June 6, 2024

At this point, I’m leaning into summer full swing and preparing for three weeks of upcoming travel. I’ve got my eye on this floral dress from Abercrombie for nights out, and I’ve been stocking up on my go-to sunscreen and bug bite patches. Newsflash, prepping ahead of time makes packing a lot less stressful. What are you buying for the season? Let us know.

Margo Ghertner / Associate Editor, Commerce / Atlanta, GA

Like This? Try That.

What’s on trend for summer? Swimsuits with floral appliques and detailing. Our editor found two noteworthy options.

Like Same Swim’s La Vie En Rose collection? Try this Amazon bikini.

• Same Swim: While pieces from this collection start at $140, we can get behind investing in this swimwear because we know it’ll last for years. It has four-way stretch and is made from a soft polyester-spandex combo. We love how you can choose from different cuts depending on your needs.

• Amazon: This bikini is $12.99. While we know this one might not last us for seasons to come, it’s an ideal way to try a trend before splurging on Same Swim’s version. This comes only in a bandeau style, so if you usually go for one pieces, this might be a pass.

Three Totally Random Things: Father's Day Edition

Still figuring out what to buy? Check out three totally random gifts we’re loving this week:

Pro-Spin’s Ping Pong Set

It’s packable, portable, and even comes with a storage case.

JBL’s Clip 4

A compact waterproof speaker so he can listen just about anywhere.

LovingWingsDesigns’ Engravable Money Clip

You can add a special note, his go-to dad joke, or his initials.

Reclaiming childhood hobbies feels good, so allow us to reintroduce you to finger knitting. Our editor stumbled upon this kit at Target and all her memories of finger knitting while sitting in the carpool line came flooding back. This kit comes with everything you need, from chunky yarn to instructions, so you can make a luxe, on-trend blanket at home. At $30, it’s a steal, but nostalgia and screen-free entertainment are priceless.

Reads

“Summer Romance” by Annabel Monaghan

• The story: The latest from Annabel Monaghan — author of the cult-favorite “Nora Goes Off Script” — follows Ali Morris, a professional organizer whose life is decidedly…unorganized. She’s the mother of three young kids, undergoing a messy divorce, and grieving the loss of her beloved mother two years prior. Early in the summer, she unexpectedly meets a charming, floppy-haired lawyer-slash-skateboarder and intends to embark on a summer fling. In a turn of events that will be deeply satisfying for romance readers, their connection turns out to be a lot more than just a fling. Easy, breezy, and big-hearted, “Summer Romance” is quintessential poolside reading.

• Recommended if you like: "Nora Goes Off Script"

Your next book accessory

Pastel Magnetic Bookmarks

These bestselling bookmarks have magnets on the ends to ensure your page is held sturdily in place. We actually like to keep multiple of these in the book we’re reading. One to hold our page, and one to mark where we want to stop reading for the night.