It's been feeling like summer for months in the South (95 degree days are no joke and we've found ourselves lounging by the pool on many occasions) but it's finally official! Since the change of seasons is a perfect time for switching things up and ushering in tweaks to your routine, I've rounded up my inspiration for the next couple of months...

wear // Summer is definitely the time to break out any un-fussy pieces from your wardrobe. Although layering and accessories are fun, I like to leave them for cooler days (like fall and winter!). As the temperatures climb into the 90s, throw on your favorite worn denim and a simple silk cami... that's the recipe for my Summer uniform.

make // I've been dying to try this simple solution for spicing up refreshing drinks. How good does rosemary lemonade sound?!

eat // Summer always makes me crave light dishes made from fresh ingredients. Farmer's market trips have a special place in my heart and I'll be nibbling on ripe fruit & veggies all season long.

kick back // During the rest of the year, when things are hectic and school/work routines get the best of us, it can be hard to enjoy a little rest. Somehow, when the fireflies venture out and the thunderstorms begin, it gets a little easier to unplug and relax. This season I'm taking time to revel in meaningful quiet moments.

open the windows // The amount of natural light and fresh air present in our space have such a huge influence on my mood. I'm taking this opportunity to leave all of the windows open and air it out!

find your center // With all of the relaxation and fresh air, now is a perfect time to turn inwards and re-center yourself for the rest of the year. I've been thinking a lot about my New Year's resolutions (remember those?!) and trying to devise a plan to accomplish them with new fervor.

slow down // The kids are home! Take this opportunity to spend time watching them blossom and get those snuggles in before school starts.

find adventure // Summer was made for adventuring. This season I'm finding time to escape the mundane by getting out in nature, going on hikes and discovering swimming holes.

refresh //  Our space is always in need of a little fine-tuning but I especially feel an urge to spruce things up in the warmer months. Right now I'm craving as many plants as I can get my hands on to adorn our windowsills.

Above all, enjoy the season!

I'm so excited to introduce my incredibly talented and sweet sister, Hannah from Wander & Whisk, as Hazel + Scout's new food contributor. She'll be popping in from time to time to share delicious recipes and inspiring creations from the kitchen and I'm so happy to have her!

Keep reading for a few words from Hannah and the story behind this gorgeous crepe cake...

Hello Hazel + Scout readers, so pleased to make your acquaintance! My name is Hannah and I am an aspiring pastry chef extremely new to the blogosphere. So new, in fact, that I have the pleasure of sharing with y’all the launch of my website and it’s inaugural blog post!

I am so honored to be a featured contributor here at Hazel + Scout, not because Chelsea is my sister but because I could not be more grateful for the work she’s put in to support me as I start out. I'm so thankful for her help bringing the vision of the website and its content to life.

So many times, creatives and makers lose sight of the joy in doing what they love and get caught up in the competition of it all. They forget why they started in the first place. To constantly be inspired. Through stunning photography (credited to lovely ladies such as Hazel + Scout, Sleepy Fox Photography, and M.Newsom Photography) and thoughtful recipes, I hope to motivate you to make a start and create, whatever your craft may be.

For a peek into my first blogging experience and an intriguing Grapefruit Poppy Seed Crepe Cake recipe (complete with artisan preserves picked up on a recent trip to Vancouver) head on over to the brand spankin’ new Wander & Whisk blog. While you’re over there don’t forget to check out the services page for information on custom cakes and confections.

Hope this finds you well!

Lately I've felt a pull in my heart to explore the wild side of my soul... to spend less time plugged in and more time creating adventures and memories far from our little dwelling. Something in the summer air stirs the wildest parts of me and urges me to get outside of my comfort zone.

With the Summer Solstice behind us, I feel completely ushered into a season of adventure and can't wait to venture out into the wilderness a little more frequently. This little girl thrives on nature walks and trips to the creek!

p.s. I'm so glad Jessy was able to snap these photos of my sweet girl and I during the winter. They're a great reminder of what a little fresh air and a gorgeous view can do for my spirit. What did I do to stumble upon so many incredibly talented friends?!

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