All my life I've felt that Summer is MY time. Meant for endless days sprawled out under my backyard sprinkler, impromptu trips to the Jersey Shore, beachcombing, paddleball, my backyard hammock and floating docks.
As the years progressed, serious internships replaced the challenge of setting up inflatable backyard pools on an uneven lawn and the first REAL job (where I still work) meant I'd replace bikini chic with business casual. It's been a bittersweet transition, but at the same time, I'm grateful for the opportunity to engage my brain creatively everyday, while surrounded by a team of fun and brilliant people.
To help my brain compromise, I try to do something everyday to remind myself that it is, indeed, summer. Sometimes this means taking a longer, more scenic route home, or turning off the AC and opening all my windows. It never ceases to amaze me what a change these small gestures make.
One of my favorite tips is to switch out your usual post-shower lotion for some old-school Hawaiian Tropic tanning oil. Put it on wet skin and blot dry with a towel. I guarantee that iconic coconut scent will instantly transport you to every beachside memory you've ever wanted to evoke at 7 a.m. on a Monday, and it will leave your skin amazingly dewy and smooth.