My Monthly Top Ten — July 2022
August 1, 2022
Let’s just start this post by addressing the elephant in the room, how have we already closed out another month of summer already? Summer is one of my favorite times of year and each year I am just so amazed at how quickly the time passes and how many memories are made in such a short amount of time.
This is my very first installment of “My Monthly Top Ten” post series, so I wanted to give you a little background of the what and why behind these monthly posts. I am sure by now you have seen every blogger, vlogger, and influencer post their monthly favorites on social media. And yes, I am hopping on the train, but for good reason. Part of what I want to the FCW community to be is a place you can come and get an outstanding recommendation that you can trust. I have worked extremely hard to be financially sound and the last thing I would ever want to do is encourage poor financial habits or recommend something that is not worth your hard-earned money.
Now the what — I have set some ground rules to ensure this community knows exactly how I will select the products I share in these roundups.
First, I must have purchased the product myself (or disclosed otherwise).
Second, it can be anything, but I must use it frequently enough that it is worthy of making the list.
Third, I must own and use it long enough before giving a recommendation.
Now that you know the what and why, here is my monthly top ten for July 2022:
Hoka – Arahi Running Shoes
I have had the Hoka One Cliftton Running Shoes for a little over two years and they were great. I meant to repurchase them, but when I went to the store to purchase them, I really did not like any of the color options. And I completely understand that they are just colors, but me being me, if I do not have outfits to go with them, I will not wear them. So, by a whim, I tried the Arahi line on because I liked the color options better. To my surprised I loved how the hugged my foot and had a bit more structural support to them. If you have ever tried the Cliftons, you know they are extremely cushioned – the Arahi shoe is cushioned and structured and I have loved running in them. I am the same size in both shoes, but the Arahi claims number one.
2. Hydroflask
How could I not put this on here? We are at the point in Texas summer where if you do not always carry a water bottle with you, you will be dehydrated before you know it. I have owned my original Hydroflask for five years and it still works great. Over the years, I have added a few more to the collection so I never have to go a day without one.
While I love my Hydroflask and think it is a fantastic brand, I really am recommending any metal water bottle. It does not have to be THE STANLEY cup everyone and their mother is buying. At the end of the day, they are all metal insulated cups/bottles, and all serve the same purpose. Target sells a great option for $10, and I’ve had that one for two years now.
3. SunNinja Beach Tent
If you love the beach like I do but hate lugging all the beach things across the sand every morning (like I do), they you should definitely look into buying this tent before your next beach trip. First, this tent is extremely lightweight and compact. Second, it is easy to set up each day. Third, it contains no pointy objects (if you have ever been on a beach when a storm rolls in then you know what I mean).
4. Paloma
I have always been a Margs kind of gal, but recently there is a new tequila drink on my favorites list, and that is the Paloma. This drink combines tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and club soda to make a refreshing summer drink. Just do not forget to rim your glass with some Tajin.
4. Hemnes Dresser
While I do not love putting together the dressers, I believe the Hemnes Dresser line from Ikea is a great affordable option. This is my fifth Hemnes Dresser from Ikea and my other four dressers from this line I’ve had over four years and they still are in great condition. While Ikea furniture does not have that unique custom look you see all over Pinterest, it also does not break the bank, which I really appreciate.
6. Blanket Basket (check your local Homegoods)
I bought a blanket basket from Homegoods at the end the June and I have been loving it. I love blankets, but I wanted a place to store them where they would actually get used and not just tuck them away in a closet somewhere. The blanked basket was a great solution, and it adds a nice textured, warm accent to our living room.
7. Sourdough Tools
First, as I have said before in my Sourdough Bread post, you absolutely do not need these tools to make Sourdough bread. However, I have really enjoyed the ease and fun they have brought to the process and that is why they are making the list.
8. Supergoop Tinted Glowscreen
I first purchased the Glowscreen during the Sephora Spring Sale. I was not necessary looking to buy this product, but when I compared it to the sunscreen I was using before (Tula), it had a higher SPF. I have loved this product. I wear it on my bare skin or under foundation and it was great at protecting my face from the sun at the beach. It has prettiest glow to it and saves me a ton of time getting ready. I will definitely be a repeat buyer of this product.
9. Lululemon Track That Mid Rise 5″ Shorts
There is a reason these short can be hard to find. I bought my first pair of these shorts last summer and I am patiently waiting to add to my collection. I have very athletic thighs – thighs that eat every short I put on, except these. I do not know what magic Lululemon has done to make these shorts no ride up, but they do not, and it is incredible. Leggings are not an option right now, so having shorts where I do not have to do the side shuffle every couple of steps is a blessing.
10. Pit Boss Tailgater Pellet Grill and Smoker
Last, but not least, our beloved grill. We bought this grill the first summer we moved into our home two years ago. We really wanted a Pit Boss Pellet Grill but were worried it was out of our budget. We lucked out and found the tailgate model at Walmart in a damaged box and before you know it, we were grilling in our backyard.
Why we love it? First, this grill cost us less than $200 (in 2020) and because it is electric heat that burns the pellets, it is extremely easy to operate. Second, the size of the grill is perfect for two people and a couple of friends. Most grills were much larger than we needed, and we would have been paying for grill square footage that we would have never even used. Finally, you can grill and smoke food on this grill and we love the versatility that provides. We have since bought this grill for both of our families and they love it as much as we do.
