AGELESS SUMMER...

Always reaching for the sky...

There is still plenty of summer left for those who see it that wayJ  And, here are 5 ways to keep it Ageless….

     Go outdoors and hear some live music. Yesterday, I attended the Newport Jazz Festival and it was worth every penny, and the effort to get there (including a short and choppy boat ride). The artists are from all over the world. The vibe is laid-back and cool, and the eclectic crowd is always interesting. I meet music lovers from all over the country. Sometimes I think it's the only time I fully relax all year! And boy do I need that. There's nothing like live music to make a summer's day/night even better.

with friends at JVC Jazzfest

    Get to a beach! I didn't realize what an injustice I was doing to myself by not going to the beach during the summers of 2001 to 2009. For one reason or another I made excuses, didn't have the time, did not want the sun exposure, and did not want to make the effort to pack my car. However when I started going to the beach again (covered in sunscreen) what sheer delight. I think it's the single most de-stressing thing we can do. It's pure fun and pleasure. And what adult in this new millennium can't use some of that? I urge all the followers of Ageless to please get to a beach at least once this summer.   

   Make yourself a St. Germain Cocktail. IN THE foothills of the Alps, for but a few fleeting spring weeks, men will gather wild blossoms for your cocktail. The blossoms in question are elderflowers, and the cocktail a stylishly simple creation made with St-Germain, the first liqueur in the world created in the artisanal French manner from freshly handpicked elderflower blossoms. It’s tantalizing if you ask me.

Brew up some lavender ice-tea (one variation above). I am a lavender fanatic. There are many great products on the market that really make good use of this relaxing plant. But, my favorite is my own homemade lavender ice tea. Just buy some organic lavender flowers from Whole Foods (they come in a little tea box) and put a tablespoon or two into a pot of boiling water. After ten minutes, strain the tea, and add some raw, organic honey and let it cool. Put it in a pretty pitcher and add ice. It’s that simple. When I bring this summery concoction to parties or serve to guests, people always ask for more.

      What is summer without a good book? I am reading two, and they are equally fantastic. I would like to suggest Roland Merullo’s The Talk Funny Girl, and Tich Nhat Hanh's and Dr. Lilian Cheung's Savor. The former is a great novel, and the latter is a wise and mindful book about eating and enjoying food.  I know you will enjoy them both. Take a good book to the beach with a batch from scratch of ice-tea. Bring your laptop too so you can read Ageless with Aunty from the balmy shore, with the sand between your toes and lavender on your lips. How apropos….

Hug the Ageless Aunty in your life and every day will be summer