How to Have Your Most Leisurely Summer
Live, laugh, leisure! Plus, some fun summer recs.
Before we get into it, I want to acknowledge that it’s Father’s Day! My dad emigrated to the U.S. in the 80s and was the first in our family to do so. I often think about how I’m here because of him. I’m a daughter of two Salvadoran immigrants and I’ll be donating to various organizations and GoFundMes that are supporting those affected by the deportations, including the National Day Laborer Organizing Network. Other important resources: CARECEN-LA and People Over Papers. I’ll also be donating 100% of new paid subscriptions in June to the NDLON.
The last time I visited home, I found an end-of-the-year notebook from the 4th grade. Every page had a H.A.G.S. message, and I remember thinking, Wow I’m not going to see these people for a few months. I didn’t have a computer and although some kids exchanged phone numbers and addresses (both physical and email), I knew deep down I wasn’t going to call them or hang out with them, not even my best friends. I was too shy to talk on the phone and my parents were too strict to let me hang out with anyone, so for the next 3 months, I’d be completely cut off.
Summer went by. My brother and I didn’t have any extracurricular activities, and our parents worked all day, so I would just be home, reading books about kids who would go off to summer camp and wishing that was me. When school started back up and our teachers asked us what we did over the summer, a girl said she had gone to Paris with her parents. I had never known anyone who had gone to Europe, and I was amazed.
I’ve always been fascinated by the concept of leisure time. I’m an advocate for year-long leisure, but summer screams leisure. It feels like, as a collective, we’re prioritizing relaxation more than ever. And as much as I love to hate the heat, I can’t help but adore my sticky New York City summers. This year marks my 9th one.
So here are the philosophies I like to live by, plus some fun recommendations sprinkled throughout for restaurants, summer sandals, and more. H.A.G.S. and cheers to a leisurely summer, no matter where you are, what you do, or where you go!
Never leave the house without a book
This is a rule I like to follow strictly. Unless my bag is too tiny, I will always carry a book with me. It helps to pack a lighter, more pocket-sized book, but if you want to bring your thicker books, go for it. Many times I’ve arrived at a dinner reservation too early or had an impromptu park hangout and I ended up being so thankful that I had a book with me. You want to have the option of whipping out a book at any given moment! My current on-the-go book is There Is a Rio Grande in Heaven, a collection of strange, dreamy short stories by author Ruben Reyes Jr. A co-worker recommended it after she bought it for a trip to El Salvador. She said every time she visits a new country, she reads a book from there. I read a lot of Italo Calvino when I went to Italy and can confirm that it gives you a deeper look into the culture and history of a place.
Find your perfect sandal
And always take the long way back home. You’ll need comfy shoes to have a leisurely summer. It’s a must. My favorite sandal is the Camper Dana Sandal. I wore them almost every day last summer, especially on sweaty 20K+ steps days, and I’m not kidding, I think I’ve clocked maybe 1.8 million steps in these. I’m confident in my recommendation and will be wearing them this summer.
P.S. This is also your reminder that you can rewear your favorite sandals from last summer!!! I do have a wishlist though: these sky blue heels from SSENSE and these Hereu knotted sandals.
Treat your tastebuds to something new every week
Whether you’re trying a new restaurant or cooking a dish you’ve never made before, aim for novelty every week. Pick up a fruit or vegetable you usually don’t get at the farmers’ market. Make a reservation at a restaurant you’ve been wanting to go to since last summer. Eat stuff you don’t usually eat. I grew up a picky eater, so now I’ll try (almost) anything to make up for those years. Things I’m looking forward to trying: Osteria Radisa (a new Italian spot in Carroll Gardens) and Ferrane (a recently opened bakery in Brooklyn Heights).
Learn something new and go deep
Find a topic you want to dive deep into this summer. Maybe it’s art history, swimming, running, fly fishing, or crocheting — or all of the above. My brain always craves learning about multiple things at once, so right now I’m focused on modern art history, Frida Kahlo’s life, Mexican interior design, and AI’s impact on mental health.
Go see all the films and art exhibitions
Go solo or with company. I like a mix of both. On Friday night, I had a glass of wine at Anaïs with friends and then went to Metrograph by myself to see Pedro Almodóvar’s Law of Desire (1987). It’s a story following the life of a gay filmmaker in Madrid and the extremes we go to when we’re obsessed with someone. I won’t say anything else, but it was fantastic. If you’re into Italian films, the Lincoln Center is presenting a tribute to Monica Vitti and it’s going on until July 19th. I saw L’avventura (1960) last year, and she was incredible in it. As for art galleries, look up the galleries in your city and see what’s currently being shown and what’s coming up. I have a running list of exhibitions I want to check out, the neighborhood they’re in, and how long they’re going on. If I happen to be in the area, I’ll pop in. I also recommend following RAM ARCHIVE on Instagram.
Take PTO on a random weekday
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. I love taking a random weekday off. Having lunch at your leisure on a Wednesday at 1 pm at your favorite spot? There is nothing better. Your PTO can be used any time, not just your big vacations!
Have fun getting dressed up
I’ve always preferred fall and winter dressing, but this summer, I’m starting to have a lot of fun, especially with accessorizing. I ended up getting two fun necklaces after reading The Summer Necklace Edit by
. I’ve already worn them twice this week with different button-ups and blouses. I also got a bag charm from Bunnie Studio last month after seeing this note from . I’ve been adding it to my bags, and it makes me so happy to hear the stones clicking as I walk around. Another spot I’ve been loving for accessories inspo: Tumbao, the largest curation of Latin American fashion.
Smell good all the time
I’m still wearing my tomato perfume almost every day, but I have a little bag of samples I frequently reach for with perfumes from Le Labo, Byredo, and D.S. & Durga. I especially love Italian Citrus, I Don’t Know What, and Rose 31. And if you don’t already have a fragrance you’re excited about wearing this season, book a perfume tour with
’s Scent Social Club. It’s the perfect afternoon activity, whether you live in NYC or are just visiting. I also went to Ayoon in Carroll Gardens the other day and picked up this botanical body oil. It’s coming everywhere with me now.Have do-nothing days
Summer can be busy, but always make time for days when nothing is on the agenda. You never know what the day will turn into, and it’s one of the best parts of unplanned summer days. The day will feel soooo long and wonderful.
Pay attention to the small pleasures of summer
This is how I try to live my life every day. And it’s the inspiration behind this newsletter, after all! Look up at the clouds. Stare at your coffee while it brews. Say hi to your neighbors. See the sunset. Notice your tan lines. Enjoy the summer rain. Eat lots of berries. Take siestas. People watch. Have a beverage outside. Dine al fresco. Let ice cream drip down your fingers. Reapply your sunscreen. Take multiple showers a day.
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Do nothing days and PTO on a random weekday can cure almost anything! I also always bring a book with me!
Love this! It's winter in Australia but I still very much abide by this list (minus the sandals)!