Summer is a constant presence in Florida, but there's something about proper summer—the days of June and July—that I cherish as pure bliss. Yes, it's hot, but that's what makes it so lush. This week, a TikTok naturopath reminded me how beneficial it is to "cook yourself" in the sun, in a warm bath, sauna, or during a sweaty workout—it releases endorphins, stimulates lymph and blood circulation, and boosts the immune system. I firmly believe our summer heat generates cosmic energy within us so we can fully embrace the season.

I hold June and July dear—they are the elixir of my life. During these months, I reconnect with myself, and this time nourishes me for the next ten months. This time of year feels the most spiritual to me.

My love for summer began in childhood as the daughter of an educator. Summers meant Mom was home, and our days were filled with her undivided attention, simple joys, and freedom from routines. I thrived in summer's leisure and occasional boredom, using my creative mind to turn these months into a canvas where my imagination flourished.

I loved to play—vivid moments where I set up an office at our family dining table, managed an imaginary vacation rental business with catalogs collected from the grocery store entrance, and searched for hermit crabs along the shoreline in our backyard. Afternoons at our neighbor Ease's house felt like visiting my grandmother—I loved her dearly. Meanwhile, my brother and his friends embarked on adventures aboard the "Bubba-did-it," a small boat tied to our dock symbolizing youthful enthusiasm and mischief.

Our days were filled with love and plenty to do. We played outside with the garden hose, sat on the porch with our orange tabby cats until sundown, and enjoyed a simple lunch served on paper plates with a pop-ice for dessert. Occasionally, I joined my best friends in town for impromptu sleepovers that turned into three-day getaways filled with choreographed dance routines, brownie baking, cable TV, and prank-calling boys.

Everything has evolved, yet those simple moments still serve as a guiding light for how I experience summer today. I don't make elaborate plans; instead, I head to the water, soak up the sun, and ensure my kitchen is stocked with ripe tomatoes, corn, and peaches—these elements define summer for me. Today, as I create daily for BECASA, rooted in these cherished memories, summertime has grown even more beautiful. Every garment, accessory, and story we share captures the essence of summer, keeping its warmth and vibrancy alive year-round.

So, as we bask in the golden hour of July, there's still time to make the most of this season. We're here to help you squeeze every drop of joy from it because we care about each of you—we want this to be your best summer yet, a No-bummer Summer indeed.

Join us as we guide you through a month of summer memory-making, both simple and grand. Whether it's a barefoot walk on freshly cut grass with an ice-cold spritz on your back porch or an hour spent reading in the blazing sun—we've got you covered each day to BECASA-ify your summer!

With love,
Emily