Hi friends! I hope you all enjoyed a relaxed and restorative long weekend!
They say Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer, and they couldn't be more right. Yesterday my car thermometer read 120 degrees! My Bug tends to exaggerate temperatures though, so we'll go with 100*. :-)
Nonetheless, it was HOT, and it looks like the heat is here to stay!
However, it's definitely not the swamp-like weather that makes summer my favorite season...
...but simple pleasures.
Summertime helps me remember that joy in life is found by savoring the small things--the everyday happenings that we so often take for granted.
The following are seven of my favorite simple summer pleasures (in no particular order):
What are yours?
1. *Sand on Skin*
Foot modeling on the beach in Mexico ;-)
Not only does it feel good, it's also good for you. The gently abrasive grains buff away dead skin cells, softening your skin and making it glow!
2. *Melting Ice Cream*
In the winter I microwave my ice cream to achieve that irresistible soft consistency. (Does anyone else do this?!).
But in the summer, that's no longer necessary!
3. *Trashy Indulgent Novels*
Beach reading is all the better when it feels like a real indulgence. Think of it as dessert for your mind; the emptier the intellectual calories, the better! So go ahead,you've been good. Have a summer fling with an indulgent book. ;-p
Three of my favorite indulgent reads:
Queen of Babble by Meg Cabot
Skinny Dip by Carl Hiaasen
The English American by Alison Larkin
4. *Juicy Fruit*
I don't mean this...
Although Juicy Fruit gum does evoke many happy childhood memories! (As does Bazooka! Remember those comic strips?)
No, I'm talking about the real thing: succulent, affordable (!!), juicy, ripe fruit, like peaches and pineapple. Plump strawberries and watermelon.
It's delicious plain, but also shines in easy appetizers like this:
**Watermelon, Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella Skewers with Basil and Balsamic**
I brought these to a "finger food" party last week and they were devoured.
Click HERE for the recipe!
5. *S'more's by the campfire**
I just loooove getting dirt on my clothes and peeing in outhouses, don't you? ;-p
All kidding aside, I truly enjoy camping because it provides the opportunity to breathe fresh air, marvel at gorgeous scenery, swim in crystal clear lakes and cocoon in a sleeping bag at night.
But what I love most about camping is making s'mores.
And eating them...
6. *Fair Food*
It happens just once a year...
Yep, it's pure sugar. Yep, it's PINK. But you know what? It makes me feel like I'm five. And that's fun. :-p
7. *Roadtrips*
Windows down + breeze + sexy shades + summer tunes = perfect recipe for a roadtrip. I'm taking two this summer: 1) a friend's wedding in Pennsylvania and 2) Charleston, where I plan to wine, dine and dance with this hungry, healthy chick.
I'll be listening to a few of my favorite summer songs to help the roadtime fly by:
Life is a Highway--Rascal Flatts
Summer of '69--Bryan Adams
Summer Nights--John Travolta and Olivia Newton John (looove Grease!)
Born to Run--Bruce Springsteen
Soak Up the Sun--Sheryl Crow
Summertime--DJ Jazzy and the Fresh Prince (check out Will Smith in the 80's!)
We Didn't Start the Fire--Billy Joel
Summer Girls--LFO (I like girls that wear Abercrombie and Fitch...oooh high school)
*HUGS!!*
What is your favorite summer song?
Favorite simple summer pleasure?
