I am passionate about many things, but so often they are simply fleeting, mini-obsessions, brought on by the changing seasons and current trends. I thought I’d start recording these silly, superficial frivolities, a hilarious time capsule for me when I’m old and gray, and perhaps you’ll identify or discover something new along the way. These (mainly) ridiculous things can mean so very much to me, when time for myself is at a bare minimum. One minute stolen here, another moment there. Each small act of self care helps me remain sane, especially when my life is centered on caring for others. Little Anilia described it best. So without further ado, I bring you a list of my summer favorites, before summer leaves us for good.

1. Nail Polish – It’s been like four years since I’ve painted my nails but lately, I can’t get enough. It’s not the healthiest, but it feels indulgent and puts an extra spring in my step. It might be a small act, but it has given me more pride in my appearance, a positive thing for sure. Oh, and since starting this, my once weak, easily torn nails are strong and growing like mad.

2. Kombucha – You know I love kombucha and its amazing health benefits. Right now I can’t get enough of G.T.’s Citrus variety. I’m spending all of my mad money on this, so be prepared for a how-to kombucha post soon.

3. Trashy Books and Magazines – This is a once in a blue moon purchase for me. I generally loathe the entire tabloid industry, but every now and again I indulge. Couple this with the above two vices, and its a killer, solo afternoon. And Janet Evanovich? How can one go wrong with a tough but clumsy New Jersey bounty hunter? Adorable.

4. Sea Salt Hairspray – A few spritzes of this in damp hair, along with a scrunch or two, and I’m out the door with gorgeously beachy hair. I’ve been using this all late spring/summer long in between ‘poo days. Anyone interested in my recipe or is it too late in the season? Personally I like sexy waves all-year round.

5. Coffee - Cold, hot, it matters not. I’ve been quite naughty with the coffee lately as its an “illegal” food on my diet that I seem to have real trouble giving up. Occasionally my husband brews his own (he does it a bit differently, but Jill has a great how-to), though local favorites include Motivasi (they use Stumptown beans) and the roasters Extracto (best: No. 7) and my favorite: Ristretto (best: Cowboy Blend).

6. The Book - Perhaps the most inappropriately hilarious book of all time. My husband brought this home from Chicago a few weeks back. When he got home we read it that night, cover-to-cover. I had to grab onto his chest so I wouldn’t fall off the couch I was laughing so hard. I may have even peed my pants a little. I wish I was kidding. But after a week of solo parenting and not getting him to bed before 10pm each night, the book couldn’t have been more appropriate. If you have a child, and are not offended by potty talk, get this book. It does not disappoint.

7. Homemade Soap – Don’t get me started on homemade soap. This is truly one of life’s simple pleasures. I am wild about Roots Soap Co., a local (absolutely darling) mama makes it; non-locals can pick it up in her online shop. 8. The Glorious Italian Language - I wasn’t satisfied with the little “mangias” and “grazies” and “pregos” of my youth. I checked out my first how-to-speak Italian book when I was six, maybe seven. At 19 I enrolled in an Italian course only to drop it after falling sick and getting too behind. I read Eat, Pray, Love earlier this summer and it immediately renewed my interest. I may have even started watching the most viciously trashy television show in the history of the universe, just to catch a glimpse of Florence. I may have also (totally, beyond out-of-character for me), gone to a complete stranger’s house and met 40 other Italians the other night, just to be around the language. More on this later.

9. Adorable Paper Products – My new grocery list pad and twig pencils (purchased at some darling shop in Hood River).

10. Hand-drawn Playing Cards - We got these cards from a local artist a few weeks back; they’re just so special. Fun, collectable, functional art. Let the epic Canasta battles games begin!

Lastly, I have to acknowledge the superficiality of this post, in light of our current goings on. I continue to post updates on the original post, for those who are interested in keeping up. Thank you again for your continued well wishes.

What are your top ten (or one or 12) favorite summer frivolities? Or how do you make time for simple pleasures?