Issue #42: A Simple Summer
Move slowly, explore a few new spots, and other things I'm planning to do this summer
Forget Hot Girl Summer or any of the other silly phrases that show up everywhere for a few weeks, this year is all about simplicity for me. I want a boring and simple summer. We spent years flying all over the country, going to weddings, showers, bachelorette parties, and checking things off the travel bucket list in whirlwind weekend trips. I’m not feeling that anymore.
We are keeping our calendars fairly open. This allows us to find camping spots on beautiful weekends, paddle out when the breeze is light, or stay home and watch movies when we are exhausted. There are a few things on the calendar, but we stuck to a limited one big plan each month to leave the rest of the weekends open, and I’m excited about it. Being intentional about it will help reduce any envy or FOMO when I see other people share their big adventures this summer. Instead, I’m cheering you on if you’re in your busy season and doing all the things while happily knowing that it’s the opposite for me this year.
So, here is my list of things I wish for this summer. It’s easy and breezy and makes me feel calm when I look at it instead of tired.
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A Simple Summer Wishlist
Explore a New City
My one big trip in June is meeting up with some friends in Vancouver, BC (I’ll be north of the border when this drops in inboxes.) I’ve driven through the city on the way to Whistler but have never really stopped. It will be fun to have a weekend of wandering, trying new restaurants, and enjoying the beautiful sunny weather that is in the forecast.
Sunset Paddles
This will be our third summer with our Oru Kayaks, and we still love them. We can easily fit two in the back of our Nissan Rogue Sport. Setting them up takes less than 10 minutes, which is faster than most inflatable kayaks. Our dog is a trooper and likes being in the water and wearing his life jacket (we use this colorful one with a handle), so I’m hoping we can pack them up for quite a few paddles this summer.
Get your own foldable kayak here and take advantage of their current promo. And watch this super cool Timelapse if you don’t believe me on the ease of set up and take down.
Morning Reading with Iced Coffee
For once, I’m on track for my reading goal for the year. I set it at 52 books, and I’m cruising. Our little outdoor patio is so comfortable now with new chairs and a little fire pit, so I’m planning to spend many weekend mornings (and some weekdays) sitting out there with coffee and a book. The next few on my to-read list include:
The Round House by Louise Erich (for our little bookclub)
Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout by Cal Newport
Welcome to the Pine Away Motel and Cabins by Katarina Bivald
Let me know what you’re reading this summer.
Hike in the Mountains
I’ve bookmarked at least 50 hikes after hearing someone talk about them or seeing pictures online. I don’t have any crazy goals or long hikes planned this summer, but I want to spend some of my weekend days exploring a new path through the woods. The spots outside of Granite Falls are likely first up on my list.
Community Festivals
Seattle in the summertime is the best. We are lucky enough to have some great local festivals, and Ballard Seafoodfest is one of my favorites. Living just a few blocks away from the action means I’ll get to enjoy the salmon feast at least once and take in some live music on the mid-July weekend. I’d also like to make a return trip to the Salmon Fest in Issaquah this year.
Family Time
We have some family vacations planned for July and August. These trips are both for long weekends, and we will be traveling to destinations to meet our siblings. Those types of trips are always my favorite because we get more quality time than if we visit them back home in Minnesota. Plus, my nephews will be riding ponies for the first time, and I cannot wait for their excitement.
Outdoor Music Concerts
Live music is back for us. We’ve got some tickets for some outdoor concerts this summer, and I’m hoping to add another one or two, maybe when we want to be spontaneous. I wish tickets were a bit cheaper, but I rarely regret spending the money once I’m there swaying back and forth.
Make Desserts
I think about strawberry shortcake more than most people and always say that I will make it with some fresh farmer’s market strawberries, but I never have. I think this is the summer for me to try it. Other desserts I think about often include Rice Krispie treats, zucchini bread with chocolate chips, key lime pie, and ice cream sundaes.
Weekday Happy Hour Dates
Workdays are looking more like they did pre-2019 for our household with my husband working at an office or in the field 3-4 days a week. That means we have things to discuss at the end of the workday, and it’s more fun to do it on a patio sipping on an Aperol Spritz.
Happy hour dates are my favorite because they get me out of the house for a little bit on weekdays and also give him a nice wind-down after his day. I’ve been bookmarking small bars and restaurants that we haven’t tried yet. Plus, it means one less meal I need to cook and clean up after at home.
Go Slowly
I want to take long walks with no destination, have Saturdays with zero plans, go on Sunday drives, take naps, and just move slower this season. I think the right word is savor, but that might just be because I’m thinking about food.
Let me know what your plans are for summer. Are you in a busy season or one that you can slow down and savor?
Sitting at your desk? Click this link and escape to a park somewhere in the world for a minute. I love checking this once a day when I need a little distraction.
Dreaming about Italy? I wrote up our experience of a lesser-known gem in Italy and maybe it will help you plan your next trip.
This article has been widely circulated around the internet. It’s definitely a different lifestyle than the one I’ve chosen, but I’m also not sure that having “tons of kids to save the world” is a take I can pretend to understand.
I love secret rooms in houses and this introvert nook is brilliant.
Two of our favorite humans just welcomed twins to their family, and it got me thinking about twins being born as Geminis (the sign of the twins.) It turns out that two famous couples had Gemini twins as well - the Clooneys and Beyonce and Jay-Z. I love fun facts.
Did I miss the announcement that people are drawing freckles on their faces with this makeup?
I updated the list of least visited National Parks that I think you should visit this summer. Check it out.
Here’s a playlist of peaceful songs to help you get in the mood for savoring the summer:
I’m off exploring a little slice of Canada, but I hope you are celebrating the longest day of the year. Thanks again for reading, sharing, and supporting.
Cheers!
Steph