June 2020 was a month I’ll remember for a long time. It was the start of a summer that hasn’t really been “summer”—one where all the typical activities I would normally be participating in have given way to the balancing act of social distancing and community service. Between all the conversations, learning, growing, and navigating a world that is limited to a drivable distance, there have been a few new things I tried and loved in recent weeks that I’d love to share with you.

If there’s anything you’d like to recommend, whether it’s a recipe, a movie, a product, or something else entirely, I’d love to hear it in the comments.

Looking for more of my favorite finds? You can find all of my previous posts on this topic here.

SHAVE

OUI the People Rose Gold Sensitive Skin Razor

$75 (includes 10 blades)

I purchased my OUI the People razor over other razor options because I loved the design. This isn’t your typical “mainstream” disposable razor. You change the stainless steel blade after every 5-7 uses, and the razor truly provides an exceptional shave. This means you have to be extra careful/focused when using it, but it’s great for sensitive skin and those of us who appreciate great design. 

PLAY

Animal Crossing New Horizons

$60

Animal Crossing has been a welcome distraction from quarantine life, and it’s surprisingly relaxing for a video game. Escaping to a deserted island sounds amazing right now, and Animal Crossing lets you do just that, virtually. There are cute animals and fish, and all the peaches one could ask for, AND you get to customize your entire home and island for yourself. If you’re into the game, let me know where to find you and I’ll bring some gifts!

READ

The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates

$28

I’m halfway through this book and have been completely transported to another space and time through Coates’ prose. It is a beautiful and poignant book that brings us into a world few of us could imagine enduring. A beautiful, heartbreaking, and inspiring must-read for the second half of your summer. 

ENERGIZE

Weekly Delivery from Intelligentsia

$9 through Imperfect Foods

I recently added Intelligentsia coffee to my weekly Imperfect Foods order and it’s such a treat to have quality coffee around that is affordable AND helping prevent food waste. I highly recommend it!

SUPPORT

Bookshop.org

Undoing my reliance on Amazon has been a slow and tedious process but I will not give up! I started with books. Buying direct and local is always best, but with COVID-19 and busy schedules, it is nice to have an e-commerce shop that allows you to choose where your funds are distributed. Enter, Bookshop.

Bookshop is an online retailer with a mission to support independent booksellers. When ordering through Bookshop, you can either choose a specific local bookstore to support (they’ll receive the full profit from your order) or your order will contribute to an earnings pool that will be evenly distributed among independent bookstores.

MOISTURIZE

Kate Somerville DeliKate™ Recovery Cream

$80

I received this product as a gift a few months ago and decided to try it in the middle of June when I was barely sleeping and looking particularly haggard. I was surprised how soothed my skin felt in the morning and began to look forward to applying the extremely rich and creamy lotion to my face each night. If you’re feeling inflamed from stress or just too much time outdoors, I recommend it!

GLOW

Tower 28 BeachPlease Luminous Tinted Balm

$20

This is a new-to-me brand I found while looking to diversify my makeup drawer. I’m always looking for a good balm with a bit of color (I have very pale lips) and BeachPlease has a delightful package, texture, and scent!

WATCH

The Wire

Included with HBO account

Last but not least, I cannot express the enjoyment I have received from watching The Wire for the first time. In many ways, I’m glad I waited a decade to start the show, because it was (sadly) ahead of its time. The Wire includes character development, multifaceted plot lines, and all too familiar conflicts between the police and the Black community. I highly recommended giving it a watch. 

Editor’s Note: This article contains affiliate links. Wit & Delight uses affiliate links as a source for revenue to fund operations of the business and to be less dependent on branded content. Wit & Delight stands behind all product recommendations. Still have questions about these links or our process? Feel free to email us.

Kate Arends

Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. She is currently learning how to play tennis and is forever testing the boundaries of her creative muscle. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.