Summer has always been a tricky time of year for me. I’m not totally sure why, but I have some hypotheses.
Perhaps it’s due to all the excitement, the buzz of expectations conceived over the spring months. I can see it in my mind’s eye… Trips! Romance! Tans! Natural highlights!
Maybe it’s the unpredictability — our routines get messed with, our friends are in and out of town.
Or perhaps the cozy critter in me feels pressured to get outside and take advantage of the nice weather (a real challenge in the face of nightly Love Island episode drops, I must say).
Summer fucks me up, quite frankly. And I’m sure it has the same effect on at least a handful of you. Plenty of my habits have already fallen by the wayside — including the writing of this blog — apologies! I haven’t been calling my friends as much, or working out (at all), or meditating, or nourishing my body appropriately, or working towards my longterm goals.
While my summer thus far has certainly contained some nuggets of joy (ripe fruit, a glorious romance, frozen drinks, and some seriously fun getaways), here are the less-glamorous moments that have reminded me why I’m not strictly a fan:
Sweating. All the time. And sweat mixed with tanning fluid and sand is a cocktail from hell. I shouldn’t have to shower more than once a day, it’s not right.
Hangovers. I’m drinking more often than usual — because summer calls for tequila and salted rims — and woof, mama really can’t keep up. Two glasses of wine at dinner and I’m taking a nap in my mother’s lap like the good old days.
Prickly legs. I’m tryna shave these bad boys far too frequently, and they hate me for it. Post-shave strawberry skin is hell <3
Warm nights. Ok this one is obviously blissful at times — I love a late-night walk in delicious air with an ice cream cone in hand. But as someone who struggles to sleep when hot, I’m in the trenches most nights. This is a MAJOR point of contention between me and my current bedmate. And I rarely win the battle.
These are just a few of the seasonal thorns in my side. I’m generally not a fan of negativity or whining, but I felt the Summer Love needed some tempering and figured I’d throw my perspective in the mix to comfort those of you who feel the same. Together, we rise.
Dawn Ranch in Guerneville, CA (link)
My lover and I went on a getaway to this boutique hotel along the Russian River for a few days and it was absolutely phenomenal. The property is gorgeous, the cabin dwellings are lovely, the food is unreal and the amenities make it feel like summer camp. River and pool access, sprawling lawns, and s’mores available every night. The vibe is refined but still cozy.
And only a two hour drive from SF! Say less.
Shawls/wraps
A simple, sophisticated jacket alternative for summer nights. And mine is two-toned, which adds a lil dimension!
The hangover may be bc you’re skipping the margarita mix?