Summer

LONG WARM GOLDEN HOUR EVENINGS

There’s something so special about those long summer evenings when the day stretches out, and the air still carries a hint of warmth. I love gathering around a table outdoors with friends or family, as if we’re all trying to hold onto the last bits of daylight. The table is simple, nothing fancy, just a few candles, some flowers, and whatever fresh produce is in season. But it feels like the most perfect setting, especially when the conversation is easy, and everyone feels at home.

I’ve found that there’s a quiet kind of magic in these moments. As the sun begins to set, the sky turns this beautiful shade of gold and pink, and there’s this sense of time slowing down, just enough to savor every bite, every laugh, every word. The cool evening breeze feels like a gentle reminder that summer won’t last forever, so we make the most of it. We wrap ourselves in blankets as the light fades, the soft glow of candles flickering around us, and everything just feels... right.

In these moments, I’m reminded of how simple things are often the most meaningful. It’s not about the perfect meal or the most extravagant setup. It’s about being together, enjoying the quiet, and appreciating the stillness of the evening. And that’s the beauty of hygge, it’s a feeling you can create and carry with you, no matter the season.

SWIMMING THROUGH MEMORIES: LAKES & THE SEA

Some of my fondest memories from childhood are of summers spent in Denmark, where my grandparents’ house was just a short walk from the sea. I can still remember the feeling of cool, salty water against my skin as I waded into the waves, the sand beneath my feet, and the way the sea breeze tousled my hair. It was the kind of simplicity that filled me with a sense of peace I can never quite shake. Summers at my uncle’s, surrounded by the calm lakes, were just as magical. It’s where I learned to appreciate the stillness of the water, the quiet moments floating, and the timeless beauty of nature.

Now, we’re lucky enough to have our own family summer house by the sea, where those same magical moments continue. The sea feels like home, and every time I dip my toes in (although often very cold), I’m reminded of those early days by the Danish coast. And while living in Austria now, we’ve discovered new lakes to explore, each with its own charm and peacefulness, offering the same sense of escape.

Whenever I think back to my younger days, my mind wanders to day trips or camping holidays in Cornwall and Devon, where the sea was wild and the beaches stretched on forever. Those trips were filled with adventure and excitement, but they always ended with the same sense of serenity, the quiet stillness after a swim, the warmth of the sun, and the joy of being in nature. Whether by the lakes here in Austria, the Danish coast, or the wild shores of England, swimming in nature has always been a grounding ritual, a connection to something much bigger than myself.

BERRIES, BLOOMS & SUMMER DELIGHTS

There’s something so special about picking summer berries, the way they burst with sweetness as you gently pull them from the bushes, leaving your fingers stained with their vibrant color. Whether it's raspberries, blackberries, or wild strawberries, each one feels like a tiny gift from nature. I love taking them straight to the garden, spreading out on a blanket with a chilled drink (perhaps a homemade elderflower cordial?) and a simple bowl of berries to enjoy under the sun. It’s the perfect way to savor the moment, a peaceful pause in the middle of the day.

Sometimes, I’ll gather enough to bake something simple, a pavlova topped with fresh berries, filling the house with the sweet, comforting smell of summer. And it’s not just the berries that make these moments magical; it’s the flowers that bloom alongside them, the lavender, daisies, and wildflowers that seem to grow everywhere. They add an extra touch of beauty to the scene, turning each picnic or baking session into a sensory experience. The warmth of the sun, the taste of the fruit, the fragrance of the flowers, it’s these small, simple joys that make summer feel truly special.