Summer Week: 6 ways to feel like a kid again

Happy first day of summer, friends! Ahh, the summers of youth — those long, lazy days spent playing and frolicking and laughing until your sides hurt. These days seemed to last forever. Until, well, they didn’t. Somewhere along the way, you grew up (how did that happen…?), and the summer months lost that special spark of magic. It all leaves you with a very unsettled feeling.

I’ve been thinking a lot about my childhood summers lately. I’ll be going about my day, and waves of nostalgia will just come over me — sometimes, from out of nowhere. So, this summer, more than anything, I’d love to recapture that feeling of child-like enthusiasm. I know what you’re thinking: “Melissa, you can’t recapture you’re childhood. Don’t you know that? Once it’s gone, it’s gone.” Of course I know that, but who’s to say we can’t enjoy those things that made our childhood summers so special? Still don’t believe me? Here are 8 childhood classics to get you in a summer mood…

*A summertime temporary tattoo, $5 for set of two.
*A pint of Jeni’s famously delicious ice cream, $12 (if you’re feeling adventurous, here are the 20 best recipes for homemade ice cream).
*A classic paddle ball to see if you can still beat your childhood record, $2.59.
*Colorful sidewalk chalk to make your driveway pretty, $6.69.
*Bouncy balls because you used to spend hours seeing how high you could make it bounce, $4.91.
*An old-fashioned kite that reminds you of all the good summer afternoons with your father, $12.99.

Do you miss being a kid in the summer? What was your favorite part? Any toy or games you loved? Let’s get a bit nostalgic, shall we, friends? xoxo

[Top photo via We Heart It, edited by me]

Summer Week: What are your favorite beach reads?

One of my favorite memories of visiting my grandparents every summer was the hours I’d spend lounging with a good book or magazine. Some mornings I’d wake up and read in bed for a bit. It was a great, relaxing way to start the day.

These days, though, I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t have nearly enough reading time carved into my schedule. We all know the importance of setting aside some time each day for “pleasure-leisure reading,” as my sister calls it, so I’m bit ashamed to admit that I can’t recall the last time I actually finished a book. A book from the Twilight series, maybe? Eeeeks! That was such a long time ago, was it?

Well, this summer, I’m going to try and take a few “reading breaks” here and there. Even if it’s only reading a magazine on the patio (perhaps with some root beer, of course…), it will feel nice to relax like in the old days. What books do you like to read? The awesome What Should I Read Next? is a Web site that helps you find new books to read based on past favorites. To get started, all you do is type in the name of a book you liked. The site will search its huge database and give you recommendations for what to read next. You can even create book lists. How cool is that? Here are a few books I’d love to read this summer…

*L.A. Candy by Lauren Conrad: I’ve had it sitting on my bookshelf for a couple years now and have heard good things about her books, $8.59.
*The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger: I’m in the writing game and haven’t read this book (scandalous…), $12.37.
*Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard: I LOVE the TV show and am dying to see how the books compare, $20.54 (Books 1-4).
*At First Sight by Nicholas Sparks: I was obsessed with his novels years ago and would love to pick up where I left off, $7.19.
*The Last Camellia by Sarah Jio: I’ve always admired Sara’s writing (and was honored to guest post on her Glamour blog a few years back…), $11.70.
*Peyton Place by Grace Metalious: I’ve always wanted to see if the last generation’s Fifty Shades of Grey is as steamy as people made it out to be, $14.48.

Your turn, friends: What’s on your must-read beach reads list? Have you read any of my picks? Any others you’d recommend? xoxo

[Top photo via We Heart It]

Summer Week: 7 road trip essentials

Although we haven’t traveled much in the last few years, my family used to be the masters of road trips. Remember my play-by-play of our classic adventures? Or that time we got stuck on the famed Blue Ridge Parkway? Well, the times spent in our tiny car — a car filled to the brim with suitcases and bags and my wheelchair — are some of my favorite childhood memories. My philosophy? All children should experience the joys of a good road trip at least once in their life. It builds character. It strengthens bonds. And at the very least, it makes for good writing material (and maybe therapy topics?) as an adult. So, to that end, I give you my top 6 picks for the classic road trip…

What do you think of this list, friends? Anything you’d add? Do you take many road trips? What’s been your favorite adventure? Any advice for summer travelers? Do share!! xoxo

NYC Diaries: 4 reasons to love summer in the city

New York is a great city with wonderful things to do and see throughout the year, but let’s face it: There’s nothing like a warm and beautiful city summer. This is my third summer officially working here, so I’ve had plenty of time to get used to and relish in the wonderful sights and activities this place has to offer. And over the past few years, I’ve grown to love some of the places and events that make these summers unique to the Big Apple…

A park with a view!
The High Line is perhaps the most serene area in the whole City. If there’s one place to escape the hustle and bustle of the streets but not travel TOO far, it’s here. A public park built on a historic railroad above the streets of NYC, the High Line is my favorite place to go to catch a break. There are flowers and grassy patches and vendors of all different kinds of things, from street art to gelato. I used to visit the park every morning during my first internship at the Oxygen Network, reading and trying to get a tan out in the lounge area.

Pet paradise!
It seems that everyone who lives in New York City has a dog, and summer is the season when you can’t step outside without passing by someone walking his or her pet. I’m an animal lover, so it’s always fun to see all the different dogs interact and play with each other. It serves as a reminder of the simpler pleasures in life.

Street style!
One of the best parts of summer is that we can shed our heavy and often less-than-cute winter coats and galoshes in favor of sundresses and strappy sandals. Summer always has the nicest fashions, and it’s great to see the variety of pretty outfits people wear to work as well as on their days off. And New York is never short on style!

Celebrity spotting at the gym!
Along with warmer weather comes more outdoor activities, which means that everyone’s rushing to the local gyms to sculpt that last-minute beach body. (I’ll admit that I’m one of those people.) And the best part is that celebrities frequent many of the NYC gyms. Hugh Jackman works out down the block from my office, for instance. And singer Sara Bareilles was in my gym just a few days ago! But not everyone depends on the gym to lose the extra winter weight. Summer’s the season where you’ll see a lot of joggers passing by. And it’s always nice to see the cute guys of New York shed their shirts and show off their near-perfect abs after a long day at work, isn’t it?

Have a happy summer!

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–By Caitlin from Stream of Caitlinness


[Photos via We Heart It]

Summer pasta salad

Over the years, my mom has worked hard to perfect her signature summer pasta salad recipe. Well, I think
she’s mastered it. Last night, she made this delicious pasta salad, complete with all sorts of summery ingredients like tomatoes, onions, green peppers and cucumbers.

And, have you been into summer fruits a lot this season? I’ve been eating a cocktail of peaches, mandarins and strawberries at least three times a week.

What have you been eating this summer, friends? Any favorite foods so far? Thanks, mom, for the wonderful meal! xoxo

P.S. The best part about last night’s dinner? We’ve got leftovers for tonight! Also, my mom’s famous cookies. :)