Summer Essentials Series is Back!

I am so excited to bring back the Summer Essentials Series for a third year!  I love to share my favorite summer must haves and also adore all the bloggers who share their selections every year. 

And here to kick it all off are my summer essentials!

*What one item can you not be without this summer?*

Exfoliator.  Summer time means lots of fun in the sun which means lots of sunblock, lotion and products to protect my fair skin.  All these products add up to dull skin that needs to be sloughed away to maintain that summer glow and a good exfoliator is just what the doctor ordered.  My all time fave exfoliator is Flowers Organic Detoxifying Cranberry Vanilla Body Scrub (currently sold out) which I purchase from Chocolate Sun whenever I get a spray tan.  I recently ran out and stopped by Sephora to find the Bliss Blood Orange+White Pepper Sugar Scrub.  The scent is incredible and instead of that nasty oil film that many scrubs leave behind, Bliss promises a finer, gritter product that foams and leaves no film behind.  Exactly what this girl is looking for in an exfoliator. 

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

The perfect wedge sandal.  Ever since I eyed these Dolce Vita Jade Wedge Sandal all I have wanted was to find a cheaper version for summertime.  Alas no luck and I am 99% sure that my willpower is wearing off and these $178 wedges are coming home with me very, very soon.  The color is perfect, the height amazing and the way they manage to make my short stumpy legs look long and lean is reason enough.  Seriously these may just be the perfect wedge.

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

Jane Says.  Yes I realize the lyrics are not the most uplifting but there is something about the steel drums and acoustic guitar that is super summery to me.  I have loved Jane's Addiction since my 8th grade boyfriend Adam made me mixed tape of all their songs. 

I am off to Seattle tomorrow for a week and will be sharing all the fabulous fellow bloggers summer essentials for the next week or so.  Be sure to check back tomorrow for Stephanie and Karrie of Covet Living's list!

Shea Cashmere™ Body Lotion

Last week I shared with ya'll how in love I was with Diamond Powder Body Wash, and doesn't it just seem fair that after washing with diamonds you should moisturize with Cashmere? I first became familiar with this incredible luxurious lotion from a coworker who smelled so good I just had to ask, and when she shared with me the name, I popped right over to Bath & Body Works and picked up a bottle of the True Blue® Spa Shea Cashmere™ Body Lotion. I was so happy that I found a moisturizer that not only smelled heavenly but left my skin soft, dewy and lovely. This lotion gets me compliments whenever I wear it!

Bad news: They stopped selling it in the stores.

Good news: My GF Jaime called me at work one day to share the news that they finally were selling it online again after a 6 month hiatus.

Sweet Santa brought me two bottles under the tree and I am just as happy as can be. Go ahead, don't stop at the diamonds, treat yourself to a little Cashmere.