I’ll admit, I’ve always been the type to rank summer last in my list of favorite seasons. I’ve never been a fan of the heat and I get sunburned very easily, so it’s easy to resign myself to staying indoors when the temperatures reach above 80. This year, in spite of that, I’d like to get out and embrace the sunshine and humidity the best I can. That inspired me to put together this post: a little guide full of ideas and resources to help you savor the season, bask in its beauty, and make this your best summer yet!
What Summer Means to Me
When I think of summer, my mind conjures up the image of a big ol’ mason jar filled with iced tea, enjoyed on the porch, the glass sweaty from condensation. I think of a basket of tomatoes fresh off the vine and still warm from the sun. There’s impromptu trips to the pool, chaco tans, vibrant fruity popsicles, and soft serve ice cream cones with rainbow sprinkles.
I picture flowy sundresses, clothes drying on the line, big straw hats, and sandy toes painted with OPI’s Cajun Shrimp. I think of the endless drone of cicadas, the scent of banana sunscreen, staying up all night with friends, and plucking honeysuckle flowers to steal their little drops of nectar. When I really reflect on my least favorite season, I think “what’s not to love?” and then I remember… oh right, the mosquitos.
Despite all those dang bug bites and the need for after-sun lotion, there is really something special about summer. Taking in the stunning sunsets, enjoying boundless fresh fruit, and watching the fireflies flicker each evening just lights up a special piece of my heart. There’s just something about the sunny, warm type joy that only summer can bring.
This season I’m feeling drawn to bright, fresh colors and vibrant jewel tones. I’ve been leaning into wearing white since I’m in my “bridal era” and I’ve loved pairing a breezy white cotton dress with blue shoes and a fun nail color! I’m typically drawn to warm colors like oranges, corals, and reds for summer, but this year I’m really loving pops of lime, periwinkle, and a punchy indigo. I made the summer moodboard above with these vibes in mind!
Seasonal Produce for Summer
One of the most important ways to embrace this season is by enjoying summer fruits and veggines at their peak. This is the only time of year that you’ll happen across the perfect dark red watermelon or the most flawless ear of sweet corn at a roadside market. Harvesting those fresh tomatoes, bringing in heaping handfuls of basil, and picking raspberries off the bush are some of the simple joys well worth those humid 90 degree days. I’ve gotta hand it to summer, the variety of produce just can’t be beat!
Summer Recipe Ideas
For the most quintessential summer recipe, look no further than my perfect summer salad with melon and prosciutto. For super hot days, I love a recipe that is quick and simple, focuses on the freshest ingredients, and can be whipped out without prolonged use of the stove or oven. This season we’re grilling, we’re chilling, and ice cream is alwaysa good idea! Right now I’ve got eyes on this cold shrimp and avocado salad, a fun watermelon key lime pie, Molly Baz’s caesar salad, and I may have to try my hand at these homemade strawberry gummies! And of course I’ll be throwing together a batch of my life changing tuna!
What I’m Looking Forward To This Summer
I’ve got a busy few months coming up, but it’s looking like they’re going to be so fun! Later this month I’m heading to the mountains of upstate New York with some of my best friends in the world, and they’re throwing me a summer camp themed Bachelorette party. I’m so excited! I’ve also got a bridal luncheon and bridal shower coming up, and I’m so excited to see the friends and family that will be coming to those! I’m also looking forward to collecting fruits from the FIVE tomato plants I have growing in the garden this year, grilling as much as I possibly can, visiting local farmers markets, and soaking up some time in nature!
What’s on your perfect summer bucket list? Let me know in the comments!
