Hi friends,
By now, you may know that I like to romanticize just about everything in life. After becoming a SAHM/homeschool mom, I sought out to seek slow and all the simple luxuries that were worth celebrating. There is beauty found in the mundane, if you really look closely.
And while it might not feel like summer can be a cozy szn, it very much can. There is absolutely hygge to be had in the summer. The feeling of comfort, security, and connection. Stopping to be present in your day. When we enjoy little things with the ones that we love, we savor everything that the season has to offer. That in itself is hygge.
So here is a little list to show you all the ways I like to romanticize our summer. Maybe we will have lots in common or maybe you will find something new to prioritize. Whichever the case, I hope these serve as a good reminder.
1. Picnics in the park (or your backyard!) Grab a blanket, a basket (you can find great ones at the thrift store, I am sure), and picky snacks/meals.
2. Pick seashells and sea glass by the shore. We love going to the beach for sunset and doing this.
3. Forage for or u-pick berries. This is our favorite family tradition each year. We pick strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and sometimes peaches.
4. Make a dessert with said berries. After all is said and done, we come home and make strawberry shortcake. It is the very best tradition. You could make a pie, scones, or a crumble… anything goes.
5. Invest in a hammock and swing while you relax or read.
6. Cut fresh flowers from your yard for the table (or treating yourself to a summer bouquet at Trader Joe’s). Taking the outside in is always appreciate.
7. S’mores nights by the crackling fire
8. Stargaze while on a cozy blanket or watch the sunrise/sunset with a loved one. Stopping to really look up at the sky is always romantic.
9. Go to a drive-in movie if you have one within driving distance. Pile up all the blankets and pillows in your trunk/bed and add lots of snacks.
10. Raise caterpillars. If watching a butterfly emerge from a chrysalis is not giving main character movie vibes, then I just don’t know what to tell you. LOL My family loves doing this every year. It is such a joyful and unique experience. Grab a kit (affiliate link) and order caterpillars.
11. Read summer-inspired stories to your children. Some great summery picture books are The Little Blue Cottage, Sunflower House, Seashells by the Seashore, Under the Pier, Pie is for Sharing, A Lullaby of Summer Things (see full list). A few longer chapter books that are perfect for summer are The Lighthouse Family, A Whale of the Wild, Sophie Mouse, Hotel Flamingo.
12. Read a summery novel for yourself! My favorites for this time of year: Beach Read, Happy Place, People We Meet on Vacation (any all and Emily Henry, to be honest), Shipped, The House in the Cerulean Sea, The Paradise Problem, This Summer Will Be Different, Meet Me at the Lake, Love and Other Words, The Summer I Turned Pretty, Same Time Next Summer, The Unhoneymooners, The Roughest Draft, It Happened One Summer
13. No pool? No problem. An inexpensive sprinkler is always a hit with little ones. Let them go crazy and provide popsicles, of course.
14. Make your own ice cream sundae night with all the toppings.
15. If you’re up to it, plant a garden full of vegetables. If you are like me and like to start small, plant an herb garden. Using your fresh herbs in your cooking is so satisfying and elevates every recipe. My favorites to have are basil, dill, parsley, and rosemary.
16. Stroll your local farmer’s market for the ✨vibes✨.
17. Find your favorite summertime drink and make it a ritual. Some of my favorites for this time of year are fruity iced tea (add two bags to a mason jar with cold water and let steep in your fridge for at least 6 hours), iced mocha latte, and homemade lemonade.
18. Make homemade popsicles out of smoothies. They have so many adorable molds these days and your kids will love making up their own flavor combinations.
19. Play summertime games after dinner with your family. A few that we love are bocce and cornhole.
20. Savor your morning coffee or tea while sitting outside and listening to birdsong. Did you know that can reduce anxiety? (Sign me up) But really, this is one of my favorite rituals in the morning.
21. Make art with your kids. Go outside with paint/watercolor/easel and don’t worry about the mess. Create bright and beautiful paintings together.
22. Add twinkle lights. Didn’t expect to see this on a summer list? This is my go-to for all seasons. As soon as the sun sets, enjoy the soft glow. Bonus points if you string them up outside.
23. Add eucalyptus to your shower. It’s everywhere right now and it makes the bathroom smell amazing. Feels like a little luxury.
24. Eat dinner al fresco as often as possible. There is nothing better.
25. Jazz up your usual water with some fruit. Citrus and berries are a great start.
