5 Things to Enjoy This Year's Summer

Summer time is always a time I am reevaluating the first half of the year. You know, what went wrong, what went exceptionally well, what could have been better and what needs improvement. Life is full of little things...things that shape anyone. We often read or say to appreciate the little things in life. Honestly this means to cherish every single moment given to you; the good and the bad. I recently read this book about the author and her decision to pay more attention to her actual life, day in and day out. Every month she decided to focus on something new. She wanted to be more alert of her life, more present, more there. Easier said than done. 

Now today, I don't want to talk about the book or how to better yourself. We all strive to live a better life, to be a better version of ourselves, and to just be happy! We all do. Even the richest people in the world try to find happiness, and enjoy the little things...some are oblivious to the fact that money doesn't buy everything, but most people are. That's besides the point. Today I want to talk about 5 things to enjoy this year's summer {or the rest of it} to the fullest possible...or if you haven't started living this summer here's a great start...

- schedule a day and be spontaneous. Hop in your car, have healthy snacks such as apples, carrots, water, and nuts with you, get gas and drive. Don't go to an area you have been to in the past year; try to explore a new place. Spontaneity is the key word. The only thing you have to do is schedule one day; whether that is an extra day off from work or a weekend off. Take that full day and live it outside your home, away from it all...and yes, don't forget your camera to remember it all by.

- summer days are longer than winter days. That's my favorite thing about this season, so I try to make every minute or hour count. Cook something new and have a date night at home {and if you're single why not invite your best friends over}. There are so many yummy recipes waiting to be tested, explored and eaten. Like Paella? Make it. Like Italian antipasti? Make it all and enjoy it on your patio. Enjoy delicious looking summer drinks? Step it up a notch and make your own! Plus, with temperatures being warmer now it's awesome to sit outside and eat later than usual gazing at the sunset! 

- go out and take a walk, and whenever you come across a person do the most simple and loving gesture there is: smile! Spread it, own it, and keep going. But make sure you don't scare people with your smile... ;) 

- money can be an issue no matter where or who you are. I get it. I'm right there with you. We are currently saving up for a house and this means all kinds of commitments and sacrifices. I love to save money but I get it, it's never a ton of fun. I look at summer as the time to scratch a few things off our monthly bill list...and with that we are learning to live life more in the now, and to be more present. We recently cancelled our cable, cut back on fun stuff {massages, games, movies, restaurants, and clothes shopping}, as well as started to be more aware of when and how we use energy and water. Gotta save where you can. With that in mind summer can be a bust, BUT no movies doesn't mean no fun and no shopping doesn't mean we will walk around naked. We have plenty of clothes, we have plenty of DVDs and streaming is an alternative option. Also, why stay inside to watch a movie or play a game when it's beautiful and warm outside?! Yes, we have temps in the 100s too and it's gross, and that is when I prefer to stay inside...so I change my plans or work around the heat.
Creativity is the key here. You don't have to spend a ton of money this summer, even when you want to be spontaneous or cook a fun meal at home. 

- most importantly though is that you have fun! If your kind of fun consists of adventures, pool parties, shopping days, hikes, or endless hours holding books...have fun with it! You can cook, explore a new area, smile and be creative but that is not worth one bit if you don't have fun with it. Fun is all this summer needs. If you can't find that then it is time to work hard on finding it because, what's the point in living a fantastic, fulfilled and happy life if you can't have fun!!

Now excuse me while I am going to pain my own nails in turquoise while listening to my favorite kind of sing-along-music. And then, I'm adding a trip to the grocery store because that allows me to buy a few more items for a few more new dishes and a summer drink I am dying to try out tomorrow. See? I might spend money on groceries but I will use that towards about five home dates with B, cooking new recipes and creating a summer cocktail. It's all about the perspective, and creativity, and yes FUN!

Happy Summer Time to all of you!!

xox