Ahhhh summer, where have you been all my life? annually I try to remember to drink this season in and often I even picture a frigid wintertime day just to make sure I appreciate what I’ve got! These warm days genuinely are the time for just “being” and enjoying one’s life and home. I was thinking about this recently as I sat wiggling my toes on my tiny city fire escape with its terracotta flowerpots brimming. I observed that while my teeny garden was far from perfect, it really brought me peace and happiness just being out there and appreciating the home my wife Sara and I have created.
After all, that’s why I do what I do — it’s certainly not about the stuff. It’s about creating a home where life can be lived. It’s feathering the nest to reflect the person who lives there. before summer slips by, let’s all take time to stop and soak up the basic (and stylish) pleasures in our lives each day.
The art of napping is something I like to work on during breezy summer afternoons. Why not bring a daybed outdoors and set up the best snooze station ideal on your deck like this?
I think this is a fantastic idea — so here are some inexpensive options to get you started.
Ikea Meldal Day-bed frame is a steal at $129.
Love this inky cobalt bedding. The Tallulah Sheet set ia now on sale at Crate & Barrel. From $45 USD.
Can’t go wrong with a fresh ticking bolster like the Ikea Alvine Band Pillowcase. $7 for the case.
and for a splurge you can add some romance with delicately embroidered vintage Asian Peacock Pillowcases from want Cone Hill. but I’ll bet you’ve got some of your mother’s vintage versions tucked away in your linen closet!
Make sure you spend lots of time with friends this summer at cottages, camping and barbecues.
Grilling outdoors has never been a lot more captivating with these classic staples from Canadian Tire and Pier 1.
Those stainless steel behemoth barbecues are not for me! less is a lot more and spherical is so cute! This little grilling appeal will set you back only $70!. (Ahem, Dad, how much did that monster you call a barbecue cost…?) Master chef Charcoal Grill from Canadian Tire, $70.
Enamelware is a country stand-by, and that inky blue colour is clearly on a roll. Enamel High bowl and Enamelled-Steel Coffeepot from Canadian Tire. From $5.
This collapsible director’s chair ($64) is a chic alternative to that other drink-holder-included variety. My vote is for this sophisticated wooden frame and canvas seat. McGuire even makes one like it, so it has to be chic! Pier 1 Latte Chair frame (2157082), $49, and canvas cover in Bleached Sand (2157145), $15.
Finally, take some time to get your hands dirty. considering that our little piece of the earth is frozen 99 per cent of the year, we Canadians must get up to our elbows in dirt while we can. even if you don’t have a garden of your own, take a stroll though a public garden.
These snapshots are from the Corby rose Garden in Belleville, Ontario (that’s Sara in the picture) and the Peony Festival in Oshawa this spring (thanks, Margot!). Sara even gotten a flopsy garden hat for $10 at Joe Fresh for the occasion. Otherwise, these elegant events are free, free, free!
Even planting a pot of herbs to harvest or annuals to snip will bring life and freshness to your home. Lee Valley has a garden catalogue that will make you drool if you’ve got a green thumb, and if you don’t, it will help get you started. Their English wooden handled tools have a comfortable grip and will last a lifetime.
check out Frankie Flowers’ gardening ideas for an easy way to start up or maintain your own little plot of greenery.
Whatever you choose to do to celebrate the lazy days of summer, remember to kick back and enjoy. There’s only 150+ days till Christmas!
Photo credits: 1. country Living 2. Ikea Meldal Day-bed frame 3. Crate & Barrel Tallulah Sheet set 4. Ikea Alvine Band Pillowcase 5. want Cone hill vintage Asian Peacock Pillowcases 6. Michael Penney 7. Master chef Charcoal Grill from Canadian Tire 8. Enamel High bowl from Canadian Tire 9. Enamelled-Steel Coffeepot from Canadian Tire 10. Pier 1 Latte Chair frame 11-15. Michael Penney 16-18. Lee Valley 19. Michael Penney