Happy Summer, Friends! I am finally sitting down to share all that I’ve been up to this season with these 10 Things I’m Loving This Summer.
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Life Lately
As I do every summer, I step away from the blog, slow down my schedule, and invite a bit more adventure into my life – well, ‘adventure’ in the eyes of a self-confessed introvert, that is 😉 Slowing the pace of things gives me the opportunity to focus a bit more attention on the people and things in my life that I’ve been missing during the busy-ness of the previous season.
In the mix are always long-neglected connections, activities, and creative pursuits that I’ve been longing for and am now giving myself the time to savour!
Here they are, in no particular order…
10 THINGS I’M LOVING THIS SUMMER
1. Exploring
Summer is by far the best time to go on excursions and day trips, especially if you’re on a budget. Recently, I went on a day trip to some neighbouring towns with a couple of dear friends. We had such a lovely day together, sharing and caring for one another – all while enjoying a bit of shopping and exploring.
I just love poking around towns that have a bit of history and a whole lot of small town charm! You just never know what will inspire you.
I just loved this style ‘moment’ we stumbled upon in front of one of the local shops. Rustic charm, through and through.
We did some shopping (of course) and had lunch at a tea room where I couldn’t help taking pictures of the bathroom – of all things! But can you blame me? SO charming!
2. Reading
Besides exploring the outside world, I’ve also been exploring my inner world with some good reads. Here are just a couple of the books I’m currently reading:
Fervent: A Woman’s Battle Plan to Serious, Specific, and Strategic Prayer by Priscilla Shirer (The book is inspired by the Netflix movie, War Room).
A good read for any woman who is ready to develop an actual prayer strategy. While I don’t agree with every point theologically (don’t mean to get heavy here!), it has been a good book to unpack with my book study group. It has sharpened my prayer life (and answered prayers) beyond anything I could have expected.
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins.
If spirituality is not your thing, then why not try some fiction? This is a New York Times #1 best-seller (later made into a movie) and one that I couldn’t put down. It’s a psychological thriller about a troubled woman who sees something shocking happen during her daily commute and soon gets entangled in this mystery.
3. Watching
I’m always watching something on Netflix or YouTube, regardless of the season. Here are a few of my fave movies and tv shows I’m currently enjoying:
Drama (on Netflix): Loving. An interracial love story based on the real-life events of Richard and Mildred Loving who, in 1958, were arrested for violating Virginia’s anti-miscegenation laws. (Even better is the HBO Documentary, “The Loving Story” which you can catch on YouTube).
Hallmark movie (on YouTube): The Magic of Ordinary Days. Set in Colorado during WWII, it’s a story of how opposites attract. I’ve watched this one SO many times (despite the so-so sound quality), and even read the novel. I finally decided to bite the bullet and order the DVD on Amazon.
School Days Inspiration (on Netflix): Mona Lisa Smile. Why are all the best movies set in classrooms? One of my favourite, coming of age movies, starring Julia Roberts.
4. Eating
Every summer, I buckle down and try and eat a bit better. Although I don’t follow any one diet plan, lately, I’ve been re-examining some of the principles surrounding the Keto diet. I’m not following the Keto plan strictly, but I find the basic advice of increasing our protein, salads, and healthy fats – a whole foods approach – a no-brainer for me.
Here are a couple of my favourite go-to channels (not all are Keto, but all focus on whole, healthy foods):
Dr Eric Berg (Keto, Intermitten Fasting)
Dr Josh Axe (Natural medicine, Natural foods)
Dr Mona Vand (vegan, healthy lifestyle)
5. Drinking
One of the things that I picked up again back in the spring, was drinking lemon water.
I start off every morning with a glass of lemon-infused water to flush out toxins and to keep inflammation down both in my body and on my skin. I then make sure to bring some to work in a water bottle, which helps me remember to drink my lemon water throughout the day.
When I don’t drink it, I notice I bloat more and my breakouts are more active! Not fun 🙁
The benefits are endless, but here are just 7 Benefits of Lemon Water.
If you’re having trouble finding organic juices locally, then you might want to try searching on Amazon where you can find a variety of organic lemon juice and organic lime juice.
6. Wearing
My outfits are always casual, regardless of the season. I never deviate from what feels comfortable to me. Everything I’m wearing this season is the epitome of comfort and quintessentially ‘me,’ including the summer outfit I wore on my recent excursion. I was surprised to get as many compliments that day as I did (okay, two in total, but they made my day!). It goes to show that when you find the style you feel most comfortable in, you’ll shine 🙂
Here’s the breakdown:
Celebrity Pink Jeans: High-waisted (and super soft!) cropped jeans
(You can’t see them – thankfully! – but I’ve also got on Wirarpa Cotton Underwear, a best-seller on Amazon – they are amazingly comfy!)
7. Crafting
I’ve been surprisingly low-key with my crafting lately. I’ve dabbled here and there, but mainly I’ve been pinning images onto my Pinterest boards for inspiration.
My most-active boards the past few weeks that you’ll definitely want to check out:
And, of course, whenever I post on the blog, I always pin on my Pinterest board here:
A Pretty Fix – Best of the Blog
8. Decorating
Many of you caught my latest Serene Summer Living Room Tour (& Blog Hop), and not much has changed. But I’m already planning my fall scheme. It’ll be a bit moodier with some hits of rust and deep blues.
I’ve already purchased some pillow covers on Amazon and also took advantage of the faux floral sale at Michael’s (buy-one-get-one-free). I purchased Ashland’s fall collection of Bush/Gerbe Fleurie (below) which will add nicely to my current obsession with wildflowers. I’m just LOVING these buds!
9. Learning
My latest DIY Boho Macrame Coasters (video tutorial) has me inspired to design some more macrame DIYs for you guys. (I am planning a wall hanging and maybe a bookmark or two).
In the meantime, I’ve been watching a lot of tutorials on the following YouTube channels to keep me inspired:
Emily Faith (beginner macrame, vintage decor and fashion)
Crafty Ginger (macrame tutorials)
LotsofKnots Canada (macrame tutorials)
10. Planning
I’m a visual learner (as many of us are!), so providing affordable, online courses has always been a dream of mine. SO, I’ve finally designed an online intro weaving course that I’ll be filming this summer. I’ve got the designs sketched out, and all my yarns selected. Can’t wait to begin!
It will be a start-to-finish weaving course that will give students the confidence to create their first wall weavings. I remember creating my first weaving and I’m so excited to set others on this time-honoured, creative path!
In the meantime, if you’re looking to learn a few weaving basics, I’ve got you covered right here on the blog:
An Introduction To Weaving (Part 1 and Part 2)
10 Best Weaving Tutorials from A Pretty Fix (from beginner to intermediate)
Well, that about catches you up on some of my favourite things! Although I am still working the day job with a bit of vacation time set aside late in August, I am determined to take some time to enjoy the season. I hope you are, too!
‘Til next time, friends!
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