Summer, Summer, Summertiiiiiime! Memorial Day is the unofficial start of Summer, and I’m actually looking forward to having a little more fun in the sun this year. This statement would probably make my bestie gasp because “I don’t like natural air” is a go-to phrase for me whenever we’ve been in the car together and she tries to roll the windows down, lol. Like most kids, my friends and I would be outside from sun up to sun down (how did we do it and not die?!), but once I got out of high-school, I stopped looking forward to the Summer because I worked full-time and didn’t get any real breaks outside of the weekend. Now that freelance is 80% of the time for work, however, I can actually get out and enjoy the little things that make Summer so special, so I’m going to make a concerted effort to not stay locked up in the house all Season.

Being in the South during the Summer can be brutal, so I have to be smart about it (stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and be aware of when the sun is at its highest/hottest), but I know that I can still enjoy the fun things that Summertime brings. Here are 5 things I’m looking forward to doing this Summer:

Picnic in the park
There are a few parks throughout the city, but I really want to have a picnic with friends at Overton Park or Dixon Gallery + Garden. Doesn’t have to be super fancy, but there has to be a cool breeze, yummy bites and a cocktail or two. If you’re ever feeling antsy, this is a good remedy to get back grounded because you can take your shoes off to walk around and reconnect with the earth.

Go to a baseball game
Believe it or not, I’ve never been to a baseball game. We’ve had a team for years (the Memphis Redbirds), and I’ve been told the games are actually fun so I want to go to one. I always think about that episode from SATC Season 2 when the girls go to a game after Carrie’s breakup with Big and she meets the new Yankee, and while I don’t expect for that to happen, seeing cute men in uniform is always a plus. Ha!

Go to a garden concert
The Botanic Garden has a “Live At The Garden” concert series that they do every year and I want to go. I went a few years ago with a client and saw Little Big Town (yes, your girl likes Country music!) and loved the experience, so I definitely want to go again. The Levitt Shell also has a free concert series, but the setup is a little different since it’s for smaller/new artists.

Be a beach bum
I don’t know when. I don’t know where. I don’t know with who. But I HAVE to go to the beach at some point this Summer. I know I can go to a pool or lake, but there is just something about the ocean that calls to my soul and I have to go and visit for at least 2 days. Can I swim? Pssssh, barely, but I love the smell of the ocean and how it makes you feel so I have to go.

dress | bag | jacket | sandals | earrings

Go day trippin’
Exploring my city is fun, but on days when I want to get away just for a moment, I’m close enough to a few small towns + cities to be able to take a quick day trip. Oxford, MS and Wilson, AR are 2 quaint, relatively close towns to Memphis that I want to visit. I could also take a 3 hour drive to Nashville or Little Rock as well for some exploring. You don’t have to travel far for an adventure, so I want to make sure I take some time to get out.

What are some things you want to do this Summer?

fun lifestyle memphis