The lazy days of summer are here, and not a moment too soon.  After a busy year, summer is a true gift when for a few weeks, we can turn off from the rest of the world to relax and recharge. Beautiful weather beckons with promises of family barbeques, neighbourhood soccer games and vacation planning. Summer seems to come so quickly. It seems that one day we’re shovelling snow and the next thing you know we’re ordering sangria on a patio. Such are the seasons of Canada! Our most important task this summer? Enjoy it. Let’s all make a summer resolution to stress less and savour more. Here are 3 Do’s & Don’ts to get you on your way!

#1 GET YOUR SUMMER READ ON

DO remember there are few things as magical as escaping into a great summer read. Whether you’re lounging in a hammock, on a plane to your vacation destination, or sipping a sweet drink at poolside, the summer read is a must-do. There are so many options – guilty pleasure thrillers, love stories or self-help to name a few. This is the time of year to relish the read, and there are many routes to finding the perfect one! Consult a trusted best seller list, browse your favourite book store, or check on what friends who share your literary preferences are reading. Whether a new release or an oldie but a goodie, you’re sure to find many options. Here are a few of our suggestions. “Turtle Moon” by Alice Hoffman, a sensual, suspenseful, dangerous and magical read. For the self help junkie, “Food: What the Heck Should I Eat” by Dr. Mark Hyman. He takes the mystery out of which foods support health and which are killing us slowly (hint: it’s NOT butter!). And, if you’re in the mood to laugh your head off, immerse yourself in Kevin Hart’s “I Can’t Make This Up”. Better yet, get the audio book and it will have you in stitches!

DON’T waste time finishing a book you aren’t loving. Sounds funny to say it, but many of us feel compelled to finish a book even when we aren’t enjoying the journey let alone care how it will end.  Resist the urge – summer is too short to read a crappy book. Close it up, call it a day, and find a better one!

#2 ROCK YOUR STAYCATION

DO make the most out of your staycation whether you’re staying home because you want to or because travel just isn’t in the budget this year.

DON’T be too literal about the STAY in staycation even though part of the bliss of the staycation is the absence of any obligation to leave home (or get dressed!). Only you can decide how much you’re in the mood to venture out this summer. If you choose to stay close to come, there are lots of ways to make the ordinary extraordinary. Turn your kitchen into a restaurant – indulge in special foods and treats you wouldn’t normally buy, and plan on some simple but indulgent meals (just like you would if you were away). Why not take a cue from hotel vacations and buy everyone in the family a new, white fluffy towel and offer your own do-it-yourself turn down service, with a chocolate square on everyone’s pillow (including yours!). And finally, don’t forget to take just as many fun and creative photos of your staycation as you would if you were away.

#3 HAVE A PEACH OF A SUMMER!

DO enjoy one of summer’s true and simplest pleasures: an Ontario peach!

DON’T forget how versatile the peach really is. Aside from slicing it on your yogurt or ice cream or eating it whole in hand, there are many other ways to enjoy a pretty peach. Show it some BBQ love! Grilled peaches are easy and delicious. Just halve one and place it face down on the grill, naked, for about 4 minutes per side. Serve them as is alongside your main, or put a scoop of ice cream on each grilled half for dessert.  Alternatively, you can also dress them with brown sugar, butter and cinnamon. Wrap them in foil and place gently on the grill – prepare to be delighted! The peach is also a delicious way to spruce up your white wine – just drop a few slices in your glass and enjoy the gentle flavour. If you really want a peach of summer, plan to attend the 28^th Annual Peach Festival on Sat. August 11/18 in Niagara on the Lake. It promises to be a sweet treat!

So there you have it. A few simple ideas to help you savour your summer. We’d love to hear from you – what’s your favourite thing about summer?

Posted by: Maria