“Does it ever seem like summers are getting shorter?
Like time is moving faster?”
Here’s how to do it:
Persons:
- One big old family reunion. Parents, grandparents, cousins, a casserole that involves cheez whiz. Let’s do this.
- At least one romantic summer night in the city date with my husband. Bikes. Sundress. Patio (check out this list of Toronto’s most romantic patios)
- At least one lazy afternoon in the park with my kids per week. Sitting in the sun with my bare feet in the sandbox, watching all sorts of projects and kid drama unfold. Unfortunately, I have the kind of life where I have to schedule this. But it’s happening.
Places:
- A visit to Toronto Island. My husband finds those quad bikes embarrassing but the kids and I outnumber him.
- A visit to a farm to go berry picking. Every year I say ‘let’s go berry picking!’ and my husband informs me we are already into apple season. That’s how in tune with nature I am. Here’s a great list of what is in season in Ontario and here’s where to get it. Advance warning: Strawberries are over in July. OVER.
- A trip. Sure, a Euro rail pass would be great, but I’m talking about even a road trip to Port Dover, Ontario (which, by the way, has a surprisingly delightful 1950’s seaside kitch vibe). Here’s a link to some other awesome options. (Did you know there is an Apple Pie trail? Doesn’t that strike you as an EMERGENCY?)
- To just be outside. This seems obvious but we are creatures of habit. What routines can you move outside? Your lunch at work? Your workout (cough cough Bootcamps) Meetings? Your commute? Dinner? Watching the entire third season of Orange is the New Black on your laptop in the front porch after the kids go to sleep?

Things:
- Check out the festivals. From Craft Beer week to NXNE to Pride to car-free Kensington Market to the supposed orgy in Trinity Bellwoods to free outdoor movies in Dundas Square. Which awesome summer in the city stuff have you yet to try?
- Throw a party. I actually hate hosting parties like most people hate exercising but I’m always glad when I do it. My favourite low-key party is bringing pizza and sangria to the park and inviting a bunch of families for a 5-7pm type thing. Easy, cheap and no clean up. Perfect for a June school night.
- Run a race. Or tackle a section of the Bruce Trail each weekend. Or join a Bootcamp and commit to going every day. Do the Ride for Heart. Learn how to salsa. Make Summer 2015 the year you accomplished something and made yourself proud.
- Go on a camping trip. Studies show that spending time in nature helps boost immunity, reduces depression and leads to increased happiness and reduced stress. Check out these awesome spots close to Toronto and tell me the pictures don’t make you salivate for the great outdoors.. If you’re more into running water and king sized beds, check out this awesome ‘glamping’ option I went to last year. Or even just hit up some of these easily accessible hikes to get your fix.
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