It’s no secret that this summer hasn’t gone exactly as we had planned [side note: let this be a lesson on making plans ;)] As July rolled into town, we were suddenly hit with a couple of family emergencies which had our weeks and weekends consumed with funerals, hospital stays and a lot of time rushing from here to there, all while our stress and emotional levels were off the charts. This was all a little opposite from the chill, beer in hand, floating in the pool “plans” that we had envisioned all summer long. As August approached, Shawn and I vowed to each other that we would try to “bring summer back” and allow ourselves a few chances to enjoy some of the outdoor summer activities that we hadn’t gotten a chance yet to do.
Insert summer. Being that we live on a river, we’ve got a backyard full of outdoor opportunities, yet, we can quickly take it all for granted. Example: we’ve had kayaks just hanging out on our patio for a solid three years yet take a guess at how many times we’ve taken them out [hint: it’s less than the number of years we’ve owned them]. We finally decided to dust off the ole kayaks, throw ’em in the water and take off for one last [aka first] summer hoorah. We went out first thing in the morning which is my absolute favorite time of the day to be on the water — it’s quiet, peaceful and you can envision all of the people slowly waking up, enjoying their cup of coffee [which quickly makes me crave a cup of coffee and question why I’m sweating my head off out on the water instead, but that’s neither here nor there]. It was a time to just be, enjoy the sounds of nature and conversation between each other.
Of course, when one is doing outdoor activities, one needs outdoor gear to go with it [I’m always up for an excuse to shop]. Thanks to Backcountry’s semi-annual sale [up to 50% off on clothing, gear and accessories, now through 8/31/18] I stocked up on a few items for Shawn and I. I am a HUGE Backcountry brand and can honestly say they are one of the best companies I’ve ever shopped with. Their customer service is out of this world, their incredibly fast shipping is A+ and their ginormous inventory of all of the brands I love [From The North Face, Patagonia, Sorel, Free People, etc] makes it a fun place to peruse the internet aisles of. Bonus: On top of their semi-annual sale, Backcountry is offering Living In Yellow readers 15% off w/code YELLOW15 on your first purchase [exclusions apply*]
I am so glad that collectively we are making a conscious effort to make the most of summer while it’s here, because shortly enough this river will be frozen over and we’ll be tucked away inside wishing we could get back out there. All we need sometimes is a quick reminder that these moments are passing [FAST] and if we aren’t doing anything to soak up these times, we’re going to look back someday and think “what did we do with that time when we had it!?” What are you doing to reclaim summer?
Founder and creator of LIY, Erin turned her dream of a hobby blog into a full-time career which she now runs alongside the LIY team! When not in front of her computer screen [with a La Croix or wine in hand] or in front of a mirror taking mirror selfies, you can find Erin spending time on the water, cuddled up with her two pups and husband most likely watching the latest Shark Tank episode, or getting lost in an easy beach read.
They did it! They’re moving that tassel on their cap from one side to the other, and ready to venture out into the big world on their own! Whether they’re graduating from high school or college, it’s a huge moment in their lives, and a great opportunity to spoil them for all of their hard […]
Tell me something harder than choosing paint colors and I’ll give you this Coconut Pineapple Bai I’m drinking AND the Fruity Pebble White Chocolate Bar I keep taking bites out of. That’s how confident I am that you won’t be able to come up with something. Paint can be hard. One minute you think you […]