It’s been a long, hard, cold, long (did we say that already?) Canadian winter. Because of that, we want to shake as much fresh and fabulous fun out of the upcoming summer as possible. Given that we only have summer for a scant 90 or so days, we want to help you squeeze every drop of sunshine as hard as you can, so please, read on for some great summertime living tips!
IMAGES SOURCE: COURTESY OF JOE FRESH | VIA GETTY IMAGES/DESIGN BY YMC
Family Lemonade; Adult Twist
Make a pitcher of fresh lemonade for everyone in the family to enjoy, but make “adults only” ice cubes by combining water and gin or vodka. Try a nice blueberry coloured vodka, for a real treat. Colour the ice cubes with a touch of food colour or juice to mark them "Grown ups only" and then pop into a secure container so they hit the cups they're supposed to. (Combine 1 cup lemon juice, 4 cups water, and 1 cup sugar for a quick and easy lemoande recipe.)
Be a Flip, not a Flop
We don't get sunshine every day in Canada, so let your feet experience it when it IS here. Go as bare as you can foot and toe wise all summer long. Joe Fresh makes gorgeous "peekaboo" footwear in styles from super casual to garden party for every member of the family, and they're so affordable, you can do multiple pairs.
And don't forget flip flops for the pool deck or shower!
Sunscreen: Paint it On!
You can't legally recieve your "Parented Hard" acheivement badge until you've half-wrestled a slippery toddler into sunscreen submission. Here's a tip: let them help by giving them a small container of sunscreen and a soft brush to "paint" their arms and legs with. (Then you sneak in unnoticed to do ears, cheeks, forehead, and other important parts.) Yeah; we're stealth like that.
Rub in their handiwork while appreciating their "art" and you are beach-bound and ready to go!
Stay Linen Fresh
What's a fabric that looks amazing, requires almost no special care, dries super-fast, feels cool and comfy in even the stickiest weather, and is completely affordable?
LINEN, and we LOVE it. Joe Fresh has a hands-down gorgeous linen collection this year and we think that after seeing it, your going to make linen your go-to fab fabric this year. We'll joi you in that pursuit, because these pieces are stylish, comfy, totally wearable for any occasion, and the price can't be beat.
Be Sports Ready
Keep sports equipment handy in car for breakout games because they can and do pop up! Get a plastic bin with some baseballs/bats/gloves, a basketball, a soccer ball, and a few racquets and tennis balls. Long car trips can now have "soccer breaks" instead of the same ol "stand around and moan at a rest stop" break, and all you need is a patch of park grass.
And that public tennis court you're always driving past but never have the equipment on hand for? Now you are always ready!
Be Ready to Rock BBQ Season
Here's an old fave: Keep a handy hotdog/hamburger basket in your fridge, or use a fridge door compartment as a dedicated condiment area. Store ketchup, relish, mustard, mayo, and a constantly refreshed chopped onions, tomato, and lettuce container at the ready. Throw some burgers, dogs, or sausages on the grill and grab the basket, and you're in BBQ heaven by the time your kids get back from the corner store with the buns!
Pattern Are a Plus
We've all been there: we've dressed the kids and ourselves in some seriously awesome outfits ready to show off our bestt selves at the neighbourhood block party or family function, and somehow by 20 minutes in we're all covered in mustard, ice cream, and apple juice stains. Hey, summer is casual living time, but we still want to appear as tidy as possible. No one here will tell you to not go all in on the fully loaded hotdog, so try this tip instead: WEAR PATTERNS.
Sure, we just told you how to hide the drios, but now we'll go one better and show you how to outright prevent some:
Make your homemade popsicles with your favourite juice blends, but add a package of flavoured gelatin, using the juice you chose as the cold water portion according to package instructions. More stability, less drippage, intensive great flavour!
Beach Bound, Pool Perfect
If someone new to this planet saw a summertime mom, they may think our jobs were to carry everything. This needs to end. Make this summer fun for everyone and buy individual, appropriate sized beach and pool bags or backpacks for even the smallest family members to carry. Toddlers can carry a bucket and shovel, and your 8-year old can pull a cooler. (Motivate them with promises of first dips at popsicle time.)
If you colour coordinate bags, towels, and flip flops for each family member, there's a sense of ownership that will also help ensure nothing gets lost at the end of the day and no one can claim "that's mine!" over their brother's towel. There; you're basically a peacemaker now.
Dress for Success
Say it with us: in the summer, pants are BS (Basically Silly.)
Wear a dress instead. It's cooler, it's like, ONE THING to put on, and they have all kinds at Jow Fresh this year in the Summer 2019 collection, including amazing linen looks. Pair with a cardigan for cool nights and you are set for summer looks instantly. They can be dressed up or down with jewellery, accessories, purses, hats and shoes, and we are hard pressed to thing of a reason you shouldn't basically live in them this summer.
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