Summer Sunday Vibes

Happy first day of June, beautiful humans!

Can you feel it? That warm, electric energy in the air that whispers "summer is HERE"? Memorial Day weekend has officially passed, which means – according to the unwritten rules of childhood – it's time to embrace everything golden, glorious, and gorgeously slow about the season ahead.

Growing up, Memorial Day weekend always marked the magical moment when our neighborhood pool would finally open its gates. The anticipation was everything – counting down the days until we could cannon-ball our way into three months of pure freedom. While my summer rituals have evolved (goodbye, chlorine-soaked hair; hello, intentional morning meditations), that same fizzy excitement bubbles up every single June 1st.

My Perfect Summer Sunday Blueprint

Picture this: The sun is just beginning to paint the sky in dreamy pastels, and I'm settling into my favorite place to meditate, the dock over the lake in my backyard. There's something about taking those first mindful breaths surrounded by morning light and chirping birds that sets the entire day on the most beautiful frequency.

Next, you'll find me curled up with a captivating book – because reading in natural light while a gentle breeze plays with the pages? Pure magic. Then it's time to gather my favorite humans for a leisurely brunch (preferably somewhere with ocean views), followed by an afternoon of fun in the sun: body surfing, boogie boarding, and soaking up every ray of vitamin D my soul can handle.

The Summer Essentials That Are Actually Essential

Sun Protection That Actually Works Can we talk about how finding clean, effective sunscreen feels impossible? I'm rotating between two incredible options: Blue Lizard Sensitive Face SPF 30+ has the Environmental Working Group's stamp of approval, protecting both you AND our precious ocean ecosystems. But lately I've been obsessed with OneSkin UV Protection – the texture is absolutely divine and the skin science behind it is next level. They've formulated it with their proprietary peptide that actually helps reverse skin aging while protecting. No white cast, no breakouts, just pure protection.

Hair That Gets Better in the Sun I've been intentionally lightening my hair with sun exposure using Oribe Bright Blonde Sun Lightening Mist. Two weeks in, and I'm legitimately a few shades blonder! It's like having a colorist in a bottle, but make it natural and effortless.

Beach Day Game-Changers Microfiber towels have revolutionized my beach experience – they repel sand like magic and dry you off in half the time. No more sandy car rides home! I'm obsessed with compact microfiber towels that pack down to nothing but expand to full-size luxury – you can find great options at Target or search "quick dry microfiber beach towel" on Amazon for tons of highly-rated choices.

Swimwear That Actually Stays Put For active beach days (think: diving for footballs, conquering waves, general mermaid activities), nothing beats Vuori's athletic swimwear. Their one-pieces and bikinis are engineered for movement – no wardrobe malfunctions when you're living your most adventurous life. The SPF rashguard tops are a game-changer for extended sun sessions.

For those dreamy pool lounging moments or less active tanning sessions, I'm all about supporting local boutique swimwear shops. Blackbook Bikini in Encinitas is my go-to for trying on those perfect string bikinis that make you feel like the main character in your own summer movie.

Page-Turners for Sun-Soaked Afternons

Reading in the sunshine remains one of my absolute favorite ways to spend a Sunday, and this season's book lineup is chef's kiss perfection.

For Your Spicy Summer Fiction Fix: I just devoured Hotter in the Hamptons by Tinx, and friends – this book IS the moment. Imagine Sex and the City meets Gossip Girl, but make it 2025 with all the designer references and social media drama your heart desires. Following fashion influencer Lola through her summer of growth (complete with cancellation, redemption, proposals, breakups, and enough Miu Miu flats to make Anna Wintour proud) was pure escapist bliss.

Currently finishing up The Note – another Hamptons-set thriller that a coworker passed along. I'm on page 255 of 277 as I type this, and the plot twists keep coming! There's something deliciously satisfying about a well-crafted who-done-it paired with ocean breeze.

For Your Creative Soul: Beyond the realm of summery fiction, I've been diving deep into the art of creativity itself. Two books have absolutely transformed how I think about making and creating:

The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin reads like a meditation on the creative process from one of the most accomplished producers of our time. His perspective on creativity as a spiritual practice rather than just skill development is revolutionary.

Pair it with Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert for the perfect one-two punch of creative inspiration. Gilbert's insights on collaborating with inspiration (rather than waiting for it to strike) have completely shifted how I approach everything from newsletters to life decisions.

The Sunday Invitation

As we step into this season of longer days and golden light, I'm curious: What does your perfect summer Sunday look like? Are you a beach person, a mountain person, or perhaps a "good book and iced coffee on the porch" person?

There's something sacred about summer Sundays – they move slower, breathe deeper, and invite us to remember that joy doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes it's as simple as sun-warmed pages, salt air, and the company of people who make you laugh until your cheeks hurt.

Here's to a season of simple pleasures, beautiful books, and Sundays that fill your soul.

With love and sunshine, 

Madelyn O.

P.S. What's on your summer reading list? Hit reply and tell me – I'm always hunting for my next great page-turner!

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