I often reminisce on childhood and how summer felt. The warm days, no school, and planning an epic summer just like Phineas and Ferb. Now with work, school, and friends being far and many other responsibilities, it’s not quite the same, but that doesn't mean it can't feel the same.  

Ever since moving to Pennsylvania, I've really fallen in love with seasons and healthy change. The whole new beginnings mentality has been really healing for me and allowed me to grow so much as a person.

Growing up in Florida, there are no seasons, well aside from the rainy season and, of course, hurricane season. Moving to Pennsylvania in the middle of winter was quite a change but a beneficial and healthy one. Now it is finally spring; the grass is bright green, everything is blooming, and it is so refreshing; it feels like, and literally is, a new beginning all over again.

As it warms up, I can't help but think of how to truly have the best summer and make the most of it. I've decided to use my summer as a way to get back into the things I love and what makes me happy at my core. 

I've created a summer reading list, Netflix must-watch list, set personal goals, and set a vision for what I want my summer to entail. I want my summer to be filled with walks throughout my peaceful little town, cooking new recipes, diving into new books or even past favorites, writing, spending time with my family, painting, creating, and falling in love all over again with spending time with myself.

Whether it’s planning a girls’ night with wine, Emily in Paris, and a lovely charcuterie board or creating a healthy schedule that ensures you get outside, enjoy the beautiful sun, and get your body moving, it will all create a wonderful summer.

When it really comes down to anything in life, it truly is all about the little things. Find the little things that make you happy, that matter most to you, and that inspire you, and use those elements to fuel your best summer yet.

Nights to Plan

• Charcuterie Board + Wine Night

• Emily in Paris binge featuring your favorite desserts

• Bridgerton, bubble baths, and all the pasta you can eat

• Dress up and head to a great restaurant; you deserve to treat yourself!

Activities to Plan

• Painting

• Picnic in a garden

• Walk around downtown

• Read your favorite book by the pool

• Yoga with friends

• Brunch

• Coffee & bookstore date

• Vision board craft night

• Bucket list trip planning

• Start a new workout class, Pilates, Orangetheory, F45

• Scope out new breweries

• Find a winery to enjoy with friends

• Plan dinner nights such as taco night, an Italian summer pasta cook-off, baking night, etc.

• At-home projects (I’m adding bookshelves for a mini library this summer!)

Summer Netflix Must-Watch Shows + Movies

• Bridgerton

• Emily in Paris

• Love is Blind

• Ginny & Georgia

• Benchwarmers

• Grown - Ups

• How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

• To All The Boys I've Loved Before

• The Crown

• Eat Pray Love

• Sweet Magnolias

• Wine Country

• Girls Trip 

Summer Reading List

• Under the Tuscan Sun

• When Life Gives You Lululemon

• Meeting in Positano

• The Selection

• One Italian Summer

• White House by The Sea (Release is June 27th)

• Happy Place

• A Perfect Vintage (Release is June 2023)

• Daisy Jones & the Six

• The Codebreaker's Secret

• Anne of Green Gables

• Little Women

• The Spice Master at Bistro Exotique 

Meal of The Summer - Chopped Pasta Salad

• Bow tie pasta

• Cucumbers

• Grape tomatoes

• Pickled onions

• Banana peppers

• Pepperoni

• Spicy Soppressata

• Iceberg lettuce

• Basil

• Truffle Gouda

• Dressing (mayo, apple cider vinegar, oregano, basil, red chili flakes, olive oil)

Drink of The Summer - Cream Soda Olipop

Breakfast of The Summer - Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes

Dessert of The Summer - Chocolate Covered Bananas

From rereads to new reads and old movies to new shows, I hope you found some things to add to your summer adventure list! Make this summer about investing in the person you want to become. Focus on your peace, live in the moment, and find time to do what makes you happy and what makes you feel full! Hope you enjoy the activities, recipes, books & movies as much as I do!