Holding Onto Summer

In these few remaining days before summer officially ends; some are glad with the anticipation of cooler weather, others are sad to have to pack up their bathing suits and sun hats for the season.  

The older I get, the more I miss the days of summer when they go by. What I miss most about summer, when things retire for the season, is how everything seems to be focused around fun about being outside, especially at the beach. Fun in the sun, hanging out by the pool with a cool drink in hand with not a care in the world. The smell of sunscreen and salt air, it is bliss.

I am very blessed and thankful to live in the south near the coast. Our summers last between nine to ten months out of the year. Our summer fun doesn’t stop in September. I can go to the beach or go for a swim nearly year around, weather permitting. 

But I know everyone doesn’t live near warm coasts, so here are my tips onto how to keep summer vibes all year long.

Home Decor

You can incorporate some of your summer favorites out all year long into your home decor that is appropriate for all seasons. Sand, sandalwood, palm leaves, sunflowers, wicker, sea shells, nets, starfish and sand dollars are all season appropriate decors items that can be incorporated in your home decor throughout the year.

Glass bulbs with sand, seashell holiday wreaths, and pumpkins and sunflowers are just some ideas to add some warmth to the growing chill of fall and winter.

Food & Drink

Who says you can’t have a piña colada at Thanksgiving or a rosé at Christmas. If you want an out of season food or drink, why should you deprive your cravings for summer? The future is now, you can get nearly anything you want regardless of season.

This is a fun twist on a summertime favorite, pumpkin pie piña colada. Here is a recipe for this unique concoction: https://www.theedgyveg.com/2012/10/04/pumpkin-pie-pina-colada/

Kitchenware 

Speaking of things out of season, grilling doesn’t have to be just a beloved summer method of cooking. Grill pans that can be used on the stove can be your new favorite thing in the kitchen. When the weather gets cold and frightful, and you’ve got a mad craving for a grilled burgers and hotdogs, a grill pan can save the day and your sanity.

I am a sucker for summer themed cups and mugs. BruMate has their new Summer Ombré collection that gives total summer vibes all year long! 

Aromas 

I am also a sucker for summer scents. I love coconut more than one human being should. The taste and smell takes me to a tropical beach. 

Summer smelling body sprays and candles are an inexpensive fix to sooth a longing soul for the sunshine, sand, and crystal blue water

Bath & Pampering

Bath & Body Works is the kingdom of scents. Their summer beach collections are can cure any longing all year long. Before they retire their summer scents for the reason, I make sure I stock up to last me a good six months, at least. 

But if you just long to sit and relax in beautiful blue water, a bath bomb can go a long way. I have an unreasonable love for blue water, and I have found that the Intergalactic bath bomb from Lush take me away to beautiful blue seas. Note that Intergalactic doesn’t smell like anything like the beach, I just like the blue.

Vacation 

When old man winter pays you a visit, many people think to vacation to hit the slopes. But if you have an itch for the water, there are few better times to book your Caribbean trip than in the midst of winter. Anyone from southern coastal areas can tell you that the best times to score great deals at some of the best beaches in the world is during the off seasons of late fall into late winter.

Music

Create your own summer vibe playlist that’ll help you relax and daydream of summer. My favorite summer playlists on Spotify are “Ocean Escape”, “Hawaiian Dreams”, and the appropriately named “Tropical Vibes”. I listen to these playlists while relaxing in the bathtub with the Intergalactic bath bomb.