Jessica Biel is intent on making sure her summer isn’t all work and no play. The actor-producer, known in recent years for critically-acclaimed TV dramas “Candy” and “Sinner,” will be in New York for most of the season filming “The Better Sister” — a psychological thriller based on the Alafair Burke novel — with co-star Elizabeth Banks.
But Biel, who recently stunned in a pink petal-covered Tamara Ralph gown at the Met Gala, tells Alexa that she hopes at some point to join her husband, “Selfish” singer Justin Timberlake, on tour in Europe with their two sons, Silas, 9, and Phineas, 3.
The author of the new “A Kids Book About Periods” (out today), is used to packing her boys’ school holidays with “swimming, tennis, video games, board games and family movie nights.” But unfortunately, her favorite vacation destination, the Tuscan coast of Italy, may have to wait till next year.
“I love the laid-back atmosphere, the food, and the wine — of course,” says Biel, 42. “Spending time on the water in the late afternoon, as the sun is going down, is one of life’s simple pleasures.”
Here are other ways the star experiences la dolce vita … no travel required.
FAVORITE BATHING SUIT: Hunza G “Pamela” One-Piece Swimsuit
“The material is heaven, the fit is flattering, and I can swim and play with my kids and not worry about any bathing suit mishaps.”
FAVORITE NEW READ: “A Kids Book About Periods” by Jessica Biel
“My new kids book is a great addition to your summer reading list. It’s the perfect combination of facts and fun, and a perfect way into having important conversations with kids about the changes that are occurring in their bodies.”
FAVORITE CARRY-ALL: The Row XL Park Tote
“I can’t get enough of this oversized tote. It holds everything I could possibly need while traveling or working on set. It has a beautiful diamond design on the outside and a black suede lining. Truly elegant and functional.”
FAVORITE MOISTURIZER: Dr. Lancer Dani Glowing Skin Perfector
“This is my favorite lightweight, tinted moisturizer that I like to use when I don’t want to put makeup on. I love how it enhances my natural complexion, helps balance irregularities and makes my skin glow from within.”
FAVORITE ATHLEISURE: Beyond Yoga Spacedye “At Your Leisure” High Waisted Midi Legging and Spacedye Slim Racerback Cropped Tank
“I’m crazy about these leggings because the fabric is buttery soft, and the racer back hugs my body while I do everything from Pilates and circuit training to wrestling with my kids.”
FAVORITE SUNNIES: Goodr Bosley’s Basset Hound Dreams sunglasses
“Embarrassingly, I probably have 20 to 30 pairs of sunnies at any given time. These polarized, no-slip, no-slide sunglasses are my absolute favorite for summer because they’re made specifically to stay put on your face while you enjoy all your activities. They’re a great price point as well, if you’re like me, who either loses them constantly or gets them stepped on or scraped by my sons.”
FAVORITE BEACH SHOES: Native Shoes “Jefferson Sugarlite” water shoes
“I love these water shoes for their classic sneaker-like style, as well as their durability and versatility. They’re amazing for exploring tide pools or cruising through rivers with my kids all summer long.”
FAVORITE HAT: Meshika “Pisces” hat
“Designing your own bespoke hat with the Meshika hat brand is a must-do for any hat lover. The design options are endless, along with the curious and playful collection of items that your hat can be adorned with, ranging from vintage fabrics and pins to playing cards, embroidery, monogramming and even a personalized inner lining. A must-have for festival goers.”
FAVORITE DENIM: Maison Margiela Cut-Out Jeans
“These cut-out jeans are my most recent jean obsession. They’re extremely high-waisted, which I love, and wide-legged. They have built-in air conditioners on each upper thigh, thanks to a perfectly-placed cut. They are the first jeans I’ve ever owned that I didn’t have to get hemmed or fitted in the waist. Huge fan!”
FAVORITE SELF-CARE: Theragun Therabody RecoveryAir JetBoots
“I love to use them after a hard week of training or work, when my body is sore, and I want to rejuvenate and rewire my nervous system. It’s therapy for both my body and mind.”
FAVORITE ALBUM: Justin Timberlake’s “Everything I Thought It Was”
“Obviously, Everything I Thought It Was is my album of the year. I can’t deny that I’m superfan No. 1 and love the mix of genres and songs on the album. Somehow, they all blend together in a congruent, consistent catalog. Justin’s falsetto is as pure and rich as it’s ever been. He’s never been better.”
FAVORITE MOOD-SETTER: Flamingo Estate Climbing Tuscan Rosemary Candle
“It brings the Tuscan countryside to you. It’s the most vibrant, herbal candle I’ve ever had the pleasure to enjoy. Your home will smell like an Italian garden. If you close your eyes, you might just smell the mist coming off the beach platform at Hotel Il Pellicano [in Tuscany, Italy].”
FAVORITE GIFT TO GIVE: The Weavers Studio Spirituality + Wellness gift box
“They are a wonderful thank you or hostess gift. This is a female-owned and -operated company based out of Bozeman, Mont., and Los Angeles. They offer many pre-created gift box ideas or you can curate your own with specialty items that range from a gorgeous brass meditation candle and holder, to artisanal chocolate and tarot cards.”
FAVORITE FAMILY-FRIENDLY GAME: Throw Throw Burrito, a Dodgeball Card Game by Exploding Kittens
“It’s a game for kids young and old. It’s all about speed and you have to get three-of-a-kind, have duels, dodge burritos and work together as a team. It’s totally wild and a lot of fun!”
