August Summertime Favorites — As Seen On CBS Austin’s “We Are Austin”
Sure, we’re starting to see aisles of school supplies popping up at our favorite retailers, but make no mistake about it: summer is still in full effect. And, if the triple-digit temperatures are any indication, this last stretch of summer might be as brutally hot as we’d anticipated. But fear not: I stopped by CBS Austin’s “We Are Austin” with some great products to help stay cool and refreshed, keep your pups and your littles entertained when seeking refuge in your air-conditioned home, and help you prioritize your wellness.
You can check out the segment by clicking here and don’t forget to keep reading for more details on the products seen on the show!
KilgourMD System
August tends to be the hottest month here in Austin which means that, when we’re not in our air conditioned cars, offices, and homes, we’re likely splashing in a pool, lake, or swimming hole. But while these summertime dips are a lot of fun, prolonged exposure to UV rays and to chlorine can take a toll on our hair’s health, not just drying out strands but also irritating the scalp, which can exacerbate problems such as hair thinning. Luckily, there’s the KilgourMD System, which was developed by a Stanford dermatologist and is clinically proven to prevent and treat the appearance of hair thinning. In a peer-reviewed clinical trial, the combination of active ingredients in the KilgourMD System (Redensyl, Capixyl, and Procapil) outperformed Minoxidil, the primary ingredient in many hair loss and hair thinning treatment — and, unlike Minoxidil, this unique blend of active ingredients has no known side effects.
The system is comprised of two transformative serums. First, there’s the Prevention Scalp Serum ($89 on KilgourMD.com), which is like sunscreen for the scalp, preventing environmentally driven hair aging as well as the appearance of hair thinning and the loss of vitality that occur over time.
Second, there’s Treatment Scalp Serum ($89 on KilgourMD.com), which is like a facelift for the scalp, maximizing the appearance of remaining hair once damage has already been done. This hair treatment product fortifies follicles and boosts circulation to the scalp, resulting in thicker-looking hair.
OLIPOP Functional Soda
Whether you’re spending the day at the pool or the park, you’re probably bringing a cooler or insulated tote with some chilled beverages to keep you hydrated and refreshed during your excursion. One fantastic, satisfying, better-for-you option is OLIPOP, the leading functional soda brand. OLIPOP offers that crave-able, classic soda taste but with the added benefits of plant-based fiber, prebiotics, and other botanical ingredients that support gut health. Not only is OLIPOP an excellent source of fiber (9 grams of fiber per serving), but each can only has 2-5 grams of sugar (as opposed to the 40 grams of sugar found in traditional colas and other soda varieties). It’s also vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and paleo-friendly.
OLIPOP is available in nostalgic flavors like Vintage Cola, Classic Root Beer, Orange Squeeze, Classic Grape, Lemon Lime, Strawberry Vanilla, Cream Soda and Cherry Cola.
You can find OLIPOP at retailers nationwide including Walmart and Target as well as on drinkolipop.com
Merica Beer
From Luke Combs to Walker Hayes and Luke Bryan, countless country singers have paid homage to the delights of an ice-cold beer on a hot day. Treat yourself to a delicious brew and show off your patriotic spirit with Merica Beer, the latest addition to the Famous Brands family of spirits and beverages.
The veteran-owned brand embodies the principles of freedom, independence and authenticity that we associate with America – hence the patriotic label, with its distinctive stars and stripes. Merica Beer is proudly brewed in San Antonio, Texas, using the finest local ingredients to ensure a crisp and refreshing finish.
Merica Beer is available throughout Texas and on mericabeers.com
Don Q Reserva 7 Rum
August 16th marks National Rum Day, and there’s no better way to celebrate the holiday than with some Don Q Reserva 7. Reminiscent of chocolate, toasted almonds, raisins, and apricots, Don Q Reserva 7 is a blend of rums aged for a minimum of 7 years in American white oak barrels.
Not only is this bright Puerto Rican rum delicious when served neat or on the rocks, but it’s the perfect base for a fruity summer cocktail — including my personal favorite, the piña colada, which turns 70 this year. The famed cocktail was created by a man called Monchito Marrero in Puerto Rico using Don Q, so it’s only fitting that we honor the traditional recipe by using Don Q recipe in our renditions.
To create an elevated piña colada, mix 2 ounces of Don Q Reserva 7 rum with 1/3 oz. of coconut cream, 2 oz. of pineapple juice and a dash of Angostura bitters, then shake well and pour into a glass filled with crushed ice. To add a tropical flair to your creation, garnish with a pineapple frond and an orchid.
Don Q Reserva 7 retails for $25. Visit DonQ.com to find a store near you!
Whiny Baby Wines
The best wines are the ones we drink with friends, right? Well, Whiny Baby specializes in high-quality, small-batched, accessible wines that spark conversation. All Whiny Baby wines are sourced from some of the finest vineyards in California, crafted by a team of winemaking experts from the McBride Sisters Wine Company and advised by Whiny Baby founder and co-owner Jess Druey.
Every aspect of Whiny Baby is designed to make wine drinking more fun and enjoyable, to prioritize how wine can help to strengthen human connections and create special moments. Under each wine’s bottle cap, then, you’ll find an answer or question meant to spark discourse. There are over 300 different conversation starters, so each bottle will likely offer a different topic for you and your loved ones to ponder! Each bottle also features a peel-and-stick back label where you can jot down any special memories of the occasion when you enjoyed this wine. And each wine bottle also comes with a playful string of beads that you can hang around the bottle’s neck, use as a cell phone charm or dangle from your keychain!
There are three different varietals: “Unwind” White Blend, which features aromas of ripe pear, pineapple and peach and a citrusy fresh palate; “Obsessed” Red Blend, which both the aroma and taste of ripe red cherry and berry fruit; and “OMG!?!” Fizzy Rosé, a bubbly rosé with aromas and flavors of strawberry, nectarine, and crushed raspberry. Each is $17.99 on WhinyBaby.com
GROHE SPA’s Allure Faucet
National Relaxation Day is coming up on August 15th, so now is the perfect time to start prioritizing wellness in our daily lives. One great way to do so is by transforming your bathroom into a spa-like space. On that note, this is GROHE SPA’s Allure Faucet, and it’s the perfect addition to transform your bathroom into a personal oasis, a place of luxury and serenity, and hence elevate your daily wellness routine.
A testament to the excellent of GROHE’s German craftsmanship, this sophisticated and sleek faucet is crafted from durable brass and features a beautiful two-handle design. Moreover, it boasts advanced features like GROHE SilkMove for smooth, effortless handling and EcoJoy for water conservation. This faucet offers precise control and drip-free performance, and it’s a wonderfully eco-conscious choice.
The Allure faucet available in an array of exquisite and on-trend finishes, including StarLight Chrome, Brushed Cool Sunrise, Brushed Nickel, and Matte Black.
Visit Grohe.us to learn more and find a showroom near you!
MyDogToy Toys
If your dog is your co-pilot in the journey that is life, then you know how crucial it is to keep your BFF active and entertained — even on those scorching days when long walks outside are out of the question. One great way to keep dogs physically and mentally engaged is through some durable toys that encourage interactive play. MyDogToy — the beloved dog toy maker behind the DuraForce, MIghty and Tuffy lines— has everything your pup needs to keep busy for the rest of the summer season and beyond. All MyDogToy offerings are waterproof (great for trips to the lake or dips in the pool!), washable, and size-inclusive.
DuraForce toys prioritize durability via cross-stitching and webbing that’s designed for rigorous interactive play. The DuraForce Butterfly ($21.99 on MyDogToy.com), for instance, features a layer of durable plastic coated woven mesh on the outside and 1 layer of strong luggage-grade material on the inside, plus it boasts two layers of cross-stitching and two layers of linear stitching. Plus it floats in water, making it great for any trips to the lake!
MIghty Toys are soft on the outside but strong and mighty on the inside! While they feature soft and cuddly microfiber plush on the outside, they also contain a non-woven and flexible fleece on the inside that moves with your dog’s teeth instead of ripping or tearing. The Mighty Micro Ball Octopus Purple ($25.49 on MyDogToy.com) is the type of toy your dogs will want to cuddle with, fetch after, tug on, and whip around! Mighty Toys also just introduced the Mighty Celebration collection, which is comprised of balls, rings, and bones in a whimsical print with festive balloons and cupcakes topped with birthday candles. They’re the perfect way to celebrate your dog’s birthday or any major milestones.
Lastly, Tuffy Toys are the most durable plush dog toys on the market, with up to 4 layers of material and up to 7 rows of stitching.
Prices start at $14.99 on MyDogToy.com
Figgy Play Couch
Now that our pets are busy with some great toys, how can we keep our kiddos entertained (and preferably away from screens!) on those triple-digit days when we need to seek refuge inside our air conditioned homes? Well, that’s where Figgy comes in! Figgy is a fort-building play couch that’s designed for climbing and jumping. It fits seamlessly into any living space, is easy to clean up and tuck away, and encourages kids to use their imaginations. All of the play couch’s cushions feature strong Velcro connectors that allow for endless combinations and sturdy builds, so that kids can create anything they envision: from a castle to a train, boat, tunnel, and more. It’s a wonderful way to unlock your child’s creativity through imaginative play, while also nurturing spacial awareness, problem solving abilities, and gross motor skills.
And while kids can enjoy hours of fun, parents will also appreciate Figgy’s incredibly thoughtful and intentional design elements. The foam, fabrics and materials are all third party certified, so parents can rest easy knowing everything is safe and sustainable. The base cushions feature handles so that they can be easily carried around (or stored away when it’s time for bed!). The zippers have hidden teeth so they never scratch your walls or floors. And, in addition to the covers being machine washable, they’re also made of a spill- and stain-proof fabric so that any accidental coffee or juice spills can be wiped off in no time!
Priced start at $269. Visit Figgyplay.com for more info and use code FIGGYSUMMER for $15 off!
