Summer Goals: Balancing motherhood, creativity, and everyday purpose—one walk, photo, and project at a time.
Hot summer days with our two little boys are loud, full, and beautifully exhausting. Between chasing water logged toddlers, capturing my favorite golden-hour photo sessions, and filming the never-ending home list of projects, I’ve learned to rely on a few key essentials that help me stay grounded, energized, and inspired.
Whether you’re a fellow mama, creator, or just someone looking to slow down and live with more intention this season, I’m sharing my top 5 summer must-haves that truly carry me through the chaos with purpose and peace.
1. Weighted Vest for Daily Walks
One of the most grounding parts of my day is our daily walk. I throw on my weighted vest, load up the boys, and head outside for 20–30 minutes of movement and fresh air. I look forward to the reset it gives all of us.
The added weight from the weighted vest gives just the right challenge to help me feel strong and centered, gives me an extra sweat sesh and it somehow gives me that needed power boost to make it through the rest of the day. It’s become my favorite way to get much needed extra steps in, all while setting a peaceful tone for the rest of our day.
➡️ Shop my exact weighted vest: LINK HERE
➡️ Also love this playlist during walks: WALK & RESET
2. An Insulated Water Bottle That Goes Everywhere
Between heat waves, mom life, and outdoor projects, hydration is a non-negotiable. I keep a 40oz insulated water bottle with a straw close by all day—it helps me drink more water, stay energized, and avoid the dreaded mid-day crash. I aim to get at least half of my weight in ounces of water a day!
➡️ This water bottle goes everywhere with me: LINK HERE
➡️ A water bottle round up: ALL LINKED HERE & BELOW
3. Easy-Breezy Linen Overalls
Overalls in general are one of my go-to uniforms for summer. They’re breezy, comfy, and easy to throw on…cute enough for errands, durable enough for DIYs, and comfy enough for chasing littles, what more could I ask for?
➡️ My favorite overall round-up: LINKED HERE
4. No-Makeup Makeup for Busy Days
Most days I don’t have time for much, but this 3-step no-makeup makeup routine helps me feel just a little more put together!
My summer staples:
- Tinted SPF
- Essential Mascara
- Tinted lip balm
➡️ Shop favorites here
➡️ Bonus: These all work well in heat + humidity!
5. A Simple Content Planning Calendar (and NOTES!)
With ideas constantly popping into my head between cleaning, cooking, and content, I rely on my calendar and NOTES app!
I keep my calendar close by on the kitchen counter (aka the real office) and I’m constantly using the notes app to map out my blog, Instagram, and Pinterest content. Staying organized helps me create from a place of peace instead of pressure.
➡️ Favorite calendar: Naomi Paper Company, if you are looking for a well thought out, beautifully designed, full purpose calender, planner and dream pad, then look no further. I also have YOU a code for 15% off your purchase- Code: KARLA15
➡️ If you don’t use the Notes app on your phone, I learned several years ago how amazing it is to put things in folders, share notes with others and you can even collab and share a note with other people!
This season may be wild, but it’s also full of wonder. These five summer essentials help me show up—with energy, grace, and joy—for the people I love and the work I’m called to do.
If you’re walking through a full season too, I hope these favorites serve you well. Whether it’s a short walk, a sip of cold water, or a comfy outfit that makes you feel like yourself again, you’re doing sacred work, mama. If no one has told you lately, I am proud of you!
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What’s saving your summer right now? Drop your summer must-haves below… I’d love to hear ☀️
