Welcome to my Annual How to Summer- Best Products Guide 2026! Each Week I will be mentioning products that I have reviewed and loved on Podcast episodes throughout the summer and adding them to this Guide. So check back each week!
✨ Beauty & Skincare
For summer glow essentials, soothing skincare, and warm‑weather self‑care.
HiBar Solid Cleanser
URL: https://hellohibar.com HiBar’s solid cleanser is a summer travel essential — lightweight, spill‑proof, and beautifully gentle on the skin. It leaves your face clean without stripping moisture, and the eco‑friendly packaging fits right into a more sustainable summer routine. I love washing my face with this bar it feels so clean but yet hydrated!
Mamonde Skincare – Calming Shot & Flora Glow
URL: https://us.mamonde.com Mamonde’s Calming Shot is a soothing treat for summer‑stressed skin — lightweight, cooling, and perfect after a day in the sun. Flora Glow adds a soft, dewy radiance that feels fresh rather than heavy, giving skin that effortless “summer glow” without makeup. And yes it really gave my skin a summer glow!
Kosmatology Foot Balm, Foot Scrub & Liquid Soaps
URL: https://kosmatology.com Kosmatology’s foot care line is exactly what summer sandals call for. The foot scrub smooths rough spots, the balm deeply nourishes without greasiness, and the liquid soaps are gentle, clean, and beautifully scented. A simple routine that keeps feet soft all season. These products are great for keeping your feet ready for sandals. I gave myself a light pedicure and after soaking used both of these products. They make your skin so soft and help to keep away the rough spots.
*Activ Scalp & Skin Spray – DEFENSE
URL: https://activscalp.com/products/defense DEFENSE by Activ Scalp is a refreshing, protective spray formulated to calm irritation and support a healthy scalp and skin barrier. It’s especially helpful in warm weather when sweat, sun, and outdoor activity can cause sensitivity. Lightweight and clean, it absorbs quickly and leaves the scalp feeling soothed and balanced.
Wristbrella
I love how simple and clever the Wristbrella is. It’s one of those little inventions that instantly makes life easier, especially on busy days when you’re juggling bags, keys, or groceries. The hands‑free design lets you slip it onto your wrist so you can stay dry without struggling to hold an umbrella. It feels lightweight, sturdy, and surprisingly comfortable, and the compact size makes it easy to keep in the car or a tote bag. A smart, practical solution for sudden summer showers — and one I’ve found myself reaching for often.
🏡 Home & Lifestyle
Smart home upgrades, everyday essentials, and products that make summer living easier.
Kwikset Aura Lock
URL: https://kwikset.com The Kwikset Aura smart lock adds peace of mind to summer travel. It’s easy to install, connects seamlessly through Bluetooth, and lets you control access right from your phone. A reliable, modern upgrade that keeps your home secure whether you’re away for a weekend or a full vacation. Love the way this lock can be controlled by Bluetooth no
Kwikset Bathroom Lever with Occupancy Indicator
I really love the simplicity and practicality of the Kwikset Bathroom Lever with Occupancy Indicator. It has a clean, modern look, but what makes it especially useful is the built‑in indicator that clearly shows when the bathroom is in use. It’s subtle, easy to read, and adds a thoughtful touch of privacy — especially helpful in busy households or guest spaces. The lever itself feels sturdy and smooth, and installation is straightforward. It’s one of those small home upgrades that instantly makes a space feel more functional and polished.
matter where I travel to..makes keeping your house safe- so convenient.
🌿 Garden & Outdoor Living
Items that enhance outdoor spaces, gardening, and warm‑weather relaxation.
🍽️ Food & Gourmet
Summer flavors, pantry favorites, snacks, and entertaining staples.
Gigawatt Coffee – Ground, Whole Bean & Cold Brew Cans
URL: https://gigawattcoffee.com Gigawatt Coffee delivers bold, smooth flavor whether you brew it at home or grab their ready‑to‑drink cold brew cans. The whole beans are wonderfully aromatic, the ground coffee is convenient for busy mornings, and the canned cold brew is perfect for hot summer days when you need an instant pick‑me‑up. The coffee is really smooth and not acid-y. Love the flavor, even the decaffeinated is delicious!
Mezete
URL: https://mezete.com Creamy, flavorful, and ready to serve, Mezete Hummus and spreads and dips are a summer entertaining staple. Their huimms and baba ganoush tastes fresh and authentic, with a velvety texture that pairs perfectly with veggies, crackers, or as a spread for wraps and picnics. These have become my favorite hummus products. The only hummus I can find with lots of taste and no unnecessary canola or soy or any oils. I use them as a topping for a baked potato or a sandwich spread or a summer dip. A pantry must‑have for effortless hosting.
Luna Products – Organic Ramen & Organic Rice
URL: https://luna-products.com Luna’s organic ramen and rice are beautifully simple pantry staples made with clean, high‑quality ingredients. The ramen cooks up quickly for an easy summer lunch, and the organic rice has a light, fluffy texture that pairs well with everything from grilled vegetables to weeknight stir‑fries. A wholesome, versatile addition to warm‑weather cooking. I love the healthy Ramen noodles and rice, they make a flavorful and healthy addition to any summer soup, salad or any dish you want to create for summer.
Akvile Mineral Water
URL: https://akvilewater.com Akvile Mineral Water is naturally pure and refreshingly light, sourced from deep, protected springs. Its clean mineral profile makes it ideal for staying hydrated during hot summer days, and the crisp taste pairs well with meals or on‑the‑go sipping. A simple, elegant hydration choice for warm‑weather wellness. And best of all also the water comes in glass bottles, no plastics! I love the fresh, clean, taste.
Bonduelle – Salads & Pre‑Packaged Rice Products
Bonduelle has been such a refreshing addition to my summer meals. Their ready‑to‑enjoy salads taste bright, crisp, and genuinely fresh — the kind of quick meal that still feels wholesome and thoughtfully prepared. I especially love how the flavors lean into global inspiration while staying light and vegetable‑forward, which fits beautifully with the way many of us like to eat in warmer months. A quick and healthy way to have lunch ,dinner or snack . I love taking mine to my favorite outdoor spot for a quick and easy picnic.
Their pre‑packaged rice products are equally convenient and flavorful. The grains cook up tender and aromatic, and the vegetable blends make them feel more like a complete dish rather than a simple side. They’re perfect for busy days when you want something nourishing without spending much time in the kitchen. Clean, plant‑rich, and easy to enjoy — Bonduelle really captures the modern shift toward convenient wellness.
URL: https://www.bonduelle.com
GOLO Foods
I’ve really been enjoying GOLO Foods, especially their Protein Blend and Chicken Blends. They make healthy eating feel effortless, which is something I appreciate during busy summer days. The Protein Blend is hearty and satisfying without feeling heavy, and the Chicken Blends have a fresh, homemade taste that makes them perfect for quick lunches or light dinners. Everything heats up beautifully and tastes clean, balanced, and thoughtfully prepared. It’s the kind of convenient food you actually feel good about eating. I made a vegetarian taco with 1/2 of the protein blend and used the remainder for a quick morning frittata!. Delicious, healthy and makes mealtime so easy!
URL: https://golo.com/pages/golo-foods
🍳 Kitchen & Cooking
Tools, gadgets, and culinary helpers for summer meals and gatherings.
📱 Tech & Smart Living
Smart devices, travel‑friendly tech, and innovations that simplify summer routines.
🐾 Pets & Pet‑Loving Families
Products that keep pets happy, healthy, and comfortable during the summer months.
⚽ FIFA Summer Picks
Fun, culturally inspired items tied to global football fandom (non‑controversial, lifestyle‑focused).
Primetime Sports Group – Competition‑Size Foosball Table
The competition‑size foosball table from Primetime Sports Group brings real game‑day energy into any home or event space. It’s solid, weighty, and built with the kind of stability you need for fast, competitive play. The rods glide smoothly, the players have great control, and the overall construction feels durable enough for both family fun and serious matches. It’s the kind of piece that instantly becomes the center of attention — perfect for summer gatherings, parties, or creating a lively game room atmosphere. A standout choice for anyone who wants a true tournament‑style experience. I really feel like I am part of the FIFA events with this table and had a FIFA home party,so much fun to play! It has automatic scoreboard and LED lights and 4 foosballs included, the kids and adults will love it.It is definitely a collector’s item.
URL: https://primetimesportsgroup.com (product availability varies by retailer)
USA 250th Celebration
Heritage‑inspired products, commemorative items, and pieces that celebrate the milestone year.
🧳 Travel & On‑the‑Go
Perfect for road trips, flights, weekend getaways, and outdoor adventures.
Crush & Sniff Car Mats
URL: https://crushandsniff.com These scented car mats are such a fun surprise for summer drives. They keep your car smelling fresh without being overpowering, and the fragrances feel clean, bright, and seasonal. A simple swap that instantly lifts your mood every time you open the door. Makes it easy to keep your car smelling fresh while traveling.
Self‑Guided Walking Tour of Philadelphia’s Italian Market
Creating my self‑guided walking tour of Philadelphia’s Italian Market has been one of my favorite ways to share the heart and history of this iconic neighborhood. The Market has such an energy — a blend of old‑world tradition and modern food culture — and walking through it at your own pace lets you truly take it all in. I love guiding people to the small family‑run shops, the fresh produce stands, the bakeries with their irresistible aromas, and the specialty stores that have been part of the community for generations.
What makes this tour special is how personal it feels. You can stop for a coffee, sample cheeses, pick up ingredients for dinner, or simply enjoy the stories woven into every storefront. It’s a delicious, sensory way to experience Philadelphia, and it captures the spirit of Italian‑American food culture in such an authentic, memorable way.
New York’s Little Italy Tour
My tour of New York’s Little Italy was such a memorable experience — a beautiful blend of history, food, and the vibrant spirit that still lives in this iconic neighborhood. Walking through the narrow streets, you can feel the layers of Italian‑American heritage in every bakery, café, and specialty shop. I loved exploring the old‑world charm, hearing the stories behind long‑standing family businesses, and tasting the classic flavors that have shaped the neighborhood for generations.
What makes this tour special is how immersive it feels. From fresh pastries and handmade mozzarella to the aroma of simmering sauces drifting from restaurant doorways, every stop adds a new sensory moment. It’s a delicious, heartfelt way to connect with the cultural roots of Little Italy and appreciate the traditions that continue to thrive there today
🧼 Clean Living & Wellness
Eco‑friendly, sustainable, or wellness‑focused products that fit your
Astaxanthin Daily
URL: https://astaxanthindaily.com Astaxanthin Daily has become one of those quiet wellness staples that makes a noticeable difference. It supports skin health from the inside out — especially helpful in the summer when sun, heat, and long days outdoors can take a toll. It’s clean, easy to take, and a great addition to a simple, mindful beauty routine. it has become my daily habit!
👗 Fashion & Accessories
Light, seasonal accessories or wearable items that complement summer style.
*Bloomers Underwear
URL: https://bloomersintimates.com Bloomers creates beautifully soft, breathable underwear designed especially for comfort and confidence. Their lace‑trimmed styles feel lightweight and smooth under clothing — perfect for summer outfits when you want something that stays cool, discreet, and comfortable all day. A lovely blend of practicality and femininity.
Surelle – Fallon Slim V‑Neck Blouse & Hudson Trousers
URL: https://surelle.com Surelle’s Fallon Slim V‑Neck Blouse is a refined wardrobe staple — soft, drapey, and tailored with a flattering slim silhouette that works beautifully for summer dressing. Paired with the Hudson Trousers, which offer a polished, modern fit with just the right amount of structure, the look is effortlessly chic. Perfect for travel, events, or elevated everyday wear. I love wearing both, makes a light summery outfit, but so chic looking at the same time and confortable too!
📚 Books & Summer Reading
The Basic Art of Italian Cooking: Holidays and Special Occasions-2nd edition
..my Gourmand World Award winning book includes stories form my life in Italy and recipes that can be used all year ’round. How about having a Seven Fishes Dinner for a Christmas in July Picnic! You will also find charming stories for Holidays from Christmas Eve to Carnevale along with suggested menus and recipes for each Holiday. But you can make any day a Holiday with this book!
Coffee Table Art Book
I love having a beautiful coffee table art book out during the summer months — it instantly adds a sense of style and inspiration to a room. The one I’ve been enjoying lately is filled with rich visuals, thoughtful layouts, and artwork that invites you to slow down for a moment. It’s the kind of book you can open to any page and find something uplifting, whether it’s a striking photograph, a splash of color, or a piece of art that sparks a new idea. It feels both decorative and meaningful, and it brings a lovely touch of creativity into everyday living.
URL: https://www.taschen.com — a curated collection of high‑quality coffee table art books
Listen to The Maria Liberati Show anywhere podcasts are heard, it has become one of the top faood and arts podcasts on itunes around the world, thanks to my listening audience..many thanks!
