I am confident now, with these past several days of gorgeous summer weather (you won’t ever hear me complain about the heat) that summer is here. If not officially – then weather wise!
I love all the changes that come with each season and I’ve been thinking a lot about the things I love about summer. Here are a few:
- Torani Strawberry Syrup
I’m not a drinker of alcohol. Not by choice – sad I know. But with this syrup I can make all my drinks look refreshing and summery. My favourite use for it is blending it with Sprite and ice. A delicious, thirst-quencher that looks so pretty in a frosted mug or fancy glass!
- Hair
This is probably the thing I most look forward to when spring arrives. I LOVE my hair long but loathe the drying process in the winter. Now don’t have to worry about making sure I have dry hair when I leave the house and I don’t have to worry about what a toque will do to it if I put it up. With the warm weather I can shower, give my hair a brush and with my set of Goody SpinPins – I can have myself a hair-do in about 10 seconds! I assume it comes from my many years of dancing but I’m a big fan of buns. Last summer I pretty much kept it in a loose side bun in and I’ve started that again. I do also like the clean look of a classic top-knot.
I’ve also been side fishtailing, which is a nice variation of the standard braid.
- Joe Fresh Flip Flops
I wear them everyday. I have several pair (also a white and muddy-green pair along with the ones above). I know…I know…flip flops…grow up. But c’mon! they are 4 dollars a pair and I don’t give a care what you think – they are comfortable.
- Clinique Super City Block SPF 40
I never wear foundation or cover up but I was coaxed into buying this from the sales girl at Shoppers. I’m glad I was. I really like it. Although it’s tinted, it blends right into my own skin tones and leaves an even glow. It’s non greasy and so light it’s doesn’t feel at all like a sunscreen. Which it is with an SPF of 40. Which I need with this freckle face.
- Old Navy tube dresses
I purchased a few of these last year and I love them (and they are on sale now for TEN dollars). I live in them all summer. I like that I get no tan lines and I love that they are cool and COMFY. I love the look of a maxi dress, but I think they are made for taller, statuesque gals. I don’t think I can pull one off on my 5″2″ frame without making me look frump.
- OPI nail colour
Rarely do I ever not have my toes painted and I love OPI because the colour lasts forever. I usually have either Yoga To Get This Blue, Black Cherry Chutney or Lincoln Park After Dark on. I can sometimes go week after week without even a chip on my toes. Now that I’m starting to get a tan I think I need to switch up my colours and get into some lighters shades. I found the Pirates of the Caribbean colours and love them. They are lighter, pastel-y colours but not too pastel that they would be more appropriate on my 4 year old. Perfect for summer. - The smell of BBQ’s
I just love the smell of anything on the grill. Steak, chicken, ribs. Even hot dogs or burgers. There’s something very distinct about the smell – especially on a muggy Sunday evening.
- Corn on the cob
With butter. It goes with the BBQ. I don’t even mind how greasy my cheeks get it’s that damn good.
- Longer days, shorter nights. The small of fresh cut grass. Not making lunches the night before. Humidity. The distinct, damp smell of the beach. Sand in between my toes at said beach. No winter gear. Guitar at the firepit…
…I could go on. But I won’t because I want to hear yours! What are your favourite things about summer?
watermelon
not looking in the mirror
dunking under always
dresses
bare shoulders
cold beer
banana popsicles
anything on the BBQ
reading the paper which I never get to do otherwise!
great list C- I am psyched
by the way…are you and tracey married to the same wonderful man???? you two are so blessed!
I need to go to old navy and grab some spin pins…..stat
Spin Pins are a summer-must-have so go get yourself some!!
I don’t know about the fishtail with layers…my hair is pretty even with just a few really long layers throughout. Try it and let me know if it works!
YES! Sleeping with the windows open is a HUGE one for me. We get an amazing cross breeze in our house so we don’t usually have our a/c on unless it’s really humid.
I love lying in bed under the light sheet and feeling the breeze on me every so often!!
We’ll be sure to let you know anytime we’re at the park! Promise!
ohhh! I’m going to have to check out those dresses from Joe! I love their clothes!
gotta get me some spin pins. i’d love to do the fishtail but my hair is too layered (i think!)
Love your list! I also love letting my ugly little toes out to see the world; I love the smell of sunshine in my kids’ hair; I love the smell of warm, wet dirt after it rains; I love walking together for ice cream after dinner and it’s still light out; I love sleeping with the windows open.
HI CHRIS…….l look forward every evening that i sit on my little porch watching the sun go down while having a cold beer. the only thing better is you calling me from the park just down the street, telling me you are there with the kids. so i would get some bottled water and some juices and head down to see you guys or hearing a knock on my door and being surprised (happily) to see one of the kids there and knowing you all are coming in from the van. plus my swimming or watching the kids taking lessons and i love the sunday “autism swim” with cuyler.(hope there is more to come),into my 4th year of retirement . keep myself busy (not to busy) but tell most people who ask “what are you doing?”…nothing!!!! i reply…and loving it!
dad oxoxoxox
The fishtail is similar to a regular braid except you split the hair into 2 sections instead of 3. From each of those 2 sections, you split a smaller piece off and switch it to the other section, alternating sides. (Did I explain that clearly…? sorry. not sure I did)
The side bun is exact same as the top. I take all my hair and hang it over my shoulder. I twist it and then wrap it around itself. Use a spin pin on each side of the bun and your done!
How do you do the side bun and the fishtail?? My DD needs some options for her hair and other than the standard ponytail and braid I am useless.
Oh, and I LOVE summer!!
I love this list! I’m giddy about the weather and there are so many things that make me so happy about this season. Ice cream, flip flops, dresses (my fave this season are the HI5 dresses from Joe Fresh, which range from 16-19 dollars and are so comfy, i bought 4!) big salads and bbq, wading pools, a hammock in the backyard, watering my flowers at night when the kids are sleeping and all is still, running on sunny glorious morning, feeling light, free and spontaneous!