Molly Recommends: Badger Bug Itch Relief Stick
I'm prone to bug bites and hot weather skin irritation, so the Badger Bug Itch Relief Stick is a go-to for summer. It's hypoallergenic and made with soothing colloidal oatmeal and cooling menthol. This handy little stick is perfect for travel and itch relief on-the-go!
Zach Recommends: Cambridge Naturals Vanilla Whey Protein
Getting enough protein can be a struggle and protein shakes help make it just that much easier. Our Cambridge Naturals Vanilla Whey Protein powder is made from Grass-Fed dairy, is Non-GMO, and it's rBGH free - all while having a great flavor and great price.
Whey Protein has one of highest absorbability scores of any protein source, has a complete amino acid profile with some research showing it may increase glutathione stores and may increase other valuable antioxidant activity in the body.
Ashley Recommends: Piggy Paint, Ecopiggy Nail Polish - Radioactive
Sun's out, toes out. Bring all your little piggies into Cambridge Naturals to get some nail polish for the whole family. Gentle, easy to apply and remove. This line of nail polish is great to add a splash of color before a day at the beach, the pool, or some playful family time at home. There are also fun accessories for the beginner nail artist in your household. What a treat!
Emily Recommends: Patagonia Provisions Mussels - Smoked
For me, summer's all about spending as much time as possible outdoors, including for meals: grilling, picnics, even quick snacky dinners on the porch. A go-to for my family is tinned mussels - so easy to turn into a meal with the addition of delicious crackers, mustard, and hot sauce. Add some pickled veggies for a fresh tangy crunch and you've got dinner covered! I love these sustainably-sourced smoked mussels from Patagonia.
Amber Recommends: Fat and the Moon Highlighter - Lit
I love makeup, but during the summer I prefer to simplify my routine. This gorgeous, beeswax-based balm can be used on cheeks, lips, and eyes for a dose of coppery shimmer that looks great on a wide variety of skin tones. It's a multi-purpose product that's tiny enough to tuck into a pocket and will give you a sweet sun-kissed glow -- even if you're just heading into the office.
Tom Recommends: Juniper Ridge Incense - Douglas Fir
When I find myself longing for the majestic forest of the northwest, well... this is the closest thing I can get around here. This magical incense is made directly from the sap that drips down the Douglas Fir tree trunks and never fails to provide comfort and warmth in my living space with its citrus-like yet slightly smoky aroma.
Allison Recommends: Lucky Day Chocolate Fudge Dairy Free Frozen Dessert
The ultimate allergy-friendly frozen treat! Lucky Day is a new hyper-local brand that makes delicious hemp-based "ice cream". It is dairy-free, tree nut-free, coconut-free, peanut-free, egg-free, soy-free, sesame-free, gum-free, and gluten/wheat-free. The Chocolate Fudge is my favorite flavor. It's so rich and creamy. The perfect sweet frozen treat for a summer day!
Victoria Recommends: Urban Moonshine Wonder Human
If you've been feeling a bit tired, and experiencing brain fog - try these herbal capsules. They've been really helping me put a little pep in my step when the pep isn't there. A blend of Rhodiola root, schisandra berries, lion's mane mushroom and bacopa. They use high quality extracts that are more bioavailable than just powdered capsules. Made by one of our favorite brands from Vermont!
Caleb Recommends: Mad Hippie - Hydrating Facial SPF 25
I'm reeeaaally trying to remember to wear sunscreen when I'm out in the sun this summer. I've struggled with how mineral sunscreens feel on my skin in the past, but all the brands we carry continue to improve each year. This hydrating facial SPF from Mad Hippie is my go-to this summer!
Mike Recommends: Mela - Watermelon Water
I am a creature of heat. The potential of sweat, glaring sun, and nary a single cloud in the sky excites me. But, to survive in such environments, one needs to hydrate and to do it well. Ice water is a start, but I'm looking forward to needing something a bit more. That's where Mela comes in! I love the taste of watermelon, and electrolytes are a thing the sun-blasted desperately need. It's the perfect summer survival treat, I say.
Ellie Recommends: Mountain Rose Herbs Organic Rose Hydrosol
In the heat and humidity of the summer, a few spritzes of this rose hydrosol from Mountain Rose is often just what I need to take the temperature down a bit. It's refreshing, rejuvenating, and smells lovely. Spray on your face or wherever you need to cool down.
Ellen Recommends: Probar Bolt Organic Energy Chews
Maybe it’s the electrolytes or maybe it’s the B vitamins, but these energy chews have really improved my running endurance. I used to have to walk for a few minutes between miles, but now I’m able to run multiple miles without stopping! If you want to hit back to back personal bests this summer these chews are for you. Pro tip - try the pink lemonade flavor. That’s my favorite!
Shannon Recommends: The Republic of Tea Beautifying Botanicals - Daily Beauty Blueberry & Lavender
There's nothing more blissful than sitting on my back deck on a summer evening sipping delicious iced tea! You can drink this caffeine-free rooibos tea any time of day for a hydrating pick-me-up that both your skin and tastebuds will love. The gorgeous deep violet color comes from collagen-promoting blue butterfly pea flower. Enjoy the simple sweetness of apple, blueberry, and lavender while feeling good about boosting antioxidants with botanicals like schizandra berry and rose hips.
Rose Recommends: Tilden 'Lacewing' Non-Alcoholic Cocktail
As we head into the summer, all I want to do is drink tasty cold beverages, and this is one of my favorites. With notes of lychee, cucumber, basil, juniper, and more, all you need is some ice and it's truly a perfect drink. Or if you're feeling fancy, Tilden has many recipes on their website to elevate Lacewing even more. Bring it as a gift, to a picnic or bbq, or home for yourself as a treat on a warm evening. Enjoy!
Dev Recommends: Uglies Non-GMO Hot Honey Sweet Potato Chips
Sweet with a little heat; my favorite! Despite the name, there's nothing ugly about the flavor of these delightful little chips. They're a great choice for picnic baskets, potlucks, and beach trips this summer. I also admire their sustainable values--"ugly" and "upcycled" produce deserve a spot in the sun, too!
Daisy & Sally Recommend: CB's Nuts - Kettle Roasted Sea Salt Peanuts, Fat Toad Farm Goat's Milk Caramel and Alec's Ice Cream - Tahitian Vanilla Bean
I'll preface this staff pick by pointing out that my mother and I love this combo so much we had to make it our joint staff pick! With that said, summer is ice cream time ( although who are we kidding? In our opinion it's always ice cream time ). And in our family, the recent dessert obsession centers around three amazing CN products: Fat Toad Farm Goat's Milk Caramel, CB's Organic Roasted Sea Salt Peanuts, and Alec's Tahitian Vanilla Bean Ice cream (made with A2 milk!). The recipe is simple but the result is a wonderful salty, sweet, and crunchy ice cream sundae. Simply serve yourself some ice cream, drizzle on the caramel and top with as many peanuts as you desire (we add quite a lot).
