My new vacation plans are for “summering at home”. This summer is a good time to get things done that I always put off and don’t seem to take the time but now I can.
So for those of us who are choosing a summer staycation and have been mostly at home already for months, how can we stand being cooped up in these four walls any longer? I have a few ideas to help. And I am also interested in your ideas so I need your help to share what you are going to do when you “summer at home”.
Create Your Own Summering at Home Oasis
Make your summering place, you might even call this your summer nest. It might be on a party, patio, an apartment balcony or even inside next to a window. Make your summer place lovely, relaxing and cozy and something that you love. Use items that you already have at home or get something new if you like. You can even upcycle. You can do so much with some clothing dye or paint. And even thread and fabric.
Plants
Move one of your existing plants to your oasis or treat yourself to one or even start some seeds for your oasis plants.
Found Object Lantern Using Jar
Strings of lights and pretty lanterns are great.
I have been collecting some cool jars that you have recycled and collected. Add some of your favorite collections in your jars like seashells, mosaic glass/sea glass, buttons, stone collection and marbles. Add solar lights or even a tea candle to your jar. I keep the lids on my jar when I am not using the “jar lanterns”. I even carry my jars inside until I use them again.
Another cool jar lantern idea would be a jar full of pennies. I think seeing the copper glisten at night would be beautiful.
Another summer tip that I want to share is that artificial lights all evening are not so healthy for lightening bugs so keep evening lights to a minimum and use less frequently. Here is a link with some tips to help lightning bugs healthy:
Chair
I love adirondack and wicker but my heart goes out to metal lawn chairs. I think that is because both of my grandmothers had a set. They are a little more comfortable with a pillow.
Pillows
You may have some outdoor pillows to decorate your oasis but if not you can bring in some of your favorite pillows from indoors as long as you bring them in when you come in. You can also make some fun pillows from items around your house.
Rug
I love the longevity of outdoor rugs in my oasis but if you can temporarily bring out a favorite rug that you bring in when you go inside. It makes your space comfortable and gives it a cozy look.
Serving Tray
A serving tray comes in handy if you are bringing a cool drink or snack to your summer oasis. It also can be helpful to bring out a book, a craft, a deck of cards or other game.
Tables
Whether it is a picnic table for meals or side table to put your serving tray on, tables come in handy when you are outside. You can also turn over an large empty pot and make a table.
Plan Some Summering at Home Fun
Having some fun summer things to do helps pass the time and keep our mind off of things that may concern us.
Summer Outdoor Activities
Having outdoor games like hula hoop, pogo, outdoor swing, kiddie pool, croquet, putt putt, obstacle course, hopscotch, chalk art, and things for a scavenger hunt are fun things to have on hand. Having a picnic table for board games and cards is good to have also.
Summer Indoor Activities that Can be Taken Outside
Good books
There is nothing like reading a good book while relaxing in a comfortable chair and if you can do it outside that is all the better. Here are some good book lists that you might enjoy checking out:
Sketch Pad
You might not have sketched since childhood but now is a great time to get inspired again. You might even explore a coloring book.
Jig Saw Puzzles
I would not recommend a jig saw puzzle outside because I would loose the pieces out there but this is a great inside activity that you might enjoy when you are looking for a little self-nurturing.
Journal
For some of us keeping a diary and journaling during this time can be very therapeutic. Others of us may feel inspired to write music or poetry or even stories.
Craft
This is one of my favorites. I am inspired by embroidery, knitting and sewing. I have a group of friends that I get together with once a month to craft. During the pandemic, we have moved our group online.
Musical instrument
I think about my husband here because both he and my son play guitar. It is fun to play and hear live music outside and it is a great stress reliever. It can bring joy to our lives!
Movies
This can be a fun activity inside and out. For something different throw a blanket on the ground, have a picnic and watch a movie outside.
Summer Staycation Attire
Loose and Flowing Outfit
You can wear anything you want when you are at home but to make it fun, plan a few things to wear. How about a summer caftan? They are comfortable and cool plus I also think that they are cute. Not everyone has a sewing machine but here are some ways to make one simply.
You can find lots of fabric online but you may also have a tablecloth, curtain or something else around the house that can be upcycled into your new caftan.
Here is an easy no pattern caftan that you can easily make.
And if you do not have a sewing machine, try using some of these “no sew” methods to put your caftan together.
Summer Hair Accessories
Whether it is headbands, summer hats or hair clips, these are necessities when the weather gets hot and humid and for some of us, it can be difficult to get a hair cut.
If you do not have any cool hats, here is a fun post about making some paper hats with newspaper
Staycation Sunglasses
You need some of these to make things fun and to protect your eyes. Even if you paint or decorate an old pair. Here is some inspiration from Buzz Feed.
Staycation Summer Sandals
Sandals are an important part of your attire for summering at home so your feet are protected
You can add earrings, lipstick and paint your toes. Whatever, you need to add for your staycation outfit.
Summering at Home with Cool Summer Food and Beverages
Now that you have your ambiance for your oasis, you summering attire and your staycation summer activities, now it is time to plan some delicious things to eat. We like to eat cool meals in the summer.
Cool Summer Desserts
Ice Box Cakes, Frozen Pies, Ice Cream Sandwiches, Sorbets and Popsicles are a delicious way to stay cool. Here are a few yummy ideas for some cool sweets.
3 Cool Summer Popsicles
Fruit Popsicle Recipes Cool Summer Desserts For the next few weeks, I am honoring the cool and refreshing foods of summer which include fruit popsicle recipes. I sharing these recipe ideas to help save you time throwing together meal and recipe ideas so you can be doing other things thinking about other stuff and staying … Continue reading
Cool Summer Meals
Lunch and suppers can be cool and refreshing. Here are some easy and delicious supper ideas that go great for a staycation. Whether it is cool summer salads or cool summer sandwiches, there are a lot of delicious, healthy summer menu ideas in the blog post below.
Cool Summer Beverages
Picnic List Ideas
Other Fun Summer Fun Ideas
Here are some additional ideas from Country Living Magazine for at home fun things to do when you are planning “Summering At Home”. I love all of these suggestions.
Here are some of the suggestions that I am most excited to try right now:
- Hanging a rope swing and/or hammock
- Making a cool soup
- I also love the decorating ideas
Here is me and my friend Bobbi with our summer hats. However, I hope this post has given you some ideas of all the fun that you can have when you “Summer at Home”. I wish you the best and hope that you and everyone that you love stay healthy and safe!
