Summer Slow Living Trends & Must-Haves
Reconnect with Nature, Nourish Your Soul, and Embrace a Simpler Summer
 |
| Embrace a Simpler Summer https://youtu.be/9_lDXOLG93o?si=OJk_mqcaoXxofMPn |
 |
| Reconnect with Nature, Nourish Your Soul. https://youtu.be/9_lDXOLG93o?si=OJk_mqcaoXxofMPn |
This summer, many are turning to slow living as a way to counter the rush and pressure of modern life. It’s a lifestyle that embraces presence, intentionality, and seasonal rhythms. As someone who finds peace in nature, joy in frugal creativity, and contentment in everyday pleasures, I’d love to share my favorite summer slow living trends and must-haves to inspire your own gentle seasonal journey.
1. Nature Walks & Seaside Wandering
One of my favorite slow living rituals is walking by the Pacific Ocean, breathing in the salty air and listening to the waves. I often collect driftwood and oyster shells from the shore—each walk is a quiet meditation, a way to stay grounded.
Must-Have: Comfortable walking shoes, a reusable water bottle, and a basket or bag for found treasures.
 |
| Breathing in the salty air and listening to the waves. |
 |
| Pacific Ocean: breathing in and listening to the waves |
2. Seasonal Cooking & Simple Meals
Cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients brings me back in tune with the rhythms of nature. In summer, I use what’s available and affordable—like zucchini, cabbage, tomatoes, or herbs from my little balcony garden—to make nourishing one-pan meals or chilled salads.
Must-Have: A flexible recipe list based on what’s in your fridge, and a few spices or herbs to brighten simple meals.
 |
| Healthy Summer Salad |
3. Home Preserving & Small Batch Canning
Even without a big garden, I enjoy preserving the season’s flavors—blanching and freezing carrots, potatoes, drying herbs, or saving citrus peels for cleaning products. It’s a frugal, satisfying way to stretch summer into the months ahead.
Must-Have: Reused jars, freezer bags, and simple tools like a peeler or cutting board.
 |
| Pickled carrots wedges, perfect snack |
 |
| My balcony homegrown harvest |
 |
| Pat and dry dill, parsley, onion, chives |
4. Free Local Events & Simple Joys
I attend free community events when I can—open-air concerts, park gatherings, or just meeting friends at a public garden. These moments of connection and joy don’t need to cost a thing.
Must-Have: A light picnic blanket, homemade snacks, and an open heart.
 |
| Free Vancouver Symphony Orchestra at Deer Lake |
5. Mindful Consumption
Slow living encourages thoughtful, intentional spending. I plan my purchases ahead, avoid charging on credit, and choose quality over quantity. Often, I find joy in using what I already have creatively.
Must-Have: A basic budget list, a pause-before-you-buy habit, and a savings goal that excites you.
 |
| Slow living encourages my thoughtful, intentional spending. |
6. Self-Care & Simple Wellness Routines
Little rituals make all the difference—drinking water throughout the day, doing gentle stretches, and ending the day with a calming routine. I’ve learned to say “yes” to myself and put well-being first.
Must-Have: A reusable water jug, morning stretches, and evening quiet time.
 |
| I drink more than 2 litres of filtered water per day. |
 |
| Taking care of my feet makes me feel good |
7. Unplugging After 6 PM
I’ve started a personal practice of no screens after 6 pm. Evenings are now for reading, journaling, or simply enjoying the quiet. It’s changed the way I wind down and helped me sleep better.
Must-Have: A book that soothes you, a soft light, and a screen-free corner.
 |
| Winding down with a coffee table, decor book |
8. Balcony Garden Bliss
My tiny balcony garden is one of my favorite places. I grow chives, parsley, dill, and green onions—perfect for freshening up simple meals. Tending to plants reminds me to slow down and stay present.
Must-Have: A few pots, repurposed containers, and herbs that thrive in your light.
 |
| My vegetable garden on a balcony |
 |
| My first harvest, cherry tomatoes |
 |
| My balcony oasis |
9. Creativity & Crafting with Found Materials
My arts and crafts projects often begin with what I find on my nature walks—shells, driftwood, or scraps. I create trinkets and decorative pieces that reflect the season’s spirit. You’ll find some of these handmade treasures in my Etsy shop—a labor of love born from my slow lifestyle.
Must-Have: Craft supplies (new or repurposed), inspiration from nature, and a little imagination.
 |
| A labor of love born from my slow lifestyle. |
 |
| My “Labor of love” wall art with Styrofoam balls |
10. Mindful Mornings
I start my mornings quietly, sometimes on the balcony, with a warm drink and no rush. Listening to birdsong or journaling helps me tune into the day rather than race into it.
Must-Have: A peaceful spot, a cup of tea or coffee, and a slow intention for the day.
 |
| My morning indulgence, crepes with homemade rose petals jam. https://youtu.be/GXc0XfNY7LE?si=lOGQOq_PoQ-LFN6d |
11. Simple Picnics or Outdoor Meals
Eating outside—whether on my balcony or in a park—makes any meal feel special. I often pack leftovers and enjoy them surrounded by greenery and sky.
Must-Have: A small picnic bag, reusable cutlery, and something refreshing to sip.
 |
| The picnic basket is ready for a day out |
 |
| Enjoying a day out by the water and a little picnic. https://youtu.be/Tb1Bb1U7doQ?si=r3l8ccxEp0Qef1IW |
12. Staycations & Slow Day Trips
Slow travel doesn’t need a plane ticket. I enjoy taking my shopping trolley and walking to nearby spots, or planning a calm day trip to the beach or a quaint neighborhood.
Must-Have: Comfortable shoes, a snack pouch, and a camera or notebook for capturing
 |
| Attending a free Air show in Vancouver |
 |
| Lakeland Tulip Festival |
 |
| Love my retirement. Inner child in me. |
https://youtu.be/gEpwjpuB8Qg?si=-uGHs4AyUfAELo4D
13. Embracing Blank Space
Leaving gaps in the day for rest or spontaneity is a key part of slow living. Some days I do less on purpose—and those often end up being the most rewarding.
Must-Have: A free afternoon and no pressure to “be productive.”
 |
| Blank page in my “to do notebook” |
14. Saying Yes to Yourself
More than anything, summer slow living is about being gentle with yourself. Give yourself permission to rest, to create, to wander. To be exactly where you are, and trust that it’s enough.
Must-Have: Self-kindness and the courage to live life on your own terms.
 |
| Giving myself a permission to rest, to wander |
 |
| A simple bouquet can lift my spirit |
🌼 Final Thoughts
Slow living isn’t about doing everything slowly—it’s about doing what matters deliberately. Whether it’s gathering shells by the Pacific, preserving summer’s bounty, or simply listening to the wind in the trees, it’s all part of this intentional, beautiful way of life.
Summer Slow Living Trends & Must-Haves
Reconnect with Nature, Nourish Your Soul, and Embrace a Simpler Summer
|
| Embrace a Simpler Summer https://youtu.be/9_lDXOLG93o?si=OJk_mqcaoXxofMPn |
|
| Reconnect with Nature, Nourish Your Soul. https://youtu.be/9_lDXOLG93o?si=OJk_mqcaoXxofMPn |
This summer, many are turning to slow living as a way to counter the rush and pressure of modern life. It’s a lifestyle that embraces presence, intentionality, and seasonal rhythms. As someone who finds peace in nature, joy in frugal creativity, and contentment in everyday pleasures, I’d love to share my favorite summer slow living trends and must-haves to inspire your own gentle seasonal journey.
1. Nature Walks & Seaside Wandering
One of my favorite slow living rituals is walking by the Pacific Ocean, breathing in the salty air and listening to the waves. I often collect driftwood and oyster shells from the shore—each walk is a quiet meditation, a way to stay grounded.
Must-Have: Comfortable walking shoes, a reusable water bottle, and a basket or bag for found treasures.
|
| Breathing in the salty air and listening to the waves. |
|
| Pacific Ocean: breathing in and listening to the waves |
2. Seasonal Cooking & Simple Meals
Cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients brings me back in tune with the rhythms of nature. In summer, I use what’s available and affordable—like zucchini, cabbage, tomatoes, or herbs from my little balcony garden—to make nourishing one-pan meals or chilled salads.
Must-Have: A flexible recipe list based on what’s in your fridge, and a few spices or herbs to brighten simple meals.
|
| Healthy Summer Salad |
3. Home Preserving & Small Batch Canning
Even without a big garden, I enjoy preserving the season’s flavors—blanching and freezing carrots, potatoes, drying herbs, or saving citrus peels for cleaning products. It’s a frugal, satisfying way to stretch summer into the months ahead.
Must-Have: Reused jars, freezer bags, and simple tools like a peeler or cutting board.
|
| Pickled carrots wedges, perfect snack |
|
| My balcony homegrown harvest |
|
| Pat and dry dill, parsley, onion, chives |
4. Free Local Events & Simple Joys
I attend free community events when I can—open-air concerts, park gatherings, or just meeting friends at a public garden. These moments of connection and joy don’t need to cost a thing.
Must-Have: A light picnic blanket, homemade snacks, and an open heart.
|
| Free Vancouver Symphony Orchestra at Deer Lake |
5. Mindful Consumption
Slow living encourages thoughtful, intentional spending. I plan my purchases ahead, avoid charging on credit, and choose quality over quantity. Often, I find joy in using what I already have creatively.
Must-Have: A basic budget list, a pause-before-you-buy habit, and a savings goal that excites you.
|
| Slow living encourages my thoughtful, intentional spending. |
6. Self-Care & Simple Wellness Routines
Little rituals make all the difference—drinking water throughout the day, doing gentle stretches, and ending the day with a calming routine. I’ve learned to say “yes” to myself and put well-being first.
Must-Have: A reusable water jug, morning stretches, and evening quiet time.
|
| I drink more than 2 litres of filtered water per day. |
|
| Taking care of my feet makes me feel good |
7. Unplugging After 6 PM
I’ve started a personal practice of no screens after 6 pm. Evenings are now for reading, journaling, or simply enjoying the quiet. It’s changed the way I wind down and helped me sleep better.
Must-Have: A book that soothes you, a soft light, and a screen-free corner.
|
| Winding down with a coffee table, decor book |
8. Balcony Garden Bliss
My tiny balcony garden is one of my favorite places. I grow chives, parsley, dill, and green onions—perfect for freshening up simple meals. Tending to plants reminds me to slow down and stay present.
Must-Have: A few pots, repurposed containers, and herbs that thrive in your light.
|
| My vegetable garden on a balcony |
|
| My first harvest, cherry tomatoes |
|
| My balcony oasis |
9. Creativity & Crafting with Found Materials
My arts and crafts projects often begin with what I find on my nature walks—shells, driftwood, or scraps. I create trinkets and decorative pieces that reflect the season’s spirit. You’ll find some of these handmade treasures in my Etsy shop—a labor of love born from my slow lifestyle.
Must-Have: Craft supplies (new or repurposed), inspiration from nature, and a little imagination.
|
| A labor of love born from my slow lifestyle. |
|
| My “Labor of love” wall art with Styrofoam balls |
10. Mindful Mornings
I start my mornings quietly, sometimes on the balcony, with a warm drink and no rush. Listening to birdsong or journaling helps me tune into the day rather than race into it.
Must-Have: A peaceful spot, a cup of tea or coffee, and a slow intention for the day.
|
| My morning indulgence, crepes with homemade rose petals jam. https://youtu.be/GXc0XfNY7LE?si=lOGQOq_PoQ-LFN6d |
11. Simple Picnics or Outdoor Meals
Eating outside—whether on my balcony or in a park—makes any meal feel special. I often pack leftovers and enjoy them surrounded by greenery and sky.
Must-Have: A small picnic bag, reusable cutlery, and something refreshing to sip.
|
| The picnic basket is ready for a day out |
|
| Enjoying a day out by the water and a little picnic. https://youtu.be/Tb1Bb1U7doQ?si=r3l8ccxEp0Qef1IW |
12. Staycations & Slow Day Trips
Slow travel doesn’t need a plane ticket. I enjoy taking my shopping trolley and walking to nearby spots, or planning a calm day trip to the beach or a quaint neighborhood.
Must-Have: Comfortable shoes, a snack pouch, and a camera or notebook for capturing
|
| Attending a free Air show in Vancouver |
|
| Lakeland Tulip Festival |
|
| Love my retirement. Inner child in me. |
https://youtu.be/gEpwjpuB8Qg?si=-uGHs4AyUfAELo4D
13. Embracing Blank Space
Leaving gaps in the day for rest or spontaneity is a key part of slow living. Some days I do less on purpose—and those often end up being the most rewarding.
Must-Have: A free afternoon and no pressure to “be productive.”
|
| Blank page in my “to do notebook” |
14. Saying Yes to Yourself
More than anything, summer slow living is about being gentle with yourself. Give yourself permission to rest, to create, to wander. To be exactly where you are, and trust that it’s enough.
Must-Have: Self-kindness and the courage to live life on your own terms.
|
| Giving myself a permission to rest, to wander |
|
| A simple bouquet can lift my spirit |
🌼 Final Thoughts
Slow living isn’t about doing everything slowly—it’s about doing what matters deliberately. Whether it’s gathering shells by the Pacific, preserving summer’s bounty, or simply listening to the wind in the trees, it’s all part of this intentional, beautiful way of life.
