Buzz
Image Credit: Penguin Random HouseLaura Jarrett, Saturday TODAY co-anchor and NBC News’s senior legal correspondent, alongside Poppy Harlow, a celebrated author and former CNN anchor, are welcoming summer with a special milestone: the release of their debut children's book! The Color of Love, a beautifully illustrated picture book by award-winning artist Elisa Chavarri, emerged as a heartfelt project between the two friends during the pandemic.
In honor of the book’s release and the sunny days ahead, we invited these two mothers to share their favorite summer must-haves (including great reads!) that help their families savor every moment of the season.
1. Cozy Earth's Luxurious Bamboo Sheet Set
Cozy Earth"These sheets are unbelievably soft and keep you cool even on the warmest summer nights," Laura shares. We wholeheartedly endorse Laura’s choice—interesting tidbit, we’ve evaluated nearly 200 sheet sets at Mytour, and this bamboo collection from Cozy Earth stood out as a top contender! Choosing the perfect sheets is essential for ensuring a comfortable and cool summer sleep.
2. Trader Joe's Premium Matcha Green Tea Powder
Trader Joe'sNaturally, this list wouldn’t be complete without a Trader Joe’s favorite! Poppy is a big fan of their matcha powder, which she relies on for a cool, energizing start to her day during the warmer months. "I mix it with unsweetened vanilla almond milk to make the perfect iced matcha latte at home," she explains.
3. The Color of Love
Penguin Random HouseKeeping kids engaged with fresh reading material during the long summer break can be tough, but Laura and Poppy’s latest release, The Color of Love, offers the perfect solution. The story delves into the many shades of love as its young main character poses a thought-provoking question during a school assignment: "If love had a color, what would it be?"
"Some believe children don’t notice color—but they do. They simply appreciate the beauty in our differences without fear. Poppy is bold, and I’m incredibly thankful to partner with her on this meaningful project," Laura shares.
4. H&M Kids’ Summer Dresses
H&MWhile this pick technically comes from Laura’s daughter, it’s clear the little one has excellent taste! A lightweight cotton summer dress is an absolute essential for staying cool and comfortable during the warmer months.
Laura explains, "My daughter adores wearing dresses, whether she’s playing in the sandbox or running around the yard. These H&M Kids sundresses are durable, easy to wash, and still look adorable." (And let’s be honest, anything that’s easy to clean is a win in our book!)
5. Sun Bum Kids SPF 50 Clear Sunscreen Face Stick
Sun BumSunscreen is an absolute must for maintaining healthy skin, particularly when the sun is at its strongest. Keep your little ones shielded from harmful UV rays with a reliable sunblock—quite literally. Poppy suggests this face stick from Sun Bum, noting, "It applies clear and stays put even when the kids are splashing in and out of the water. And bonus—it has a fantastic scent!"
6. BrüMate Era 40oz Tumbler
BrüMateStaying hydrated is just as important when the heat climbs! Laura swears by BrüMate's Era 40oz tumbler, which boasts a massive capacity and is completely leakproof—perfect for busy individuals, especially parents managing kids, groceries, bags, phones, strollers...need we say more? Seriously, you can flip it upside down in the "locked" position without a single drop escaping.
7. Hair Ribbons
TargetStyling summer hair can be a challenge—it’s too hot to use any heat tools, and who has the time to battle frizz in a steamy bathroom? Poppy’s brilliant hack? Load up on ribbons! They’re the perfect quick fix when you’re not in the mood for elaborate hairstyles.
She shares, "A cute bow can turn a simple ponytail into something special! I grab a yard of ribbon from our local fabric shop." You can take her advice and buy some ribbon by the yard or head to Target for convenient clip-ons.
8. Amazon Handheld Mini Fan
AmazonA compact fan you can tuck into your bag and whip out the moment you start sweating? Count us in! Laura raves about this budget-friendly Amazon gem, saying, "It’s adorable! Perfect for those sweltering New York City subway rides in August." (As daily subway commuters, the Mytour team completely understands...and might just grab one too.)
And to top it off, this fan doubles as a power bank and includes a handy flashlight!
9. Birkenstocks
BirkenstockWith summer encouraging more outdoor activities, choosing the right footwear is crucial—a sentiment Poppy strongly supports. She champions Birkenstocks as the ultimate comfort shoe, stating, "They’re a must-have! Durable, incredibly comfortable, and timeless. My top pick is the Arizona Big Buckle in shiny patent leather—I went with blue for a pop of color!"
