Summertime - A Season of Making Great Memories!

Time to unpack the beach chairs and bathing suits! SUMMER IS HERE!! Summer is one of my favorite times of the year. Do you ever notice that people just seem so much happier in the summertime? Whether it’s the “Summer Fridays” at work, the weekend trips to the beach or even the quick lunch on an outdoor patio somewhere – people everywhere get to spend more time outside doing what they love while making memories!

As you unpack your bright and colorful clothing and trade in your Spring “in-between season” clothing, now is the perfect time to take changing your look to the next level! Summer is the perfect time to get that sassy and fun haircut that you’ve always wanted! By changing your look you’ll also see your attitude change! What kind of haircut will inspire you to have the best summer of your life?!

When I think back to some of my favorite memories, the most vivid ones that first come to mind are either from summertime or from the holidays. This is the time of the year where we all seem to do more with our family and friends. Everyone is in a “summer state of mind” and this is when some of our best memories get made!

I always think back to the first summer I spent in New York! I moved here from Ireland in the month of June and remember feeling like New York City was my own personal playground! Living in the city is fun no matter what season it is, but in the Summertime there is so much going on outdoors, too! From concerts in Central Park, street fairs or just sunning yourself in the parks or apartment rooftops, there are plenty of things to do outside! Another great thing about New York City in the summer is how many people leave! I remember feeling like I had the city to myself because people like to take weekend trips during this time of the year! It is really a win-win for all of the people who live in the city, as I am sure is the case with all cities! Some people win by escaping the city for a little while while some get to become better acquainted with the city by having it to themselves!

When I think back to my childhood, some of my favorite memories with my family happened in the summertime! I can still so vividly remember the countless summer days that my family and I spent at the beach and I can still taste the ice cream that my Mom would treat us to! I remember the ice cream melting and dripping in the intense summer heat and racing to finish my ice cream before it got all over me while battling the brain freeze that came with it! After the long day at the beach my mom would prepare a delicious salad for dinner which was a nice change from the typical Irish meals that were full of potatoes! (Yes, the stereotype is true!)

Today, of my favorite parts of the Summer is traveling on my yacht throughout the northeast! There are so many gorgeous places up in New England to travel to, even if just for a quick weekend trip! My favorite place to take out boat to is Maine! There is so much to do, so many beautiful sights and more lobster than you could dream of! I love traveling to Maine so much in the summertime that it’s also going to be my Destination of the Summer! I’ll be posting this new Destination of the Season shortly – so keep a look out for it to learn all about some of my favorite parts of Maine and travel tips!

Summer also means watersports! As you may know, stand up paddle boarding is one of my favorite ways to workout! I no longer have to wait until I’m in Florida to stand up paddle board and can get in this great core workout wherever we bring our boat! I highly recommend you all try stand up paddle boarding this summer! It’s very difficult but it’s a great workout where you also get to enjoy the beautiful ocean and scenery! I still remember my first time(s) paddle boarding a few summers ago. That’s what summer is all about! It’s making these memories by trying new things, especially ones that can only be done in the summer. You’re no longer trapped inside by the cold winter weather, so take this opportunity by the horns to try some new outdoor activities!

This is a great time of year to just get lost. Whether you’re walking around your city or taking a drive with the windows down through a new part of your town, go explore this beautiful earth! Live in the moment and just appreciate all that surrounds you while everything is flourishing! We all know from experience how quickly the summers go by. Before we know it, the leaves will be changing colors and falling to the ground. This green, lush, lively world that we see today will only be here for a few months, so enjoy it while you can!

I remember living in the city and just walking until I didn’t know where I was anymore! I loved getting lost and confused as to where I was and trying to find my way out and stumbling upon new shops and new people that I may not have crossed paths with if I had just stayed in my comfort zone. I loved challenging myself and getting to know new parts of my city and popping into random coffee shops for an iced coffee when I got too hot!

When is the last time you explored your local city? I was just thinking about how people travel all around the word to visit cities and most of us have cities or towns to explore right in our own backyard! When you challenge yourself to leave your comfort zone you never know what kind of unexpected experience can arise! Your summer could end up being so much more exciting and dynamic by opening yourself up to these new opportunities!

Even if it’s just for a day, there is so much going on in cities all the time. Challenge yourself this summer to leave your own comfort zone and explore the dynamics in your local city! There really is so much to see and so much to learn wherever you live, so take this summer to get better acquainted with your surroundings! It’s one of my favorite things to do in the summertime!

There are carnivals or festivals going on every weekend, outdoor sports events, and barbeques galore! One of my favorite activities to do in the Summer is visit the various Farmer’s Markets! You can find great local, organic produce that is oftentimes so fresh that it was picked from the garden that very morning! I think it is so important to support local businesses whenever I can! If you’ve never been to a farmer’s market, try googling where the closest ones are to you and make a trip out of it! You’ll be amazed by the freshness and quality of the produce grown so local to where you live!

Whatever you decide to do this summer, do your best to live in the moment and make memories that you’ll have forever with the special people in your life! Whether it’s a trip to the beach, exploring a new neighborhood or even going to an outdoor concert or sporting event, the world is your oyster – especially in the summertime!