We’re facing another summer where people are itching to get away after another year of the pandemic. Filling up your gas tank, however, can cost as much as a car payment so many people are opting for local travel, with renting cottages up north being in high demand. I am one of the many who are cottage-bound and am looking forward to getting away in a few weeks time. I have already made a list of what I am bringing. Here are some of my fun essentials to take to the cottage this summer.
Hudson North The Seaside Relaxed Sweatpants in Natural
Last year, when I was at a cottage on Balsam Lake, I forgot to bring a long pair of pants! Fortunately, my brother had brought a pair of sweatpants with him that he lent to me. These came in handy while sitting outside at night as there were a lot of mosquitos clamouring around me. So this year, my essentials to take to the cottage include a comfortable pair of sweatpants and I found them in The Seaside Relaxed Sweatpants by Hudson North in Natural. Hudson North is Hudson’s Bay own brand and the quality is excellent. Made from 100% cotton, these sweatpants are so comfy, I never want to take them off. Plus, the super trendy colour (Natural) is a slightly off-white that goes beautifully with this season’s muted-colour t-shirts. I love that there is an elasticized cuff at the ankle because this keeps those pesky mosquitoes from biting your legs. They are also affordable at $60 and I believe they are on sale now.
Native Shoes Jefferson Print in Orange Tie Dye
I have a “no heels allowed at the cottage” policy (for me at least lol) so bringing a fun pair of casual shoes is a must! These Jefferson Print in Orange Tie Dye, $68, from Native Shoes fit the bill perfectly! The orange/yellow/turquoise/blue print goes with many of my t-shirts and these slip-on shoes are super comfortable and light to wear! Native Shoes strive to offer a light eco-footprint and they do this through the EVA construction of their shoes. The Jefferson Print shoes are fun items to take to the cottage, whether you are going for a country walk, into town for groceries, sitting on the dock with a beverage 😉 or roasting s’mores by the fire. You can purchase Native Shoes online or at Sporting Life, MEC, Nordstrom and Food Locker.
@loribosworth Are you going to a cottage or lake this summer? These colorful and fun #NativeShoes Jefferson Print shoes in Orange Tye Dye are great for country walks, town trips, sitting on the dock or by the firepit! EVA constructed, these shoes leave a light eco-footprint. #womensshoes #shoelove #shoeaddict #shoefashion #cottagelife #lakelife #cottagelifestyle #torontostyle #torontolife #torontobloggerstyle #torontobloggers #fypã‚·ã‚švira #torontoinfluencer #yyzblogger #shoecrushing #livelightly #gifted ♬ Bobcaygeon – The Tragically Hip
Biolage HydraSource Shampoo, Detangling Solution and All-In-One Coconut Infusion
Does the heat, humidity and sun do a number on your hair like it does on mine? Then essentials to take to the cottage must include a good shampoo and conditioner. I recommend Biolage HydraSource Shampoo, Detangling Solution and All-In-One Coconut Infusion. All that swimming and sitting in the sun can really dry your hair out! With hydrating ingredients from the aloe plant, HydraSource Shampoo restores the moisture to my hair and gives it a gentle clean. Paraben-free, HydraSource Shampoo is good for use on my colour-treated hair. HydraSource Detangling Solution conditions my hair, which is not only dry, but is fine and tangles easily. My hair has never felt better after using both of these products. Humidity + my hair = Frizz City! I use just a few sprays of All-In-One Coconut Infusion and it beautifully tames my hair. Purchase Biolage HydraSource Shampoo, Detangling Solution and All-In-One Coconut Infusion online.
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SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Being exposed to strong sunlight at the cottage (*fingers crossed it doesn’t rain), you will need a surefire sunscreen to keep UV rays at bay. SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50 has got your skin covered! They aren’t kidding when they say it has a “weightless finish”. This mineral sunscreen is so light when applied to your skin, you really won’t know you’re wearing it. Since it is an SPF 50, you’ll be able to wear it to protect against UVA/UVB for 2 hours. It’s especially good for oily and sensitive skin – I have the latter! Purchase SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50 ($50 for 50 ml/1.7 fl. oz.) online.
Mad Honey by Katie Welch
If you love to read like I do, you’ll definitely want to ensure that you have a good novel packed for the cottage. In Mad Honey by Katie Welch, the protagonist Melissa Makepeace operates a farm in Lanark County, Ontario with her adopted sister and mother. Melissa’s relationship with her mother, who is on an Eat-Pray-Love-type vacation, is tense at best. Melissa is also disturbed by the fact that her father has been missing for 12 years. On top of that, boyfriend Beck Wise, who is also the head beekeeper at the farm, disappears for three months. When he returns, his explanation is another mystery for Melissa to unravel. Welch’s writing is fluid, concise and beautifully descriptive and the characters are fully developed. I found myself picturing Melissa’s bucolic farm while I read this well-paced story. Mad Honey by Katie Welch is published by Wolsak and Wynn, $22. ISBN: 978-1-989496-52-7
I hope I gave you some good ideas for fun essentials to take to the cottage. Let me know in the comment section what you think about these items.
You might be interested in reading “Cottage Etiquette: How to Ensure You Get Invited Back.”
Awee love those pants and I too love to read. I will have to check out Mad Honey, it looks so interesting!
Hi Kathy, The Hudson North sweatpants are so comfortable! They will be perfect for evenings at the cottage to keep the bugs away! I loved Mad Honey. I hope you get a chance to read it! Cheers, Lori
I have to drive 2 hours a day to get to work. That wasn’t a problem before but now with gas prices so high, I’m feeling it. A cottage stay sounds nice!
Hi Rosey, I also used to never think about the cost of gas, but now I am. We are going to a cottage this summer and it’s only an hour and a half away so we won’t have to spend so much on gas! Cheers, Lori
This is a good read, thanks for sharing the amazing products!
Hi Agnes, You’re welcome. I hope you get a chance to check some of these items out! Cheers, Lori
I m loving all of these items and those shoes are the cutest! I am checking those out now 😉
Hi Melissa, I love these Native shoes too and they are not very expensive, but super comfortable! Cheers, Lori
Love all the essentials listed here! I’d love to bring along a good book too!
Thanks Nadalie! A vacation isn’t complete for me without a good book! Cheers, Lori
I would love to get those nice looking and comfy pants. Also, the hair care kit looks good too.
Hi Dipika, Those sweatpants from The Bay are really comfortable…plus, they’re super stylish! I am loving Biolage HydraSource Shampoo and Detangling Solution! Cheers, Lori
Love all the must haves here! Appreciate you sharing so I can have tips here too 🙂
Useful items to take along for a summer outing. Will note down.
I’m in the Southern Hemisphere and it’s winter here, so this is making me super jealous! But yes, humidity also wrecks havoc on my hair! I definitely need thise products!
the shoes look so perfect! I do want to have similar as well. The colors are so fun and definitely are perfect for summer.
Hi Lyosha, I also think these shoes are fun because of the colours! Yes, they’re perfect for the warmer weather! Cheers, Lori
Those shoes are so fun. I love wearing colorful outfits, especially in summer.
Hi Renata, I agree. I love the colours of that shoe…so whimsical! Cheers, Lori
Those sweatpants look pretty light – I mostly wear them at home in wintertime
Hi Renata, They are fairly light. They can be worn in summer (in the evenings) and winter. Cheers, Lori
The coconut infusion sounds lovely. I bet it leaves the hair smelling wonderful. I could do with a detangler.
Hi Melanie, Yes! The Coconut Infusion smells amazing! Cheers, Lori
Oh how i need a vacation ever so badly with some alone and quiet time away from the city and the stress of everything as well!
Hi Christian, You and me both! I can’t wait to go to the cottage! Cheers, Lori
I enjoy reading, definitely gonna check out Mad Honey, I love to read too 🙂
Cheers Siennylovesdrawing
I love your shoes, it is definitely perfect for summer! I’ll definitely check your book recommendation. We all need a good vacation.
Hi Blair, Thanks! I love these shoes too! They’re so fun and comfortable! I hope you enjoy the book Mad Honey! Cheers, Lori
I love the idea of those comfy pants, so relaxed and nice.
Yes! I love how relaxed they are! A bit more comfortable than jeans! Cheers, Lori
Sweat pants and a good book are pretty much essentials for anywhere 🙂
Hi Laura, I agree! I forgot to bring sweatpants to the cottage last year so that’s why I included them lol. Cheers, Lori
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