A very good morning to you, lovely readers!
I hope your July has gotten off to a wonderful start so far. We're already nearly two weeks into the month...time sure does fly by. Summer is marching along, complete with hot temperatures, plenty of sticky humidity, swarms of mosquitoes that I have to fight off (fortunately I have come up with a homemade, all-natural bug spray that seems to be working at keeping them at bay), and plenty of sunshine.
As you well know if you've been around for anytime at all...summer is my absolute least favorite time of year. There isn't much I like about this season. My soul belongs in the autumn and winter, and it's been that way since I was a little girl. And as I get older, it just becomes more and more true for me. But I do enjoy making the season as enjoyable as it can be for someone who hates the heat and much rather prefers cold temperatures, rainy or snowy weather, and overcast days over sunshine. Here's my collection of summertime companions...I hope you find some inspiration here and perhaps, a new companion or two to join you this summer.
So pour yourself a tall glass of iced herbal tea and settle in for a bit of summertime fun!
T O 🌻 W A T C H
Letters to Juliet
Hands down, one of my top 5 favorite movies. I literally never get tired of watching this one, and it's perfect for summertime. A little armchair travel via your TV screen to the gorgeous Italian countryside.
The Parent Trap (1998)
This specific version gives me all the summer vibes...and has ever since I was a little girl. It's so nostalgic to me and I adore it so much.
It Takes Two (with the Olsen twins)
Another summer camp themed movie, not as good as The Parent Trap, in my opinion, but still full of those summer vibes.
Julie and Julia
I don't know why, but this movie always feels super summery to me...but so cozy, too. Another all-time favorite of mine!
Under the Tuscan Sun
Another armchair travel to Italy. Oh, how I love this one. It's magical, hopeful, inspiring, beautiful...all the good words. A fave!
Miss Potter
This one also feels so summery to me, perhaps because of all the stunning scenery of the Lake District and whimsical paintings of Peter Rabbit and his friends. But this one is such a good one for the whole family!
Princess Diaries 1 & 2
Two movies that are so very nostalgic to me, as I remember watching these on summer nights as a little girl. I still love them and watch them often!
Because of Winn-Dixie
If you are looking for a summertime movie for the whole family, look no further than this one right here. There aren't many other movies as heartwarming as this one...and it's inspired by one of my most beloved books by the same title. Another childhood favorite.
Ramona and Beezus
This one is cute and heartwarming and funny. Another one great for the whole family!
Cheaper by the Dozen 1 & 2
While both movies are fantastic to watch, the second one, in particular, is the most perfect, quintessential summertime movie. We love this one so much! Just mentioning it here, I already have the song, There Once Was a Man Named Michael Finnegan, stuck in my head. If you've seen this movie, you'll know why. Ha!
The Secret World of Arrietty
My favorite Studio Ghibli movie (so far). So beautiful and colorful and cheerful to watch, plus a sweet storyline. Perfect for the family!
Kiki's Delivery Service
Another Studio Ghibli favorite that's perfect for the family. Don't miss out on the book this movie was inspired by, it's a favorite of mine! I actually liked it better than the movie. {{smiles}}
Dennis the Menace (1993 movie)
When my sister and I were younger, this was one of our favorite summertime movies to watch. It's got all those nostalgic summer neighborhood vibes that just makes you feel good. It's still fun to watch as an adult, too! Just perfect for a family movie night!
H20: Just Add Water
This TV series is from my childhood and teen years. It's kind of cheesy and has a bit of cringe here and there, but I still love it. It's set on Australia's Gold Coast and really shows such incredible scenery as well as fun storylines about three friends who are also mermaids. Add in a little full moon magic and craziness and it gets even better. A real throw-back full of nostalgia still worth the watch.
Mallorca Files
This mystery series is set in Mallorca, Spain and really has such summer, island vibes. We love it! There are two seasons out so far on Prime, with the third coming out in August. Our calendars are marked, and we are so looking forward to this series returning. It's funny and has two great lead actors who really make the show come to life, along with mysteries and gorgeous settings as well.
T O 🌻 L I S T E N
I have compiled a huge list of songs that say summer to me, and I've made them into a playlist. You can check it out on Spotify and give it a listen. I had so much fun putting these songs together into one list of all my favorites for this time of year! These are all songs with some special summertime meaning to me, so I hope you enjoy them, too.
T O 🌻 R E A D
A Portrait of Emily Price by Katherine Reay
The Austen Escape by Katherine Reay
Love and Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch
Love and Luck by Jenna Evans Welch
Lost Lake by Sarah Addison Allen
Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen (slight content warning)
Daisies for Innocence by Bailey Cattrell
The Summer House by Jenny Hale
The Summer Hideaway by Jenny Hale
The Beach House by Jenny Hale (my July book club pick!)
Finding Love at Mermaid Terrace by Kate Forster
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillio
Kiki's Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono
How to be a Wildflower by Katie Daisy
How to be a Moonflower by Katie Daisy
Last week, I finished reading the July book club pick, The Beach House by Jenny Hale. And I must say, I really enjoyed it and cannot wait to discuss it with you all on the 25th. Do let me know if you're reading it, if you're done with it, and how you're getting on with the book!
What are your favorite summertime companions to listen to, to read, or to watch? Do share them with me!
Have a lovely day, dear reader! Stay cool and enjoy life's magic wherever it finds you. ♥