Actually Getting Through the Summer
Part 2 of the "Summer, Unfiltered" Series
Two weeks ago I wrote about the gap between the summer I planned and the summer I'm actually living. (Short version: the 5am walks didn't stick, the vegetables didn't survive, and I've made peace with all of it.)
But here's the thing about chaos: you find your footing eventually. Not through a complete life overhaul, but through a weird, specific, deeply personal collection of small things that just work.
So here it is. Just the honest, slightly unhinged list of what's actually getting me through this summer…some of which are on sale because it’s Amazon Prime Days - act your wage and your age, friends!
The Playlist I Didn't Know I Needed
Apple Music is one of the subscriptions that you’ll pry out of my tiny, cold hands. However their magical algorithm works is truly spiritual because that little AI bot creates the best playlists I didn’t even know I needed. I don't remember how I found it. I think the algorithm just felt sorry for me one afternoon and handed it over like a peace offering. It's got no real theme… there's a lot of country songs, something from the early 2000s I definitely slow-danced to in a parking lot, a few things I can't name but somehow know every word to, more than a few Taylor songs, and it has absolutely no business working as well as it does.
On the weekends, I've been playing it on the back porch during that 20-minute window after the morning chaos settles and before the afternoon chaos begins. The one where I drink my coffee while it's still hot, which, if you know you know, is basically a luxury experience at this point.
If you need a soundtrack for puttering around the house, driving nowhere in particular, or just existing - make yourself a playlist with zero rules. It's chaotic. It's perfect. It’ll quickly become the thing saving your sanity.
The $4 Purchase I'm Not Sorry About
Let me tell you what is saving my life this summer. The 3 pack of the blue tube of Original Chapstick Moisturizer Chapstick. A whopping $4 from the Publix down the road.
I know. I know. But listen. We are all adjusting to the climate in Georgia which is VERY different from Texas. (If you’re surprised that we’re in Georgia and not Texas, read here!) For some reason, this little blue Chapstick is literally saving my life this summer. It gives just the right amount of moisturizer and shimmer. And any mom who’s been momming for more than 3 years knows to just get the 3 pack of anything because Chapsticks and other useful objects tend to magically disappear.
Honorable mentions in the "small purchase, outsized impact" category: the 20 oz Yeti insulated tumbler that keeps my hot coffee hor and my iced coffee cold for an actual unreasonable amount of time (game changer), a new candle that smells like a tropical island, and my all time favorite under the eye patches.
Some people chase big wins. I chase the $4 classic chapstick wins. Both are valid.
Tech Time…But Balanced.
Listen. I am not anti-tech. At all. There are days where my kids spend way too much time on their tablets or watching TV and then there are days where we spend all the time outside and do hands-on activities - I like to think we embrace a balanced approach to our kids and their tech use. That being said, we have also figured out that our kids at ages 7 and 10 still need guidance on what to do with their non-tech time. Here’s the system that has worked best for us!
Create a list of activities with your kids. That’s the real key - make sure you have some steady eddy activities on hand that the kids actually like and enjoy!
Keep the supplies where they can be easily accessed. Pro Tip: make sure all colored materials like crayons, markers, and paint are all super duper washable. There’s a reason I am a Crayola brand snob and not sorry about that.
Stock up! Here are some of our favorites:
Pads of blank paper that is easy to rip off
Watercolor paint sets (washable, of course)
Air Dry Clay sets - we’re big fans of air dry and are excited to try these sets!
Mini resin animals - our daughter will literally play for an hour with these.
Origami Paper Kit - a few summers ago our son got really into origami and it’s such a calming activity for him…and perhaps me, too ;-)
Random boxes that can be deconstructed, painted, ripped…you get it
Various “clean trash” items like plastic containers, rinsed out bottles, etc
Masking tape for “creation station” building
This list wouldn’t be complete without some outside items!
Bug catcher sets - being in a new environment means lots of new critters to discover and learn about!
Blow up pool - eventually, we’ll have a pool but for now, I swear by inflatable pools for easy, cool down fun.
Soccer net - even if your kids don’t play soccer, this is a great backyard item for some family fun!
Pickle Ball Net and Set - we’ve totally gotten into the pickle ball craze and this is a great starter set.
The Permission to Just Be
Last one, and it's less of a thing and more of a decision.
Somewhere in the middle of all this summer chaos, I gave myself permission to just be in it - not performing it, not documenting it, not trying to make it into something it isn't. Some days that means being fully present. Some days that means survival mode, and not judging myself for that either.
The coffee gets cold sometimes. The plans fall apart. The summer doesn't look like the vision. And still, somehow, in the middle of all the chaos, there are really good moments. The ones you didn't plan for. The ones that show up anyway.
I'm trying to notice those more. And honestly, that more than anything is what is getting me through the summer.
Love you, mean it, friends.
We’re taking a break from the Summer Series for a special July 4th post in 2 weeks that you won’t want to miss!
Lastly, this post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click and make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.