I started by typing summer 2026… rewind. Hi everyone! So I have a new website layout coming, I know I’ve said it before, but I truly do so stay tuned in the next 2 weeks (hold me accountable haha). How has your summer been?

I’m popping in and I hope your summer has been active, full of love, and hopefully some fresh air. My summer has been interesting. I stepped outside of my comfort zone, way outside, and joined a tennis league *cues cheering*. It has been an interesting and fun learning experience. I have been conquering a lot of fears the last few months. And while it has not gotten easier, I am learning that it is very fulfilling to say I tried and I put effort vs. never trying at all. And trust me, never trying (enough to fail) is/was for sure my safe space in some categories. More on that in a later post.

Top 3 summer activity must haves and dos, basic edition – 1. Eat at least 2 popsicles or ice cream 2. Feel a breeze outside 3. Take a walk! What have you been up to this summer?

Expect some posts on gardening, herbs, vegetables ( I know, blah), wellness, eco and outdoors soon.. back to our roots! And of course, more ramblings, because who doesn’t like a little diary core? Ciao!

If you have children, hang with children, or are looking to get yourself, family, or friends outdoors here are a few tips to get you started.

This summer I’ve had the pleasure of being outside with kids of all ages, genders, enthusiasm’s (more on that later), and differing athleticism. From a super athletically inclined 9 year old, to an indoor preferred teenager, to a take it or leave it 10 year old. So the first tip?

1. Find a neutral activity that doesn’t require a high level of athleticism but can still be fun. The goal is to get everyone outside, and with this goal, we are not trying to produce all star athletes (unless they are inclined to that) but to get some fresh air in the lungs and get off the devices (*clears throat* adults that includes you). Bike riding is something I noticed all children don’t mind doing. Start there!

Next, when dealing with young adults who do not want to be outside, do not pick extreme weather conditions as an intro to this new lifestyle. Be it cold or hot, either extreme is a sure way to get whines, complaints, and outright no’s on being outside. I learned this from my teenager who affectionately and politely (might I add) let me know, she doesn’t like the heat. We drank a lot of water that day. As you can imagine, time outside was short lived. Soooo…

2. Stick to neutral temps! Try mornings, evenings, and now with fall around the corner on the east coast it is the perfect time to kick start things!

Last but not least tip number 3…

Make it fun!

Going outside should be fun. Have a relaxed demeanor, don’t have a time limit, follow the lead of the young adult. When my little cousin was tired, he told me. I could tell he wasn’t used to riding a bike super far. We did 1 mile so I was happy. On his cue… we turned around. This is encouraging behavior and a positive experience. SO he will likely want to ride again in the future. On the other hand, if you have a seriously athletic 9 year old, be sure you are in shape. I think my other 9 year old did 5 miles easy, and when we came back he wanted to do another outdoor activity haha. Good thing I could keep up! Thats all the tips for today! Below is a pic of one of my lovely cousins.

What do you do to encourage the littles in your life to get outside?

So, this summer I dedicated myself to picking up a few things I enjoy or have been interested in for a while. Sometimes you just have to jump in the water and get your toes wet again. I took tennis lessons many moons (eons) ago (as my elders would say). So safe to say, I am new to tennis but wanted to get back into it again. I took local lessons this summer and it has been really fun (more on that later). As an adventure and sport girly at heart it has been such a delight. Did I also mention all the cute dresses <3.

I have learned a lot from playing, and besides needing to find a partner outside of class to actually play with on a regular basis, one of the core principles I was told was fast feet but your swing should be solid and stable. As the tennis instructor would say “find the calm in the storm”. That line is so important. So many things seem like you have to attack it, ambush, hit it hard.. but if you just find the calm in the storm.. you will notice it all works out in the end. Happy Sunday!