While I’m craving cooler weather, I’m a little sad to see summer go– we had a good one! So good, in fact, that I’ve decided not to let it all go. I’m carrying some things with me into the next season!
In this post, I’m sharing some of my favorite summer things— what I listened to, what I wore, habits I formed and just some random things I’m loving. If you’re looking to hold on to the simplicity of summer and keep things “free and easy,” this post is for you!
What I listened to
Podcasts/music were frequently playing as I worked in the garden, sat poolside or did chores/projects (like refinishing patio furniture!).
The Ultimate Blog Podcast— while I didn’t create a ton of new blog posts this summer, I stay connected to my community and continued learning with these awesome episodes. I love how these episodes are directly related to blogging and yet, I’m always walking away with powerful life lessons and inspiration. Check out episode 85 🙂
Week of Slow— I discovered this really cool plan on my bible app. It has an audible meditation that includes preparing, reflecting and breathing. It’s just 5 days but I find myself repeating it!
Lectures– As a current student, I played a lot of my lectures on my phone like podcast. I really enjoyed using my treadmill as a space to engage my mind while also slowly engaging my body. Sometimes it was exactly the focus I needed!
This Song— This was on repeat this summer. I put it on all my playlists, so it was playing several times a day– morning, workout, evening chores. In every little thing…How can you not?!
What I Wore
These earbuds— Obviously since I did a lot of listening this summer, I was often wearing the ear buds. I’ve had wireless earphones, but these were a game changer. With a recharging case, I threw them into my purse and take them to go. Yes, the noise cancelling feature is great, but I also like that I can easily adjust to ‘aware’ or ‘outside’ setting to keep attention on the kids. I can’t wait to use these in the carline and for hands free communication this fall!
Sleeveless Short Jumpsuit—great for doing chores around house, running errands or over swimsuit. Definitely transitioning this into the fall and packing it for the beach!
Roll on Sunscreen— An easy to apply sunscreen for the whole family. It fit in my purse, wasn’t a struggle and worked well on our faces at the pool. Keeping this in the bag for soccer games, pumpkin patch and all those outdoor fall activities when the sun is still strong.
Youth Activating BB Cream—Finally found one that I liked better than my drug store BB cream. This is my foundation of summer…and now, all year long 😊
New Habits
Mindfulness– thanks to my health coach training program, I’ve taken a deeper dive into mindfulness. After struggling with it in the past, I’ve become insanely curious. So, I’m working it into my day through various activities (hence, the slow meditation listed above). And let me tell you, it’s really turning into a cool, healthful habit!
Closing the Kitchen: This wasn’t totally new, but I sure got this system down this summer– each day I close the kitchen. Right after dinner, I do a quick clean up and take the extra couple minutes to prep for tomorrow— snacks/lunch/drinks, start dishwasher, prep coffee, etc. Then, lights off. What a great relief to not have to face the kitchen mess after putting the kids to bed! Instead, I could sit, read, or go to bed early myself 😉
Rest Time– every afternoon was mandatory rest time. The kids would head to their room to play/read and I’d find myself with feet up in the chair enjoying some peace and quiet. And even though I’ll have more “quiet” time with the kids in school and perhaps it won’t feel as necessary, this is one habit that I want to keep doing to reduce stress. Giving myself permission to shut out the world for few minutes and not feel like I needed to do all the things was truly freeing.
Random Things I Loved
Pineapples: No longer avoiding fresh pineapples, in fact, I’m intentionally buying them… and often! With this corer and cutter, I learned that the kids and I could enjoy fresh pineapple in 5 minutes. So much fun! Be sure to have some kids knifes on hand, too.
Dog Paw Cleaner—It rained a lot this summer. Our backyard tends to stay damp. This literally changed my mornings when the dog came back inside. I don’t want to be dramatic, but a quick paw dip and wipe would wash away the mud…yelling and sometimes tears. I kid you not 😉
Non scratch Dish Wand—transformed the way I cleaned…everything! Fill with dawn soap + vinegar and leave one hanging in every bathroom and in kitchen.
Soft Citrus Scent– This new scent of grapefruit, lime (+ rosemary!) won me over this summer. I craved showers with this body wash and my post sun care with Heal body oil. I’m convinced there is no better feeling than being sun kissed, sleepy and in jammies with a soft citrus scent before dinner. I can’t wait to use this in the cooler months when I need some of that summertime feeling!
So there ya have it. Just a random list of things that brought true joy this summer. Aside from my kids and husband, of course 😉
What were your favorite things?
What are you taking with you into the next season? Leave a comment below and let me know!
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