August always sneaks up on me. By the time it arrives, it feels as if summer is almost over, and I realize I haven’t done all the things that make the season feel like…well, summer. This year, I’m determined to change that. I am going to step away from my blog through the end of August, taking a cue from the French tradition of les grandes vacances, when the entire country slows down.
For the next few weeks, I plan to slow down in all the ways that matter. I’ll linger over long lunches at my favorite restaurants, spend time with family, and sneak in a day at the pool or a round of golf whenever I can. I’ll also be spending more time at home, enjoying my garden and savoring the simple pleasure of being outdoors. There’s something so restorative about watching a garden flourish and taking the time to appreciate it, isn’t there?
I’m also looking forward to enjoying more of Chicago this month. I have a darling pied-à-terre in Lincoln Park, but I’m hardly ever there. In the coming weeks, I plan to catch outdoor concerts at Millennium Park, take brisk walks along the lakefront, browse the farmer’s market, and explore some of my favorite neighborhoods for shopping, coffee, and unexpected discoveries. It feels good to slow down and truly reconnect with the people and places I love.
Who knows? Maybe I’ll even squeeze in a bit of travel.
This isn’t about escaping life—it’s about embracing it. I want to be fully present for friends, family, and those quiet moments that too often get overlooked.
When September rolls around, I’ll return to the blog refreshed, full of new ideas, and carrying a handful of sun-soaked memories, laughter-filled evenings, and the satisfaction of a summer fully lived.
How about you? Any special plans for the dog days of summer?
Have a restful fun August!