I don’t know about you, but I’ve got a sneaky suspicion that summer is about to hightail it out the door faster than you can say, “See ya, wouldn’t wanna be ya!”

And what a summer it’s been! I’d even go so far as to say it was probably one of my favourite summers ever! If you were to ask me why though, I’m not sure I’d be able to pinpoint any one thing or aspect of our leisurely summer break that made it so darn enjoyable. I think it was a combination of good weather, spending a lot of time outdoors (I’m still paler than Casper the Friendly Ghost), road trips, exploring Sweden, hanging with friends and family, and several celebrations. Both of my children, my husband, and my dog have their birthdays in summer, and it’s also our wedding anniversary! Phew! Have you any idea how much time I spent baking for all these occasions in our unnaturally hot kitchen?!

It was also this summer that I finally realised something about myself that I have long since suspected… I am SO NOT a beach person!! Oh Lord, I tried, I really did. I went to several beaches with my family to see if there might be a beach person inside me screaming to get out. I threw myself on a towel, or in a beach chair and tried to enjoy the sweltering, sandy experience. After all, everyone else on the beach seemed to be having a blast. I did notice that not everyone, however, had skin that was sizzling faster than a flank steak on the barbie. Sunblock be damned, the sun was hell-bent on scorching me. So no, there is not a pool-side holiday in my future. Ever. I will not die looking like a forlorn lobster.

Right now, the kids are back at school and it feels like the summer holidays are officially over. That doesn’t mean the fun is over though, right? You gotta create fun memories whenever you can. Yesterday a friend and I went for a walk, sat on a big boulder, and had tea and homemade banana bread that I’d brought along. We chatted and laughed as we watched the sun dip lower in the magenta sky. Eager for the fun to continue, we’ve already planned a night out on Friday. I think we all need a little more fun in our life, don’t you?

Peace and love xoxo