The End of Summer: Making Time to Slow Down

Summer is coming to an end, and fall is arriving. During this time, it's easy to stick to the same routines. When the leaves start to show hints of orange and red and the mornings bring a cold breeze, it should remind you to make time for something different.

Instead of letting the season pass by, use this time to enjoy the last moments of summer. Start with late-summer recipes and spending time outside.

Visit your local farmers' market to see which fruits and vegetables are in season. Let each ingredient inspire what you make, whether it's fresh peaches, sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, watermelon, or other summer staples.

Bring a notebook to write down recipes or ingredients you want to try instead of reaching for your phone. Taking a moment to write things down can make the experience feel more purposeful and help you slow down.

Use these ingredients while they're still in season and enjoy summer's final flavors.

Here are some of our end-of-summer recipes and ingredients to get you inspired:

Corn Tomato Avocado Salad

• Corn

• Cherry Tomatoes

• Avocado

• Lime Juice

• Olive Oil

• Cilantro

Passionfruit Key Lime Pie:

• Passionfruit juice

• Key Lime Zest and Juice

• Graham Crackers

• Sweetened Condensed Milk

• Egg Yolks

• Butter

• Sour Cream

Whipped Cream and Sugar Topping:

• Heavy Cream

• Turbinado Sugar

• Key Lime Zest

• Powdered Sugar

Make the most of the longer days by spending time outside. One simple activity to take with you is drawing. All you need is a pencil and paper—the starting point for any creative moment. Sit outside and draw whatever catches your attention, without worrying about creating something perfect. The goal is to notice what's around you.

You're capturing a moment you can return to later.

Whether you draw the first fall leaves on the ground, a melting ice cream cone, or the view from your favorite spot outside, taking the time to notice these small moments can make the days of summer feel more special. 

Enjoy the clear skies and warm sun on your skin during the last days of summer.

Here are some of our end-of-summer reminders to get you inspired:

• Leaves starting to fall

• A mix of shirts and jackets throughout the week

• The sun setting a little earlier

• Shadows falling differently in your room

• Fewer early-bird migrants, like hummingbirds 

• Acorns and seeds scattered on sidewalks