LI Kids Ultimate Summer Buying Guide

Summer is one of my favorite times of the year. Even though I don’t get a lot of time to hang out at the beach I still love knowing that the weather is nice and that the grass is green and the skies are blue. Now that summer is here, it’s time to kick back, have fun, enjoy the weather, and to have a great time with friends and family. While some of these products are not summer specific, all of them have the ability to make you feel healthier, look better, or enjoy a better standard of entertainment. After you’ve viewed our guide let us know if you have any summer essentials you want to share with us, in the comments below.

Food & Cooking

Grillery – Hand-Built Wood Fire Grills
Words cannot describe how cool these custom built grills really are. They are absolutely beautiful. I hasten to say any grill is magical, but if one could be, it would be a Grillery grill. If you can afford it, you should definitely forgo visiting Home Depot and have a grill built for you here instead. One of the most important spots of the summer is the grill/backyard/patio, so don’t discount this area of your outdoor entertainment arsenal. This is miles above the little charcoal briskets or boring propane that fuel your neighbor’s grill. This is a top of the line, wood burning Temple of Barbecuing Bliss. Grillery grills will cost you a couple thousand at least, but they are a perfect solution for a grill that will last a lifetime for serious grillers.
Learn more about these amazing grills at the Grillery Website.

Smiley Cookies
Smiley Cookies make for an awesome, sweet end to a fun, family picnic. Mail order cookies can be hit or miss, especially if you have a baker in your family. It’s going to be hard to find a cookie better than what you can get in your own kitchen. I won’t go as far as saying that Smiley Cookies are better than any soft cookie that comes fresh out of the oven, but I will say that these all-natural, sugar cookies are buttery, sweet without being too sweet, and they have the first icing top I’ve found in a mail order sense that didn’t taste like dried paste. We received the pirate cookies for review a while back and I had to mention them here because they were a hit with the whole family. In hindsight, I almost wish we had picked the chocolate Smiley Cookies, but the pirate in the family loved these and wouldn’t have had it any other way!
Stop by Smiley Cookies for additional information.

Cabot – Clothbound Cheddar
I love cheese. Scratch that. If there was a food I could worship beyond dark chocolate and all other foods, it would be cheese – more specifically, cheddar cheese. I have been buying Cabot at the local Sam’s in a large brick for quite a while now. It’s a sharp cheddar brick. So, you can imagine my excitement when Cabot contacted me about trying the Clothbound cheddar they have available for inclusion in this guide. Cabot’s Clothbound cheddar is aged for ten months and goes perfect on burgers or in any kind of relish tray, with crackers or on a fruit plate. It doesn’t matter how you serve it. The point is, if you’re a cheese fan this is a must have cheese! Clothbound cheddar comes out of the cave after ten months and is sliced in one pound wedges by hand! You can purchase this on Cabot’s website for $21.99 per wedge and it’s worth every single penny.
Visit Cabot’s website to learn more about their Clothbound Cheddar

Fox Fire Farms Products
I am extremely interested in grass fed meats and organic foods. The problem I have with most brands is a problem that many people have; I can’t always afford them. So, it’s usually a pretty big treat when we’re sent these types of food for review. Fox Fire Farms offers a variety of products including grass fed meats and soy free eggs. We were sent a selection of meats to try out. Included in the bunch were a few cuts of lamb, a Porterhouse steak and some other beef, and a pork chop and some other pork options. The Porterhouse was a huge 2 lb. steak that fed three of us. It was thick, juicy, and tasted phenomenal on the grill. Every flavor burst in my mouth. If you have ever questioned whether eating organic/grass fed was worth it, give Fox Fire Farms a try. So often, food bought in the grocery store lacks real taste. Fox Fire Farms will be a shocking, delicious surprise for you if this is where you normally purchase your meat. Fox Fire offers big servings, fair prices, and delicious meat that is good for the whole family.
Visit Fox Fire Farms for additional information

Traverse Bay Fruit Salsa (Raspberry & Peach)
I will openly confess that fruit salsa kind of scares me a little bit. I don’t know what it is, but I have always avoided the fruit salsa and stuck with tomato. Perhaps I am just traditional that way. In any case, when Traverse Bay offered us some jars of fruit salsa to try, I accepted knowing that Dominick would want to try them. They are long gone now (they were gone within a few days after receiving them), but he is still raving about them. Of the two, the peach was mild and the raspberry was much hotter. So, if you’re mindful of the heat you might want to stick to peach, but if you love the burn, check out the raspberry. Of course, Traverse Bay has several other flavors of salsa. In any case, these salsas are great to spice up your chicken, to eat with chips, and certainly to enchant your guests at any picnic or barbecue.
For more information visit Traverse Bay Farms

Glass Dharma Drinking Straws (glass straws)
If being green is your thing you need to check out Glass Dharma. As you already know, straws are made from plastic. In most cases, the average straw is made from plastic that is not able to be recycled. Glass Dharma offers a selection of glass straws in different sizes, some of which are trendy enough to be designed as you can see above, rather than the simple plain options they also carry. The straws come in four main sizes. They range from small and short to big enough for a smoothie. Glass Dharma even offers a curved straw that has a slight resemblance to a bendy straw, although it’s obviously more eco-friendly. The biggest pain here involves having to clean them after each use. Of course, when you consider all you’re doing for the environment, cleaning these seems like a pretty small thing. When you purchase the straws just remember to pick up some cleaning brushes. These are perfect for home use and great for on the go, as well. They are also fairly reasonably priced considering they should last for years.
Visit the Glass Dharma website for additional information

Health Products

SKN Beverly Hills Skin Products (Milk Cleanser, Pore Vacuum Wash, Beach House)
This one is a no-brainer, but it’s not just for summer! If you have any issues with your skin, SKN is going to be the best choice for you that can be found over the counter. My face never felt cleaner than when I used SKN’s milk cleanser. Within days I was getting that smooth, soft feeling that everyone wants for their skin. The Pore Vacuum Wash is an absolute must have for teenagers or people that experience skin breakouts. This stuff is no nonsense and a little bit goes a long way, so it’s more than worth the money that you will pay for it. I’ve reviewed my fair share of skin care products in my day, and with sensitive skin, I often end up with pink, rashy skin or just feel like the products are too expensive for what they offer. SKN charges on average, about $25 for the cleansers and after washing my face twice a day for a few days, my completion was clear and I hardly ever need to use the Pore Vacuum Wash, which ensures that it just lasts longer. Beach House is another fabulous product. This scrub smells fabulous and it contains sand which has a major purpose beyond the summery feel that it offers. You can use it on your body and face to exfoliate and to make your skin shiny, looking great, and smelling scrumptious. If you’re in need of skin care products do yourself a favor and seek out SKN. You won’t be sorry!
Visit the SKN website to learn about their other great products.

Omnibalm Daily Foot Therapy
Omnibalm foot therapy is a cream, lotion that is used to cure dry, chapped, or cracked skin and to keep your feet healthy and feeling like new. The thing that allows Omnibalm to stand out is the tea tree oil which is used. I decided to use this on Dominick, because he has lots of issues with cracked skin and roughness. I was excited about trying this out on him because I knew that tea tree would probably be the best thing to help his skin issues. Sure enough, Omnibalm managed to smooth his skin to the point where it’s worlds apart from where it once was. At $13.99 I was prepared to not recommend this before I actually tried it, but after using it once I knew that it was worth every penny. All you need is a little dime sized dab and it covers the whole foot and leaves it soft. It also helps to heal any fungus or other foot issue you may have. If you spend a lot of time at the beach, foot cream like this is going to be important because the outdoor activity will eventually wear on your feet (especially if you have sensitive skin) and leave them dry and brittle. Omnibalm will make sure that your feet are taken care of all year long and based on the size of the tube you shouldn’t need more than one or two per year, which makes it a fabulous deal for all that it does.
Visit the Omnibalm Website

Freedom to Travel Audio Series
It’s shocking to think of the number of people that don’t travel because they have health issues or potential health issues and they do not know a foreign language. Granted, I cannot blame them for considering these issues and understanding how the language barrier could have devastating effects for someone that is traveling to a distant land, but still it’s sad to think that potential health problems have to hold people back any more than usual. The Freedom 2 Travel audio series seeks to change all that though. Available as an e-book or through Apple for your iPod, Freedom 2 Travel is available in ten languages and gives you all of the key phrases that you might need concerning food allergies, health problems, or medical concerns. The Freedom 2 Travel series includes French, Japanese, Greek, Russian, Portuguese, Chinese, Spanish, Swedish, German, and Italian. They also have two series sets that include three languages for people that plan to visit multiple countries. Each language comes to $19.99 and is worth it when you consider the security that it will offer the traveler with disabilities or health concerns.
Visit the Freedom to Travel Website

Colgate Wisp Plus Whitening
Colgate Wisps are disposable, waterless tooth brushes that you use once and toss. They are probably the only thing on this Summer Buying Guide that I have a love/hate relationship with. The best thing about Colgate Wisps is that they offer you a chance to brush your teeth anywhere. So, if you go on that lunch date and end up indulging in pasta with extra garlic or some onion pizza you can just excuse yourself to the bathroom and you’ll be smelling right as rain in no time. If you have kids that don’t like to brush their teeth these are a great way to get them to do it. Wisps are small enough to fit in your purse or in your pocket but they are effective enough to remove bad breath and whiten your teeth on the go. The reason I am not overly fond of them is that they are disposable. For every one that you use it’s one you’re throwing away. If you’re using them frequently that can equal a lot of additional trash. I recommend having some of these on hand, but not using them regularly for this purpose. Use them sparingly when it’s clear that you need them. Otherwise, do the environment a favor and stick to old and reliable plastic brushes instead.

Lady Speed Stick Stainguard
Ask any woman what she hates about deodorant and she’s likely to tell you that she hates the white stains that form on her clothing. I’ve tried my share of deodorant that claims to be invisible or to remove the white powder residue, but in the end, I always notice something still there. Lady Speed Stick with Stain Guard is the only deodorant that I have found to remove this issue. No matter what you wear this summer you won’t have to worry about sweat, odor, or white marks if you’re using Speed Stick. They sent us both the Lady and the Men’s Speed Stick and while I was partial to the smell of the Men’s (I’m a sucker for that manly scent) I was thrilled with how both worked. So, if you’re having deodorant issues you might want to consider Speed Stick. It works like a charm and it smells pretty okay, too.

Joe Grooming (Men’s Skincare Line)
This product is specifically for the men! Most men avoid things like moisturizers for fear of using something too girly for them. Of course, this doesn’t mean they don’t need these things, it just means they don’t use them. Well, if that’s the case in your home…enter Joe Grooming products. Packaged in clear, non-assuming bottles, Joe Grooming offers hair and body wash, moisturizer, scrub, and shaving cream. Each product smells fabulous and I didn’t hear any complaints about their quality. The men in the house ended up soft, smooth, and well groomed and no one was the wiser that they were using moisturizer the whole time. Joe Grooming has a whole line of products for men in need of a style pick me up. If you’re looking for something specific to fix those body or facial woes, you might want to check them out. Depending on the product, they can be pricey, but from all I have seen, they are worth it.
Visit Joe Grooming to learn more.

White Bamboo Exfoliator by Scientific
A good exfoliator should be part of everyone’s skin care regimen no matter what season it is. The product directions state that you should use White Bamboo Exfoliator twice a week in the shower. While I sometimes use it in the shower, it works just fine using warm water when out of the shower. It’s important to use warm water during application because warm water opens your pores. WBE contains bamboo crystals that help to create new, fresh skin. If you’re looking for something to help with deep cleaning that will also get rid of all of your dead skin then White Bamboo Exfoliator is definitely for you. You notice results almost immediately and you continue to see them in soft, smooth skin.
Visit Scientific’s website for more information on this and other products

UnderWAY Appetite Suppressant Drink
I am a skeptic and a snacker, so when anyone offers me any diet, appetite suppressant type of product to review I am compelled to review the products. Anything that stops my innate need to snack (I could skip meals most days and just keep snacking) is a must have product in my book. Unfortunately, most diet products, especially the drinks, taste horrible. Sure, I need to lose some weight but the idea of drinking sludge hardly appeals to me. So, I am delighted to tell you that UnderWAY tastes good enough that you will want to drink it just because it tastes good. It might not be perfect, but for the type of product it is I have not found one that tastes better. As for how well it suppresses appetite, it does a pretty good job. I didn’t stop eating altogether, but my cravings were minimized and I was able to eat more sensible choices. I also avoided snacking if I had one of these drinks in the middle of meals. UnderWAY comes in a small variety of flavors including grape (which was my favorite), green tea, and a pomegranate mix.
Visit the underway website

Smart for Life Cookies
When I received UnderWAY I also received Smart for Life cookies. I like to think of Smart for Life Cookies as Slim Fast’s brother. They are meal replacement cookies. You eat one every few hours and then at dinnertime you have a sensible meal. I am listing them because of the taste only. If you’re looking for a low calorie snack that offers plenty of fiber Smart for Life has numerous cookies to choose from. I cannot recommend them (or not recommend them) based on the weight loss claims because I was sent one package of cookies, which is about a 1-2 day supply. It’s not enough to spark a loss of weight, so I can’t tell you how well they work. Common sense tells me if you eat the cookies and some skinless chicken with a salad for sinner then you will lose some weight. Of course, if you know that then you probably don’t need these cookies, you just need to keep your hand out of the regular cookie jar. These cookies, if taken on the cookie diet plan, can be somewhat expensive. I recommend using them as a healthy snack, if you’re going to buy them, and look to a more surefire method if you’re hoping to lose weight. Still, the taste is decent if you’re in need of a healthy snack so that makes them worth a mention.
Visit Smart for Life for more information.

Anywhere Comfort
Memory foam products have been known to help a sore neck or back improve. However, memory foam and related products are generally found on mattresses, bedding, and pillows. Now there is Anywhere Comfort. Knowing that you can take these cushions anywhere or use them on standard chairs or when driving ensures that if you’re in pain you will not be dealing with as much of it. You can use these anywhere thanks to the convenient straps that hold the cushions in place. The straps are adjustable to make sure that it fits to a variety of chairs or can be removed altogether if necessary. The strength and quality of the memory foam allows the pressure to leave your arms, back, or other problem areas. One of the nicest things about Anywhere Comfort is the feeling against the skin. The outside material is quite soft, so it feels great and doesn’t rub anything the wrong way. You can roll these up for easy carrying or storage in between uses. There is only one part of Anywhere Comfort that I disagree with partially and that is that it is perfect for using on wheelchairs. We did try this on Dominick’s wheelchair (the back product) and it does fit. However, depending on the disability that creates the need for a wheelchair this might not be the best fit. The Anywhere Comfort products can be a little bulky for premium wheelchair positioning. If you are in a wheelchair you will want to tread lightly here because while they will be good for some wheelchair users, they will not be suitable for all users.
Visit the Comfort Ideas website for more information on their products.

Family Goods

Sunnygram
Sunnygram is not so much a product as it is an amazing service. In the digital age, the elderly are often left out. In a world of Facebook and email grandma and grandpa sometimes get lost in the shuffle. Sunnygram seeks to fix all that though. Sunnygram is a newsletter that is sent to family and friends that do not use computers. The family gathers all the letters and information that they want to put in the newsletter and whatever digital photos they would like added to a specific email. This information is compiled into a newsletter and is sent via postal mail to your loved ones. The best news of all is that your first month is free, which gives you a chance to give it a shot with no obligations. After that the subscription is just $12.99 per month. You can continue to send your newsletters on a regular basis and your family will treasure them, especially if you weren’t sending letters before. This is great for vacations, holidays, and other times of the year when you want to show family what you’re up to and that you’re thinking of them.
Learn more about this great service by visiting Sunnygram!

Fashion/Beauty

Belly Armor
While I don’t have any experience personally using the Belly Armor products, the fact that they protect pregnant mothers from undue radiation just plain rocks. I know too many women that hide from the sun due to the thought of too much radiation, but Belly Armor makes sure that expectant moms can have a good time in the sun and not have to worry about things like that. If you’re out in the sun, the best product would be the Belly tee. Of course, Belly Armor protects from all kinds of radiation, not just the kind you’d experience out in the sun. The Belly Blankets are awesomely adorable and they come in two styles; chic and luxe. Assuming I was pregnant I might have to buy both because they both look comfortable. If you have any questions about the ability to remove radiation, Belly Armor recommends you do the cell phone test. Take one of the blankets or tees and wrap your cell in the Belly Armor. Check your signal before putting it in, because within 30 seconds it will either be going down or it will be completely gone! Belly Armor products start at around $59 and go up to $109. If you find that you can’t afford that, throw an early baby shower and hint that you want this. After all, it’s for the baby as much as it is your own health and comfort!
Visit the Belly Armor website for more information

Beautisol BeautiKit: Dark Tanning Summer Glow
I am sure that I am not the only person in the world that shies away from tanning these days. Still, being pasty isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. So your choices end up being risk skin cancer, stay pasty, or use a self-tanner. Unfortunately, most self-tanners end up making you orange and have this weird odor that smells like oily, plastic funk. So yeah, that is not a very attractive option. Even the cheapest self-tanner can run you at least $10 and if those are the results you get, why would anyone want to try something more expensive? I know it is those kinds of results that kept me away from the more expensive brands. Still, deep down there is a girl inside me that wants to be tan. Beautisol gives you the deep summer glow that you want without the hassles and without that plastic smelling funk. Smell Right technology ensures that you don’t have any funny odor from your new tan. The Kit includes Summer Glow, Go Slough Yourself (its exfoliator and its best that you use this before tanning), the instructional DVD and two pairs of gloves. It comes to $55, which is not a bad deal considering if you purchase everything separately, the tanner alone will run you $40. Always wear your gloves when you apply Beautisol and if you need help make sure to enlist a friend to do your back. This is a great deal that gives you a beautiful summery look without any guilt!
Learn more about BeautiKits at the Beautisol website

UV Skinz
UV Skinz is a business that offers clothing and sun protection accessories that block 98% of the UV rays from the sun. If you’re out in the sun a lot, which many people are in the summer, the threat of skin cancer is incredibly real. However, that doesn’t mean anyone should have to hole up inside, all summer long. UV Skinz tends to have the feel of a swimsuit, but the UV blockers in them make them on of the most important clothing options for the summer. You can find clothing for the whole family with prices that are comparable to regular clothes that offer no protection.
Visit the UV Skinz website

Mai Couture Face Papiers
Words cannot describe how much I love Mai Couture. Face papiers sound so pretentious, but they are something that every girl needs to own. Mai Couture takes the average papers to the extreme by adding little touches that make the product just seem so much more necessary than the other brands. For starters, the bronzing papers offer a shimmery shine that looks great any time of year. It reminds me of that sunkissed look. When you add the blush it looks simply magnificent. One of my favorite things about Mai Couture is the little leather case that the makeup comes in. The small case with the gold snap fits your face papiers like a glove and it fits into even the smallest purse. These are perfect for the girl on the go that doesn’t want to look like she’s been gone all day. They also make the whole process of putting on makeup quick and easy, which any girl can appreciate. Mai Couture charges $33 for the bronzing papiers and $28 for the blush papiers. If you do not have a lot of money in your budget to buy makeup, save up for these when you can. At least you will look good while they last!
Visit the Mai Couture website for additional information

Premium Liqour

Dulce Vida Tequila
I am not a big tequila drinker. I occasionally give the blancos a try, but for the most part it has never been my drink of choice. Dulce Vida might just be the exception to this rule. Dulce Vida is 100% tequila. There are no fillers here. Making the tequila includes an aging process in Maker’s Mark or Jim Beam used Oak whiskey barrels. This gives Dulce Vida a slight woodsy edge and it removes a lot of the bite that makes other tequilas hard to swallow. With the high proof (100 proof, since it’s all straight tequila) you can expect the smell of alcohol to surround you as the bottle opens. Dulce Vida is going to set the average margarita apart and it will be sure to spruce up any girl’s night out or adult summer party. Currently, Dulce Vida is not available nationally. You can find it at select bars in Austin, TX and plans are in the works to expand to California and other Texas locations. You can purchase it online at Specs for between $45 and $60 per bottle.
Check out the Dulce Vida website for news and information about their tequilas

Bluecoat American Dry Gin
Bluecoat is special for a number of reasons. The most obvious is the trendy blue bottle causes people to notice it and the taste is anything but traditional gin. When it comes to the bottle, I am happy to say that it will actually have some use when the gin is gone (I can’t bear the thought of tossing the bottle) and that it has a more unique flavor than any other gin that I’ve tasted. Bluecoat is distilled in Philadelphia and offers inviting hints of mint, lemon, and juniper with every drink. Bluecoat is 94 proof and it’s distilled a whopping five times in a custom copper pot. This ensures the strong proof and the equally strong flavors. You can learn more at the Bluecoat Gin website. Bottles sell for around $30 and will be sure to be a hit with gin lovers.
Visit the Bluecoat website for more information!

Vieux Carre Absinthe
If you believe the hype, Absinthe might be a scary, yet intriguing beverage. It’s fun to serve at parties because at least one person will bring up the fact that it has been banned and that it has hallucinatory abilities. This was our first time trying Absinthe of any kind and based on all we have heard I am extremely glad that we started here. Vieux Carre offers a strong aroma and an herbal flavor that makes it particularly cocktail friendly. If you’re a traditionalist you will be mixing it with some water and a sugar cube, but there are many other options. One of my favorites is listed below. Vieux Carre is distilled by the same company that makes Bluecoat, so it’s no surprise that it’s as good as it is. What is surprising is the low price. At $60 a bottle, this New Orleans French Quarter inspired Absinthe belongs in everyone’s liquor cabinet. For those that wish to stray from the norm, consider trying the recipe below or visiting the Cocktail section of the Vieux Carre website.

Bloody Sunday
3 oz. Tomato Juice
1 tsp. Horseradish
¼ oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
3-4 Dashes Tobasco Sauce (or to taste)
½ oz. Worcestershire Sauce
1 Tsp. Kosher Salt (or to taste)
1 Tsp. Black Pepper (or to taste)
½ oz. Vieux Carré Absinthe
3 Pickled Green Beans, for garnish
In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine all ingredients (other than the green beans). Stir, combining everything and making sure all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout glass. Strain mixture into a highball glass filled with ice, and garnish with the green beans dropped in the glass.

Visit the Vieux Carre website for more information and recipes.

Visit our Summer Reads Mini-Guide for a few books that need to be read this summer!

Technorati Tags: Buying Guide, Summertime, Summer Season, UV Skinz, Belly Armor, Speed Stick, Vieux Carre, Dulce Vida, Bluecoat, Mai Couture, Beautisol, Dark Tanning System, Sunnygram, Anywhere Comfort, Smart for Life, underWAY, White Bamboo Exfoliator, Joe Grooming, Omnibalm Foot Therapy, Fox Fire Farms, Smiley Cookies, Colgate Wisp, Freedom to Travel, SKN, Traverse Bay Farms, Glass Dharma, Cabot Clothbound Cheddar, Grillery

Written by Ashtyn Evans – Visit Website
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Ashtyn is in her early 30s. She is a mother, writer, college student, and music lover. Ashtyn has had a successful career as a writer since 2003. She turned to blogging in 2005. Ashtyn attends Wright State where she is getting a degree in Psychology. She has extensive knowledge in SEO and Social Media Development.