While I’m definitely going to miss my students tremendously (especially my graduating grade 12s that I’ve had an amazing semester with), my mind is on the summer. With one month left of school, I constantly find my mind drifting to my upcoming girls’ trip to NYC, my daughter’s birthday visit to Great Wolf Lodge, and all the other amazing plans I’ve made for July and August. It’s been hard trudging through all the essay marking, but I find looking forward to everything has helped me stay focused to get through it all. I wanted to share some of my summer staples with you, because 1. they’re super helpful and/or cute, and also 2. capitalism.

1. Ace Hill Pineapple Vodka Soda ($3.15 per can)

Purchase here

Leave it to me to start with booze. I’m sorry…priorities. Anyway, this pineapple vodka soda is the most delicious canned beverage I’ve ever had. It’s made with real, organic pineapple juice, and it goes down real easily. A little too easy. It’s the perfect patio drink!

2. Adidas Adilette Slides ($45)

Purchase here

This is the perfect unisex slide. A word of caution: they might tear your feet up a bit while you’re working them in, but once they’ve stretched a bit, they’re super comfortable and versatile. I love being able to put them on with ease, which makes impromptu backyard play super fast. The students at my school are wearing these with socks. It’s not a good look. But if the teenagers are doing it, that must mean it’s socially acceptable. I’m not advocating for it though.

3. Season 2 of the Handmaid’s Tale

Okay, okay, so dystopian horror probably isn’t the best summer genre, but hear me out. This show is beyond binge-worthy. I mean, anything is better than season 2 of 13 Reasons Why, am I right? Somehow this show seems even more realistic, even though it’s set in a fictional time period and world. This season is definitely more gruesome and dark than the first, but I just can’t look away. Watch it. Thank me later.

4. OPI “Let’s Be Friends” shellac polish

I’m obsessed with this colour for the summer. It’s the perfect pale pink. That is all.

5. Dew and Poesy – Body Lotion in Nectarine Blossom and Mimosa ($18)

Purchase here

This is the most delicious summer scent ever. I also have it in a convenient, on-the-go roller ball perfume, and I bring it everywhere. A little mid-day spritz, and you’re instantly transported to somewhere tropical!

6. Emily Giffin – All We Ever Wanted (On sale for $19.20 if you pre-order online)

Purchase here

It’s not out for another month, but I can’t wait to read Emily Giffin’s new novel. Her books are summer reading at its finest. This one is about scandal, love and loyalty, and honestly, I’m here for it.

7. Halter neck jumpsuit ($74.95 but can usually be purchased on sale. I got it for 40% off.)

Purchase here

I got this jumpsuit in black, and it’s the most comfortable, flattering piece I’ve found for this summer. The whole having to pee thing is mildly irritating, but for all the compliments I’ve received on it? #worthit. I took a gamble on an XS, and it fit perfectly. I dress it up with wedges when I go out, and I pair it with flat sandals or Toms when I wear it to work.

8. Paul Mitchell Sculpting Foam ($17.97)

Purchase here

This is the perfect lightweight mousse for summer beachy waves. My hair is naturally quite curly and frizzy, but I gently scrunch this in after I wash my hair, and it gives my hair a subtle bounce and perfect shape. I’ve been using this forever, and I highly recommend it.