Yahoo! Today is the first day of summer. Actually, the season officially starts at 7:09pm, if you want to be exact. (And here are a few photos we took last summer in Fire Island.)Once I read in Oprah that a secret to happiness is keeping a gratitude journal every night--or even just telling yourself as you falling asleep--three things that you were grateful for that day and three things you're looking forward to the next day. Anything you're especially looking forward to this summer? Even something little!
P.S. Seven summer essentials...
What? I thought it was midsummer's day tomorrow?!
ReplyDeleteI am grateful for the opportunity to travel... coming East...long summer days (I am a teacher) and my weight loss journey... the second two I am have been enjoying for a couple weeks and the first I get to do next week!
ReplyDeletethis is sort of like the 1000 gifts post i'm doing with Sarah Tucker! she suggested making a list of 1000 gifts or little things or pretty things or photographs that we are thankful for (after reading a book of a similar title)... so far, i'm up to 200!!! but it's true, reminding yourself about the little things definitely improves attitude and the day, in general (:
ReplyDeletelovely photos! happy happy summer!
Sunflowers and ice cream.
ReplyDeleteWOOO happy summer!!
ReplyDeletein celebration i'm going to sweat my butt off in times square tonight to do yoga with thousands of other new yorkers. i WAS looking forward to it (and still am) but it's going to be one big sweaty mess with how HOT it's supposed to be today!!
cheers.
A Shadow of Night, the sequel to A Discovery of Witches, comes out in 20 days. I can't wait.
ReplyDeleteAh! These photos are so happiness inducing, so I am thankful for them today. I am also thankful for even the thought of taking a bicycle ride later this afternoon, evening walks with the husband + dog, and my crush on Band of Horses.
ReplyDeleteHappy Summer! I love your blog and was wondering if you were going to do the "Summer Uniform" posts like last year? x
ReplyDeleteMakes me want to stand up and shout "God bless America", only I don't believe in God.
ReplyDelete/ Avy
http://MyMotherFuckedMickJagger.blogspot.com
♥
I'm looking forward to FIRE ISLAND!! I go to Saltaire (next to fair harbor) every summer with my friend's family.. you have to do the lighthouse tour! they have stickers (like the ones people put on their cars) that say "FI" but the I is a lighthouse.. so it looks like "F Lighthouses". Classic.
ReplyDeleteso grateful for....
ReplyDelete1.atticus (my five-month old perfect boy)
2. skinny cow ice creams that i enjoy guilt free
3. laughter. just started watching jim gaffigan's latest special and it's so hilarious.
I'm looking forward to attending Alt Summit NYC in August! So excited and thrilled to meet other bloggers and be in NY, one of my favorite cities. :)
ReplyDeleteThey have a bunch of cool pools, free spraygrounds, and a free lake/beach swim area in the city we live in, so I was looking forward to taking my kids to play in the water this summer, but my 2-year-old is TERRIFIED of it all. Oh well... I guess we'll have to find another way to keep cool this summer!
ReplyDeleteMy baby turning 1 tomorrow! Surviving the first year of motherhood. Watching him grow into a toddler. Family time, trip to Finland, & trip back east to see family & friends.
ReplyDeleteHis outfit totally looks like he's wearing an American flag. Very Patriotic. ;)
ReplyDelete♥ Christine
Aww..such sweet photos! Happy first day of summer:) xo
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to laying on the sand, with lots of sunscreen, finding time to read!
ReplyDeleteAny book recommendations?
I'm looking forward to laying on the sand, with lots of sunscreen, finding time to read!
ReplyDeleteAny book recommendations?
I'm grateful for my family and love how close we are!
ReplyDeleteHappy summer! xoxo
Happy first day of Summer to you and your family! Love the photos on the beach! xxoo, ashley {a {little} dash of ash}
ReplyDeleteWonderful post! Such happy mama and boy! I am most looking forward to longer days spent browsing farmers markets and taking evening walks with my husband. :)
ReplyDelete~CP, ladiesinnavy
I am looking forward to summer's slower pace, the longer days, and how often we'll be able to take the twins on evening wagon rides!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to warm summer nights with a cold cocktail in one hand and bug repellent in the other! Happy Summer!
ReplyDeleteChristina
www.becauseofmadalene.com
cyndi, good idea! i had forgotten about those. :) will get on it!
ReplyDeletehaha, christine, i know. he's totally captain america. and sarah, happy birthday to your sweet little one!!
ReplyDeleteI'm just so excited to get some sun on this white skin of mine. The sun always makes you feel better!
ReplyDeleteI am sooo excited for this summer...leaving for Europe July 4th, how patriotic!!, for 6 weeks traveling with my 2 kiddos(9 & 7) all over the place, London, Edinburgh, Paris, Morocco, Madrid, Marcia...while my poor husband works in his London and Paris offices. Should be a blast and a true learning experience!!! Happy Summer!!
ReplyDeleteSummer Fridays, and an unexpectedly long Fourth of July weekend (five days!!) from my company.
ReplyDeletei'm looking forward to attending alt-nyc in august but, what's really got me giddy is the thought of spending some time in the city with michael. i'm planning the entire trip as a surprise; it'll be his (can you believe it?) first visit! hip, hip, hooray!
ReplyDeletexx,
Aja Lake
the gold hat.
I'm going to Spain next week!!! I'm doing a 6-week study abroad session in Salamanca. I am beyond excited (although, I'm a bit nervous traveling by myself. What if I get lost??? Eeeps!)!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat sweet photos!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to:
the first perfectly ripe tomato from the garden...
crisp, cool summer salads...
midnight picnics with good food and long conversations by candlelight...
I keep a gratitude journal and it has helped me get through some really rough times. Remebering all the good in your life really does create real, pure joy. Occasionally at dinner I have my boys tell me a few things they are grateful for that day.
ReplyDeletei LOVE this post!! it made my morning, as your posts often do;) so, i am grateful for that. for my sweet + beautiful silas. and for the songs of the birds outside my window.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to outside brunches with my bf and beachy pick-nicks.
ReplyDeleteSWEET!.....smiles
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to volunteering at the summer camp I attended as a child and worked at in college!
ReplyDeletediet cherry limeades from Sonic. They make summer better
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to this summer:
ReplyDelete1. The weddings of two very close friends
2. A day in SF with my mom
3. A chance to slow down and craft
:] Thanks for the reminder to be thankful!
After moving 13 hours away from friends and family (and the Atlantic ocean) I am SO excited to be roadtripping home with my husband for ten days in July. Bonfires, surfing, and relaxing with family is what I'm looking forward to in those 10 days this summer.
ReplyDeleteBeen a long time reader and I just have to say I can tell you've put a lot of effort into your blog this past year. It's always fresh, original and quality. Way to go!
ReplyDeletePS: I totally think those photos of you and Toby are going to end up in a frame in his house when he's all grown up. Talk about timeless.
i'm the queen of gratitude journaling! it's the secret to my inner peace. love this post.
ReplyDeleteGRATITUDE. I'm all about it. Here's what I'm grateful for:
ReplyDelete1. my friend letting me borrow her car
2. fashion blogs =)
3. chocolate chip cookies
www.loveMercyMe.blogspot.com
I'm looking forward to my new "job" as a stay at home Mom!
ReplyDeleteI love that! Such a great idea. With two toddlers, I tend to hurry to bed each night, hoping no little feet will come down the hallway to my room before I can fall asleep. I think reminiscing on my day and actively thinking about things that I can be grateful for will definitely improve my sleep :)
ReplyDeleteI'm grateful that I'll be in PARIS for summer..and forever (hopefully!).
ReplyDeleteGrowing up in South Florida means I LOVE Summer in NYC - the sticky heat feels like home!
ReplyDeleteThings I'm both greatful for and looking forward to:
SUMMER FRIDAYS!!!
I'm always grateful for summers spent by the ocean in Stone Harbor, NJ... and the memories they bring back of my childhood there.
ReplyDeleteOh, and a reason to have ice cream a bit more often!
Wanted to share my favorite quote that I always think of when summer arrives.
“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” ― F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
Ahhhh so cute!
ReplyDeleteWe leave Friday for ten days on Mackinac Island!
ReplyDeleteNice hat!!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to barbeques in our new backyard! Drinking beers and eating burgers!
ReplyDeleteI'm happy with just now! Watching Grayson Perry's 'In the best possible taste' and reading your blog in the ad break :) Very much looking forward to seeing The Stone Roses in Manchester next weekend and then again a week later in Dublin! xx
ReplyDeleteLove the Tigers Hat!!
ReplyDeleteCute photo! In my positive psychology course, there were positive evidence that the graditude journal works in increasing happiness and well-being
ReplyDeletegoing to Napa with my sweet boyfriend is definitely at the top of the list along with...one my best friends moving to NY in July...
ReplyDeletebut for the little things..
i cant wait to wear extra cooling sundresses , go farmers market shopping for season bests, drinking lots of chilled rose, and summer concerts in the park! YEAY!
While I'm in NO WAY looking forward to the melting heat that is already upon us...
ReplyDeleteThis summer will bring the wonderful month of Ramadan (fasting and praying with a billion other Muslims worldwide) and the birth of a new niece (who I get to go and help take care of!!)
I think gratitude is so important for everyone. Whenever I feel frustrated or tired or overwhelmed, I try to think of all the things that went right and are good in my life. The more you practice, they more it helps!
This is so sweet. Summer takes my breath away.
ReplyDeleteI just am so thankful for the freedom that summer brings and am looking forward to all that will entail throughout the rest of the season.
xxx
I remember watching an Oprah episode 15 years ago where she spoke about gratitude journals. I was in 10th grade and I'm sure I'll be embarrassed by what I wrote but I kept it up for awhile.
ReplyDeleteThis summer I'm really looking forward to my twins being born (4 more weeks!!!).
Happy Summer to you and your family (Toby can pull of any look, can't he?)
I make a 'what i did list' instead of a 'to-do list' almost every night!! It makes me a lot less anxious.
ReplyDeleteThis is my last summer living in North Carolina. I'm moving to Athens in the fall for graduate school, so I have a huge list of Raleigh must-dos before I leave.
My favorite?
Tiramisu and wine (or a latte..) at the airport's observation deck. Living big ;)
-Jordan of A Little Bit of Lillybit
awww, Toby's dressed so festively!
ReplyDeleteMy family and I are going to Hawaii for a week in August, so I'm excited about that!
My fiancee and I always share something we're proud of or one of the highlights from our day when we're going to sleep. Sometimes I think "oh what else could we possibly have to share today?" but it sometimes surprises me and always make the day a little bit brighter.
ReplyDeleteSuch sweet photos of you and your babe. You look so happy and lovely. I'm so glad it's finally summer :]
ReplyDeleteMolly
http://alwaysamrsforeverakidd.blogspot.com
Gorgeous photos.
ReplyDeleteThis summer, as always, I am looking forward to the fall!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Mindi
Cute photos! Looking forward to this summer...
ReplyDelete1. My baby girl will be here!
2. Sunshine until the evening
3. Being able to finally have a drink after having been pregnant!
The idea of a gratitude journal is brilliant! That way you wind down thinking happy positive thoughts. Love it!
ReplyDeleteI so love the idea of a gratitude journal, but then, I think my blog is kind of mine! I usually discuss the highlights of my day on there... Keeping positive is the key to happiness!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Emily
emilyannestyle.com
Happy summer to you too! I'm really looking forward to it myself. I was considering going to Fire Island, but am not sure how well I will get around without a bike (I can't ride one). Any thoughts?
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to swimming, frozen hot chocolate (which I've never tried), and adventuring more time outdoors, when it's light outside. The City really wakes up in the summer.
"I just have to say I can tell you've put a lot of effort into your blog this past year. It's always fresh, original and quality. Way to go!"
ReplyDeleteI agree! I really appreciate the quality and variety of A Cup Of Joe. It is a site I check daily. It is like reading bits of a really good, yet personal, magazine. I think you have reformated what is a "blog" to a new level.
I'll be working a lot this summer, but I'm looking forward to movies in the park, and having ice cream for breakfast :)
ReplyDeleteI love summer
ReplyDeletethe sun, the beach, the long days,
http://mykitschworld.blogspot.com.es/
Thankful for the sunny and warm weather. Thankful for the time spent outdoors. I highly recommend the book "The Book of Awesome." Have a delightful summer!
ReplyDeleteI'm grateful for laughter with friends, snuggling with my husband right before bedtime and those mornings when you wake up before your alarm and realize you have an extra 20 minutes to sleep in (like this morning!). I'm looking forward to teaching yoga this summer at some new places.
ReplyDeletewww.ontheroxyoga.com
I'm grateful for laughter with friends, snuggling with my husband right before bedtime and those mornings when you wake up before your alarm and realize you have an extra 20 minutes to sleep in (like this morning!). I'm looking forward to teaching yoga this summer at some new places.
ReplyDeletewww.ontheroxyoga.com
I love summer, but summers in England are very different to those I grew up with in Canada and Italy. And that makes me a little sad. Still... it's our first wedding anniversary this summer. And that's making me smile.
ReplyDeletexx
Elle
http://www.randomlyhappytoday.blogspot.co.uk
Have a nice summer! Nice photos...
ReplyDeletetoday i'm grateful for being back at home together with my sons and papa m, a nearly completed kitchen refurb (thanks bro!), good friends and stories with my tiddler o-o
ReplyDeletethis summer i'm looking forward to spending sunshine-y days with my loves, eating watermelon and getting a bit more sleep
X
2 cuties!!
ReplyDeletePS. Your smile in that last photo reminds me a lot of Rachel McAdams!!
cute hat! Go Michigan!
ReplyDeleteMy summer baby — due July 7th! Toby's a doll :)
ReplyDeleteAmazing photos :) love the little boy he is so adorable
ReplyDeletex
cammi
http://www.cammilicious.com
awww adorable pictures!!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to taking my boys to their first Tiger's game!
ReplyDeleteI recently read a saying that you can't be grateful and unhappy at the same time. And I loved that. I celebrated yesterday too, with a bonfire at the beach! happy summer!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to spending a week at the beach with my favorite guys in my life (my husband, toddler son, and golden retriever) to feeling the sand under my feet and to drinking loads of lemonade!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing that Oprah tidbit. I try to say prayers every night in my head as I'm falling asleep but this is definitely being added in!
For the last ten years or so, every night before we go to bed, we gather in our living room and we go around and each person gets to share three good things that happened to them that day. At least three. Sometimes there's a list that goes on and on and some days there are just the three, but it helps to remind us that even on 'bad days' good things still happen.
ReplyDeleteCan you please, please let me know where you got the outfit? :) it is adorable!! as well as the model of course! sooo cute!!
ReplyDelete