Already in full bloom, the muggy, overcast and sometimes sunny days of a Nova Scotia summer are here.

This summer, I am approaching like summer rain.

Sporadic, unannounced and magical.

If you have danced in a summer rain, you know how it smells and tastes.
It’s something different and unique.

My approach this season is to push myself in my thinking and doing.
Rather than keeping the typical schedule, I am asking myself what makes sense today? What needs to be done? What project needs attention? What am I missing?
What am I needing?

It can be vulnerable to be without work, but it is also an invitation.

An invitation to discover and delight in the creativity that has brought me here today.

Onwards I go into these full magical summer moments discussing work, life and learning with family, friends and colleagues while dancing in the summer rain when it graces us with its presence.

Image description: Amy in a white tennis dress leaning on the floor in roller skates.

This summer, I focused on something I needed, something I wanted and a memory maker.

I have no regrets about these additions.

Black Weekday Shorts | RW & Co

These shorts are an essential addition to my late spring and summer wardrobe. One doesn’t always want to wear a skirt to meetings. They are airy, tie well and thus far show themselves to be very durable.

White Tennis Dress | RW & Co

I tried on many versions of tennis dresses and had given up hope finding them all very unflattering to my body type. The algorithms must have noticed my searching as this white dress appeared on my feed on sale, and I gave it one last shot. This dress is everything I had been looking for. Built-in shorts, form-fitting but not too tight, a pocket for keys or a phone…you name it.

Blue Hoodie | White Point Beach Resort

We spend our vacations at White Point Beach, and this hoodie is a warm and comforting reminder that our cozy coastal beach vacation memories will come around again next year. A well-made hoodie for all who know what an east coast wind is like.

These are a few of my favourite things…

Summer Candles | Okanagan Candle Co.

I sincerely enjoyed testing the seasons of candles from this Canadian company. From this collection ‘Dock’ and ‘Campfire’ are my favourite. For me, joy in seasonal decor is often found in the consumable products from nature, food and things we make to use during that time.

Out on the Wire | Jessica Abel

Spending the summer reading and listening to various insights and courses on audio storytelling. This book is one of those items that has surprised me. Written through the art form of comic strips, Jessica drives home the surprising but very real truth that audio storytelling is primarily and, firstly, a visual medium. Sounds conflicting? Pick up this book, and you’ll be amazed at how true it is.

Royal Conservatory Level 1 Books | Royal Conservatory

Recently I decided to go back to the basics of my piano theory and skills. I had a unique education in music, and although I had worked through levels of piano theory, I bounced around more than not, which irked my last piano teacher to no end. Getting these books for myself brings me a lot of joy, and although very basic in nature, I think we can all benefit from going back to the beginning of our skills and be reminded of where we started.

SPF Tinted Moisturizer | Origins

I have been using the same SPF moisturizer since 2015, so it was a shock to the routine when I was told they were discontinuing that specific one. I finally landed on this one, which I might love even more than my beloved ‘Neutrogena SPF daily moisturizer 45’. The tinted nature of this product creates a cleaner finish and still leaves room for a bit of touch-up under the eye. Simple and classic is how I like to do it over here.

Enchanted Garden Puzzle | Hobbry / Chapters

I love Hobbrys collab with Indigo, and it was a no-brainer when I saw this lush image released in their puzzle series. The simple pleasures of passing a table and putting a few pieces in before one goes about their day.
I do puzzles like I do my coffee. Slow and steady.

Previous Summer Favourite Things

2021
2020
2019
2018

Carefully curating music to carry with me throughout a season is a way I connect with my goals, intentions and overall mindset.

Here is a sampling of the songs that stick out to me the most in this Summer collection I have made:

For the full playlist:
check it out on Spotify

Elastic Heart | Sia

Something about Sia’s raw voice, lyrics and how she puts together her music videos to represent her songs get me every time. She is a prolific artist.

Electric Love | Borns

Something about this song brings me back to electric pop in a nostalgic yet modern way. I love this song playing as I practice rollerskating.

Now I’m In It | HAIM

I have loved HAIM for many years, and this song reminds me of that young 20-something in me, with wide open summers, car windows down, wind in my hair and my best friend in the passenger seat.

august | Taylor Swift

august is one of those tracks that will keep coming back with each generation. T-Swift really gave the world a beautiful nostalgic piece to capture something so many of us understand.

”slipped away into a moment in time.”

I Think We’re Alone Now | Tiffany

I’ve been saying it before the cool kids realized. 80’s music is one of the best eras for music. Lyrics, musicality, beats, rhythms, energy, heart, soul…you name it. Tiffany’s “I Think We’re Alone Now” captures a summer date night feeling that I love to be reminded of. Heat making the air thick, sun setting, waves crashing against the shore, bare legs skipping along… chasing each other down the beach.

Centre - Clockwise: Elephant | Ikea, Snooze pyjamas | Joe Fresh, Explore Magazines | Kiwi Co, Sneakers | Softmoc, Blue Dress | Old Navy, Strawberry Dress | Second Hand find from Auntie Nicole, Brave sweater | H&M, Jean Shorts | Old Navy, Wild - T Shirt | Joe Fresh, Rainy Day Activity Book | Chapters, Colored Pencils | From various family members over the years, Bunny Sharperner | Easter Gift from Mimi, Eloise | Chapters, SwimSuit | H&M, Sandals | Joe Fresh

Having a slower start to the summer due to the whip lash from the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, it meant as a family we were still catching up with delayed spring celebrations and appointments during July. Yet, once August hit, not only was the weather full of sunshine, but also full of beautiful summer moments.

NEW TO HER

Elephant

On a whim when at IKEA without her in tow, we picked up this elephant and it absolutely made her day. We try our best not to clutter her life with toys that will become meaningless and opt to give her things through out the year she will need and keep the fun new toys for birthdays etc. But we are not above a rare whim purchase to surprise her with. Carefully placed on her bed to greet her when she arrived back home, this IKEA elephant was instantly named “Jhombo” and has become a staple in all of our lives.

Blue Dress

Purchased for a family photo shoot, this blue dress from Old Navy is the perfect staple for a young girl who loves dresses.

Sandals

Growing like a weed we opted to pick up a less expensive pair of sandals from Joe Fresh for her summer. They are practical, glittery and don’t break the bank.

STILL GOING STRONG

Brave Sweater

This sweater was a great addition to her wardrobe and is the perfect warmth for cool days, yet also just as loose fitting and easy for warm days that start off chilly.

WILD Graphic T

Various Graphic T’s. Pictured here is one graphic t, but there are a handful (about 4) others that are standing strong, still in good shape and still fitting. (I assume they didn’t make it in this pic because they were in the wash rotation.)

TIME TO GO

Swim Suit

The swim suit pictured here had its unfortunate last few wears over the summer. It’s in great shape, but our little spirit is growing like a weed. Time for a new one.

Various Socks

Not pictured here are the multitude of socks that got worn out, out grown or just lost in the mayhem over the last season. Seen here are the replacements for what was a very dwindling sock collection.

Summer was a season of giant shifts for us as a family and individually. Selling and moving from our little loft into a home was a job that took up most of our summer days, but in there we found some lovely little moments and here are a few things that made our summer special.

Friendship Lamp

On a whim, we sent a lamp to both ourselves and our long-distance besties in British Columbia to have a little fun while living on opposite ends of the country during a pandemic. It felt foolish at first, but all five of us have enjoyed the fun and colourful warmth it brings us to know that we are thinking of each other through our days.

Glitter in the Air

I have always liked this song. I have been practicing more now that we are settled into our new home and seeing it all come together.

Lightfoot and Wolfville Rosé

For our anniversary we went to our favourite vineyard for a private tasting and lunch. This was one of the Rosé’s we had and I adored it. Had to bring it home as a little nod from our day.

Lightfoot and Wolfville Tote

In their shop, Lightfoot had this tote for sale and I have to say, one of the things that I have always adored about the vineyard and farm is their branding. They have a beautifully romantic way of summarizing their values and history in their images.

IKEA Water Glasses

During our kitchen reno in 2019 and since we had multiple water glasses break for various reasons. (washing glassware in a shallow bathroom sink for six weeks may have something to do with it) It has left us moving into a new house with just five water glasses left and all mismatched from various sets. Picking up a pack of these glasses is a wonderful way of celebrating hosting in our new home and welcoming a new season in our lives.

Daisy Jones and the Six

I picked up this book during my first venture out of the house after the strict pandemic restrictions lifted. It served as a lovely summer read that had the taste of “A Star is Born”.

Sunglasses

So glad that I pulled for us to both get prescription sunglasses earlier this year. They made this summer’s nature walks, drives and the few beach days we could squeeze in so much more enjoyable. Huge thanks to All About Eyeware for making that happen during the spring months.

What a whirlwind.

Not much time to hone my filming/editing skills but sticking to the monthly summary for the discipline and the slow learning.

I wonder what this Autumn will bring in terms of time and creative moments?

Summer is a time of road trips, driving to the beach, and parties.

Although drives in our province can happen, we find ourselves in a season of planning and preparing. A huge part of that is having our child enter primary school. A huge stepping stone for her and us.

While creating a playlist I found joy in adding a few tracks that reflected summer like films while also adding tracks that felt reflective of a summer full of shifts, pandemic restrictions and hopes for the future.

Summer 2020 Playlist <——

*Standouts

In the Waiting | Kina Grannis

This track has given me a lot of hope, peace and reminder to stay present in the moment and day I am in.

Revival Anthem | Rend Collective

It’s no secret that I ADORE music from the British Isles. Rend Collective has a tone similar to Mumford and Sons while also highlighting their faith in creative ways. Seeing them play live last year was a highlight. Their energy is terrific. (It didn’t hurt that they said Nova Scotia of all the provinces in Canada reminded them of the same music energy / atmosphere they see in Ireland.)

La Vie En Rose | Lady Gaga

A Star is Born tore my heart in two. I found it beautifully done to the point of feeling the ache of it’s echo months later. Always loving this song, I found Lady Gaga (Stefanie) rendition of it reaches new heights.

Water | Kanye West

As polorizing as Kayne can be, I find his creativity fascinating. Over the years I have resonated with his work that highlights the desire to connect with a higher power.
I initially found peace in this song when this couple captured the physicality of the song.

Seasons | NEEDTOBREATHE

This song hit me in the gut and was an instant purchase. I think music connects us as humans and ultimately I would argue that it’s a way that we connect deeper with that which made us.

*always tacked on the playlist is a few tracks from the Outlander season / book I am re-reading / rewatching. Summer 2020 is Book 1 & Season 1.

Top centre - Clockwise : White Cat Marie - Aristacat | Gift from Auntie Heidi, LOVE Swimsuit | Joe Fresh, Anchor Hat | Fluffy Bottom Babies, Rainbow Overalls | Carters, Water Bottle | Gift from Yeye from trip to Hong Kong, Puppies Sticker Book | From Indigo for PEI road trip, Star Sneakers | Zara, Whale | long ago gift from Auntie Nicole, Black Shorts | Joe Fresh, Rain Boots | H&M, Mermaid Pyjamas | Carters, Jean Shorts | Carters, Jean romper | Carters, Fingerling key chain | gift from family friend, Mermaid t-shirt | Second hand find from Auntie Nicole, Donought t-shirt | Carters, Mermaid | Fluffy Bottom Babies

Summer seems to be the season where we stick to our main few outfits on rotation. With hot and sticky days that go between 28 - 35 degrees the last thing you want is to regret dressing your child in something that is either too hot or just way too inconvienent.

New to Her

The Mermaid shirt, a second hand find from Auntie Nicole a.k.a Little Thrifted Closet was gifted to Zoë & she ADORES it. It’s lightweight and perfect for all that summer sweating.

Auntie Heidi also brought back a Disney stuffy ‘Marie’ from the Aristocats and Zoë has been carting it around ever since.

Still Going Strong

The H&M rainboots are still perfectly sized and should do us at least until the end of this year. They are great quality.

Whale was away for awhile while we dealt with renovations and a bug problem. He has since had his spout fixed and is sealed up for more cuddles on the couch.

Time to Go

LOVE swimsuit from Joe fresh is becoming too tight, before the end of this year we will have to find a new swimsuit.

Various T-Shirts that became too small / tight over the summer.

*Not picture here a two dresses and a beach cover up that Zoe wore off and on along with a few spare t-shirts that either were in the wash when this photo was taken or were already too tight by the time the summer was ending.

This summer flew by fast for me. It didn’t feel as if I had enough time to truly enjoy the weeks of warmth, but I was able to find a few favourite things…

Strapless Romper

Aerie has become a place I reference when I am looking for something cozy and within my style. Finding this romper has been the staple of my first summer as an official ‘thirty something’. I adore it. It makes me feel completely comfortable, while also feeling very 100% me.

Anne of Green Gables 1985 Series

This Television Movie Series has been with me my whole life. I don’t remember when I first watched it and I don’t remember it ever not being in my life. I remember that my mother had it recorded on two VHS tapes. They were stored in her vanity drawers. Sacred tapes that weren’t out in the “kids” ‘free for all’ cupboard downstairs. At first, I remember it was something she brought out in the summer time and as the years passed I remember being able to sneak into her room and pop it in whenever inspired. This is a timeless adaption and I love coming back to it over the years.

Champagne Toast Candle

A simple single wick candle from Bath and Body Works. I love the name & the simple sweet scent.

French Affair Essie Nail Polish

Pink is a hard colour to fall in love with for me. It’s a colour of my youth and yet I am learning to find which shades of pink can follow into my adulthood. This is one of those colours. It’s electric, sexy and so much fun to wear.

Photo Album #2

Completing our second family album wasn’t easy during such a busy season, but I did. & so glad that Zoë can flip through our memories.

Summer Anthology

I have a thing for seasons and this collection has a way of bringing the words and the atmosphere of the season together.

With A Twist Kate Spade Dish Towel

Nothing says Summer more than this.

IKEA Glass Food Storage Containers with Bamboo Lids

Adoring IKEA’s glass jars with bamboo lids for the ‘finally’ renovated kitchen.

Glass White Pen

A bit addictive to write on all the jars in our kitchen.

Summer is the perfect time for a good mixed tape.

Here is what I am listening to this season

Summer 2019 Playlist

Stand outs

Heavy | Bird Talker

Entering into summer I am feeling a sense of curiosity and joy of what is to come after so many months of slogging through some tough personal decisions. Investing in others and finding a way to connect on deeper levels through the summer months of sun and salt water.

Counting Every Blessing | Rend Collective

This version of Rend Collective’s song, (with the ukulele) is a lovely light hearted song about staying thankful and grounded in what remains true. A perfect ‘drive to the beach’ song.

I’ll Be There | Jess Glynne

This song has such a great vibe and I love dancing to it with my daughter.

I Found You | Alabama Shakes

Blues Rock brings me right back to blues dancing until 2am on sticky hot summer nights in my early twenties. Something about this type of music takes you straight into your core and summer nights is when I listen to this the most.

Mamma Mia | Mamma Mia Soundtrack

Does this even need an explanation? A summer musical song for the car rides.

Bedford basin.

and here we are in summer…

How did this happen I wonder? It’s as if I fell asleep as the spring rain begun, awoke with the trees in full bloom and our loft filled with humid air once again.

I enjoy preparing for the turn of the seasons, but I confess, this season there has been less preparation and more of a treading water while I wrap up the ever running list of action items. They haven’t all been attended to in time, but a feeling of satisfaction for what has been dealt with lingers with me today.

I am approaching the summer with a bit more intrigue.

Personally

we are over half way done a kitchen renovation. Getting close to putting the counters in gives me hope and interest on what is to come once we have it finished (meaning a functioning kitchen, I’m no sucker, I realize this won’t end anytime soon) and how we will celebrate the hard work we have slogged through doing it mostly (90%) ourselves.

Professionally

finishing up a short documentary with Claire Fraser (adding the last segments along with colour grading and music) while also taking on a new roll as a ‘Women in Film and Television Atlantic’ board member. It all leaves me very curious and intrigued over the next few months.

I am welcoming curiosity into this next season of my life and I wonder where summer will take us?

Top Centre - Clockwise: Blue tank top | Frenchies, Blue / White striped Dress | Banana Republic, China Rich Girlfriend by Kevin Kwan | Indigo, Blue T-Shirt Dress | The Gap, Blue dress | Second Hand from Jasmine Alexander, ‘Faux’ Lipstick | Mac, ‘There in Heartbeat Necklace’ | Bryan Anthonys from Jasmine Alexander, Blue Tank top | Modcloth.com , Folded up Black romper | The Gap, Sleep Aromatherapy Body Cream | Bath and Body Works, Can’t Stop Won’t Stop | Bench, White and Yellow Striped Scarf | Indigo, Starfish Keds | Softmoc, Nutragena SPF moisturizer | Shoppers Drug Mart, Joggers | Roots, Fresh Soy Face Cleanser | Sephora, Green Shorts | The Gap, Tribe Engraved bracelet | From the bestie Nicole Payzant, Jean Shorts | H&M, Off White Jersey Summer Dress | H&M, Lagom Book | Indigo, White silk Tank | Bootlegger

BLUE BLUE BLUE BLUE….

Can you tell what colours I like by now?

This summer I finally felt like I had a fully well developed capsule wardrobe to pull out for the summer.

What I Added

Banana Republic Blue Striped Dress : Bought for the purpose of wearing to the Wedding Shower I was hosting as a Maid of Honour, and for any future special summer events that happen in our coastal city / atmosphere.

Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Tank : I wear my two yoga tops on a weekly rotation and one is loosing it’s appeal, I thought adding something motivational and different for my ‘spring/summer’ workouts would be a great boost and also practical way to get me motivated.

Roots Joggers : I looked high and low. It could be that I was looking in the late spring into summer, but even still the joggers I found for women were either too cheap / thin in fabric or had insane detailing that ruined the look. I do not want ‘rips’ pre-made into my joggers thank-you….let’s leave those for the girlfriend / boyfriend jeans! Roots joggers although expensive on the outset, I imagine, will last me many years. They are plush, cozy, durable and make me feel attractive. There are many a rainy day or Sunday early writing morning that I don’t want to be in jeans or yoga pants. These are a great alternative, & admittedly, my husband is glad that I am not stealing his joggers to wear on a damp day!

H&M dress : insanely cheap. This jersey dress cost me about $18 give or take , has pockets and flows perfectly. Being short in stature with ample sized breasts, most dresses that hang without some sort of form to it make me look pregnant, but this one doesn’t! It has just the right shape to indicate my body shape underneath and also just enough flow to feel like I can be out and about with a more relaxed posture.

Bootlegger White silk Tank: I bought this knowing I wanted it for work occasions. Although it is a bit low in the cleavage area I have found that when I wear it, I only have to be aware when I am bending down and in awkward positions. Of course, being a mom, that seems like all the time, but wearing this to events has been a a confidence booster. White in the summer is such a breeze.

What I am thinking of letting go of

The blue dress that Jasmine has in my closet that we have shared through out the years has a slight rip near the top of the back. I am reticent to get rid of it, even though I know it is not fixable (The fabric is sheer there and just not worth my time to fix it, although this specific dress has certainly given Jasmine and I years of wear and memories.)

What isn’t pictured here:

Swim suit, flip flips, runners, workout shorts, pyjamas.

Succulent Terrarium

We made a terrarium a couple years back but (SOMEONE ...ahem... not me...) over watered it, so we had to dump it.  This late Spring early Summer we started anew with these beautiful new succulents from The Flower Shop.

Beach Towels

Since 2011 we have been using old Beach Towels of mine and Jeremy's parents.  This year I waited for a sale on these Luxurious oversized towels at Bed Bath and Beyond.  No regrets.

China Rich Girlfriend

#2 in the Crazy Rich Asians Series, this book lives up to it's expectations.  Funny, true and insightful.

Beach Rocks

Collecting beach rocks is a way of anchoring ones soul to the ocean.  Hopefully this year I will get around to painting these.

Starfish Keds

Walking everywhere in these shoes.

Morning Breeze by Juke Ross

Something about this song gets to me.

"Take all your things and take the past with you, Your selfish ways I cant wait to loose. I'm… With the morning Breeze, I was right by your side But your arms released me, now I'm flying high..."

Lagom

Reading this book during the summer months has been a sort of meditation.  Remember not to take life so seriously and take it one section at a time.

Yellow Striped Scarf

I have had this scarf since 2010 from Indigo, and it continues to inspire me in the summer months.

Aromatherapy Sleep Body Cream

This is an affective cream for calming the senses.

Other favourites:

The Good Place - For the extreme laughs & character development.
Mad Men - Re-watching this series is so much more impactful at age 29 then when we first watched it.  Let's be honest, 10 years ago we watched it for Don Draper (Jon Hamm), now, with new eyes we watch it for Peggy Olsen (Elisabeth Moss)
S'more Dip - For that seasonal snack
Nova 7 Wine -  This one in particular
 

One of our favourite summer time indulgences ...

S'more Dip

Oven safe bowls / skillets
Chocolate Chips
Grahm Crackers
Large Marshmallows

1. Heat the oven to 400 degrees

2. Butter the bottom of the oven dish & add enough chocolate chips that cover the bottom and add as much depth of chips as you would like.

3. Cover chocolate chips with marshmallows.

4.Put in 400 degree oven and let bake until marshmallows are turning light brown. 

5. Let cool for a few minutes and then begin dipping with crackers. 

ENJOY!

Last weekend we took four days and visited family.  The drive from Bedford, Nova Scotia to Montague P.E.I is a stunner.  It has a way of calming and relaxing me.  The ferry that runs during the warmer months breaks up the journey & gives us a chance to enjoy the fresh air. 

The Highlights of a Family Road Trip & Visit 

Reading

Tradition has evolved over the years that when we arrive to P.E.I. we begin to swap books out, debrief on the latest reads and make new reading / life goals. I have noticed that Jeremy enters into reading here and that now that our 'little' is older her car travel rides consist of her flipping through books for hours.

Games

Having an uncle who is a board game youtuber has it's benefits.  We are constantly learning new games when we visit and laughing along the way.  This time it was 'The Mind' & 'Gladiators in An Arena' (heh) that really stuck out to us!   (I LOVE 'THE MIND')

Naps/Rests

Having a three year old with a nap-time has a way of setting the 'quiet time' tone, but I think it's safe to say that when all of you but one have a book in your lap and your eyes closed , it's time to admit defeat.  

Being

Although PEI has it's touristy activities which I am sure as our toddler ages we will take advantage of, visiting this family has a source of peace to it.  We take each day as it comes and don't overload.

I am not really sure how to define or explain that ease and peace that we find together but it's there.  As the years go by I am recognizing that the peace in togetherness and time well spent is so much more valuable then the next crazy adventure or the next task on my to do list.  

I left feeling refreshed & ready for the next wave of events and work.

From top centre - clockwise:  Hat | Carters, watering can & tools | Indigo, Bunny Skip Hop Backpack | Indigo, Heart swimsuit | Joe Fresh, Canada Outfit | Joe Fresh, Heart Pants | Children's Place, Sandles | Joe Fresh, Lace Shoes | Zara, Jean Shorts | The Gap, Lace Top | Korea, Green Sunglasses | Carters, Blue & White Flower Romper | Joe Fresh, 4 Calico Critters | The Bay, Canvus bag | Chapters/Indigo, Pineapple Guy | Gift from Auntie Nicole, Potty Time Book | Indigo.

Summer is that time of year where you spend the least amount of time in any clothing that sticks to you.  It also, for us, was potty training season and this meant that our little 'Z' spent most of her time pant-less.  If we were home, she was usually just in a t-shirt or dress. (not pictured here are 3 dresses that she grew out of and we are not packing away.)

These are the items she spent the most time in this summer minus one dress that is pink, that is featured in her Spring Capsule of this year.  Many of the items she had from last year and still fit.

My personal favourites are her new shoes from Zara which opened in Halifax recently, her backpack, and blue romper that I wish she had worn more (potty training & rompers don't go together.)

It's no secret that I love seasons.  That idea of a season changing and bringing something new.  I love seeing what three months can bring and finding ways in which to celebrate them.

TO CELEBRATE:

We had a few friends in, ate a skillet of S'mores, BBQ sausages and other snacks.  We caught up, shared laughs and walked down to the water to light some sparklers.  It was simple really but in life, it's the simple things that count. 

Celebrating summer is more than just a reason to have a party, it's a reason to reflect and look forward on what is to come.

Here's to you Summer and every little lesson you gave me.

Summer 2017 Playlist

Click the link for what I have been listening to this summer.
Less than a month left of summer!

I used to own a ton of movies.  Now, with Netflix, Amazon Prime etc. and living a minimal lifestyle it seems less necessary.  

I paired down my DVD film collection over the years and decided that for me, I only will pursue owning copies of musicals.

Musicals are not just a collectors item for me, but also a passion.  I adore the art form of musicals and I am in the practice of re-watching musicals more often than a non-musical film. 

With that as a disclaimer.  Here are my Summer Film recommendations from our small collection at home:

1. LALA LAND

New this year, a musical which is an absolute dream for anyone who grew up on 'Singing in the Rain' and everything 'old Hollywood'.  I adore Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone and was completely caught up in the tale of two people trying to make their dreams happen.  Set in the 'love it or hate it' L.A., the best time of year to watch it, is when you too, are sweating on your couch with the fan blowing.  Another day of sun anyone?

2. MAMA MIA

Another summer musical set in Greece with everything 'Summer Love' and hilarity in the mix.  It's the perfect mother / daughter summer evening date.  Lemonade anyone?

3. FATHER OF THE BRIDE

Classic rom-com with the focus on the fathers inability to relax and let live.  Martin Short and Steve Martin have a way of keeping me in stitches every time I watch it.  EVERYTIME.  Also... there are some tears to match the comedy.  Tissues anyone?

4. PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN

Maybe it's being set in the Caribbean that makes it perfect for summer or maybe it's my memories of watching this film with my cousin during summer sleepovers.  Our fingers covered in dorrito crumbs, burping from the insane amount of pop and gummy worms we inhaled.  Either way, this one is a summer movie of nostalgia for me.  Doritos anyone? 

5. ANNE OF GREEN GABLES

From childhood this series was always watched in the summer.  Being maritimers only a skip and a hop away from Prince Edward Island, our connection with Anne is deep in our veins and of course every single line of this Made for TV movie series has been memorized forwards and backwards.  Raspberry Cordial Anyone?

Films I don't own but would re-watch for summer time

- The Notebook
- The Parent Trap (1997)
- Singing in the Rain
- Then & Now
- Finding Nemo