Courtney H oustonGroup
NON-TOXIC SWAP I’M LOVING
Natural Sunscreen
SUMMER SALAD RECIPE
Peach + Tomato Salad
DIY REFRESHING DRINK
DIY Natural Electrolyte Drink
SUMMER HACKS
Decluttering, Cool Down, Hosting
MARKET CHECK A Quick Word on the Market FINAL THOUGHT FOR JULY
NON-TOXIC SWAP that is great
After testing a few safer sunscreen options, I’ve finally found one I genuinely love: Sky & Sol Natural Sunscreen. It’s a mineral-based SPF made with simple, skin-friendly ingredients—no hormonedisrupting chemicals, and it blends in so much better than other zinc options I’ve tried. Perfect for beach days, long walks, or your little one’s splash pad play sessions. It’s reef-safe, pregnancy-safe, baby-safe... and mom-approved.
“This season, it’s all about keeping things simple, soulful, and in full bloom” As we ease into summer, I’ve been leaning into slower mornings, barefoot evenings, and the beauty of living just a little more seasonally. Whether you’re staying close to home or dreaming of your next move, June is the perfect month to focus on comfort, color, and cultivating a home you love.
This month, I’m sharing a few favorites from my own summer rhythm—fresh produce, natural remedies, beachy escapes, and easy ways to elevate your space inside and out.
SUMMER RECIPE peach and tomato salad
INGREDIENTS:
2 RIPE PEACHES, SLICED
2 HEIRLOOM TOMATOES, CHOPPED
FRESH BASIL, TORN
RED ONION
OLIVE OIL
BALSAMIC VINEGAR OR LEMON JUICE
SEA SALT + BLACK PEPPER
INSTRUCTIONS:
TOSS IT ALL TOGETHER AND ENJOY IMMEDIATELY. OPTIONAL UPGRADES: AVOCADO SLICES, GRILLED CHICKEN, OR CHICKPEAS.
DIY REFRESHING DRINK natural electrolyte drink
INGREDIENTS:
2 CUPS FILTERED WATER OR COCONUT WATER
JUICE OF 1 LEMON
1–2 TSP RAW HONEY OR MAPLE
SYRUP
PINCH OF SEA SALT OR PINK
HIMALAYAN SALT
OPTIONAL: SPLASH OF TART
CHERRY OR WATERMELON JUICE
FOR FLAVOR
Shake it up, pour over ice, and sip throughout the day.
Great for you—and your kiddos too!
SUMMER HACKS
decluttering, cool down hosting
Quick Decluttering Hack
TRY THE “LAUNDRY BASKET SWEEP”:
→ WALK THROUGH YOUR HOUSE AND TOSS ANYTHING YOU DON’T
LOVE SEEING DAILY INTO A BASKET
→ DONATE, STORE, OR TOSS
YOU’LL BE AMAZED HOW MUCH CALMER YOUR SPACE FEELS.
Cool Down Your Home
(Without Running the A/C Nonstop)
TWO EASY TRICKS I’VE BEEN USING LATELY:
→ CLOSE CURTAINS DURING PEAK SUN HOURS (ESPECIALLY SOUTHAND WEST-FACING WINDOWS)
→ RUN CEILING FANS COUNTERCLOCKWISE TO PUSH COOL AIR DOWNWARD
BONUS: ADD BLACKOUT CURTAINS IN KEY ROOMS AND SWITCH
TO COTTON OR LINEN BEDDING TO HELP YOUR HOME (AND BODY)
BREATHE BETTER AT NIGHT.
Hosting Tip: The Outdoor Basket
KEEP A SINGLE TOTE STOCKED WITH BUG SPRAY, SUNSCREEN, MATCHES, CITRONELLA CANDLES, PLASTIC CUPS, AND A BLUETOOTH SPEAKER. WHEN IMPROMPTU GUESTS SHOW UP, YOU’RE READY.
MARKET CHECK a quick word
SUMMER HAS BROUGHT A SHIFT. WE’RE SEEING INVENTORY INCREASE ACROSS MANY MARKETS, BUT INTEREST RATES REMAIN ELEVATED, CAUSING SOME BUYERS TO HOLD OFF IF THEY HAVE THE FLEXIBILITY. FOR OUR MILITARY COMMUNITY, MANY ACTED FAST THIS SPRING—JUMPING INTO THE MARKET EARLY AFTER RECEIVING ORDERS TO AVOID LIMITED OPTIONS. NOW, AS WE HEAD DEEPER INTO PCS SEASON, WE’RE NOTICING HOMES SITTING LONGER, LEADING TO MORE PRICE ADJUSTMENTS AND SELLER CONCESSIONS.
IF YOU’RE BUYING OR SELLING THIS SUMMER, STRATEGY MATTERS MORE THAN EVER—AND HAVING SOMEONE WHO CAN NAVIGATE TIMING, PRICING, AND NEGOTIATIONS CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE.
FINAL THOUGHT
for june
Whatever this season looks like for you—whether you’re deep in PCS prep, chasing kids through sprinklers, or dreaming up something new—July is your permission slip to slow down and savor the space you’re in.
Here’s to cold drinks, healthy skin, backyard barefoot time, and homes that support life as it really is.
WARMLY, Courtney Houston
