Summer officially arrives on the calendar this Friday and with school wrapping up for the summer this week for myself and many students and fellow teachers, I can’t help but celebrate the beginning of the season that welcomes flexibility, leisure, more spontaneity and excessive sunshine. Much like the checklist I shared in September to begin the school/work season after long summer vacations, I think it’s just as important to have a checklist for beginning our summer season.

Let’s have a look at how to welcome the summer season in such a way that sets the tone for what we wish to occur as well as celebrate the productivity and success of the last nine months.

1. Celebrate

Even if you’re not a graduate at any level (high school, college, etc) the end of spring and beginning of summer deserves to be celebrated. Many of you are about to (or have already) embark on vacations you’ve long anticipated, school or work may be slowing down or wrapping up, and there is a self-recognition that when it occurs helps us to do even better when the new task, new season, new year begins. Why? Because we know that there is an end, because we know that we are allowed to pat ourselves on the back. Because we know that even if no one else knows we gave it our best, so long as we did, we need to celebrate. Perhaps you prefer to get together with friends or maybe you’re like me, schedule a spa treatment to be pampered. Whatever you choose, allow yourself to indulge, you deserve it.

2. Take Advantage of the Farmers’ Markets Seasonal Produce

Just thinking about the bountiful fresh food choices available during summer gets my palette excited. From heirloom tomatoes, garden grown lettuce for salads and endless herbs to add amazing flavor, the appetite is never left bored.

3. Buy Sunscreen

Whether you can’t get enough of the sun or you seek out the shade religiously, make sure to have sunscreen on hand. L’Oreal’s Sublime Sun Face (SPF 50) is my go-to choice worn under my makeup when I have any inkling I’ll catch the sun’s rays. And if you’d like a golden glow for a special occasion, but want to protect your skin without the streaks from tanning lotion, treat yourself to an airbrush tan. Guilt-free tanning.

4. Enjoy the Early Sunrise

Whether you like walking in the morning to greet the day or simply sitting in an east facing room, or better yet, outside on your deck, porch or balcony, take advantage of the long days of summer by waking up a little bit earlier when its cooler and calm in the neighborhood.

5. Mix it Up on the Grill

So many different types of food are capable of being grilled, bringing out scrumptious flavors and keeping the kitchen cool. Enjoy trying new recipes that regularly appear in local newspapers and the summer issues of magazines.

6. Shop for Summer Wardrobe Essentials

My list includes:

• nautical stripes (tops and dresses) – take a look at Chance for a long list of styles and color combinations (this style’s my favorite)
• over-sized sunglasses or aviators
• maxi dress (The Outnet has a variety of styles and colors)
• floppy hat (love J.Crew’s)
• sandals (this pair caught my eye)
• espadrilles (Franco Sarto always has great finds at good prices)
• white jeans – J.Brand’s have a little stretch

7. Buy a Scoop of Gelato or Your Favorite Ice Cream

Last weekend my mother and I stopped with my niece and nephew into Walla Walla’s Colville St. Patisserie and had our first gelato of the season. With temperatures in the high 80s/low 90s, the chocolate was exactly what I was craving. I don’t know, there’s just something guilt-free about enjoying this delightful cool treat when the weather is so warm. Don’t you agree?

8. Create a Short Goal List

I know this initially sounds sacrilegious, as summer is for letting go of responsibilities, but the beauty of summer is that you can complete them at your own pace – intensely, leisurely, etc. Ever the planner, I prefer to have at least two or three tasks I’d like to complete around the house, for the blog and for personal/professional growth before summer’s end. And just because it’s on a to-do list, doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyable or rewarding? After all, doesn’t making the most of one’s vacation sound like a good mandatory demand?

Now it’s your turn! How do you best enjoy welcoming summer? Feel free to share below in the comments section or on Facebook.