Aaaaaahhh… summer, you have finally arrived. :-)
If your notion of summer is to live in a more relaxed style then you will enjoy the…
…Summer Simplified blog hop that I am taking part in today with a group of other summer loving bloggers. We are all sharing ideas on how we try to make the living easy all summer long.
This year will mark my first summer living in our lake house and to say I am excited is a huge understatement.
I am looking forward to putting my TO-DO list on a diet so I can enjoy the longer days, more sunsets, fresh veggies and herbs from the garden. Boat rides with friends and family, drifting lazily on a float or just hanging out on the dock with my feet dangling in the water with a good book in my hand…
…equals summer bliss for me.
Here are a few other ways that I am going to try to savor life this summer.
No. 1 Take It Outside
It is my natural instinct to want to be outside. I try to achieve this in as many ways as I can. One is to dine alfresco for every meal. I spend less time fussing and more time simply lingering. Just grab a tray and put your breakfast on it and carry it to your patio, porch or deck to enjoy the start of your day outside in the fresh air before the heat of the day sets in.
In the evening, use your grill (no need to heat up the kitchen) to cook simple foods enhanced with herbs plucked right out of your garden. Like this Lemon Herb Chicken that will make for a memorable evening.
No. 2 Step Away From Your Normal Routine
Some of my best creative ideas come to me when I distance myself from the daily grind. Instead of watching evening TV, get out and enjoy the longer days and take a walk outside by yourself, with your spouse or best buddy.
Take time to enjoy the colors of summer along the way.
No. 3 Make Summer Rock
If you have created an outdoor living space to kick back and enjoy life… then make the time to do just that.
I bought two indoor/outdoor rocking chairs that swivel, rock and simply let me lounge comfortably while enjoying doing nothing but looking out at the lake.
No. 4 Light the Night
Light the night with candle lanterns when dining or to simply add ambiance around your outdoor space when the sun goes down. They provide a more relaxed atmosphere than electric lights.
No. 5 Stargaze
On a warm night when the heat of the day has drained all your energy, fall into a chaise or hammock and simply stargaze to see the wonder right above you.
Download a stargazing app on your phone to see what stars, planets and constellations are in the night sky over the summer months. Make a game out of how many constellations you and/or your kids can line up with the phone app with the sky above you. There are many free apps available. Try SkyView on an iPhone and SkyMap on an Android phone.
I am looking forward to doing all these things this summer and savoring every minute. Life is too short not too.
How do you enjoy outdoor living at your house over the summer months? Any ideas you would like to share?
For more ideas on making outdoor summer living the best, follow the links below to take the Summer Simplified tour.
Day 4
Debbiedoo’s
Craftberry Bush
At The Picket Fence
On Sutton Place
Day 3
In My Own Style :-) Me
The Wood Grain Cottage
Maison de Pax
Love of Home
Setting For Four
My Soulful Home
Day 2
StoneGable
Duke Manor Farm
Savvy Southern Style
Southern Hospitality
Shabbyfufu
Day 1
Driven By Decor
Garden Therapy
Empress of Dirt
Cedar Hill Farmhouse
Heather says
06/08/2016 at 4:41 pmLove your lake home and those swivel rockers are gorgeous! Wishing you a beautiful relaxing summer Diane!
Diane Henkler says
06/08/2016 at 11:53 pmHi Heather – Thanks. So far the summer is starting out beautifully. I plan to enjoy lots of deck/porch rocking. :-)
Ann says
06/05/2016 at 10:30 amI love everything about your outdoor living area…but my favorite thing is that it’s so welcoming. Clearly you love where you live! Your pic of the lake at night is stunning. I’m downloading that app tonight!
Vanessa says
06/04/2016 at 5:01 pmThose rocking chairs!! Everything is truly lovely Diane and you sound so much like me with the way you choose to enjoy summer. Just last night my husband and I turned off the tv and sat outside after the kids were in bed. It was just so nice to have that uninterrupted time with no distractions. :-)
Kelly says
06/04/2016 at 3:48 pmSo pretty, summery & what a view!
Patricia Wilson says
06/04/2016 at 1:44 amDiane, thanks so much for the reminder to enjoy the late spring and summer. That sunset over your lake is just as breathtakingly beautiful as any I’ve ever seen.
Melissa says
06/03/2016 at 10:45 pmSounds like a plan! I intend to make summer rock. Lovely inspiration!
Lisa | Shine Your Light says
06/03/2016 at 6:42 pmDiane your outdoor space at your lake house is just beautiful! That view!! I am in love with your wicker rockers, they look so comfy and I’m sure they will be put to good use this summer!
Kim says
06/03/2016 at 5:38 pmGreat tips Diane for easy summer living. How nice to have that lovely lake view to enjoy!
laura at duke manor farm says
06/03/2016 at 5:25 pmHi Diane, love all your ideas and the amazing spaces that you have to do it in. Your new home on the lake is just beautiful and really speaks to my outdoor loving heart.
susan says
06/03/2016 at 1:50 pmIt’s beautiful Diane!!
Linda says
06/03/2016 at 12:33 pmYou are one lucky, blessed lady. I’ll dream through your eyes….
erika says
06/03/2016 at 11:52 amBoy, Diane, you sure do have the right idea……out on the dock dangling your feet in the water and watching the world float by. Love it…..and your great place on the lake.
Nancy says
06/03/2016 at 11:33 amGreat ideas as always. Are there bugs outside your lake home? We are using an electric device here outside in Mn.
Smiles
Debbie Klausing says
06/03/2016 at 11:15 pmMosquitoes keep me inside in the Summer far too often! Makes it hard for me to relax.
Diane Henkler says
06/04/2016 at 3:06 pmHi Debbie – The bugs can get bad, our neighbors told us about using a company called Mosquito Joe that uses non-toxic garlic spray to get rid of mosquitos and other pesty summer bugs. The bugs hate the smell and go elsewhere. It is amazing how well it keeps the bugs away. They have to respray every month. It is not inexpensive, but we figured we want to enjoy being outside and it was worth the expense.
Diane Henkler says
06/04/2016 at 3:12 pmThanks Nancy –
Yes there are bugs, but our neighbors all use Mosquito Joe to get rid of them and we signed up, too. It is a company that comes once a month and sprays the yards and docks with non-toxic garlic spray. It works amazingly well and worth the expense since we love being outdoors.
Nancy says
06/03/2016 at 11:05 amDiane!! I love them all and can’t wait to do ALL of them!! Enjoy your first summer at the Lakehouse!! Xo
Mary Heicher says
06/03/2016 at 10:55 amOur deck is finally in the works. The hubbies years in college are finally coming into use, (drafting) since he’s designing it. The garden is blooming. The pepper plants are flowering. The pool is open Yeh! Here’s to summer!
Kris {Driven by Decor} says
06/03/2016 at 8:57 amDiane, your lake house looks so beautiful and relaxing! Love your tips and I totally agree – the best part of summer is being able to slow down a bit and enjoy the beauty around us!