Welcome to my new weekly feature, Friday Favs. Each month I will be sharing key products, services, places, or causes that are near and dear to my heart. Each month I will focus on my favorites across wellness, lifestyle, workout, travel, and reading.

Wellness

Elta MD Skincare UV Elements Broad Spectrum SPF 44

Growing up in California, I lived in the sun. From the time I was a child through college, I remember days spent at the beach, the soccer field, tennis courts, and the swimming pool. While it the times were amazing, the sun damage that resulted was not. I am now a sunscreen aficionado and only use physical sunscreens with chemical-free active ingredients. My dermatologist introduced me to Elta MD UV Elements Broad Spectrum SPF at one of my twice-yearly skin cancer screenings and I haven’t looked back. This tinted sunscreen is gentle and doesn’t cause me to breakout and because the active ingredients are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, this is an incredible sunscreen. I love the tint and the texture and wear this daily underneath my makeup. It’s not tacky, thick, and doesn’t have that sunscreen smell. Seriously the best.

Lifestyle

Favorite Dress: H & M Ribbed Jersey Dress

The Ribbed Jersey Dress from H & M is one of my favorite summer dresses and I’m confident it will be yours too! This fitted, knee-length dress is narrow cut at the top (racerback back) making the silhouette flattering on everyone who wears it. It can be dressed down with your favorite Golden Goose or Vejas or up with sandals and a jacket. Last year I bought this in every color and wore them as standalone dresses, with button-downs tied at the waist, with a sweater or sweatshirt thrown over on cool days, and with a blazer on those Zoom calls requiring a more formal presence. They wash beautifully and at $17, this dress is a bargain. It always sells out quickly, so grab it when you see it in stock (runs TTS).

Workout

Caroline Girvan’s YouTube Channel

I’ve been following workouts from personal trainers on YouTube and love Caroline Girvan. Her channel has hundreds of workouts and includes everything from her EPIC program to workouts for specific muscle groups, time constraint workouts, Tabata and HIIT, and everything in between. She is my go-to for my daily workout.

Travel

Tulemar Resort, Costa Rica

Pre-COVID we traveled frequently, spending spring and summer breaks visiting places near and far. I’m so excited to get back to traveling this year! One of my favorite places to visit is Costa Rica. From the friendliest locals I’ve ever met to the most beautiful coastal towns and rainforests, Costa Rica doesn’t disappoint. My husband and I first went to Costa Rica on our honeymoon 19 years ago(!) and have been back five times since. We’ve seen most of the country and one of our favorite places is the area around Manuel Antonio. Our favorite place to stay is the Tulemar Resort. Set in a rainforest overlooking the Manuel Antonio coastline, they offer private homes, villas, and bungalows, along with the only exclusive beach in the area. Monkeys, sloths, and birds are everywhere (even frequenting our balcony to play in the jacuzzi every morning), the resort restaurant is fabulous, and there are lots of toys on the beach for the kids (paddleboards, snorkel gear, etc.). This is such a great place for couples and families.

Read

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

The Vanishing Half is one of the best books I’ve read this year. The story is beautifully written and follows the Vignes sisters - their families, communities, and racial identities. Born identical twins growing up in a small southern black community, the girls run away at age sixteen and take different paths in life. One sister returns to the community to raise her black daughter while the other passes for white and her husband and daughter know nothing of her past. The author beautifully tells the stories of the sisters, their families, and the relationships they have. It’s a page-turner and I am positive you’ll love it.