A Summer State of Mind
Happy Summer! It’s officially here, and I couldn’t be happier about it! My design work has kept me very busy lately (which is always a good thing), but it's meant the Dunbar Road blog has taken a bit of a back seat. With summer arriving, it felt like the right moment to change that. I've given this space a little refresh too, with a new name and a new look: Dunbar Details. What hasn’t changed: sharing my thoughts on design, style, and the art of living well – all with a dose of sunshine, of course!
This month I’ve been thinking a lot about what makes this time of year so special. From the extra daylight to a new pair of sandals, summer feels like a breath of fresh air. Here’s a glimpse of what makes summer one of my favorite times of the year:
Longer days
Being able to walk after work is a highlight of my day. Since my weekdays are spent in the office or at onsite client meetings, getting to spend time outdoors helps me recharge after a long day. Even with the Dallas heat, being outside is one of my favorite things about the summer. Leaving the office in daylight is such a treat since it’s typically dark the other times of the year. I love sunshine, and the extra hours of daylight give me that boost of energy that makes the summer months feel so special.
Quick weekend get-aways
The laid-back pace of the summer is especially noticeable on the weekends, and if I can go out of town for a couple of days, I jump on it! Just a short trip is often all I need to feel refreshed and recharged. Whether it’s a quick trip to the lake, the spa in Austin, or to San Miguel de Allende, I love the excitement that a change of scenery brings.
Relaxing with family and friends
While summer can be a busy time, I find it’s the perfect balance of being on the go and having downtime. When our schedules align, I love spending time with my friends and family, and often we’ll eat outside, whether at home or at a restaurant. I love a summer dinner that runs late into the evening. Is there anything better? When we’re not eating, we’re often poolside. We might not have the beach in Dallas, but pools offer the cool relief we need. I love spending a lazy afternoon with friends, preferably with an iced tea or Nanacita in hand!
Movies
I’ve always loved going to the movies during the summer. It was – and still is – one of the best ways to beat the heat. I have memories of my sweet mom dropping off my sisters and me at the theater during summer vacations, so an afternoon or evening at the movies feels kind of nostalgic. For me, being the SciFi geek that I am, I’m loving Project Hail Mary with Ryan Gosling right now. I’ve got Disclosure Day and The Odyssey on my list too.
Style
Summer clothes are all about keeping cool, and there’s nothing easier than wearing dresses. It’s just so easy to put one on and feel put together. While I prefer shopping in local stores and boutiques, I often order online for time and convenience. Tuckernuck and Shopbop offer so many cute styles, from casual to something dressier, and I check those sites often when I’m ready for something new.
Beauty and Wellness
With the arrival of warm weather, I often tweak my beauty regime. I wear sunscreen all year, and recently I’ve been reaching for Forah’s Everyday Mineral Sunscreen, which I prefer because it’s chemical-free. The Amber perfume oil from Nemat is so warm and understated. My team at the office is always recommending products, and everyone has been talking about the Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment, so I had to try it for myself.
I love fresh juice, and I’m a longtime fan of the The Gem, a local juice bar here in Dallas. Their iced Immuni-Tea drink – a blend of green tea, ginger, turmeric and lemon – is the perfect pick me up refresher on a hot afternoon. And speaking of lemon, I’ve recently discovered the Nest NY candle, Sunlit Yuzu and Neroli. It’s bright, crisp and uplifting with a fresh citrus scent that instantly makes a room feel like summer.
Slower, relaxed pace
Even though work continues to keep me busy no matter the season, this time of year feels less hectic and time-constrained, especially with my clients. There’s a more laid-back feeling both in and out of the office. An added bonus: getting to see the whole family during site visits. With school being out, I often meet my clients’ children, which is such a fun part of the job. It’s this relaxed pace that I love most about summer and that grounds me. It fills my basket, so to speak, and leaves me energized for what I know is on the horizon in just a few months’ time.
Summer is all about slowing down, soaking it all in, and savoring every moment: the long days, the easy style, the time spent with the people you love. Wherever this summer takes you, I hope you’ll savor every moment!
