Summer Survival Tips for Homebodies

Summer Activities for Homebodies: A Guide

Get ready for a wonderful summer experience with our ultimate guide for creating the best summer ever! Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or prefer staying indoors, we've got some amazing tips to help you maximize your fun during this sunny season.

There are two types of people: those who love spending time outdoors and those who prefer the comfort of their homes. Summer is the perfect time for adventurers and those who like to relax. If you're more inclined to enjoy your summer indoors, don't worry - we've got some amazing ideas to help you make the most of it! Transform your home into a cool, comfortable oasis by decluttering, deep-cleaning, and adding some seasonal decor to create the ultimate summer atmosphere.

Prepare Your Home for Summer

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If spring cleaning didn't happen for you this year, don't stress - summer is a great opportunity to do a deep clean. Turn your home into a summer haven by decluttering, deep-cleaning, and adding some vibrant decor.

Clean and service your air conditioner: Summer is going to be extra hot this year, so it's crucial to keep your air conditioner in tip-top shape. Clean your window unit by disconnecting it from the power source, removing the cover, and brushing away any dust from the coils. Use soap and water to remove any dirt and grime. After drying, replace the air filter according to the manufacturer's instructions and reassemble your unit. If you have central air, call in a professional to clean your system.
Create air flow: While air conditioning is critical, don't forget to let the fresh air in. Open your windows and shades during the cooler summer mornings and evenings. Place a fan in an upper window to draw out the hot air, while another fan circulates the air inside your home. The best part about summer is the wonderful, warm breeze flowing through your house.
Declutter: Use the start of summer as an opportunity to get rid of items you no longer need. Toss, donate, or store these things away, leaving room for the sunshine and new memories. If you find it challenging to organize and declutter, check out Lifehacker's strategies to make it easier.
Deep clean your home: Once your environment is less cluttered, it's much easier to get into the nooks and crannies and give them a thorough clean. Clean the baseboards, oven, and anything else that's been neglected so far. A spotless home is essential for fully enjoying your indoor summer adventures. Plus, it'll boost your mental and physical health by getting rid of allergens and dust.

Bring a Summer Vibe Indoors with Decorations

Now that your home is cool, clean, and ready for summer, let's make it feel like your own personal summer paradise!

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Add a touch of summer decor: Incorporate a few new pieces into your home to make it feel more summery. Buy some colorful throw pillows, change your drapes, or replace your duvet cover with a seasonal option. These simple changes will make your space more inviting and refresh your home's look without breaking the bank or going overboard with "beach house" decor.
Bring the outdoors in: Add some plants or flowers to your home to create a welcoming environment. If you're not the greatest with plants, choose low-maintenance options like succulents or air plants that require minimal care. You can also add seasonal scents like lavender or lemon to make your home smell fresher.
Add some lighting: Natural light is key to making your home feel summery. Open the curtains and blinds to let the sunshine in. If you need some extra light, consider adding some lamps or candles with a warm glow to your space.
Think bright colors: Summer is all about bright, cheery colors. Add splashes of yellow, orange, blue, and green to your home through throw pillows, blankets, or even curtains to bring that summer feeling into your interiors.

Enjoy your best summer ever by turning your home into a relaxing, refreshing haven. Follow our tips to create a summer-ready environment, and you'll be set for a comfortable, enjoyable season, whether you're inside or outdoors.

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The standard summer décor style encompasses vibrant patterns and hues of sunflower yellow, ocean blue, or jungle green. However, you can craft a serene and classy summer ambiance with soothing linen fabrics and neutral colors. Alternatively, you could opt for an outrageous summer atmosphere; it's entirely up to you.

Check out these items for inspiration:

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Adorn your home with living beings! Houseplants not only enrich the air but also uplift your mood. Popular summer options like Birds of Paradise or Spider plants are fairly easy to maintain. For something bulletproof, consider succulents or flowering cacti.

Add fragrance to your summer: Infuse your living space with the scent of lemons or eucalyptus through essential oils for a refreshing summer aroma. While these fragrances mimic an idealized summer, if you're seeking realism, a blend of coconut and stale beer scents could create a summer vibe reminiscent of a tourist town. Luckily, there's no essential oil for "New York Subway in August."

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Summertime at-home activities

To transition your house from winter to summer, reimagine not just the aesthetics but also how you spend your time. While outdoor enthusiasts indulge in travel, water-skiing, or other seasonal pursuits, here are alternative ways to cherish summer without venturing outdoors.

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Recommended "beach" reading for indoor explorers

Although lugging a novel to the beach may be too literal, escapism is still warranted during home-bound summers. Below is a list of summer novels to stimulate your imagination. While I've only read one of them myself, all received at least four stars on Amazon, which suggests trustworthiness.

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People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry: This book's title suggests a summery setting, but you can enjoy it from the comfort of your home.
This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune: Beach romance can be charming, but who wants sand in all the wrong places?
Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life by William Finnegan: Surfing is tricky in real life, but this read is as easy as the ocean waves.
The Trackers by Charles Frazier: This novel takes place during the Great Depression and follows an artist's journey. While researching this story, I even ordered it.
Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, 1) by Rebecca Yarros: Fans of dragons and fantasy tales might appreciate this book.
One of Us Knows by Alyssa Cole: Nothing screams beach read more than a mystery novel!

Ultimate summer movie lineup

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Treat yourself to some classic films set during summer. I've compiled a list of beloved summertime movies from before 1980:

Where the Boys Are: (1960) An undergrad girl's summer vacation in Fort Lauderdale, Florida leads to several stolen hearts.
Giant: (1956) A sweeping epic about a wealthy Texas oilman, his loving wife, and his torrid affair with a feisty Mexican rancher.
Fantastic Voyage: (1966) Scientists shrink to microscopic size and enter a man's body to repair his life-threatening injury.
Summertime: (1955) An English girl spends the summer with old friends and family in Venice, Italy.

Enjoy your summer as you please! Whether it be tranquil and serene or eccentric and wild, it's your domain.

The End.

Introducing a world where indoor gatherings exude socializing and positivity, even for those confined to their homes. With a revamped setting, satiating your friends' company on your premises is easily achievable. Showcasing pristine interiors and a palette of summer tones, your abode's intrinsic charm coupled with a carefully curated selection of acclaimed movies should have your free-spirited cluster of buddies eager to partake in a homebound shindig. Raise the stakes with these delectable, seasonally-appropriate beverages that'll transport you to the land of beaches and merriment.

The Mai Tai: Uncontestedly the finest beverage the world has ever laid eyes on, the undisputable majesty of the Mai Tai knows no comparison, rendering any potential rivals worthless. However, do bear in mind that the most authentic experience can only be achieved through an idolized bartender's hands.
The Classic Margarita: A quintessential beverage symbol of summer, the Margarita remains a formidable force that can't be buckled under the weight of excessive popularity. Its innate quality possesses an unshattering foundation from which no variations stray.
Corona with Lime: It's high time to accept that India Pale Ales rate poorly on the palate. Opting for a trim, revitalizing Mexican pilsner arguably presents itself as a more refined option, complemented by the addition of one, two, or even three wedges of lime for a summerlike kick.
The Blue Hawaiian: Apprehended by its unappealing hue, the Blue Hawaiian manages to dispel any misconceptions, proving to have a pleased taste bud, despite its dubious appearance. Both kitschy and vintage without succumbing to grainy sweetness or stickiness.
The Ding-a-Ling: In the "Cocktail" movie of 1983, Tom Cruise devised a string of ludicrous cocktails, each composed of vodka and schnapps—none received more attention than his mention of a "ding-a-ling." Regardless of its nonexistent history, speculations about its existence and mystique abound—captivating each and every guest.
The Cucumber Collins: For a light and refreshing libation, the Cucumber Collins combines elements of gin, seltzer, cucumber, lime, and mint, ultimately serving as a top-notch blend of formality and leisure.
Any cocktail housed in a pitcher: When summertime arrives, engaging in a mixology challenge to produce multiple pitchers and sharing among friends results in a harmonious bond born from each of your cups touching until everyone's reckoning puts a stop to the ensemble.