Mid Summer Ins & Outs
Pulse check…how’s everyone feeling? Personally, the line between thriving and surviving is wearing pretty thin. As with most aspects of motherhood, summertime comes with its own special blend of wanting to cherish every second and counting down the seconds until we’re back into our “normal” routine.
And since it’s all about balance and perspective, our Director of Brand Communications, Courtney is sharing some of her Ins and Outs so far.
What’s In:
S’mores: A classic summer staple, but recently, my eyes (algorithm) have been opened to all of the creative ways to mix it up. We’ve started a tradition of trying out a different recipe each week. From baked with brownies and “mess-free” to no-fire-required, they’re all winners.
Bathtub Rave: The old adage “if they’re acting like a crab, put them in water” still holds up for a reason, but sometimes it’s just too hot and humid outside to make it enjoyable for everyone involved. Enter: Glowsticks. Fill up the bathtub, turn off the lights, crack some glowsticks, and let them party all night day. Check out DJ Lenny Pearce, aka Toddler Techno on TikTok to really pump up the jams.
DIY Foam: Bubbles are great, but if you need a break from sticky spills and constant refills, this easy-to-make foam is perfect for some good, clean sensory fun.
Pool rental app: Did you know you can rent a local private pool by the hour? Yep, think of Swimply as the Airbnb for pools. Now you can enjoy all the benefits of a summer oasis without the expense that comes with belonging to a community pool or the maintenance that comes with owning one.
A local hotel for a night: Ok, hear me out…this one is more of an “in case of emergency break glass” but people who swear by it. Sometimes, you just need to walk away from the mess and head out of dodge, and by out of dodge, I mean right down the street. There’s something oddly fun about sleeping in a bed that you don’t have to make, in a room that's not covered in toys, with a floor that’s not riddled with crumbs, but still, be by your favorite coffee place or not far from home in case you forgot something. Bonus points if there's a pool or playground area. Plus, there are plenty of websites that are great for finding last-minute deals, so you save money and get a fun impromptu family night out.
What’s Out:
Mosquitos: A perennial contender for the worst part of summer, mosquitos literally suck the fun out of a good time. Luckily, Tiktok is chock full of solututions from spreading coffee grounds, and planting lavender to a 80’s go-to and a soapy lifesaver. When it comes to keeping these winged vampires at bay, there’s nothing I won’t try.
The sun being up during bedtime: “But the sun is still up” is the most frequently used phrase heard in my house between 7 and 8 pm. I’ve remedied this by swapping in some routine saving black out curtains or “summer curtains” as we call them. My kids think they are getting a seasonal decor upgrade and I get to enjoy the last hour of sunlight solo. I’ve also heard great things about the Slumberpod for traveling.
Hot Sweaty mom walks: Getting outside for a walk with your kiddos is essential for your mental and physical health, and not to mention, it breaks up the day nicely. However, depending on where you live, the heat and humidity can make it more of a chore than a lifeline. That is, until you get yourself a neck fan and get back to enjoying daily strolls again. Another way to keep them entertained and cool is to buy a cheap spray bottle and fill it with some cold water, and let them spray themselves, you, and everything you encounter on your stroll. My kids love to “water” the flowers that we pass, and I don’t hate the occasional spritz, myself.
