Hey friends! It’s Friday, the sun is high, and I’m pausing to soak in all the bright, lazy, and joy-packed moments this summer has given us. Here’s a little roundup of what “Summer So Far” has looked like in our corner of New Jersey. A season that’s been equal parts son-centered, value-driven, and unabashedly adventurous.
1. Son-Centered Moments
From sunrise cereal chats to impromptu kayak races on the lake (yep, that’s us up top!), my days have revolved around Xavier’s curious spirit and boundless energy. We’ve perfected our pancake-flipping technique and held neighborhood bake sales. His laughter is the soundtrack of my summer, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
2. Home Routines & Value Focus
With more time at home, I’ve leaned into simple routines that keep our days running smoothly and our wallets happy:
DIY Snack Prep: Fruit kebabs + Greek yogurt dip = snacktime gold.
Weekly Tidy-Up Ritual: Five minutes each evening to clear clutter = big peace of mind.
Budget-Friendly Movie Nights: Popcorn, cozy blankets, and classic family flicks.
Value-focused living for us means quality time over quantity of spend, and it’s been a game-changer for our stress levels (and savings account!).
3. Locally Adventurous Escapades
Who says you need a plane ticket to feel like you’re on vacation? We’ve:
Explored hidden walking trails in our county park
Sampled iced coffees from a roadside café I’d never noticed before
Kayaked at sunrise (that photo above is proof: two paddles, one excited kiddo, zero regrets)
Doing it local has reminded me how much wonder is right in our backyard.
4. Rested Yet Rejuvenating
Balance alert: we’ve prioritized “doing nothing” days as much as activity-packed ones. Slow Sunday mornings sipping iced green tea on the porch, afternoon book naps, and sunset listening sessions (all 90s R&B, naturally) have given us the space to recharge.
5. Non-Negotiable Fitness
Even when schedules got crazy, fitness stayed sacred:
Early morning dog walks before Xavier wakes up
Family dance parties in the living room
Weekend neighborhood bike rides
It’s powered my mood, strengthened our bond, and set a healthy tone as we head into the school year.
6. Prepping for Back-to-School
August hit fast, so I’m already sorting uniforms, buying binders, and crafting a “first-day” breakfast plan. My checklist includes:
Organizing Xavier’s study nook (hello, LED pencil holder!)
Syncing calendars for sports and after-school clubs
Stocking up on Reece’s Pieces because… priorities.
7. Dreaming Ahead: 2026 Goals
Once the backpacks click shut and the PlayStation disconnects, I’ll be pivoting to my 2026 vision board. Top of the list:
Launching our upcoming collaborations
Designing my dream laundry-room makeover
Mapping out a wellness retreat to kick off the new year
I’ve got my notebooks, sticky tabs, and a fresh cup of coffee ready for a goal-setting marathon.
Wrapping Up
This summer has been a vivid mosaic of big splashes, cozy corners, and intentional moments. As we slide into August, I’m holding onto the laughter, the slow-paced mornings, and yes, those triumphant paddle-raise selfies with my favorite guy. Here’s to closing out the season strong, fully recharged, and wildly ready for what’s next.
See you back here soon for more real talk, cozy vibes, and all the chapters of our “Running World Designs” journey. Until then, stay cool, stay curious, and keep making every moment count.
— Naa J. 🌞🚣♀️📝