What’s on your summer list? I’m looking forward to lazy weekends with no plans other than listening for the ice-cream truck. Here are 10 relaxed things the boys and I are excited about…
1. Watch a classic movie you’ve somehow missed. I saw Dirty Dancing for the first time a few summers back, and this year I might try a little movie called Star Wars. Heard of it?
2. Sit on your porch in a lawn chair. My older neighbors often do this, and we — along with others on the street — stop by to chat whenever we walk past. Such a simple and enjoyable ritual.
3. Create a sun-kissed glow. My skin is so pale it’s almost blue, so for sundresses and skirts, I apply this well-loved lotion a few times a week for a golden glow on my arms and legs. It looks very natural and is easy to use. (By the way, if you’re attending a wedding or party, they offer a great instant version.)
4. Make galettes your signature. Or cakes. Or crumbles.
5. Dive into a lengthy book. Our local bookstore, Liz’s Book Bar, put up a sign saying “Big Book Summer” above a table of hefty selections like Lonesome Dove and Pachinko. How fun would it be to dive into a captivating read? If you’re searching for something new, I’m currently devouring Land by Maggie O’Farrell.
6. Host a picnic for the little ones in your life. Nothing more delightful than sharing a PB&J on a blanket together.
7. Paint your nails on a glossy magazine. I’m currently into this chic neutral and this vibrant coral. (What colors are you sporting?)
8. Reconnect with friends/family. I’ve always lived far from my siblings, parents, and other relatives — often an ocean away — so I cherish catch-up phone calls with aunts, cousins, and grandparents during the summer. Or, if you’re not keen on phone calls, you can text each other your Wordle scores or try Catalogues, the New Yorker game that just debuted today.
9. Walk a friend’s dog. Anton’s perennial favorite activity. xoxo
10. Indulge in an afternoon nap with the fan on because slowing down is the essence of summer. Maybe stay inside and savor a bowl of cereal? Take a cold shower and see how long you last? Just pay attention to your mind and body and take a well-deserved break.
What’s on your summer agenda? I’d love to hear. And here’s the best parenting advice I ever received.
P.S. Mellow summer lists from 2019, 2022, 2023, and 2025. They’re still great!
