5 Amazing Summer Discoveries

Ok… let’s admit right off the bat this summer was not as we all planned at any degree whatsoever. I do have to say with more time at home whether working or attempting to fill my time in a meaningful way, I have discovered some rather fabulous things I (future world) will absolutely love having in my summertime life moving forward.  Late to the summer ‘must have’ list … but there is still lots of sunny days & heat to be had.

Yes… it is August and though this brings many parents rather preoccupied with back-to-school, there still is a lot of long, balmy days for many of us to enjoy. I will draw out summer to the absolute latest, most pristine moments before the autumn winds blow… so if you’re with me, here are some of my top 5 favourite discoveries for fun, fabulous finds:

My vertical garden

I have to admit I do have a rather large yard and despite the fact I adore glorious gardens, this yard has failed me. I have roto-tilled, topped up with premium soil/fertilizer/peat, watered to bits and the results were paltry.

Enter the vertical garden.   Game changer extraordinaire! I cannot even begin to tell you. Because I always dreaded the ‘get low on the ground’ watering and weeding, the vertical element is perfect for those like me.

Moreover, if you are a condo dweller with a small balcony or city dweller with limited backyard space, this is absolutely golden.

Also, for those in the Ontario area, Plantables.ca was a godsend in the time of lockdown. I could choose my plants, delivery timeframe and they arrived beautifully… and yes, can we say they flourished?

Freezies with a twist  

Well, you know that given your comfort level of socializing and the element of fun thereof , some things need to be considered.   This is a game changer. For kids and picnics you can load with local fruit, yogurt freeze…yum!  The sealable freezie tubes with funnel makes this easy peasie for kids and adults alike. Simply concoct your treat or beverage of choice, funnel into the sealable tube, freeze and then enjoy as an afternoon treat,or icy libation on the patio or beach.

You can find amazing cool (<- get it?! ) recipes at   Detoxinista . For adults picnicking on the beach or a park, curate your cocktail and freeze it. Can we just say this is simply a great win on all levels?

Insulated wine glasses

( ahem … beverage glasses)

I   have to say I do have a collection of travel coffee mugs, insulated gym vessels… but when we talk about the need of a cool bevvie on the terrace, back yard, balcony… well we just need a lil somethin’ somethin’ to keep you happy.  I simply love my Mossy Oak insulated beverage vessels with lid ( why keep the bugs happy?)…I have to admit I love the robin egg blue colour as it plays well with my rooftop deck colour story, but most importantly wherever you are, they keep your beverage of choice chilled for hours.

Can’t lie… this Kuppet outdoor fridge from Wayfair is a delight  and brings a bit of retro whimsy to our special rooftop oasis.

I can’t lie, I simply love ( capital L ) my upper deck walk out from my home office. It’s amazing: private, serene and quite frankly my recluse. I am blessed with a rooftop retro bar fridge that keeps all our bevvies cold…and these insulated glasses ( kept in the fridge ‘til we need them) make those summertime sun tanning, or after work wind down moments truly wonderful.

Nature love

So I do have to admit that I am not a nature aficionado but simply am a goof that revels in all things beautiful that nature brings. Having a yard in the city allows the opportunity to dedicate a small space for our feathered friends and how lovely it is to hear them all day and see the wide array visit.  This super cute barn style bird feeder with a locking top (so important to keep the squirrels out) and its cardinal weather vane top ( the locking mechanism) is a welcome addition to the garden.

Back story:

My daughters were completive ski racers and as such this required us to spend a lot (!) of time in ski country north of Toronto. We didn’t have a property up there but did rent a seasonal property from December to March.

Our last rental had a magnificent bird feeder and we hosted a plethora daily feathered visitors. Every time of the day…the birds came to visit. Blue jays and many other colourful birds …it was heavenly.

Naturally with more time spent in the home office and as such in my back yard, this fabulous bird feeder is a whimsical touch to any outdoor space and holds a significant amount of seed ( important!).

Bottle topper fairy lights

Can I just say I am simply a sucker for ambient lighting when you want to have a special dinner or need a chilling moment at the end of the day. Do not under estimate the power of ambient lighting. These inexpensive cork style fairy lights available on Amazon will bring your favourite empties to a new and ambient light.  So inexpensive but will bring your favourite empty wine bottles to a new life. ( remember: reuse/repurpose  😉  )

I keep special (emptied of course!) wine bottles for this very purpose.

Blue bottles if you enjoy a light prosecco, the Blu Giovello is light and crisp and the empties will provide a  gorgeous blue bottle  that the empties will yield a cool, ambient patio vibe.

Or for something a little more romantic: Freixenet Prosecco for its sparkly bottle, brings a bit of glam and romance to your space.

So whether the crazy times we’re in, or future memorable moments, I think all these little treasures will be appreciated on my home front… and hopefully you’ll try a few too!

Xo – Sandra