Especially if you're into crafting or home decor.
Why leave the house when you can have this much fun at home?
The winters are downright brutal in my neck of the woods and the calendar is always jam packed from September to June.
When school ends and I finally get to rip those chilly pages out of my planner, I embrace summertime with a vengeance.
Now, I know that for some people, summer means escaping to fabulous vacation destinations.
But not me.
Hotels and highways have never been my thing.
My house and my hometown are my favorite places and even though a few days away can be a welcome change, I find that my most enjoyable summer memories are made right here.
Doing things I love.
In the place I love.
Then every day is a vacation and there's no passport required.
Here are my top ten favorite summer activities for homebodies.
Like me!!
1. Read
I don't know what it is about summer, but it's always more fun to dig into a good book more when it's hot outside.
Toes in the sand at the local beach.
Floating in the pool.
Swinging in a hammock. Juicy romances or a brutal non-fiction tale. Truth be told, those are my favorites.
When you're reading for pleasure, there's room for all kinds of books.
Even cheesy memoirs like the one I recently finished.
2. Enjoy Time With The Family
We have worked hard to make our home a haven.
During the school year, we don't have the time to kick back and soak in all the beauty we have created or the natural views we are surrounded by.
The unscheduled weeks of summer are the perfect time to take it all in.
Together.
We don't make a hard and fast list of what we want to do, we each compile a wish list and use it as a guide. When the mood strikes us, we chose an adventure.
It's a different kind of summer bucket list.
If not, a backyard UNO marathon is a great way to spend the day.
3. Garden
I'm not the best gardener. Actually, I'm a terrible gardener.
My thumb is more brown than green.
However, wandering around my yard, bare toes on the warm ground, watering the flowers and grabbing a few blooms for my kitchen is something I could do for hours.
And I do.
Thankfully, my husband is a master gardener, so there are always tons of flowers to pick. The ones from his zinnia bush are my favorite.
Maybe make your own trellis or create some garden art.
4. Decorate The Outdoors
Why stay inside freshening up your home, when the weather is calling you out?
There are so many ways to make porches and patios pretty and I revel in the task.
I'm not sure what I enjoy more, relaxing in a cozy space or creating it. Let's face it, it's probably the decorating.
My true pleasure comes from fluffing the pillows, choosing the fabrics and digging into the DIYs that will bring life to dormant spaces. Even while my husband is calling me to sit down next to him.
It's a problem, I know.
Especially when it comes to the covered porch.
5. Barbecue And Enjoy Seasonal Summer Fruit
Why go to a restaurant when the stars are brighter in your own backyard?
Eating on the patio is a pleasure, especially when it involves a fun and fruity beverage or frozen chocolatey snack.
I'm not a big cook, but man, what I can do with a glass of water and a few blueberries!
6. Craft
Crafting is something I love to do anytime of the year, but during the summer, I have hours and hours to dream up all sorts of fun things to do.
Like make wreaths.
Like make wreaths.
And while I'm a huge fan of Christmas in July, paint by numbers and rock painting with the kids, for some reason, flowers just scream summer to me, and wreaths are a great way to play with them.
Even better, I can sit on the covered porch with my needle and thread or glue in the garden.
Because let's face it, crafting with flowers outside just feels right.
Because let's face it, crafting with flowers outside just feels right.
7. Get Together With Friends Al Fresco
When the kids were little, I saw my girlfriends often.
Playdates, carpools and PTA committees kept us in touch on a daily basis.
Today, we all work in some capacity, the kids drive themselves and the room rep volunteer days are long gone. Heck, with texting, we don't even talk on the phone anymore.
Playdates, carpools and PTA committees kept us in touch on a daily basis.
Today, we all work in some capacity, the kids drive themselves and the room rep volunteer days are long gone. Heck, with texting, we don't even talk on the phone anymore.
So we plan our time together and make it count.
Dinners or small gatherings outside at each other's homes are great ways to catch up and spend a summer evening.
Dinners or small gatherings outside at each other's homes are great ways to catch up and spend a summer evening.
And what's a party, big or small, without a few thoughtful, DIY party favors?
8. Celebrate
Yes, yes, July 4th is the big holiday, but there seems to be lots of reasons to celebrate when it's warm.
Whether it's an impromptu gathering at the beach down the street or in someone's backyard, weddings, birthdays, graduations and showers are much more fun with a little pop!
Whether it's an impromptu gathering at the beach down the street or in someone's backyard, weddings, birthdays, graduations and showers are much more fun with a little pop!
Summer days, and especially the nights, are made for family fun and creating memories and special treats.
9. Rearrange And Redecorate The House
Of course, inside takes on a different vibe in summer, as well.
I update a few key pieces in each room to lighten up the spaces and welcome the warmth. Pillows and curtains are the easiest items to swap for the most impact and easy.
I remove heavy drapes and replace them with lace or lighter colors.
I update a few key pieces in each room to lighten up the spaces and welcome the warmth. Pillows and curtains are the easiest items to swap for the most impact and easy.
I remove heavy drapes and replace them with lace or lighter colors.
Of course, everything I make is easy with no sew options, even my sink skirt with a secret.
Summer activities are supposed to be fun and it's no fun if the project is aggravating.
10. Swim
I think I've saved the best for last.
This homebody loves to swim in my own backyard and I try to get in the water every single day.
Some days, it's at the beach, others it's in the pool. Any body of water will do.
Either way, the weightlessness and time spent in my bathing suit, paddling around or just floating, makes me feel like a kid again.
Like I truly am on vacation.
And I didn't even have to leave home.
Perfect.
😉
Are you a summer homebody?
My summer has some/most of your 1-10 . . .
ReplyDeleteWe don't have a pool though and yours looks inviting and delightful!
Enjoy these next weeks . . .
Happy 4th too . . .
Come on over, Lynne! There's always room for friends in the pool!
DeleteThese are top notch ways to celebrate summer! I do a few but I'm inspired by others. I really need to get caught up my reading and all the crafts I had no room to do inside. And much more. Thanks, Kim! :)
ReplyDeleteJane
Thanks Jane! I am a total summer girl even if it just means sitting in the sun…but the crafts make me feel productive! ;-}
DeleteI am actually not a huge summertime traveler. Why fight the crowds when we can go when it's far less busy?
ReplyDeleteI had no idea you were a wiz with a glass of water Kim! You're a woman of many talents ;).
If only I could serve it for dinner, Doreen! I would be the best chef on the planet. ;-}
DeleteHi Kim, it seems for my hubby and I are best vacations are spent right at home. We find so much to do and relaxing by the pool does feel like a resort in our own backyard. I loved your list and I do most of these as well. Thanks for sharing and happy vacationing right at home!! Happy 4th of July! xo
ReplyDeleteThank you, Celestina! We do enjoy the pool. It does make every day feel like vacation!
DeleteGood Morning Kim,
ReplyDeleteLove these sweet ideas for simply enjoying the moments of Summer! Reminds me that I need to get that new book for book club too.
xo
Jemma
I am looking for a new book, too, Jemma! :)
DeleteKim I have to admit that I'm also a homebody and most of those activities are my favorites too. I hope you enjoy your summer and relax as much as possible.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary!! I hope you enjoy crafting at home, too!
DeleteKim, I love all your homebody ideas and I plan to do pretty much all of them this summer. When we do leave home we usually take it with us (motorhome) but not enough time for that planned this summer..Your pool is beautiful..Happy 4th to you and family..Judy
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of taking your home with you, Judy!! Brilliant! :)
DeleteHi Kim, I love your whole list! I too love going to the beach, gardening, and crafting! Your pool is so nice! Swimming is great exercise! I love reading outside in my yard! I'm reading an old James Patterson mystery. Enjoy the week and have a happy 4th of July! :)
ReplyDeleteThat all sounds great, Julie! I am so ready to read something for fun...at the beach!! :)
DeleteYour home is beautiful..love your colors...and I am going to try to make a 4th wreath for our door..and swimming is ALways good...
ReplyDeleteYou are so sweet, BJ, thank you and enjoy your summer!! :)
DeleteI'm always a homebody! Your ideas are what I mostly do too. Often this time of year, I try to think of things that I can get done inside the house that will make life easier later on. Cleaning, organizing, even thinking about the holidays and trying to get ahead on some things.
ReplyDeleteToday I'm trying out The Inspired Room coloring book. Fun!!
You are so organized, Stacey! I always try to craft for Christmas during the summer and I never get to it. Here’s hoping! Enjoy that book!
DeleteHappy Thoughts of Home. :)
DeleteYou are on my team Kim...I love staycations! It is much more fun to be home with the people, food, and comforts we love, than to travel somewhere that could or could not be fun. I enjoy quick trips like 2 or 3 nights, but anything longer and I want to be home.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts EXACTLY, Cheryl Ann!! Happy to hear that I am not alone! ;)
DeleteSo in love with your pool! Your family must love it out there!!! Last night we all hopped in the car and went for milkshakes. It was simple, but lots of fun!!
ReplyDeleteWe love those milkshake kind of nights, Brandi!! That’s what summer is all about…and thanks. We do love the pool. :)
DeleteHi Kim,
ReplyDeleteI am a summer homebody. I enjoy all of your list as well. I love your pool area. It is so inviting.
Happy 4th of July,
Carla
The pool is always open, Carla! Come by for a swim!! ;)
DeleteMy sister and I are both homebodies and my kids just don't understand us. "How could anyone not want to travel?" My few trips have been wonderful but it is the getting there. Always glad to get home.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, Lorri. I hate to fly and the traffic is horrendous where I live. In my youth, I traveled often and far, but no more. Being away is nice for a few days and as long as it’s not too far away. My kids don’t get it either.
DeleteHaving worked away from my home for so many years, I am thoroughly enjoying this season of my life. I won't say retirement, because I am busier now than ever before! I do so enjoy being home and all that it represents. I love your list of ideas. I truly am happy just doing what needs to be done at home. I do suppose at the top of the list though is tending the flowers. Love all the beauty they can provide!
ReplyDeleteTending flowers is such a meditation for me, too, Lynn. The sun, the colors, the bright blue sky…all good! ;)
DeletePerfect list for summer! I totally agree with you about the highway travel! This time of year our interstates seems 3X's as busy with everyone driving somewhere. I'd rather hit up a outdoor flea market or salvage place. Or better still, sit on the porch with some music in my ears and let the day the pass.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a divine summer day, Christine!! :) Enjoy!
DeleteI'm definitely a summer homebody. Actually, I'm a year round homebody. :) There's nothing better than a summer thunderstorm while I'm sitting by a window reading a favorite book with a cup of coffee in hand. I guess that makes me low maintenance? Lol! P.S. I love your fancy water. I need to do that more often. :)
ReplyDeleteSummer thunderstorms at home are the best, Lisa!! :)
DeleteI think I am a homebody, yes...and reading out on the porch when the weather is right for it is a nice pastime....seeing your pool reminds me of when my sister had one. When our kids were growing up together the best times were right there at her pool! :) Even one of her dogs liked to take a swim in it sometimes. Your covered porch and blueberry water look very inviting as well.
ReplyDeleteDeb, growing up we had a pool and even all these years later, my most vivid and hands down best childhood memories involve our pool. I am pretty sure our kids feel the same way! :) Thanks for the sweetness!
DeleteI'm a homebody all year long, Kim. I have a couple of little trips planned this summer - a weekend at my brother's log cabin in Lake Sagada, a week on the shore in CT and a possible 3 day jaunt to Cape Cod. Otherwise, you'll find me out on the deck or patio reading, enjoying the peace or inside, in the AC trying a new recipe. Happy Summer!
ReplyDeleteHappy Summer, Susan and enjoy that cabin vacation and the beach getaways!
DeleteOh my your yard is beautiful!!! I agree about being home;I would rather be home than ANYWHERE else!! I don't have the fanciest yard or a swimming pool, but I do have lots of bird feeders and in the evening, I can cruise around our big back lot on John Deere...accomplishing a little mowing, but mostly just enjoying the smells and sounds, dreaming a little, carrying a bag of scraps to feed the crows who follow me, soaking up the fading sunshine...yes, I even like to be extra warm and have a dragonfly light on my arm and ride for a bit!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you,
J
It sounds dreamy, J! Sometimes my favorite thing to do is just sit on the other side of my yard at dusk, away from the pool, and watch the birds. If I am really still, they forget I am there and get really close. The fireflies start to come up when the birds go to bed and then the crickets chime it....Summer!! :)
DeleteI love all of your ideas and do most of them. I haven't had my time out in the yard to read yet, but I am looking forward to it! I am a year round homebody...the type that while packing to go away, I am anticipating coming home! I miss my pool and the days out there all summer. I loved to float and exercise in it.
ReplyDeleteI need to exercise in my pool AnnMarie. Not surprisingly, I have the floating thing down to a science! The exercising? Not so much! ;)
DeleteHappy 4th, Kim! Your summertime activities are very much like mine - when I was on the island, that is. I miss my pool, my garden, sea views, and the mountains. I couldn't agree more: there's no place like home!
ReplyDeletePoppy
I hope you get back to visit some day, Poppy!!
DeleteGreat suggestions for this homebody. I do most except I leave the gardenng to my husband who loves it and I don't! LOL!
ReplyDeleteLinda, I am right there with you. I have a brown thumb...but I figure I can't hurt anyone by deadheading! ;)
DeleteThanks for sharing. I am a home body year round... home is our haven and we want to feel like we are on vacation everyday! Glad to hear there are like minded people like us out there! :)
ReplyDeleteI think there are a lot of us around, Cara! When I was younger I wanted to be out and about all the time, but as an adult, home is my haven, too, and I adore it.
Delete