Delightful Aspects of Sun-Kissed Seasons: A Celebration of Summer
11th June 2024 | Summertime Celebration
In the midst of the summer solstice, the longest days and brightest sunshine of the year, people everywhere experience a unique and unparalleled sense of joy and liberation that this season offers. From the gentle warmth of the sun upon our skin to the refreshing breezes that whisper through the foliage, summer presents an endless inventory of simple pleasures. It's a time for leisure and adventure, for celebrating cherished moments with loved ones, and to rediscover the beauty that lies in our surroundings. Jemma Lewis, founder of House of Amitié, shares her delight in summer's attractions.
Embracing the Longer Evenings
The extended hours of daylight, extending our serotonin levels and providing more daytime for our investment, are not the only benefits of summer evenings. As darkness falls in the winter months at 4 pm, we become more subdued, nesting inside, while in the summer, people remain active well into the night. There's an overall sensation of happiness as people linger, pubs extend onto the sidewalks, and a post-dusk walk with a dog seems the perfect way to unwind.
Outdoor Dining Delights
Dining alfresco is an exquisite experience, with meals tasting even better when enjoyed amidst fresh air. The current trend for table settings offers a plethora of ideas, with the hashtag tablescaping a rich source of inspiration. Lay a favorite cloth over your outdoor table, secure it with weights to prevent it from billowing, adorn it with a vase of freshly cut flowers, tea-light candles in repurposed jars, and an assortment of light summer fare. For an added personal touch, utilize handmade place cards.
Appreciating Summer's Colors
Just as we adorn our homes with seasonal touches at Easter, Halloween, and Christmas, summer is an excellent opportunity to change up our home decor as well. Opt for lavish greens, sky blues, and a softer palette of oyster pinks and sunny yellows, replacing darker hues. Switch out heavier fabrics for lightweight linens to create breezy, billowing curtains. Embellish your interiors with shells, sea-glass, and feathers gathered during summer outings, or press flowers for future DIY projects.
Venturing into Creative Outdoor Projects
The art form of 'Suminagashi,' originating from 12th-century Japan, is a lovely craft to try outdoors. Its name means 'ink floating.' Unlike traditional marbling, the Suminagashi method requires minimal equipment. It's an inspirational craft that can be attempted even by beginners.
Suminagashi Mini Tutorial
- Mix together approximately 50g of Alum crystals (mordant) with 1.5 pints of hot water and allow the crystals to dissolve.
- Pour tap water into your tray (a cat litter tray works well).
- Combine a small squirt of washing-up liquid with a pint of cold tap water to create a dilute solution.
- Transfer a little neat sumi black ink and the diluted washing-up liquid into separate tiny bowls.
- Once your mordant has cooled, coat your papers with the solution using gloves and lay each sheet atop the next, flip, and place under a weight (such as a heavy book) for approximately 10 minutes (mark the backs with a large cross to confirm the correct side is down).
- With a stylus in each hand, dip the tip in the sumi ink, and place it in the center of the water bath. Dip the other needle tip into the diluted mixture and place it in the middle of the black spot. Repeat this process, creating concentric circles until they reach the edges of the tray.
- Gently fan the pattern to create light ripples (in a positive way). Lay your paper, lift, and allow it to dry.
Brewing Homemade Elderflower Cordial
Harvesting elderflowers and creating homemade elderflower cordial is a beloved summer tradition. You'll need approximately 20 elderflower heads, the juice and zest of 2 lemons, 1 kg caster sugar, and 1 ltr boiling water. Place the blossoms and lemon zest into a large bowl, cover, and let it infuse for 24 hours. Strain the resulting mixture, discarding the blossoms, and combine the infused water, sugar, lemon juice, and return to a boil to dissolve the sugar. After 5 minutes of boiling, pour the solution into sterilized glass bottles.
Recognizing the Soothing Sounds of Bird Song
Awakening to the melodious sounds of birdsong is a delightful alternative to an alarm, as it has a tranquilizing effect on both the mind and body. According to Julian Treasure, author of Sound Business, "Birdsong relaxes our bodies while stimulating our minds" [6]. This psychological state is characterized by a relaxed body and an alert mind, often referred to as 'body relaxed, mind alert.'
The Healing Power of Barefoot Walks
Aside from the incredible sensation of walking barefoot, it also promotes better sleep and improves mental and physical health. The practice, called being 'grounded' or 'earthing,' creates a connection to the earth that allows us to soak up health-promoting electrons and align our energy with the present moment. Spend around 30 minutes outdoors each day to begin experiencing the benefits.
Hanging Laundry in the Sun
Air-drying laundry in the summer months can result in savings on energy bills and is more beneficial for the environment. In addition, clothes dried in the sun have a delightful scent that's a result of a chemical reaction between the sunlight and the fabric [7]. Additionally, sunlight acts as a natural bleaching agent, making summer the ideal time to launder all your whites!
Enjoying the Sounds of Music Outdoors
From rolling down the car windows and listening to favorite tunes while driving, to attending outdoor concerts, summer and music are inextricably intertwined. Local music festivals and events promise lively entertainment for fun-loving crowds. Consider crafting a summer music playlist to provide a soundtrack for adventures, barbeques, and camping trips.
Embrace the magic of summer and relish its beauty and joy. From bright, sunlit days to enchanting evenings, every moment is special in its own way. Let's cherish these memories and eagerly anticipate more summer adventures to come!
Sources:
[1] https://www.nature.com/articles/427901a[2] https://www.huffpost.com/entry/summer-crafts-for-kids_b_784940[3] https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/home/10-summer-art-activities-that-will-drive-your-kids-crazy-with-joy/2014/06/12/d5b246c2-db4f-11e3-af97-64b1110f36d7_story.html[4] https://www.countryliving.com/crafts- DIY/g2224/easy-patriotic-crafts-kids/[5] https://www.parents.com/crafts/summer-crafts-for-kids/[6] https://www.soundbusiness.com/[7] https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/best-way-dry-laundry
Small businesses, such as House of Amitié, appreciate the slower pace of living during summer, with its longer evenings, opportunities for outdoor dining, and potential for creative outdoor projects like Suminagashi. Additionally, homeowners can embrace summer's colors by updating their home-and-garden decor to incorporate bright greens, sky blues, and lighter hues. This lifestyle shift makes summer a wonderful time to unwind and appreciate the simple pleasures of life.
