Another edition of Casual Friday and am I the only one feeling all of the summer vibes and energy right now? It’s like all I want to do is sit poolside, soak in all of that vitamin D, eat fruit, and take mid-day naps while forgetting that there is possibly anything else to life right now. And my goal this summer? To make that as much of a reality as possible – wink!

Simple Plans, Big Expectations

Maybe you do this too, but I find myself mentally refreshing my goals and wants at the start of each season throughout the year. And with summer marking the halfway point through 2023 (can you even believe it?!) I am absolutely feeling that urge to step forward over the next three months with intentionality. The Bearded Gent and I were talking the other night about the move we just made. That farmhouse in the middle of nowhere is fresh in our hearts and this move was nowhere near what we wanted. The season of waiting we have been in has felt like a lifetime. However, as we have come to learn through the many seasons of life we have walked through it is that mindset is everything in the midst of trials and waiting. What we focus on grows – both the good and the bad. We immediately got to work on listing the positives. Why is this happening FOR us and not TO us.

This move required us to simplify even more in several ways when it comes to our actual living space. It also was followed by some immediate life changes for our family. As we look ahead over the next year that we will be here for the purpose of Tanner finishing out his high school career, one thought has continued coming to us. And it’s that this entire situation is putting us in a position to simplify so much more that our focus can be exactly where it needs to be. And there’s a little voice in my head that keeps saying it’s for the purpose of preparing us. 

Now, I have my thoughts and wishes on what I hope that preparation is for. I’m only human of course. However, I also know that He has plans for us that are far beyond what my mind can even imagine, and no matter what, I know it will be for our own good. This extremely simple year ahead is one that I am choosing to relish. To focus on the good and soak in the freedom that simplicity brings. And this summer? It’s going to be about stripping away the excess and quiet growth. It’s going to be a lot of poolside days, local adventures, slowing down, and empty schedules. Basically, the stuff that is boring on the outside, but so damn good for the soul. 

So if you are looking ahead to a simple summer, I am right there with you. Let’s make it an unforgettable one!

Friday Faves: Poolside Must-Haves for Mom

We were so thrilled that our new place has a beautiful pool complete with fire pit, grills, and even corn hole to enjoy. And since these cubs seem to grow gills in the summertime (you can take the kid out of the desert but you can’t take the desert out of the kid, you feel me?), I know most of my life over the next three months will be spent in the pool. There are a handful of things that absolutely make the biggest difference for me.

01: A great cover up

02: My favorite flask tumbler to stay hydrated

03: A washable tote to carry all the things

04: Clean mineral sunscreen (will never use sunscreen like I used to)

05: A great panama-style hat

Just below, I linked the ones I love and use – I hope you love them as much as I do!

P.S. I am currently working on gathering all of my favorite poolside must-haves for the whole family and will be sure and share that soon!

My Summer Playlist

Another season and you better believe I have been working on curating just the right playlist for it. Head to Spotify and search me by ‘KaraLayne’ and you will find my ‘Summer Vibes’ playlist. From evening car rides to cooking out on the grill, it’s a good one for the whole family!

Any fun weekend plans? Headed to the pool now and then onto movie night with the fam! Wishing you a wonderful Friday and a beautiful weekend!