Hi Everyone! It’s really starting to heat up here in Chicago and if I’m being completely honest, I’d have to say that summer is probably my least favorite season. Hot and sticky days with nary a breeze in sight are not exactly enjoyable to me. I do, however, love living in Chicago and experiencing the change of seasons, so I thought I’d put together a list of everything I do love about summer.
Summer thunderstorms. It’s been raining quite a bit around here lately and while most people complain about the rain, I secretly love it. Rain is so peaceful and calming to me. It gives me an excuse to just stay inside and cuddle with my loves and watch TV (as if I really needed an excuse for that). And if those thunderstorms are at night: double bonus! I love falling asleep to the soft pitter-patter of the rain outside.
Outdoor activities. Living in Chicago is wonderful for the most part, but we do have brutally long, cold winters, so when the snow melts and the sun starts shining it’s time to come out of hibernation. And that means outdoor activities like hiking at Starved Rock, walks to the nearest ice cream shop, swimming, beach days, baseball games, flea markets and street festivals, outdoor yoga, picnics… I could go on and on!
Summer foods. I don’t know about you, but there are just some foods that say “summer” to me. It’s not like you can’t eat those foods during other seasons, but it’s just not the same. Examples of those foods, you ask? Bruschetta, pasta salad, pink lemonade, watermelon, or corn on the cob, to name a few.
Sundresses, skirts, tank tops, and bare arms! I love when my arms and legs get that golden, sun-kissed look, but that’s really hard to get when you’re swaddled in wool sweaters all winter long. That’s why man invented sundresses and tank tops to go along with summer! Summer clothes are so bright and fresh and effortless!
Outdoor concerts. Okay, so I will admit that I am not a concert person. Like, not at all. But I love me some Ravinia. For those who don’t know, Ravinia is the oldest music festival in the country and every summer they have a great mix of artists perform. There is pavilion seating (for a little extra $) and lawn seating (for a little extra fun!). Lawn seating is the best because you get there early with some friends, a blanket, some lawn chairs, a bottle of wine (or four), and some of the foods listed in #3 and you get to have the best picnic while listening to the best music.
My Birthday! I’ve always said that when I have a child I would want to plan it so that his/her birthday falls in the summer. I can attest as an August girl that summer birthdays are THE BEST! I mean, how can a winter birthday possibly top warm weather, NO school, pool parties, and rooftop bars/restaurants? Alas, my sweet baby girl was born in March, but there’s always next time. 😉
The daaayyyyyys are longer. I don’t know about you, but I get so down when we’re forced to turn the clocks back in the fall. You go to work and it’s dark outside, you leave work and it’s dark outside. It’s like you never see the light of day! But in the summer the days stretch endlessly into dusky pink and purple skies while the sun casts long shadows. Hooray for daylight!
Al fresco dining. What’s better than outdoor eating on a gorgeous summer night? Go ahead, Im listening. EXACTLY– there is nothing better! I love when restaurants open their big floor to ceiling windows so you can enjoy your meal with a warm breeze and some people watching.
Flowers and gardens. Every summer my mom plants a simple garden of basil and tomato plants that is pretty enough to be featured in Home and Gardens. And with that sweet basil and juicy tomatoes we make… you guessed it– bruschetta! (See #3)
Fireworks. There are some people that have Fourth of July traditions that they stick to every year. We don’t have a tradition, but every year seems to be more fun than the last. It always includes some form of delicious barbecuing, a couple of adult beverages, and ends with a blanket on the grass somewhere with the kabooming of fireworks overhead.
Hmmm… after writing this list I’m starting to think I might like summer more than I thought! What else would you add to this list? What’s your favorite season?
XO,
L
