10 Things to Do Before the End of Summer, Hearth & Home Fall Finds and More

10 Things to Do Before the End of Summer, Hearth & Home Fall Finds and more on this weekend edition of weekend meanderings. 

Good morning friends, it’s Saturday morning and time for weekend meanderings with Kim and Juliet.

It is going to be another hot day, the dogs days of August seems to be taking their toll not only on the landscaping but me as well. I am ready for some cooler weather. My grandkids went back to school this week, which seems so early, the kids here have at least another 3 weeks to enjoy their vacation.

The stores are a mix of school supplies, Fall decor and Christmas items on the periphery. The school supplies bring back memories of my own school days and the holiday decor has me excited for all of the things I will be baking and making this year.

I have to confess I already bought some Christmas things, including this tree, actually two trees. What can I say I could not pass them up fo $10.00. I am hoping to put them in the vintage olive buckets I purchased in High Point and use them on my front porch.

That said I do not want to miss the waning days of summer it will fly by in no time. Why not make a bucket list of things you would like to do before the leaves start to change? Today I am sharing 10 things you can do before the end of summer.

10 Things to do before the end of summer

Go to an Outdoor Concert

All summer long our village hosts outdoor events, bands on first Friday and Shakespeare in the park to name a few. These outdoor concerts are a great way to enjoy the weather, time with family and friends, and let loose while dancing under the stars. Check your local paper for events in your area.

Visit a New Place

You don’t have to jump on a plane, although you could, just plan a day trip to a place in your own state. Maybe you always wanted to go to the beach to see the wild horses, or to visit a local winery, to shop the antique stores or to visit an historic home. The possibilities are endless.

Go for a Bike Ride

Dust off your bike and ride around your neighborhood or load it on the rack and take it to the trails. It is a great way to see more and to see places you’ve never been. I like to ride mine around and look at the historic homes and beautiful gardens. Remember while you are traveling that you can rent bikes and explore whatever place you are visiting. Many hotels have bikes for the guests to ride.

Host a BBQ

Is there anything better on a summer day than the scent of burgers on the grill and laughing happy friends and family? Having a bbq doesn’t have to be complicates, you could serve burgers, hot dogs, steaks, chicken and then whip up a few side dishes or ask everyone to bring their favorite side dish. Bring out the marshmallows for dessert and the fixings for s’mores.

Visit a Farmers Market

Get up early on a Saturday morning and head to the farmers market. Get yourself a cup of fresh brewed coffee and wander the stalls. Take in the locally grown vegetables, cheeses, baked goods, free range eggs and of course all of the freshly baked treats. One of my all time favorite things to do when traveling is to head to the markets. It is so fun to try local treats, to learn about new to me vegetables and to see the colorful displays of vegetables and spices.

Spend an Afternoon Reading

Spend a day sitting on your deck or porch with a glass of sweet tea and a book. Or pop in your ear buds and listen to an audiobook as you putter in the garden. This is such an easy way to relax and rejuvenate and to spend time with yourself. If you don’t have a good book to read I can help with that, check out My Book Shop where you will find many of the books I have recommend on the blog. Currently I am reading,  this book on my Kindle and this book from the library.

Pick Flowers, Berries, Peaches, etc.

Get outside and pick some flowers, either the ones that you grew this year or go to a “you-pick” flower farm. Visit the local berry farms or orchards, listen to the bees buzzing and the birds chirping as you pick a few bushels of your family favorites.

This summer one of my greatest joys has been picking the wild flowers and zinnias that I grew from seeds. Each morning I head out with my garden shears and trug and I cut flowers and branches and pick up pinecones to make small arrangements for the house. This little routine starts my day on a positive note and helps me to notice the little beautiful things I would normally miss, the moss on the trees, the tiny mushrooms, a fallen bird nest, etc. Try it friends, it is so relaxing.

Run Through Sprinkles, Jump in the Pool, Swim in the Ocean

Is there anything better than water to cool you off on a summer day?

Watch the Fireflies and Stargaze

Do you remember as a kid chasing the fireflies? Or looking for shooting starts and trying to identify the constellations? Do that! Get outside and act like a kid again, take in the sights and sounds of the night.

 Make Time for You and Your Favorite Summer Activity

Take a little time for you, let the stress of your life go if only for an hour and do something that you love and that brings you joy. Maybe it is a walk or painting or reading, whatever it is…do it.

 

Hearth & Hand Fall Collection Target

I shared this piece of art yesterday yesterday but it is so beautiful I thought I would add it to my list today just in case you missed it. There is also a still life of apples too if you don’t like the pear.

Stripe brown and natural cloth napkins

I am always mad for plaid and this brown and yellow table runner caught my eye. It would be a beautiful addition to your table and could be used all Fall and Winter long.

Perfect for cinnamon rolls, lasagna or your favorite casserole, a white handled square baking dish. 

Purchase one or all three amber glass bottle vases  for a beautiful Fall display on your fireplace, in your foyer or on your table.

Kitchen Update

The progress in the kitchen is at a standstill. This week we were supposed to have our counters installed, but the company cancelled on Thursday and then again on Friday. Consequently everything has had to be pushed back until they are installed. We are still waiting on the plumbing, electric, backsplash, appliances, 3 cabinets that need counters before they can be installed, paint and of course the soft furnishings like blinds, curtains, and some furniture.

I won’t lie, I was a little frustrated yesterday when they cancelled. But I want it done right and I don’t want the fabricators rushed so I will be patient and cross my fingers for Monday.

On a happy note I did find some beautiful chairs for the new dining area and I am waiting to find out if and when they are available. Like everything else the wait times are very long. The good news, I have time.

In case you missed it…

This week I share a scrumptious recipe for roasted cherry streusel bars. You can use this versatile recipe to make any kind of bar cookie that you like, you simply add the fresh fruit or jam/jelly of your choice and you have dessert!

A life update.

And my Friday Favorites post, where I shared a scrumptious pizza recipe, the most beautiful salad, a few fall finds and so much more.

Before you go

Tory Burch just launched 5 new fragrances!  Essence of Dreams: Five fragrances. Five dreams. Imagine a brighter future.

White shirts are classic and always in style, this one would make a beautiful addition to your wardrobe.

Are you a fan of linen? You will want to read this and this and this three friends sharing all of the tips and trick to wearing linen, adding linen to your wardrobe and transitioning it to your Fall wardrobe.

Heading to Key West, Fl anytime soon? Bookmark this post for places to shop, eat and more.

Maybe you need this reminder.

If you have a kitchen remodel in your future you will enjoy “collecting timeless inspiration.“

A beautiful tour of a Rhode Island home.

Tabitha Brown fans, her new collection is on sale now!

UNTIL NEXT TIME

That’s it for this weeks post of weekend meanderings. I hope that you enjoyed my finds and that when you leave here you pop over to see all of the things that Kim and Juliet have discovered this week.

If you missed lasts weeks weekend meanderings post you can find it here.

Have a wonderful and safe weekend.

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA STYLE

Have a wonderful weekend! What are your plans? Will you be relaxing? Getting the kids ready for school? I would love to hear what you are up to!

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