There is something wonderfully hopeful about June.
The peonies are blooming, strawberries are appearing in the shops and suddenly the evenings seem to stretch on forever. It's the month where everything feels a little lighter, a little brighter and full of possibility.
For me, June is about making the most of those little moments that make summer feel special. Not the big expensive holidays or grand plans, but the simple things that turn an ordinary day into a lovely one.
Here are a few of the ways I'm embracing June this year.
Become A Collector Of Summer Moments
This month I'm making a conscious effort to notice the little things.
Summer is made up of hundreds of tiny moments and I don't want to miss them rushing from one thing to the next.
One thing I'm doing this year is creating a Summer Memory Jar. Every time something lovely happens, I'll write it down and pop it inside.
A family barbecue.
A day trip to the coast.
A beautiful sunset.
A spontaneous ice cream.
By September, I'll have a jar full of happy memories to look back on.
Make Your Home Feel Like A Summer Cottage
You don't need a thatched cottage in the countryside to create that cosy summer feeling.
A jug of flowers on the table.
Freshly washed bedding drying outside.
A bowl of lemons in the kitchen.
Your favourite fragrance gently filling the room.
Sometimes home feels most magical when we keep things simple.
Create A Summer Drinks Station
One of my favourite ways to romanticise summer is creating a little drinks station in the kitchen.
A pretty tray.
Fresh lemons.
A bunch of mint.
A jug ready for homemade drinks.
It makes those sunny afternoons feel just a little more special and encourages everyone to slow down and enjoy the season.
Jess' Summer Berry Lemonade 🍋🍓
A refreshing drink perfect for sunny afternoons in the garden.
You'll need:
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200g fresh strawberries
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Juice of 2 lemons
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1 tablespoon honey
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500ml sparkling water
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Plenty of ice
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Fresh mint to garnish
Method:
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Blend the strawberries, lemon juice and honey until smooth.
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Strain through a sieve if you prefer a smoother drink.
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Fill a jug with ice and pour in the strawberry mixture.
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Top with sparkling water and stir gently.
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Garnish with fresh mint and lemon slices.
Top Tip: Freeze a few strawberries and use them instead of ice cubes to keep your drink chilled without watering it down.
Bake Something Seasonal
There is something so comforting about baking with seasonal ingredients.
June is the perfect month for strawberries and one of my favourite weekend treats is this simple Strawberry & White Chocolate Traybake.
Perfect with a cup of tea in the garden or shared with friends on a sunny afternoon.
Strawberry & White Chocolate Summer Traybake 🍓
You'll need:
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200g unsalted butter, softened
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200g caster sugar
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4 eggs
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200g self-raising flour
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100g white chocolate chips
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200g fresh strawberries, chopped
For the topping:
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150g white chocolate, melted
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Extra strawberries to decorate
Method:
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Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
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Grease and line a rectangular baking tin.
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Beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well between each addition.
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Fold in the flour, followed by the white chocolate chips and strawberries.
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Pour into the tin and bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and springy to the touch.
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Allow to cool completely.
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Drizzle over the melted white chocolate and decorate with extra strawberries.
My June Reminder
Don't wait for a special occasion to enjoy summer.
Use the nice glasses.
Buy the flowers.
Light the wax melt.
Sit outside for ten extra minutes.
Watch the sunset.
Make the ordinary feel a little extraordinary.
Because the days may be long, but summer always seems to pass far too quickly.
June feels like the start of a beautiful chapter.
A season of sunshine, slow evenings, blooming gardens and making memories at home.
So open the patio doors, pour yourself something refreshing, fill your home with fragrance and enjoy every little bit of it.
After all, these are the moments we'll be looking back on when winter returns.
Best wishes,
Jess 💕
