Writing this list in the dawn of the morning—early summer sunrises and pregnancy insomnia have me up before twilight some mornings, and I honestly love the stillness of the hour!

This summer will be split in two for us—half pregnant and half with our new addition. This transition has had me truly scaling back and focusing on the small habits that make a big impact! 

I want a summer where I’m pouring out and equally pouring nourishment into my body. Icy cold drinks, charcuterie picnics with the kids, ice cream afternoons, berries with vanilla bean whipped cream and all the linen. 

For some, it seems like summer can be a time of go, go, go—who can make the most of every moment, cross everything off on a bucket list—but I’m embracing the simple moments, the joy in the mundane. That’s real living. 

Here’s to cultivating rest and finding contentment and energy in doing less.

xx Caroline

On my body, in my body this summer

Summer chop salads — Loving all the summer chop salads! I find that if I carve out time to prep salad toppings immediately after coming home from the grocery store, I have ingredients all week and don’t waste anything! 

• Caprese Chicken Salad—arugula, baby tomatoes, grilled chicken, baby mozzarella, pesto and balsamic glaze
• Italian Chop Pasta Salad—tortellini, olives, pepperoni, salami, parmesan shavings, baby mozzarella, cucumbers, baby tomatoes, olive olive + vinegar
• B-L-T-A salad with grilled chicken and ranch
• Mexican Street Corn Salad
• Tomato Peach Burrata Salad

Wearing linen — My body has always gravitated towards wearing linen. It’s natural, breathable, soft and leaves me feeling good about myself. Linen has healing properties due to it’s high vibrational frequency which supports the body’s energy, capacity and and recovery. Before you think that’s “so woo-woo” (I get it!), remember that our every cell in our body is made up of energy, so when you wear something or get out in nature in a way that matches your body’s natural cellular energy, healing happens! 

Cream linen drawstring pants (totally dreamy, runs large—even wearing them in my third trimester still) | Oversized linen button up (elevated and a great price point) | Linen sleep boxers | Checkered linen sheets. 

Lymphatic drainage — Gravitating and CRAVING towards lymphatic techniques lately to help with energy, fluid balance and headaches. This pregnancy I’ve been super consistent and noticed SUCH a difference, especially when I feel super puffy or exhausted. I crave this habit each morning. Pregnant or not, I tend to trap heat and fluids in the summer which makes me puffy and sluggish, but being consistent with promoting lymphatic drainage has truly helped. These are easy habits to habit stack while you are making breakfast or getting out the door.

Full body dry brush session | Facial ice bath | Ice roller (must have for summer) | Gua sha (usually in the car or while making breakfast)

Cooling drinks + nutrients — According to TMC, to balance the heat summer brings we want to add in cooling and hydrating foods. Summer is often a season to eat 2 meals per day and maybe something lighter in the mid-day when heat can increase and thus energy can drop. A big noon meal in the heat of the day can decrease the body’s energy and leave you feeling sluggish. This is a good time to eat a smoothie or some yogurt and allow your body to get hungry in between meals. Just be sure you are staying hydrated!

Chocolate Protein Milkshake | Strawberry lemonade electrolytes | Iced Matcha | Ghia aperitif (non alcoholic) with a splash of lime and sparkling water | Greek chop salad | yogurt granola bowls

Books over scrolling — I’ve been stashing a good book in the car, in my bag and near my bed. That way anytime I’m tempted to mindlessly reach for my phone and scroll, I pull out a book instead. Such an easy habit to infuse a micro moment of rest amidst the fullness of the day. I’ll bring a book to the park and read for a few minutes while the kids play and I’ve been choosing reading over TV at night and sleeping SO much deeper.

Currently on my bookshelf…

• The Unplugged Hours
• The Dose Effect
• Good Energy
• Pride and Prejudice (always a classic on my bookshelf, this cover brings joy)
• anything by Kristin Hannah

Breathable skin — Getting ready for the day infuses SO much energy and productivity into my day. I love both makeup and makeup free days but always go a bit lighter in the summer so my skin can sweat unencumbered—sweating is a main detoxification and elimination pathway and so beneficial. A pop of color, brightening eye balm and brow definition are my put together natural summer looks that elevate but keep things breathable. 

Olive Oil Cleanser (CAROLINE15) | Brightening Eye Balm (CAROLINEOGEE) | Brow Pencil (defines in a natural, elevated way) | Lip Oil (FLOURISH)

Out in nature — No one ever said “I regret getting out in nature”. Being in nature, instantly closes “all the open tabs of your brain”—all those swirling thoughts go away. It’s easier to be present and focused, the brain shifts to the moment which guards your energy and mental capacity. Depending on where you live, it can be easier or harder in the summer. The heat and humidity can be draining here but I find that getting outside first thing in the morning sets up my entire day for success. Even sipping my coffee with vanilla bean whipped cream (below) outside, sans phone, watching the sunrise for a few moments in the cool of the morning twilight, highly recommend. And I actually crave a purposeful outdoor sweat session in the afternoon heat followed by a cool shower—life giving and and mental refresh button.

Actually natural sunscreen (FLOURISH to save, best texture ever) | Homeopathic anti-sting bug bite gel | Strawberry lemonade electrolytes

Embracing Full Not Busy days — Busy can often seem like a badge of honor. An automatic response when someone asks: “how are you doing?” I understand busy, but it’s a word I have intentionally limited from my vocabulary to stay present!

Instead, what if I embraced days that are FULL…

… full of nourishment

… full of moving the body God gave me.

… fuller than full of responsibilities.

… full of nature.

… full of messy tables.

… full of exhaustion because that means I put in the work.

… full of deep sleep.

Habits illuminate the way for full, not busy days. 

[If you want to embrace the fullness of the moment this summer, get your plan for Full Not Busy here.]

Vanilla bean whipped cream — Little clouds of pure delight! I’ve always been a whipped cream by the spoonful girl! Simply whisk heavy whipping cream with a dollop of vanilla bean paste. I’ve been keeping a jar in the fridge to add a spoonful to my morning coffee, iced matcha, berries, peaches or pancakes. A simple treat that brings so much joy!

On-the-go — I always have my go bag ready the night before, it’s a habit that saves me over and over! Taking 5 minutes the night before to get everything together truly is a lifesaver in the morning whether we are taking it slow, going to the gym or going to the park. Prepping makes mornings much more peaceful!

Biom refillable wipes (ADORE!) | Strawberry lemonade electrolytes (filled up the night before) | Elemental snack bars (FLOURISH to save SO nutrient dense and good) | fruit, nuts and pretzels in Stasher bags (best size for snacks) | a chic, straw bag