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Summertime is in full swing, and I am loving it! We’ve been enjoying lots of time with friends outdoors barbecuing, picnicking, and just enjoying the nice weather. I love the summertime and all that it brings with it, and I hope you’re enjoying your summer, too!

I posted back in May about the new Wonder Woman movie, and how awesome it was that it’s a super hero movie that focuses on a woman super hero, because women are amazing! I haven’t seen the movie yet, but I have only heard great things about it – and I can’t wait to go and see it! In that post I also mentioned how cool it was that Dr Pepper® was getting in on the excitement, too, by creating limited edition packaging celebrating Wonder Woman. I’m happy to partner with Dr Pepper again today, this time showcasing their NEW limited edition Pick Your Pepper packaging.

I’ve been a fan of Dr Pepper for a long time, and I love that that they are constantly coming up with new ways to appeal to our changing and growing world. The Pick Your Pepper campaign is so fun, because there are dozens of different packaging options available to you, so you can pick what appeals to you and your unique tastes. We are all different, and so, of course we might want different packaging than someone else. And that’s ok! And encouraged! Dr Pepper wants to celebrate you, your unique tastes and talents. And I love that so, so much.

The summertime is the perfect time to explore yourself, and try some new things. There are so many activities you can try, adventures you can go on, and food you can eat 😉 The weather is great, everyone is happy, and you just feel relaxed. There are also a lot of opportunities to get together with friends – old and new – and I have to admit, that is my favorite part of summer! I can be a social butterfly, and there’s nothing I love more than meeting new people (or spending time with close friends!). I wanted to share a few ways for you to be yourself at a summertime gathering, because I cannot stress enough how important it is to be comfortable with yourself, while staying true to yourself, too.

Wear an outfit that you love.

If you go somewhere wearing a new or on-trend item that you don’t love and feel uncomfortable in, chances are you’re going to feel uncomfortable the whole time, and that’s not something you want. Instead, wear a favorite outfit, one that’s tried and true and YOU, so you can get to socializing without worrying about how you look or feel. When you feel confident, you look confident, and that’s always a plus!

Bring your favorite dish to share.

Now it not the time to try that new pin you found in order to try to make a new impression! Again, stick to something tried and true, something that always turns out and something that you love! You’ll be sharing your skills and your favorites with your friends, and they’ll love it. Cooking not your thing? No problem! Offer to bring paper plates and cups — and share your shopping skills 😉

Go with a story to share.

If I’m a new place or with people I’ve never met before, I can often get tongue-tied and not sure what to talk about. To combat this, be prepared with a story to tell! That way you’ll have something to talk about, and you’ll be sharing a part of your own life story with your friends. It’s a win-win, and maybe you’ll even find that you have something in common with a new friend you share it with!

We recently went to a party with friends, and I utilized all of these tips for myself! I wore an outfit I loved, took a favorite treat that I’ve made multiple times before, and I had a fun new story to share about my kids – and it was a success! I had a lot of fun, got to know a few people better, and just enjoyed a nice, summer’s evening.

When you do any of the above things, you’ll be encouraging yourself and reminding yourself that it’s ok to be authentic and real in your everyday life. Too often we lose ourselves as we scroll through social media, thinking we need that new on-trend clothing item, or that everyone likes such-and-such movie, so we must need to see it and love it, too. But that’s not true! So get out there this summer, make a few new friendships, and share your favorite things.

I grabbed a 12 pack of cans at my local Fred Meyer, to fuel my own summer adventures, and I love the fun sharks on them! Fun fact: We’re big shark fans at our house – as strange as that seems, so it was quite fitting to get the shark cans. If you’re a fan of Dr Pepper, too, and want to see what package and label calls to you — head to your local Kroger store, where you can buy any three Dr Pepper 12pk or 8pk 12oz (any variety) and receive a coupon for a free Dr Pepper 20oz. This great offer is available 6/21-8/15, so make sure to call or visit your local Kroger or Kroger banner store for offer specifics!  You can also get a new, custom SnapChat filter by snapping the code on the bottle, which is fun as well!

I hope you enjoy your summer, especially those summertime barbecues, parties and gatherings, and that you really find yourself this summer, and celebrate who you are! Don’t forget to pick your unique Dr Pepper bottle — I’d love to see which one appealed the most to you!