10 Fun Summer Things

We’re in the middle of a Midwest heat wave, with a sprinkler slowly oscillating in our yard every morning and a daily reviving of parched blue hydrangeas. The kids and I have spent most of our days at the pool, where they can now spend hours at a time (and carry their own towels!) – a different season from the toddler and baby years, for sure. I try to avoid turning on our oven at all costs to keep our house cool, and a top priority has been making sure we are all well-stocked with fresh library books for summer reading.

In the spirit of lazy summer days, I wanted to round up some fun things that might make your summer break a little more wonderful. You’ll find those in the list below, and feel free to share your own fun summer list in the comments!

Here are ten summer things I’m into…

1. This cover-up. My favorite thing to throw on when going to the pool and lake. A splurge, but totally worth it since I can wear this for years to come. Always feels so light and comfortable, even in the heat.
2. Last night’s dinner. Avoiding the oven has me upping my salad game, and I don’t mind spending a little extra effort making a homemade dressing or fun toppings if it means we get a refreshing dinner.
3. It felt like a risk, but after ordering an exercise dress to try out, I can officially say I’m a fan. So flattering with adjustable straps and pockets! It is great for walks and pickle ball, but also just for running around town or even a date. Would be cute with these or these.
4. Summer reading! You guys know I am all about a good book, so here are a few I would recommend for vacation: Instructions for a Heatwave by Maggie O’Farrell, Book Lovers by Emily Henry, I Guess I Haven’t Learned that Yet by Shauna Niequist, The Kitchen Front by Jennifer Ryan, The Late Bloomer’s Club by Louise Miller.
5. This hat. One of my most-worn summer basics. Highly recommend (and while you’re there, pick this up on sale too – another favorite basic).
6. Our favorite acrylic glassware is on sale. We use these constantly year-round, but especially in the summer. Great for kids, but still classic and well-designed.
7. Forever favorite tee – I size up one size.
8. On a recent walk, this podcast episode with Andy Crouch was such a good listen (really looking forward to reading his new book, too!)
9. A life-saver in our house on hot days.
10. My summer uniform: a breezy tank, classic denim shorts, and tan sandals!

Cheers to summer break!