Summer has arrived, and I could not be happier about it. My oldest daughter is home after her first year of college, our second just graduated from high school, and I am cherishing having all six of us under one roof again. I always enjoy a good seasonal round-up of favorite things. Here are a few of mine.

Salt-Water Sandals - It's been a few years since I've worn mine, but I pulled them out a few weeks ago and fell right back in love with them. I've always appreciated that they are low profile, but sturdier than a flip-flop.

Mader Wooden Spinning Tops - The Harlekin just arrived in the shop, and it comes in 30 different color combinations! When my 11-year-old declares he's bored, I plan to hand him a few and see where his imagination takes him.

Le Labo Rose 31 Body Lotion - It is a heavenly floral scent with just a hint of musk. 

Liberty London Fabrics - I have long wanted to make a quilt using these gorgeous fabrics, so back in January I finally decided to do it. After spending far too long choosing colors and patterns, I placed my order and have been slowly piecing it together by hand ever since. My goal is to finish the quilt top before school starts. If you love Liberty London as much as I do, here's where I bought my charm packs. 

Jeni's Frosé Sorbet - For health reasons, I've had to cut way back on sugar lately. So sad! No more sneaking candy from my kids' stash when they aren't looking. When I do want a bit of a sweet treat, I fill a bowl with berries and top it with a scoop of this sorbet. It's tart, sweet, and so fresh tasting. 

Senger Floppy Lamb - I  have no new babies in my life right now, but if I did, this floppy lamb is what I'd give as a new baby gift. Made from organic cotton, it is wonderfully soft and cuddly.

The Calamity Club - My friend Courtney and I live on opposite sides of the world, but we love texting back and forth about the books we're reading. Usually she's reading something I've already read, or vice versa. But as luck would have it, we're both reading The Calamity Club right now. I am thoroughly enjoying it. Kathryn Stockett has a gift for creating characters you genuinely care about, and Courtney and I have already imagined it as a film. It just came out, so you should be able to find it at your local bookstore.

Here's to a season of long evenings, good stories, and time together.