The end of summer is one of my favorite times of year. There’s something inherently bittersweet about August; the beach days beginning to wind down, the house growing a little quieter during the day, and that unmistakable feeling that something is just around the corner. Perhaps it’s the nostalgia of back-to-school season or the anticipation of cooler days ahead. Whatever it is, I love leaning into that feeling and making the most of these last, lingering weeks of summer.
As someone who has always loved being home, I wanted to share a few of the ways I like to savor this season’s final moments without wishing them away.
Seasonal Recipes
You simply can’t beat the fresh, local produce that comes with summer. I try to take advantage of it all season long, but by August, there’s a certain urgency to it. Lately, nearly every dinner has been inspired by whatever I’ve brought home from the farmers market. Below are a few of my favorite quintessentially summer recipes, all making the most of what’s in season right now.
Tomato, Peach, and Burrata Salad
Sautéed Yellow Squash
Tomato & Goat Cheese Crostata
Honey Soy Steak with Cherry Tomato Salad
Gardening Tips
August is a wonderful time in the garden because it’s less about maintenance and more about enjoying the results of all the work put in during spring and early summer. That said, there are still a few simple ways to make the most of the month:
Stay on top of watering // Especially here in the South, August can bring some seriously hot days. While the occasional thunderstorm certainly helps take some of the work off my hands, I still make sure to stay consistent with watering so blooms stay fresh and the garden continues to thrive.
Order your spring bulbs // Now is the perfect time to start thinking ahead. Order bulbs like daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths now so they’re ready to plant in the fall and you can enjoy a beautiful show come spring.
Simply enjoy it // This is perhaps the most important one. Take time to appreciate the beauty you’ve created, cut and bring a few blooms inside, and let your garden be a place to slow down and savor these final weeks of summer.
Decor Favorites
I’m not one to completely change up our decor with each season, but there is something about the end of summer that always puts me in a bit of a nesting mood. As we spend more time at home and begin to look ahead to cozy evenings indoors, I find myself drawn to pieces that make our spaces feel even more inviting. Here are a few items I’ve been eyeing lately:
Nostalgic Movies
Nothing is cozier than rewatching the movies you loved as a child. There are quite a few that instantly transport me back to this time of year, and I love revisiting them now with my own kiddos. A few of my favorites:
Parent Trap
The Princess Diaries
Father of the Bride
Notting Hill
Something’s Gotta Give
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