Summer Tips – City Insight Magazine

Family Friendly Summer Activities

Tyshae Gipson — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 13:30:00 +0000

Summer brings more time with family and activities to enjoy. Here we list some family friendly activities to share with the people you love this season.

Beach/Water Day – A day in the sun helps keep the spirits up and lets you cool down on those hot summer days with some water. You can set up a nice pool or a slip-and-slide right in your backyard and tie in some good old-fashioned water balloons.

Park visits – A nice time in nature can help boost anyone’s mood and allow a family to take the time and enjoy the simple things of life together.

Family walks – Taking a daily walk with your family is a great form of exercise and brings you all together at the end of an activity-filled day.

Camping – Spending time under the stars helps bring people together with plenty of activities and things to do to help bring us back to our roots in nature.

State Fair/ Amusement Park – A state fair or amusement park has activities for everyone young and old and local parks have a nice and hidden charm, that your family can discover.

Local Entertainment – Search around your community and find new events and places that offer family and local fun at a nice budget. It always pays to support your local community and see what the world has to offer your family.

Outdoor movies – Outdoor movies is a simple activity to let the kids be entertained and the parents have some time to relax as they enjoy the atmosphere.

Neighborhood block parties – Bring your neighborhood together by planning a block party to bring the community together, while getting to know your local families and friends.

Family Garden – Teach your kids the value of nature and how rewarding it is to grow something from the ground up and reward their hard work with a good harvest.

These are just a few family friendly activities to help bring your family closer during the season. Many families are different, but spending time together is always a universal love language for those you are close to.

Pet-Friendly Summer activities to do with your Four-legged friend

Tyshae Gipson — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 15:05:18 +0000

Summer is a great time to spend with your four-legged friend. Here are some activities to help you and your pet stay active for the season.

Dog Park Events/ Pet Events – Many dog parks and local communities hold events to share and enthuse about their favorite four-legged friends. Take this time to search around and get involved in a community of animal lovers, and let your pet make some new friends.

Visit Local Farm Animal Events – Local farms hold pet-friendly events where your pet can enjoy fresh produce that’s good for their health, while interacting with other animals in the area.

Water Day with Your Pet – Get your pet a pool or some sprinklers and let them enjoy a cool day in the sun with fun water activities. You can even bring friends and let their pets join in on the fun. All involved will have a good time getting used to water and maybe even learning how to swim.

New Areas to Walk Around – Find new and safe areas that would be great for you and your pet. Just like humans, pets can do well with a change of scenery and it helps them get used to new environments that they may face, during their time with you.

Homemade Summer Treats – Store-bought pet treats can get pretty expensive. Take this time to look up simple recipes and surprise your pet with a homemade treat made with love by you.

Planned Playdates – Gather your other friends who have pets and plan a nice play date with them so your furry friends can find companionship, just like you have with their owner.

Pet Conventions – There is a whole world of pet enthusiasts that are waiting to be discovered and pet conventions show off new tips and tricks along with up-and-coming products for your pet to enjoy. It always helps to learn something new about pet care, and conventions are the perfect place to find that.

These are just a few ideas to get you and your pet to start being more active around your community. Our four legged friends mean a lot to us and it’s important to get them moving and active for their sake, and anytime with a beloved animal is time well spent.

Great Summer Fashion Trends for 2024

Tyshae Gipson — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 13:03:18 +0000

This summer kickoff your fashion sense with these great summer trends that will brighten your wardrobe.

Bright Colors – With summer comes a new energy to be active and lively. Nothing conveys that feeling more than bright yellows and blues.

Boho – Lovely earth tones and flowy fabric perfectly match the hot summer. Get down to earth with this style, and prepare for maximum comfort in soft fabrics and non-form-fitting clothes.

Raffia – The woven design has taken the world by storm, and many people are adding the design to their closets and accessories. It’s a great look for going to the beach or enjoying a day outside with friends and family. It’s a natural design that is down to earth and goes well with many styles and choices. Give it a try and see how it elevates your wardrobe with just one accessory.

Denim – The popular fabric has always been a favorite choice for many people. It goes well with many seasons, especially summer. Head-to-toe denim seems to never go out of style, and it’s a nice, comfortable look for the summer.

Seafaring Themes – Nothing says summer like the blue waves and golden sands. Sea-themed clothes are always a staple for the summer months, and the designs are always stylish and stay classic over the decades.

Athletic Wear – With many people getting more active during the warmer season, athletic wear is a first choice for many people venturing out to enjoy the day. Many brands and athletes have shown off trendy styles and different ways to wear this style of clothing. Many thought it was reserved for athletics and hardcore exercise enthusiasts, but now it’s enjoyed by everyone.

Many more trends are popping up this season, and it’s the perfect time to try out new styles to your heart’s content. This article gives you an idea of where to start when changing your wardrobe.

Fabulous Summer Hairstyles

Tyshae Gipson — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 18:38:31 +0000

It’s time to kickoff the season with some fabulous summer hairstyles that express your inner self, so you can enjoy being under the sun.

Updo hairstyles help create a fresh look for your face and help you stay cool under the summer sun. You can do up your hair in a bun or style your braids and cornrows into updo styles.

Short hair helps lessen the work of long hair and gives you a new frame around your face. Pixie cuts, Bobs, and Mullets have been popular with the coming trends worldwide. If you are ready to take the short hair plunge or want to try something new, there is a world of options for you.

Long hair offers a range of options and styles to create a new look for yourself. Long curls, braids, layers, and shags have been shaping the fashion world, and many people will try the looks for themselves during the summer.

Natural hair has been at the forefront of fashion, with big and large afro curls, layers of braids, and styled dreads. If you have natural hair and are ready for a new look, then now is a better time than any to let your hair out and your natural show.

The world of hair is a large and ever-growing world that has endless possibilities to express yourself. During the summer, take the time to think about your style and show it to the world as a form of self-expression.

Summer plants that will Jump-Start your Garden

Tyshae Gipson — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 13:30:00 +0000

The summer season brings new plants to help jump-start your garden and make it the best blooming paradise it can be.

Dahlias– These beautiful flowers can be planted during the summer and love lots of sun. They are easy to care for in warm weather and give your garden a pop of color. They take up to 12-16 weeks of planting and will stay until the first frost.

Helenium– This plant otherwise known as sneezeweed is a perennial that lives for more than two years. With special preparations, they are used for colds, headaches, and treatment for intestinal worms. These flowers are useful and will grow in your garden for a long time.

Love In a Mist – This plant is a good pollinator for bees and is good for treating high temperatures, menstruation, and catarrhal infections. The plant is an annual flower that can reseed itself and bloom in many other seasons besides summer.

Cornflowers – A common wildflower that helps attract pollinators, deter pests, and brighten up the area with color. They are good companions for other flowers and plants, and is an herb that can treat fever, constipation, water retention, and chest congestion. Cornflowers are easy to go and are a good first-time plant for beginner gardeners.

Sunflowers – Sunflowers are stable for the summer, and many know of their uses without being knowledgeable in gardening. The seeds are great to eat, and you can also make oil from the seeds as well. Sunflowers also have uses in the medicinal field for colds and coughs. They are easy to grow and are drought-tolerant, providing a lot of sunshine just like its namesake.

Catmint – The Catmint plant is an easy plant to start with and has beautiful purple flowers and can spread quickly. It has a long season of bloom, so the plant will be around for a long time without needing too much care. If you have cats, this plant gives them a nice high and is enjoyed by many felines while also keeping away insects and other animals.

Thyme – This herb is rich in vitamins A and C and is used in many dishes for cooking and is easy to grow. Growing your herbs helps you save a little from buying them in the stores, not to mention fresh produce is always welcomed in any meal. Thyme also has medicinal uses and is good for skincare and fighting acne.

Oregano – Another good herb for cooking, oregano also has many health benefits that need a list of their own. Having this plant around will help you come up with many uses for it. It is easy to grow and is tolerant of droughts; it’s a tough plant that grows fast, so be sure to provide it with the right care.

Mint – Mint is a popular herb known for its refreshing taste and uses in cooking and teas. It’s a fast grower and can help with your mental health along with boosting your immune system. It has many benefits and can be a useful plant to have for your household. Mint is a perennial plant that comes back during the summer. Be careful because it grows fast, and it’s best to make sure it is planted by companion plants, but other than that, it is easy to grow.

It is always important to do your research before undertaking a garden. These plants are all different and have different needs and soil. There are many resources to use when finding out how to care for specific plants, and there are always newcomers joining in to get their green thumbs. With the weather getting warm, now is the best time to get your hands dirty and plant something new.

Summer foods to liven up the dinner table

Tyshae Gipson — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 18:46:31 +0000

With summer bringing mouth-watering food and seasonal parties, here are a few dishes to try this summer and liven up your dinner table.

Appetizers

Cobb salad – A stable salad that is easy to make and comes in many different varieties.

Pasta Salad – A cool dish with simple ingredients that tastes amazing when part of a full-course meal.

Wraps – Come in many shapes and sizes with all kinds of fillings to enjoy.

Entrees

Grilled Salmon – A simple and eloquent dish to try your hand at cooking and gives you a mix of flavors to enjoy when made right.

Tacos – Can be made in many different ways, and the spice can be a perfect complement for a hot summer’s day.

Seafood Boil – Seafood makes for great dishes for summertime. With a boil, you will have a variety of seafood to choose from and any other produce you choose to add.

Barbecue Ribs – A classic American stable when it comes to summer gatherings that give you a variety of tastes and options.

Kebobs/Skewers – Can be combined with many produce to give you different tastes and are amazing hand-held food for activity-filled gatherings.

Burgers – A good old-fashioned burger never upsets anyone on a warm summer’s day and is customizable for the eater’s specific needs.

Desserts

Apple Pie with Ice Cream – The sweet taste of apples mixed with cool, soft ice cream is the big hurray after a full meal.

Homemade Fruit Popsicles – Simple and easy to make and are a hit with everyone no matter how old. You can have any fruit that you wish for this refreshing treat, and it is sure to be a hit anywhere you go.

Fruit Crisps – Easy to make, just as delicious with ice cream, and is a quick dish to make for late summer evenings spent with friends and family.

Blueberry Loaf – Take a crack at your baking skills by making a tasty blueberry loaf for your summer mornings. With the trends of baking bread becoming more common, you can try your hand at the blueberry loaf to be an easy start to your baking journey.

Key Lime Pie – Is a cool sweet treat that would make any guest smile at its easy-to-make recipe but excellent taste.

There are many varieties of these dishes that you can use to liven up the dinner table and leave your touch on your guest’s taste buds. Any gatherings or personal meals will light up at the taste of any of these dishes, so don’t be afraid to try something new this season.

Healthy Summer Ideas

Tanushree Kanungo — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 12:59:51 +0000

Summer is here, summer is here! How do you think I know? I see green leaves all around. That is how I know! Some of us have already started spring cleaning, cleaning the clutter and making way for summer items.

Summer is always a time for parks, more social meets, children enjoying outdoors, and more picnics and barbecues. The days are longer, and we tend to spend more time outdoors trying to soak more sun and savor more of the summer days.

Let’s keep a few tips in mind while we enjoy the summer.

1. Exercise

We love sunny days and it’s the perfect time to run outdoors. Put on your running shoes and hit the outdoors. You can run, go for a brisk walk, jog, or walk with your pet. People enjoy doing yoga or meditation outdoors too. Summers don’t stay all year round, so make the most of it.

2. Play

When it comes to playing, choose anything that has been your favorite over the years, or you wished to play during the winter months. If you have never played anything, summer is the best time to try a new sport or hone your existing skills. Football, soccer, and tennis; basically, everything can be played under the sun. So just get inspired and head outside!

3. Hydration

Summer means sweat and feeling fatigued. Make sure you are always hydrated, especially with water. We all love those coladas, cold coffees, iced teas and not to forget the ice creams and sodas, but water works best for our bodies.

4. Sunscreen

We all love to be out in the sun, but we need to protect our skin from the rays as well. Make sure to use a good quality sunscreen to protect yourself from the harmful rays that cause damage to skin. Don’t forget to add sunglasses, hats, or umbrellas too.

5. Eating

Summer season brings lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. The markets are filled with ripe peaches, cherries, mangoes, and other varieties. Make sure to eat seasonal. Eating seasonal food not only tastes awesome but also adds a lot of benefits to our bodies.

6. Hair

During summer months we tend to sweat, which makes our hair look greasy. Make sure to wash your hair followed by a good quality leave-in conditioner. The conditioner will leave the hair soft and moisturized.

7. Pets

Never leave your pets in the car for a quick run to the grocery stores. The sun and the heat make it uncomfortable for the pets to sit inside the cars. Take them along and they will surely thank you.

Enjoy each day of the summer season. The days are longer, so make sure you cherish every

moment of the season and make memories. We hope you find our tips useful.