The subtle shift of Summer Solstice is starting to take shape.
The morning light has taken on a warmer hue, while the evenings seem to settle down for a rest far later than even just a few days ago. We’re shedding our layers more voraciously as the afternoons approach, and by dinner time, the AC is humming a beat or two faster per minute.
The tempo of summer is quickly overtaking the rhythm of spring, and we’re welcoming the new cadence with open arms!
Something about the start of summer always gives a nostalgia-fueled sense of adolescent joy, but this year we’re filled with an added sense of anticipation for the warmer months ahead. Beyond the usual sun-soaked fun of summertime, we’ve had these months ear-marked for the birth of our second son — and as a result, an entirely new time signature for our little family!
With this big change coinciding with the changing of the seasons, prepping for summer has felt more vital than ever! Every wind-down routine, evening reset, and straightening up of the kitchen could be our last one before baby boy is here, so we’re trying extra hard to set our intentions for the next few months.
By thinking intentionally now, we’re hoping we can be as prepared as possible (whatever that actually means) for when we inevitably get swept away with sleep deprivation and the balancing act of parenting a toddler while keeping up with a newborn. We’re excited for the daunting adventure ahead, and we want to make sure we’re laying the groundwork for this next beautiful chapter in our family — not to
mention a wonderful summer!
With that said, we wanted to share three simple ideas we’re implementing to prep for
summer!
Shoo the Flies
Last summer was a harsh reminder of the stark contrast in the insect population of Manhattan and Georgia. In NYC, we hardly ever encountered mosquitos, ants, or even spiders. Instead, we were often on “pest” alert, keeping our eyes peeled for roaches, rats, and stomping on the invasive Spotted Lanternflies whenever they crossed your path.
While knowing there was a rat in our building’s trash room for 3 years was unnerving, we weren’t making contact with the basement tenant very often — in truth, these pests were more similar to a chatty neighbor you avoid when in a rush (and god help you if they end up in your apartment in either case).
When we moved down to Georgia last summer, we were quickly reminded that pests were virtually a thing of the past, but insects were very much going to be part of our lives again. With our home sitting empty for several months before we moved down, spiders had made themselves at home, mosquitoes had become regular visitors, and flies of all manner stopped by to welcome us to the neighborhood — how kind.
Being that we’re not always a “smash bug on site” family (skeeters excepted), it could’ve taken weeks set boundaries with our new friends!
One tool that legitimately cleared the indoor air immediately? Zevo’s fly and insect trap! It’s by far the best indoor insect trap we’ve ever used.
We used this bug trap when we had a fruit fly problem in our NYC apartment a few years ago, and it was a total gamechanger. Because we had such a good experience and knew we had little friends waiting for us in our house, plugging in Zevo’s sticky insect trap and letting it get to work was literally the first or second thing we did when we got there.
Its blue and UV light catches flying insects 24/7, which let us focus on unpacking boxes instead of running around with a fly swatter (which, while fun, is a full-time job during Georgia summers)! Zevo lures, catches and kills 99.9% of trapped bugs like fruit flies, gnats, and house flies.
A few weeks ago, as soon as we spotted our first fruit fly, we plugged in a trap (apparently fruit flies can multiple from 2 to 500 in just one week — even bunnies are in awe of those numbers — so we keep a lot of Zevo insect trap refills on hand). It’s kept our kitchen clear and makes us less stressed about occasionally leaving the door ajar for a minute or two.
Zevo insect traps will be continue to be standard issue in the Page household this summer and beyond! We can’t recommend them enough as an excellent way to prep your home for the warmer months ahead.
Pick a Spot
On a far more whimsical and slightly less pragmatic note, we’re picking a spot this summer, and you should too!
Where is the best place in your house or apartment to just sit for a minute? Where does the morning light pair perfectly with your first (or second) cup of coffee? Which corner invites the flickering rays of the setting sun when you need a glass of wine after your kids have gone to bed? What room brings you joy, makes you feel at ease, or sets the tone for a quiet moment with just you and your thoughts? Where would you most love to end a day chatting with your closest friends?
Or maybe you and your spouse need a place that you use for a standing appointment where you simply enjoy each other’s company, turn on some music, and let your shoulders down while the summer evening melts away.
Look for your spot and when you find it, make spending time there part of your summer routine! It may not be every day, but try your hardest to do this as regularly as is practically possible.
We spend so much on this site investigating and discussing the frivolous things in life — in part because it’s fun, but also because it’s an escape from the necessary-yet-mundane part of life that constantly pull at us — but sometimes we fail to stop and enjoy the moment in the spaces we’re decorating. This summer, with this new season of life, we’re making an intentional choice to change that pattern!
Our spot? Our breakfast room. More specifically, we’re becoming increasingly enamored with the light that imbues that room as the afternoon gives way to evening. It welcomes a dreamy, golden sunlight that makes the greens in that space just absolutely glow. The flickering from the leaves rustling on the trees in our backyard add this delightful, sparkle effect that just transports us when we allow ourselves to sit and observe it. If you’re looking for us before sundown, that’s where you’ll find us!
Find your spot, set an appointment, and enjoy it all summer long!
Embrace the Slow Daze
Summer can bring with it some, well, complicated feelings.
For kids, school is out, so it’s a party! For parents, it means a disruption of a routine that keeps you sane. For some, it’s way too hot, while others wish it could be summer year ’round!
It’s easy to complain or let yourself wilt in the dog days of late July, but we’re here to implore you to enjoy the slow days of summer. Yes, some days you’ll realize you’ve only spoken to a child for the last 12 hours (or 3 days), and the longer evenings aren’t making your days feel any more relaxing.
Some may yearn for the cozy evenings when your fireplace can justifiably roar (or radiator can delightfully hiss). Others may be already dreading the oncoming cold months! (Where are our friends with anxiety?! We see you!)
Whatever the case may be, whatever your flavor of disruption or anxiety, take a deep breath, sit outside a little longer in the evenings, and embrace the extra daylight. Like any time of year — as is the most obvious reminder anyone can give — it goes fast! The more we choose to enjoy it and see the good in its warmth, the more beautiful and rewarding this season of life will be!
The most practical way we can recommend doing this it to spend time outside, especially once the sun starts to set and things cool off. Enjoying the evening air and drinking in those moments brings so much joy, especially when you do so over and over again. It’s tempting to sit inside and binge a tv show or to eat dinners on the couch, but having a meal or drink outside is such an opportunity for connection, whether that be with friends, family, yourself, or nature.
Take advantage of the mild evenings while we have them — we promise it’ll be worth it!
Shifting perspective or prepping for summer doesn’t have to be a massive overhaul or require a family meeting! It can just be a matter of some quick planning and having the right tools for the season ahead. Hopefully these three tips help get you ready for some fun in the sun!
*This post is sponsored by Zevo.