Above photo by Melissa Oholendt

How’s everyone doing? Summer is finally here! I think it’s time we put our feet up and take it easy. Everyone I know seems to have gotten a hammock over the past few months at home, do you already have one?

While you’re chilling check out this video, I really enjoyed the transformation. One person’s trash is turned into a custom piece of furniture that I would love to own.

This printout (shown below), would be a great idea for the entire family to fill out. Bucket list summer ideas during quarantine, I think you could get pretty creative with this one.

If you want to be parent of the year and are handy with your carpentry skills, check out this modern playhouse. It is so cool, I would totally spend my afternoons here with a good book. There are so many book clubs and recommendations online for summer reads. Check this one out.

While you are relaxing here are a few recipes that you might enjoy: This Orzo Chickpea Pasta Salad looks easy to make and delicious. My kids will probably just complain, so more for me.

For breakfast try these Banana Oatmeal Pancakes that are gluten, dairy and sugar free. Top the pancakes with some artisanal cultured butter from Lofty Butter Company out of Northumberland County.

“Lofty Butter provides you with a taste experience that no supermarket butter ever could. If you thought you loved butter before, boy are you in for a treat! And if you’ve ever traveled in Europe and fallen in love with the unique flavour of their butter, then this will take you right back there.” 

With flavours like Maple Sugar and Lavender infused with Honey it will become a family favourite. Make sure to check out the website to see where you can find it. Re-stock is June 30th in the online shop.

If you love s’mores, try out some unique combinations on the typical graham cracker/chocolate combo from this list. So many yummy ideas to try.

This drink shown below looks refreshing! I love summer and eating watermelon, why not put it in your cocktail?

While you’re cuddling by the fire, grab a beautiful cotton throw from our shop to cozy up with. A while back I mentioned The Spring One Room Challenge, hosted by Better Homes and Gardens. Now in its 17th season, the ORC encourages and inspires design enthusiasts as it celebrates creativity and originality. Participants are now revealing their rooms and if you decorating and DIY you should check them out.

If your family enjoys outdoor games you could build your own DIY Jenga game. Hours and hours of fun for $10, sounds good to me. Photo by Yellow Brick Home.

“Summer’s here, and so are my boozy root beer floatsicles! And let me tell you, they’re every bit as delicious as my beloved childhood treat.” Check out Mandi’s recipe here. Your family will thank you, I know my husband loves anything with root beer.

Do you have a deck that needs some TLC? I know I do. We’ll see if I get to sanding it down this summer. Check out this post on how to do it the right way.

Let your guests know that you would appreciate them not wearing sandy or dirty shoes in your home or cottage. We’ve got a great selection of door mats available in the shop here.

One day we will be able to travel again. If you want to do a little daydreaming, check out these drool worthy Airbnb’s around the globe. Above photo by Wainui Hinterland Retreat. If you haven’t watched Stay Here on Netflix, check it out.

The next time you relax and do some yoga, see if your dog wants to participate as well. This video is great, a dog with some serious skills!

 The Stay Home Festival is a virtual experience that will help bring Canada Day vibes to the comfort of your own home. From games to music, cooking, drinks, workouts, wellness, and more – it’s going to be good for the soul. ⁣⁣ It runs June 30 – July 1st, check here for details.