Planning a Homestyle Summer
Undoubtedly, the Summer of 2020 is a different kind of summer for everyone worldwide. Since we are all dealing with the reality of COVID 19 and social distancing most traveling vacation plans are being placed on hold. And we are looking for ways to spend the summer at home. But not to worry, we are resilient and we can enjoy a homestyle summer at home.
The best part of enjoying a homestyle summer at home is ENJOYING! That’s right, it’s setting the intention that we are going to look at our home with a different perspective. We are thinking of ways to spend our fun summer at home. So let’s begin! First, we are going to ask ourselves questions such as, “If I am from a different location and I am vacationing here what might I be doing?” Believe me, you will surprise yourself!
Ways to Spend Summer at Home
1. Start Walking Again
Just take a walk for walking sake! Let go of any agenda. Don’t make it a to-do, an exercise program, just let go and enjoy moving your body and being apart of the world around you. But, if you need a little more inspiration for getting out and taking a walk, I have a recent post called 10 Reason to Fall in Love Walking.
2. Savor the Flavors of Summer
Key Lime Pound Cake
Recipe from Southern Living
Dreaming of the Florida Keys? You can take your taste buds on a tropical vacation when you indulge in this Key Lime pound cake. I recently found this recipe in Southern Living and knew I had to give it a try! And, it did not disappoint!
If you love Key Lime give this recipe a try!
Ingredients – Cake
- 4 tablespoons fresh Key Lime juice
- 1 tsp Lime, zest
- 6 Eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking powder
- 3 cups Flour
- 1 cup Powdered sugar
- 1 pinch Salt
- 1/2 cup Shortening
- 3 cups Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup ( 2sticks) Butter
- 1 cup Milk
Step 1
Preheat oven to 325°.
1.Cream the butter and shortening together. Gradually add sugar, until light and fluffy. Next add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until well blended.Step 2
2. Blend together flour, baking powder, and salt. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk to butter mixture. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Beat at low speed just until blended after each addition. Next, stir in vanilla, lime zest, and lime juice. Pour batter into a greased and floured 10-inch (12-cup) tube pan.
3. Bake at 325° for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes or until a long wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack 10 to 15 minutes; remove from pan to wire rack.
Key Lime Glaze
Ingredients – Gaze
- 1 cup of Powered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh Key Lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Whisk together powdered sugar, fresh Key lime juice, and vanilla until smooth. Use immediately.
4. Prepare Key Lime Glaze. Immediately brush over top and sides of cake. Cool completely (about 1 hour).
5. Sit back and ENJOY!
If you are looking for more southern styled recipes have a look at this post for a delicious banana pudding!
3. Have a Picnic on the Patio
It is so lovely to eat outside. The ambiance is so relaxing and different from the everyday routine and another fun summer activity. As for social distancing, a small get together on the patio is perfect!
4. Bike Around the Neighborhood
So often when on vacation, we are provided with bikes for touring the grounds and just plain exercise. I find that it is delightful to hop on my bike and just take a leisurely tour of the neighborhood.
5. Read For Fun
Again, when looking for ways to spend our summer at home, think of what those things that we enjoy doing on vacation. I love to read on the plane or in the car when traveling. And who doesn’t love a good beach read? So go for it pick a few good books and read for fun!
6. Nurture Nature
Now, it is nice to get out in nature, to see the sights and smells of the great outdoors. But, you can also cultivate some beautiful greenery or gardens right at home for summer. No room to plant in your backyard? Try a few pots with your favorite flowers or plants. You may find yourself enjoying the process of slowing down as you nurture, weed, water, and watch them grow.
7. Take a Nap
Napping is good for you and it is summer. So relax and indulge in an old fashion summertime mid-day nap. Remember, you don’t have to be in a vacation location to partake in a few vacation activities!
8. Start Making Plans For The Future
Now is a great time to start thinking of the future, our next vacation. What would like you to do and where we would like to go once traveling returns to normal? Maybe we still have reservations at a particular spot waiting for us come fall or next spring. Now is a perfect time to review and fine-tune those plans.
More Summertime Ideas!
I hope you enjoyed these ideas on ways to spend the summer at home. Now, I would like to share more summertime insights from my friends.“Check out what they have to say about Summer!”
Heidi Suydam: Simply Your Society
D’Arcy: Dear Darcy
Sherri: A Woman Thing
Gwen: Gwen Lives Well
Melanie: Mel’s 2nd Act
Michele: Hot Flash and Sass
Lenysha: Fifty Fab And Traveling
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© COPYRIGHT 2020/ Distinctly Southern Style/ Rosemary Davis
Such an a propos post: my blog post for tomorrow follows the same lines!
We enjoy several of these activities weekly.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Mireille,
I’ll be watching for your post and will look forward to reading it tomorrow.
Rosemary
Beautiful post! Key Lime Pie is so refreshing, I should make one.
I pinned the recipe and will be making it soon! Sounds so yummy!
D’Arcy,
Lemons and limes are plentiful here in Florida and I love most everything lemon or lime. This cake is delicious!
Rosemary
I love to do all of these things! Your neighborhood looks like the perfect spot to get outdoors too!
Michele,
We do have so many wonderful things to do. And all it takes is a change of mindset to enjoy them.
Rosemary
I do a little of all of this! Key Lime Pound Cake is a must-try!
Len,
If you are a fan of Key Lime you will love this cake!
Rosemary
Rosemary, there is not one suggestion on your post that I don’t love. You just made my summer busier, and I love you for it! xoxo
Have fun and enjoy the rest of your summer, Gwen!!!
Rosemary
Nice post, you have some super ideas – love the hammock! Have fun. x Jacqui
Cheryl,
I get a sense of peace when I make my Mom’s recipes❣️
Rosemary xoxo-rd
Thanks for stopping by, Jacqui!
I hope you are enjoying a delightful summer too!
Rosemary xoxo-rd
All of these things you mention are so important and things I love to do even when the world is normal. I especially love that I can run, walk my dogs and I am big on making foods that bring back warm memories. I just like to make them a little more healthy. Just this week I tried using avocado in place of butter and was blown away at how you could not tell the difference. I had ripe bananas and a ripe avocado that needed to be used and so I now have banana bread! I also made a batch of ham salad, something I haven’t had in years but my mom loved. It made me remember her fondly as I made it. Lovely post Rosemary!
Peace!
Cheryl
Love all the things you shared. Key Lime Bundt cake is now on my list to make. Love a good walk and bike ride!
Have been looking for a bike like that! Need it:) Saving that recipe too. Key Lime is my husband’s favorite.
Melanie
Loved reading this, that key lime pound cake looks dangerou. I’m always thrilled to eat outdoors it just makes a meal special, lovely ideas on enjoying summertime.
My Best,
Nancy
Nancy,
Eating outdoors makes any meal special!
Rosemary
Rosemary, these are all such great ways to pass the summer by in quarantine. I definitely need to take my kids out walking more. The temperatures are finally cooling enough to enjoy the outdoors. Thanks for sharing and linking up with me.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
tHi Shelbee,
Our temps here in Florida are still on the rise…we have August and September before we see any break in the heat!
Thanks for hosting and reading!
Rosemary