So now that we are in the full swing of the summer season, I thought I would take a minute to give you a few of my tips and suggestions for how to survive a southern summer! Summer is one of my favorite times of the year. The sun is up longer, everyone is more active and social, and there always seems like there is so much to do! Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy the summer.

1. GET OUTDOORS

There are so many awesome things that you can do outside this time of year. You can go hiking, go to a ball game, fishing, kayaking (I'm still whining over wanting one), or camping. Play frisbee golf or corn hole, go star gazing, or to an outdoor concert! There is so much that can be done to take advantage of the warm weather!

2. THE FOOD

There are so many good parts to food in the summer. From the ice cream trucks to the cookouts, the s'mores and grilling out to the fresh fruit and veggies, summer time has all sorts of options that deserve to be taken advantage of.

3. WAYS TO KEEP COOL

If you're going to be spending this much time outside, then you want ways to stay cool enough that you can enjoy them.

3a. (it's my blog, so why not): UPGRADE YOUR PATIO SPACE WITH A HAIKU FAN
It's a great way to upgrade the look of any outdoor space, and wonderfully functional for allowing you to enjoy your time outside more comfortably! Plus the fact that they deliver silent air circulation while being named ENERGY STAR most efficient is a win.

Haiku has a new, wet-rated, all weather fan that brings Haiku quality to both the outdoors or indoors. They're specifically made to handle whatever Mother Nature throws at them, so they won't corrode in ocean front settings, or the ridiculous humidity that we experience here in Kentucky! They are guaranteed to keep any porch, patio, pool deck, or pergola cool and comfortable for years.

Aaron has told me that if we get an outdoor space like this on our home, and heaven help us if it's screened in, we won't ever need to move. So basically, #GOALS.

3b: HAVE A GO TO DRINK
Always make time for a little summer fun and what better way to enjoy it than with a cool drink in your hand?

4. EMBRACE YOUR NATURAL HAIR

Summer is a time that is meant to be casual and relaxed. There is no sense in fighting the summer heat (read humidity Kentuckians) and trying to make your hair lay right.

5. WEAR SUNSCREEN EVERY DAY

Would I really be a good Dermatology nurse if I didn't tell you this? Everyday you're getting sun exposure whether you're just going to work, driving in the car, or spending it outside. It's one of the easiest cancers that you can prevent and it's a heck of an anti aging plan.

6. ALWAYS HAVE A GOOD BOOK HANDY

You never know when you will be pool side, or stuck in some waiting room longer than expected.

7. CREATE A SUMMER PLAYLIST

SO much good music comes out this time of year (my husband and I just happen to disagree on which is which lol) Make a play list and blast it whether you're driving in your car, hanging with friends, or dancing by yourself in the kitchen.

8. FIND YOURSELF A BODY OF WATER AND PLANT YOURSELF BESIDE IT

While I think all of us would love to spend our summers at the beach, it's not always possible! But find an alternative if you can! For us, it's friends with a lake house (KY loves their lakes), but a pool or a creek would be just as fun. The whole point is to find a way to enjoy the sun and stay cool, while spending time with your favorites.