style.

And I pair that hat with some classic sunnies. I'm partial to having tortoiseshell sunnies, and you can snag a pair, too, like this one at Target.

Finally, I stay bite-free with natural bug repellant. I use a combination of Meleluca brand spray on bug repellant and Nantucket Spider's natural garden incense sticks to stave off the 'squitos.

This year I'm looking forward to grilling on my Char-Broil grill, enjoying a few MicUltra Prickly Pear Cactus infusions, and reading volume 2 of the Bridgerton series. Here's to living your best outdoor life in 2021!