Summer 2016: My Favorite Things

From raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, let’s have a chat about my favorite summer things!

As the calendar quickly nears the end of July, my heart jolts. Time certainly is fleeting, isn’t it? Summer 2016 came upon us at warped speed and just as quickly is whizzing by. Before we know it, we’ll be slinking out of the office in frigid temperatures under a blanketed sky of darkness at 6 o’clock. *shivers at the thought* Oh summer, why must you go so quickly?

While parading around the park on Friday afternoon, my mind started to ponder this question:

What can I do to get the most out of my summer?

Summer 2016 has been a particularly harrowing time, with violence and turmoil headlining the daily news around the world. More than ever, I find it important to appreciate the things and the people that most bring us joy. Be it a summer storm, an ice cold beverage on the deck, a day by the pool or a great new recipe – we all have our favorite things that bring us happiness. Let’s enjoy them and add to that list while we can – before summer is gone!

Finding Joy in the Simple Things – at Home

When I think about my favorite summer things this year, I think of the days I’ve spent by the pool with Rosebud — my furry mermaid friend. Not everything can run smoothly though. Sometimes, the heat can get too hot, so what better way to cool off than switching on the air conditioning. When I went to switch it on, it didn’t work. I tried this a number of times and still nothing. I was shocked, as it was working perfectly a few days a go. But I knew that I couldn’t leave it like that, especially not in this heat. So, I asked a few of my friends what I should do and they told me how using the services of a hvac repair company would be my best bet. I did just that and it was fixed in little to no time at all. Now, I can finally start using the air conditioning again and still be able to enjoy this summer weather. At first, sorting out repairs can seem like a lot of effort, but when you take time to think that it’s as simple as doing a quick google search into something like Escondido HVAC Pros, you’ll realise that it was all worth it and you can finally enjoy having a cool house in the summer once again. It’s the small things that make a difference.

Anyway, back to what I got up to this summer. I think of the fun I’ve had exploring my hometown and neighborhoods I haven’t really ventured into before. I’ve attended summer festivals, visited local landmarks, explored new parks, found hidden vegan eateries and even belted out a song or two on Wednesday night karaoke with new friends. We have actually made karaoke a regular thing now as we have so much fun! The venue told us to take a look at the 5 best karaoke microphones so we could practice at home and be on our A-game for the next karaoke evening. I already have my next song in mind! It’s going to be a big number…

Essentially, my summer 2016 has been about enjoying what I have. We all get caught up in our hectic work schedules and wanting to leave town at every chance we get, that we often miss out on the great opportunities hanging out in our own back yards.

Windows Down. Wind in My Hair.

One of my favorite summer things to do is among the simplest of pleasures: drives with the windows down, an iced latte and great music (often Florence + the Machine). On my commutes home from work, I find myself taking back roads I’ve never traveled before to savor these summer drives while I can.

Magazines and Sunshine

Nothing speaks summer to me quite like a hot day by the pool with a healthy stack of fashion and beauty magazines. With summer tunes playing in the background and an iced cold class of diet tonic with lime, I can relax and absorb myself in the world of beauty and glamour that awaits me on glossy magazine pages. It’s a mental retreat that is so tranformative. Oh sure, my magazine subscriptions often go unnoticed through the year — but come summer, I relish them.

With just one month to go until Labor Day weekend, we’re in a time crunch to enjoy every favorite summer activity that we can. Is there anything you want to do this summer that you haven’t accomplished yet?

I definitely want to find time to finish another book (or two) and make better use of the grilling season. While I’ve definitely made my fair share of guacamole and pasta salad this summer, I have yet to actually grill anything. I think some portabella mushroom steaks on the grill and veggie kabobs are in my future! I also want to be sure to hit up at least one more local festival – and go on the rides! There’s nothing quite like a festival ride to make you feel like a kid again, is there?

I hope you enjoyed this post and my musings about favorite summer things. Let’s step outside and enjoy this hot weather while we can!

What I Wore
NY and Company Floral Blouse
Mine is on sale, here (with limited sizes)
For more sizes, here is a similar one.

ASOS White Lace Skater Skirt (similar, here)

As always, stay stylish and keep chasing your dreams!

XOXO
Kelly

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