Summer – The Salty Exchange

Shari’s Ramblings & Question for YOU

July 9, 2024by thesaltyexchangeLeave a Comment

Hello dearest reader… can you tell I am up-to-date on my Bridgerton episodes. Not sure I should be proud of that but oh well.

This isn’t my first time in the past year popping on the blog to type out my thoughts, ramblings, etc. However, this is the first time publishing in awhile. You should see all the “drafts” we have (or have had) in the past year.

Although nothing is new, there are so many things that are happening. My little one is almost TWO. How? How does time go so fast but yet so slowly. I can honestly say I have enjoyed this past year so much. The new words, sentences, mobility, laughter, emotions, interests, obsession’s, and love that have surfaced from my toddler in the past months are amazing to experience and witness. She is an absolute sweetheart and I am honored to be her mama. TWO was always my favorite age with my nieces and nephews and now that my little girl is entering that age… I am SO EXCITED to see what this year brings and cannot wait to capture more memories as a family.

I am still processing that we are in the THICK of SUMMER! Like, what? Summer is such a sneaky thief in the Pacific Northwest. The mid-west/east coast has been on summer break since May, the west coast it’s only been since mid-June which was about 3 weeks ago. But the mid-west and east coast will start their back to school groaning in a week or two so NOW, now is the universal (really National) time for us all to just be on SUMMER MODE. I am HERE for it! With a heatwave cruising through town this week we have pulled out the water toys, and adorned our swimsuits several times since the fourth of July. For us, summer will fly by as August hits with a backpacking trip, visits with family, my travel for work, and then our family cruise to Alaska. I am not focusing on August though. I want to enjoy July. Celebrating K’s second birthday next week, my company summer picnic, and a few weekends of summertime peace. Ahh bliss.

Why come on the blog now? I don’t know. Because I felt like it. Because I want the blog to be a place I enjoy writing. I enjoy connecting with a few of you. Trust me, I know what to do. I know how to engage you. I know how to post and be authentic and charming in stories on Instagram. I know what topics you might be interested in. I know what my “favorite things” are that you might be intrigued by. I know what meals you might enjoy me sharing with you or my latest workout routine (ps. I own a treadmill now). But do you really want to see that? Do you really care about what I am doing when you have so much going on in your own life? That is my internal struggle. Because half the time I don’t want to know what other people are doing, I just want to focus on my job, my family, my life. I don’t want to get bogged down with tips and tricks from others or some unrealistic ideal that the latest influencer is trying to make relatable when there is NO WAY you’ll ever have the house, the family, the situation that they have. Comparison is unavoidable when we are glimpsing so accessibly into tiny sections of other people’s lives.

I say all that, yet, I am a hypocrite because I do enjoy scrolling on social media. I do enjoy the occasional recommendation on a good book, healthy recipe, or workout routine. Which is why I know you probably do too. Or maybe you struggle with it in the same way I do. Wanting to consume but also feeling like life is too short to live vicariously through others. I digress. I guess the point I am trying to make is that… I haven’t been avoiding The Salty Exchange Blog or Instagram for any particular reason other than feeling like you don’t need ANOTHER thing to digest. Or maybe it’s because I want you to enjoy coming here, to our little slice of the internet, as much as I do.

With that said, dear reader, friend, acquaintance… what do you want? Inquiring minds would like to know how you feel on this topic? How do you enjoy consuming blogs or Instagram posts/stories? What would you like to see here? Let me remind you, Kendall and I are normal mamas, wives, friends, sisters, and daughters just tryin’ to get a parking spot at Costco, not feel so overwhelmed with weekly meal planning, and mostly… love on our families in such a fleeting season.

Shari: Autumn Preparations

September 9, 2021by thesaltyexchangeLeave a Comment

It’s that time of year to kiss the summer sunsets, travel, and warmth goodbye. Thank goodness for Fall and the beauty of the fresh, crisp, and colorful season that helps with the conclusion of the summer months. We have so many things we need to think about during this transition period between seasons; which isn’t limited to just house prep but also mental preparation too! We are starting to welcome the holidays and it really is such a special time of the year.

Home. After a quick search online I found a ton of helpful lists for what to take into consideration when preparing your home for the autumn chill. Here is a great list that includes taking out A/C units, winterizing your garden, putting away your outdoor furniture, and so much more. I am not a homeowner but I do have several responsibilities as a tenant that I need to take care of around our complex, including the tasks I just listed. Lastly, just like spring cleaning, I believe fall cleaning around the home is equally as necessary.

Gear. This applies mainly to our camping and backpacking items on our gear wall. This time of year I winterize all the summer camping items and I carefully take them off the gearwall to get them organized into a tote that is easily labeled for locating it again next spring. In the winter we typically only snowshoe and stay in local state park cabins. So I tend to thin out our gear wall in the winter and pack away a lot of our backpacking and hiking stuff. I leave out all the first aid kits, snowshoes, trekking poles, gators, camping stove, gloves, hats, ropes, mugs, blankets, seat pads, and backpacks… along with countless other items that we like to bring with us when we go to our favorite cabins in the winter.

Clothing. It is time to swap out those summer clothes for your warmer layers! As a born and raised Washingtonian, I really value clothing that can transition between seasons. I have a lot of t-shirts and tank tops that I wear in the summer but that also transition well under sweaters in the winter. Which means when I put away my “summer clothing” my tote is actually quite small. I usually keep it towards the front of the storage unit in case we go on any tropical vacations during the fall/winter months too *wishful thinking*.

Cozy. This is where the mental preparation comes into play and is key to helping you transition between the summer and fall months. Think “cozy” and warm thoughts when you swap out the above items. Whether that is setting out some candles, a basket full of blankets next to the couch, or organizing your calendar to prepare for upcoming seasonal events that you don’t want to miss. Mentally it is good to give yourself time to think about what this next season is going to look like and how you want it to feel. So go on and close your eyes, let yourself get wrapped up in the smell of orange cloves and apple spices, feel the fresh crisp air, see the leaves changing colors and falling to the ground… prepare your heart and mind for change.

Ultimately, I hope that taking a look at the home, your gear, your clothing, and thinking cozy thoughts helps you prepare for all that autumn will bring. Fall is my favorite season and I welcome it with open arms but it isn’t lost on me that we really do have to prepare for the major change between hot and warm to chilly and cold.

Cheers to embracing the tasks that come with Autumn preparations and may your next season be happy, healthy, and full of coziness!

Shari’s Summer Essentials

June 25, 2021by thesaltyexchangeLeave a Comment

Summer has officially hit the Pacific Northwest with a vengeance! As I write this, it is 84 degrees outside; which feels very unusual for the end of June in Washington! This weather is more like the end of July heat wave we are used to getting. I am not complaining though- I love that the heat is warming up the local lakes so we can go swimming soon! Speaking of swimming and summer, I have a few summer essentials that are perfect for going to the lake or the beach… you’re welcome in advance 🙂

Swimwear:

Hallelujah, a cute Romper Swimsuit from Target that looks classy and flattering on all body types. This is going to be a summer staple for me. I can wear it to a BBQ at the lake as my outfit and also jump in the water to swim if I want to. I was skeptical at first because rompers and I typically don’t go together well but I was pleasantly surprised at the fit and the cuteness factor! Speaking of the fit… they have extended sizing which is awesome and it comes in a variety of colors. I went for the classic black and it is amazing!

Footwear:

OluKai ‘Ohana Sandals are the best sandals since Superfeet stopped making their footwear. If you know me, you know I used to work for the insole company, Superfeet, and I am super picky about what goes on or under my feet. Superfeet stopped making their footwear in 2019 which means my favorite sandals were discontinued and I finally wore out my black pair completely and needed a new pair that was comparable… insert OluKai ‘Ohana Sandals which are comfortable, similar looking, and the perfect summer sandal. I bought mine at a physical REI store so that I could try them on and I can confidently say they run true to size.

Summer Accessories:

I linked my exact Hydroflask water bottle which is currently (June 2021) discounted at Dick’s Sporting Goods. I grabbed the Hibiscus color and my husband got the Spearmint. We brought these Hydroflasks to San Diego with us last month and they were slim enough to take everywhere and they were the perfect size. I am not exaggerating when I say I have EVERY size water bottle you can think of so the fact that I like this water bottle so much means it is worth taking into consideration (and running to go buy yourself one).

This Roll-up Travel Hat which is technically called a “large brim visor”. This hat is perfect to throw in your beach bag and take with you anywhere. I bought mine in Palm Springs last year and found almost the exact same one on the San Diego Hat Company’s website. Trust me this is a summer must-have quite simply for protecting your face from the sun and the ease of traveling with it! I have used it so many times and I love that I can throw my hair up into a bun and keep it off my neck on hot summer days.

There you go! These are just a few of my summer must-haves! Quite literally from head to toe this is what you will see me wearing on repeat Summer 2021. Let me know below if you end up trying any of the above items. Happy Solstice, my friends!

Shari’s Tips & Tricks on Camping with Kids

May 21, 2021May 25, 2021by thesaltyexchangeLeave a Comment

The summer is really sneaking up on us and if you haven’t already booked your camping spots, then you should soon! As an avid camper, I have learned a thing or two from my many times camping but it’s no joke to start camping with kids. First off, car camping and backpacking are EXTREMELY different. Secondly, I am sure I still have a lot to learn about camping with kids as they get older but last year I felt like we won the camping experience lottery with our trip to Winthrop, WA and I am going to unpack a few tips and tricks I learned from that particular journey.

1. Snacks! All the typical kid-favorite snacks, plus some healthy options like pre-cut fruit & veggies, and never forget the power of ice cold water & La Croix! The kids each have their favorite snacks and meals. I planned out two snacks for each kid (they could obviously share), then I prepped as much as I possibly could with the meals and healthy snacks to make them grab-and-go friendly. In my meal prep I also planned on us getting pizza at a nearby restaurant on the last night of our stay. This is a smart tip because I didn’t have to worry about our last meal of the trip staying in the cooler for multiple days. I will definitely be doing that in the future if we can!

2. Toys & Games… in this case since we were at a KOA campground next to a river (the KOA was still following strict COVID restrictions at that time). We brought our own bikes for riding around the campground and tubes to float the lazy Methow River! Additional fun toys that the kids loved were glow sticks, camping buddies (a small character toy tradition their dad started with them), and a few classic games like Uno and Connect4. I got the glow sticks on a whim but it made the pre-bedtime tent games soooo much more fun and funny!

Snacks, games, and lounging at its finest!

3. Planned activities but not too many! The not too many part is key! Alex and I love allowing for some spontaneity on trips which means we are a healthy mix of a few planned activities and a lot of unscheduled adventures and relaxing time! The only planned activities were an early morning mini-golf session that we all LOVED and ice cream mid-day at Sheri’s Ice Cream Shop! We enjoyed slow mornings the other days and went tubing down the river at least 4 times a day. The fact that we didn’t fill our days with a ton of activity made it a stress-free and still adventurous trip. The kids loved being able to bike, play games, and tube the river with us whenever they wanted.

Disclaimer: I am a planner by nature so I understand the temptation to plan it all out… trust me it is worth it to give yourself an outline and fill in the rest as you go!

Bikes, mini-golf, and those beloved glow sticks.

4. Create a playlist! We created a family playlist and it made the road trip so fun. Bonus: we brought our portable speaker and played our favorite songs at the campsite too. Some favorites are “Africa” by Todo, “I Gotta Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas, and “Kings & Queens” by Ava Max. Granted our kiddos were 7, 11, and 13 at the time, so I totally understand some parents are still in the “Frozen” Soundtrack phase of life (your kids will eventually move on to other music, I promise)!

My last nuggets of advice when camping with kids are to always remember a first aid kit (kids are prone to accidents) and sun-sickness is real, make sure the kiddos hydrate because they wont think about it when they are having so much fun (we learned that the hard way).

Finally, just have fun! Camping is all about the preparation leading up to the trip and then making memories during the trip. Keep in mind that car camping is so much easier when you are near a town and can drive and get something you might have forgotten. We were 3 minutes away from a grocery store and thank goodness because we forgot dish soap and a sponge!

Now that I have inspired you to get into the great outdoors with your kids… go book your summer camping trip, prepare the best you can, and have the best time with your family!

Happy Camping!

Kendall’s Favorite Things for Spring and Summer

May 21, 2021by thesaltyexchangeLeave a Comment

It’s mid-May here in Vermont: which means spring is done and summer has sprung! It’s beautiful this time of year! My family and I are trading in our snowshoes for our pool. Without further ado, here are my sunshine must-haves for the spring and summer seasons.

Swimsuit(s) from Target:

This is my newest swimsuit of the season!

Full disclosure: I am a one-piece girl. I am always active and a one-piece keeps me in (if you know what I mean). I love anything that is both comfortable and stylish. Every year, Target has the best buys and a great selection. But they tend to sell out fast! So hurry on over to Target.com and get a-shopping!

Skincare:

Beauty Booster Cream SPF 30 from Trish McEvoy

After having my baby, my skin decided to shrivel up and die. Ah, hormones. This duo moisturizer/SPF is pricey but has become 100% worth it to me. It lasts a lot longer than you think (my last tube was about 5ish months- BONUS) and is so wonderful at protecting my face when I am out playing soccer or running with my little girl.

Haircare:

Bumble and Bumble Surf Infusion Spray

Bumble and Bumble Surf Styling Leave-In

I wish I was better at doing my hair. But I am not. So in the summer, when I want my laziness and ineptitude to look intentional- I turn to Bumble and Bumble for some sea surf help. You don’t need much and you will look FABULOUS.

Shoes:

Crocs Kadee Flat

Walking, chasing, shopping, and lounging tend to require multiple shoes. OR DOES IT? Nope. Who knew my favorite (and all purpose) shoe would come from CROCS? Not me. But trust me, just go get yourself a pair now. GO. NOW!

Beach/Pool Things:

Specifically, beach and pool towels!

Personally, I think the price of beach and pool things is a bit much. Especially beach towels. Luckily, Target has some fantastic prices on their beach towels. Good bye, dingy towel. HELLO, you gorgeous, vibrant, and stylish new towel. Target has other great accessories for your days at the beach and/or lounging poolside for fair prices- check ‘em out!

Gardening:

ACE Hardware

Gardening Gloves

If you know me, you know I am not a gardener. BUT I inherited a pretty big yard to maintain when we purchased our home. Last year, I learned some basics. This year, I am kicking a&& and this whole deadheading, watering, pruning, planting thing. But you should still check back in with me in, like, a month on that. My local ACE Hardware store has proven to be most helpful for all of my needs. I also love Lowes and got myself a new pair of gardening gloves in their sale bin there. Because apparently I now needed gardening gloves. When I graduate to fancier ones, I will let you know.

And last… but DEFINITELY, not least… wine.

Wine:

Vino Verde from Trader Joes (pic only- head to your local TJ’s for a bottle… or 6)

It’s $4.99. It’s deliciously summer appropriate. It’s a crowd pleaser. It goes down smoothly. Enough. Said.

My faves are not sponsored. I am just sharing my joy with y’all.