Make late summer a little extra special this year with the following Favorite Things, which cover practical and fun bases both inside the home and out!
Some of us may be holding on tightly to the fleeting days of summer. Others may be anxiously awaiting cooler fall days.
Either way, the following list of accessories – which range from a favorite nonstick skillet to a must-have for pool days and swim team practices–offers something useful for all of us!
Favorite Kitchen Accessory
Ann cooks a lot, and when she needed a new nonstick skillet recently, she purchased this Green Pan.
Green Pan has a ceramic nonstick coating (think no oil needed), which unlike some nonstick skillets, is toxin free. The pan’s forged hard anodized body provides durability while the silicone-wrapped handle stays cool. The pans come in regular and fun colors in all different sizes. The skillet Ann chose has a lid, which can come in handy, and is listed at $59.99.
Favorite Swim Accessory
These wet/dry bags from Pottery Barn Kids are a fun and practical way for kids to keep their wet suits, towels, and clothes separate from their dry stuff. Emily’s kids have used these for swim lessons as well as day camp.
Zip everything inside, and then place into a backpack or back seat of the car with no worries that it will dampen anything else. The bags come in many different designs and can be monogrammed. Available in small (styles now on clearance for $19.99) and large ($26.50).
Favorite Activewear Accessory
Ann & Emily both wear (and love!) these socks. They aren’t too thick or too thin. They offer compression without being too tight. And they don’t slip down under your sneakers even after being washed countless times.
The color choices are bright and fun – or you can opt for something more subdued. Ann’s favorite is the Feetures Elite Ultra Light No-Show Tab Sock (even though they do a show a tiny bit!) for $17/pair.
Favorite Beach or Poolside Accessory
Are you a fan of The Nightingale or Night Road? If so, you may want to add Kristin Hannah’s latest best seller, The Four Winds, to your list. (Hannah has written more than 20 novels, and The Nightingale is one of Ann and Emily’s all-time favorites.)
The Four Winds takes place during the Great Depression and is described as “an indelible portrait of America and the American dream, as seen through the eyes of one indomitable woman whose courage and sacrifice will come to define a generation.”
It’s next on Emily & Ann’s list!
Favorite Travel Accessory
Lancaster Native and former Marine John Humphreys is one of the founders of CONVOYER, a marketplace connecting families who need assistance with travel or local engagements with qualified military veterans.
So, how does it work?
Convoyer pairs a person in need with a fully vetted military veteran who provides travel assistance (to and from a wedding or other family engagements for example). The service gives people peace of mind that their family members are traveling safely, and also gives the veteran an opportunity to continue serving their community.
The business has taken a pause during COVID over the past two years but is looking forward to assisting clients in the future and providing opportunities for veterans to continue serving. For more information on using Convoyer and/or vets seeking opportunities, check out getconvoyer.com!
Favorite Cocktail Accessory
Luxardo maraschino cherries were given to Emily as a gift, and they are the perfect addition to classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned (whisky, sugar cubes, and bitters) or a Manhattan (bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters).
And what would be more perfect than a Luxardo cherry to top off a Shirley Temple? Ann makes a Shirley Temple for Grown-Ups, and it’s been a summertime favorite.
Luxardo also makes a cherry “liqueur” which Emily has used to add extra flavor to a Manhattan. It would also be yummy drizzled over fruit salad, or even on a scoop of vanilla ice cream! A jar of the cherries retail for $19.95 from Williams-Sonoma and the liqueur can be found at your local wine store or at wines.com for $39.99.
Favorite Hair Accessory
Ann just restocked her Teleties hair ties and bought the animal print (leopard) for her nieces. They are fashionable, fun, water resistant, and don’t cause hair creases. Plus, they don’t get tangled in your hair either and make a fun wrist accessory.
Teleties come in a small size (which is considered a standard size) for $7.99 for a 3-pack. The large size would be suitable for people with very thick hair. The tiny size is perfect for little kids with fine hair.
Favorite Backyard Accessory
Though we haven’t tried this best selling brand, these Magical Flames pouches, caught our eye and reminded Ann of something similar her dad used to sprinkle in the fireplace. It made the flames change colors and she and her siblings thought it was so much fun. The packets are labeled as suitable for campfires, fire pits, and indoor fireplaces. $11.09 for a 10-pack on Amazon.
Favorite Summer Quote
“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass on a summer day listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is hardly a waste of time.” —John Lubbock