Hi everyone!

With 52% of Americans fully vaccinated, and 63% having received at least one dose, as of June 3, 2021 (whitehouse.gov), we’re sure you’re all getting tired of talking about our year inside. So, we’ll save you the trouble and, instead, talk about all of the fun summer events that are finally back and waiting for you!

First and foremost, traveling is finally deemed safe again. For many of us, we’ve spent the better part of a year separated from our family and friends, so being able to carefully and comfortably travel is not only an exciting milestone, but a long-awaited gift. Whether you’re preparing for a family vacation, a friend reunion, or, simply, a long weekend getaway to see the place that’s been at the top of your bucket list, the fact that all are not just possible again, but safe to partake in, is a great relief. And not only that: in addition to travel plans being reinstated, so are all gatherings of more than 10 people. And what better way to celebrate than with summer backyard barbecues with good food and even better company?   

In the spirit of safely moving into a post-Covid summer, beaches have been reopened. Here in Chicago, seeing the beach volleyball poles back up, shoulder-to-shoulder crowds along the lakefront, and kids building sandcastles for miles, while driving along Lake Shore Drive, provides a great sense of comfort. If you also live in Chicago, check out Players Sport & Social and Chicago Sport & Social for beach volleyball, softball, and soccer leagues and tournaments to participate in with your friends!

And, last but certainly not least, and as we’re sure you all know, music festivals are back, live, and at full capacity. Mainstream music festivals like Lollapalooza (Chicago, Illinois: July 29–August 1), Austin City Limits (Austin, Texas: October 1–3; 8–10), and Summerfest (Milwaukee, Wisconsin: September 2–4; 9–11; 16–18) are preparing to welcome you with captivating concerts from your favorite artists, from Miley Cyrus and Post Malone to Journey and the Foo Fighters. Country Thunder (Twin Lakes, Wisconsin: July 15–18; Kissimmee, Florida: September 10–12; Florence, Arizona: October 14–17) is your go-to for country classics with headline performances from Blake Shelton, Kane Brown, and more. And EDM festivals like North Coast (Bridgeview, Illinois: September 3–5) and Spring Awakening (Chicago, Illinois: October 2–3) are featuring artists, including GRiZ, Kaskade, and Diplo, that will have you dancing all day and night. 

Smateria’s, our social enterprise partner in Cambodia, Metro Pack, Weekender bag, and Packing Cubes are fashionable, practical, purposeful, and perfect for travel. Smateria’s products are 100% ethically made by artisans in Phnom Penh from recycled, upcycled, and repurposed industrial net. And those artisans are earning a 13-month annual salary and have free health- and daycare. Their Carly Bag and Sunglass Case will LIFT your look by merging purpose with style for your beach days this summer! And whether you’re looking for pop, country, EDM, all three, or something else entirely, to kick off your return to concerts, you’re going to want to be on trend. Smateria’s Marlee and Grace bags are chic, versatile, available in an assortment of colors, and the ideal size for your cards, phone, and other concert necessities.

Be on trend this summer and Buy What You Believe In™.

Until next time,

The HHPLIFT team

For more information, please contact info@HHPLIFT.com.