Setting Summer Goals

I write this post as the beginning of summer approaches. I look forward to each summer as though I were a school child with a summer break instead of a physician with a steady job. All the same it is a special time, when children are more available, and when people are happily vacationing. We get an especially big dose of this spirit since we host guests in a vacation rental. They remind us of what summer is all about: excitement family, relaxation and adventure.

To make sure you get all you can out of the summer, I suggest you plan. I suggest this since I am doing the same thing for myself right now.

No matter your job, no matter your income, you should make sure to refresh yourself in this most sparkling of seasons.

Here’s how.

1. Make a list of your summer goals. Make sure to include your goals in the following areas:

Fitness- Set realistic SMART goals for fitness. Make sure to incorporate active summer sports into these goals. Likewise, plan ahead to get fit before that big hike, so you can enjoy it best.
Nutrition and Culinary- Make dishes you want to cook, eat and share, especially with fresh summer produce.
People goals- Who do you want to see this summer ? Make time for reconnecting.
Project goals

Home improvement, garden, artistic- Take a summer themed classes, like water colors. Do some gardening. I believe everyone should garden, even if it is a nice tomato pot on the porch.

Activities- Take advantage of the out of doors and the company of your kids.

Staycations and Vacations - You can make time special right where you live, or strike out on the trail, for all day or all month as your circumstances allow.

2. Consider making use of a wall calendar that comprises the whole summer. Block out the time so your goals are realistic. Leverage your available technology to communicate and coordinate with others in your group of family and friends.

3. Document your summer so you can best enjoy your memories later. Use photo, video, journalling, paper and mixed media scrapbooking or even digital scrapbooking.

No matter your job or responsibilities,

summer is not just for kids.

Reclaim your adult summer !

The first day of summer is June 21st.

Make it your best yet.

Summer should be full of guests. Where there are guests there should be great food and drink. And yet, it is important that the work of food preparation not get in the way of entertaining. Here are simple, easy ideas for summer entertaining.

1. Give at least a week of notice, so the gathering is informal but not too informal. Be open to drop ins.

2. Be aware of any food intolerances or limitations. Have at least three dishes everyone can eat.

3. Incorporate the out of doors somehow.

4. Invite guests to contribute a dish but let them know to come even if they are too busy to prepare something. You may also simply ask them to bring soda water if you suspect they are busy. It is a good idea to invite guests to bring what they are good at cooking, within the constraints of your theme.

5. Favor foods which can be prepared in advance, especially the main dish. An example would be meatballs in a slow cooker.

6. Favor food which are presented, more than actually prepared, i.e. fruit and vegetable platters with dips. Similarly, favor foods which are assembled by the guest, i.e. a taco or fajita bar.

7. Serve buffet style.

8. Have a great selection of drinks, especially in hot weather. People love a big punch bowl. We make ours with 2 parts club soda with one part 100% fruit juice such as apple raspberry juice from frozen concentrate. We cool it with ice, but also frozen berry mix. We may also float some citrus slices. The variations on this punch can be endless, and it the flavors can morph as the bowl needs refilling.

9. Don’t be afraid to decorate a little. You can be fun, festive or sophisticated at your whim.

10. Finally, don’t forget the most important part of entertaining: Making your guests feel welcome.