NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

On one hand, summertime is a season to relax and perhaps slow down a little. On the other hand, I want to fill my days with all the fun things, embracing the long days and soaking in the warm weather. Our summers are short-lived. Our summers have unpredictable weather. Each day is a gift in and of itself, and I find myself setting aside chores and to-do lists to relish in a beautiful day or a spontaneous opportunity.

Summer is about vacations. Whether it’s close to home or travelling abroad, a little headspace and time away from our typical day-to-day is what this season is all about. For the last several years we’ve vacationed in an unassuming city in California, roughly an hour south of Palm Springs and two hours east of Los Angeles. Close to where we stay is Temecula, an old town community filled with nostalgia, loads of history, and a wine country nearby. I’m excited to share this perhaps “new to you” city in this issue’s travel feature. Visit this hidden gem on pages 19-30.

Summer is about gardening. In Calgary, planting happens in late May/early June at the earliest, however this year, the green houses were almost sold out by June due to summer’s early arrival. Filling our yards with foliage and florals brings us great joy, adding colour and life after a long winter. We’re sharing an idea to keep the garden blooming and bring the outdoors in by way of pressed flowers on pages 47-54. When your garden is ready to be harvested, preserve your florals and greens with our top tips and ideas.

Summer is about opening up the windows and letting the fresh air in. I’m not an air conditioning fan, so the ability to have doors and windows open is something I love about summertime. We’ve got a guide to windows on pages 13-17, a helpful resource if you have a new build or renovation on the horizon.

Wherever the summer takes you, near or far, here’s to embracing each moment of warmth, time with loved ones, a change of pace, and some creative endeavours this season.

Happy Summer!

Summer

“The butterflies and bumblebees; the sun, the clouds, the blue. The early summer mornings when the grass is fresh with dew. The dandelions, daisies; the sun, the clouds, the green. The way the sky feels like it’s bigger than it’s ever been.”

- Ellis Nightingale