Issue #56: the. SUMMER. shift.
seasonal transition fatigue, the superpower of shyness, road trip planning, and In praise of vasectomies.
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“Summer’s the same. We’re the ones who are changing.”
~ Jenny Han, The Summer I Turned Pretty
Can you feel it? Summer is almost here. Whether or not you’re on a school calendar, there’s something about the approach of June that invites a shift—a collective exhale, a loosening of schedules, and a natural opportunity to reset. The longer days and warmer weather often nudge us to rethink routines, spend more time outside, and find new rhythms that support our health and well-being. It’s a season that invites us to slow down in some ways and wake up in others, offering space to check in with ourselves and the people we care about…What do I want this next season to feel like? What rhythms support my well-being? Whether you’re navigating this shift solo, in community, or with kids in tow, summer gives us space to soften old habits and open up to something new.
But let’s be honest: that shift isn’t always easy and sometimes our energy doesn’t match the demand that summer asks of us. This can be especially true for parents and caregivers, for whom the season can bring an added layer of logistical and emotional weight. The mental load of stitching together summer camps, managing childcare, or navigating wide-open days can feel like a full-time job. And while kids may be excited for summer, not all transitions are smooth—especially for those who are shy or rely on structure to feel safe. That lack of routine can stir up big feelings for them—and for us. Finding presence and balance in the midst of it all takes care, creativity, and no small amount of grace.
We’re holding all of that as we move into this next season—and making some space to create some creative shifts of our own while enjoying summer with our kiddos. Here is what you can expect for June and July…we will see you every Friday with our 5 Senses Friday and in June will be releasing a new episode of the INTERWOVXN podcast with a circle of women discussing ADHD. From there, we are planning some fun things for late summer and early fall! So stay tuned…there’s so much goodness ahead. Thank you for being here!
TASTE: Road trip food. This summer we are channeling the road trip and weekend beach day trip vibes! We bought some bento boxes and snack boxes with the intent of packing food versus having to stop for every meal along the day and have been looking up recipes for some mains to go with the basics (fruits, veggies, jerky or dried meats, cheese, crackers, etc.) 15 Recipes for Picnics that Travel Well in a Cooler or 30 Make Ahead Recipes – Perfect for Road Trips or 25 Cooler Food Ideas That Are Pure Genius like this Hot Girl Summer Salad.
CAMPING THIS SUMMER? Check out this post on how to pack a cooler safely!
SEE: And Just Like That…Season Three. Did you watch Episode 1? Having lived in the West Village, I (Rebecca) cannot NOT watch. The brownstones, the style (my favorite part—LOVE the pattern and color combinations), and the nostalgia that the show brings! Sex in the City premiered the year that I moved to New York City and so it is the perfect show to have in the background while I work (even if it is a bit over the top;)
Here is a link (from the UK but good for inspo;) for shopping Season 3 looks!
SMELL: SEASONS Summer Essential Oil Blend. As the seasons begin to shift, it’s a great time to recalibrate your mood and environment—and scent is such a simple way to do that. We found this Summer essential oil blend from Anthropologie and are intrigued. The blend contains patchouli and rosemary along with lime and lemongrass that offer a refreshing, shaded calm. Their SEASONS blends are currently on sale online if you're looking to set some intention for moving through the year with smell!
HEAR: Shyness is a Superpower: The Secret to Raising Secure, Confident Kids. As a mom of a shy kiddo, I found this episode from Big Little Feelings helpful as it reframes shyness as a strength, challenging the common belief that only outgoing kids are confident. It explores how a more reserved nature often reflects strong self-awareness and inner confidence. Listeners learn practical strategies to support children who tend to hang back in new situations, including how to respond in real-time when nerves show up and how to nurture lasting confidence without overriding a child’s natural instincts.
BONUS HEAR: For Matt Berninger + The National fans, Get Sunk arrived today!
TOUCH: In Praise of Vasectomy. As we move through seasonal shifts, it’s a good time to think about all kinds of transitions—especially the ones that happen quietly within our relationships and bodies. We loved this essay from Gloria called “In Praise of Vasectomy,” where writer Julie Alvin shares honest reflections on what it looks like when men take on a more active role in family planning. Through conversations with friends, she explores how vasectomies—quick, low-risk, and often way less scary than people assume—can be a meaningful (and overdue) way to share the load of birth control. It’s thoughtful, funny, and a great read for anyone thinking about what care, responsibility, and equity can look like in real life.
What is appealing to your senses right now? What are you reading? watching? cooking? wearing? loving? obsessed with? We would love to share some of your picks in future newsletters!
how to beat SUMMER fatigue… holistic tips for restoring ENERGY.
Coming off of the energy of our dance party, Women’s Entrepreneurship Week, and Rebecca’s birthday, we have been feeling super tired…like we are riding uphill on a bike for the final sprint of the school year.
“According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we’re currently moving from spring’s wood element—associated with growth and upward energy—into summer’s fire element, which is all about intensity, heat, and outward expression. Summer represents the height of yang energy…During this time, energy rises to the surface…We become more physically active, but this can also mean we are more vulnerable to burnout if we don’t mindfully nourish, replenish, and pace ourselves.” ~Brook Taylor
Here are a few articles with some tips to support the transition:
The Unexpected Reason You’re Feeling Off This Season: Holistic tips to restore your energy.
Tired of Being Tired: 5 Natural Remedies for Fatigue, From an Integrative Doctor
PS- If you are ever in Austin and are looking for a fun way to treat yourself, I would highly recommend Brooke Taylor, founder of The Road and contributor to one of the above articles! I did a acupuncture facial experience with her years ago and it was lovely;) Obsessed with this image and new treatment offering on her website—gold-plated magnets as part of a facial! How cool does that look!
And we leave you with…
this video made us laugh
Have a great weekend!
