As we approach Memorial Day in the US and the Victoria Day in Canada, we start to feel like summer is just around the corner! The sun is shining more often, the temperature is increasing and our mood is (slightly) improving.
For those that are getting ready for summer, we have come up with some key categories for you to get summer ready with us!
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SUMMER SELF-CARE
Sometimes it can be difficult to know how to take care of yourself, especially with all the opportunities that summer brings. Here are some of our summer self-care tips.
Sunscreen! We cannot stress this enough. From avoiding wrinkles to preventing something more serious, sunscreen helps keep us safe. Get a 50SPF blocker to help and be sure to not get exposed to the sun for too long without taking breaks.
Mix spontaneity with planning. As mentioned, summer has some great opportunities to make plans - but don’t forget to leave room for some spontaneity. Random campfires, parties, games of beach volleyball or just a simple drink on a patio should not be missed. Even if your social battery is low, find a way to make spontaneity a part of your summer plans.
Recharge - but in new ways. Our social batteries get depleted like everyone - so why not fall into a chair in the shade and sleep? Pass out in a hammock? Or simple enjoy sitting with a breeze on an outdoor bench. The happy vitamins from the sun can help recharge your batteries faster than other elements in your life.
SUMMER READS
For those that read, summer can be a great time. Whether sitting on a beach or lounging in the backyard, a good book in summer is an amazing past-time. While each of us have different ideas of a good book, there are some that are at the top of the list no matter what you are into.
Our favorites include the following:
Michael Crichton and James Patterson have teamed up for Eruption. Two of the most read writers of our times. This portents to be a thrilling read for those lazy and hot summer days.
Elevate and Dominate: 21 way to Win On and Off the Field by Deion Sanders. Coach Prime can be a divisive figure, but whether you love him or hate him - he has some great advice for all.
The Wealth Money Can’t Buy. This book is about the 8 hidden habits to live your richest life. Perhaps those things described in the book are not in fact money or stocks, but the most important things in life.
Masters of the Air. This book that is the basis for the series of the same name on AppleTV brings to life the stories of America’s Bomber Boys who fought the air war against the Nazis in WWII. A great historical read.
If you are looking for spooky, look no further than Holly by Stephen King. The King of written horror presents a sequel with Holly Gibney working to solve some disappearances. Another gripping read.
For our Science Fiction lovers, we recommend a classic: 1984 by George Orwell. In possibly the best book ever written about the ramifications of Fascism, surveillance and the removal of individual liberties, this book hits close to home - even in 2024.
If you are a dad, maybe ask for one of these instead of a tie for Father’s Day on June 16…
SUMMER FASHION
It can be difficult sometimes to understand what is in and what to wear for summer. Can I pull off a V-neck shirt? Should my shorts go below my knee or above? If above, how much? Not to worry - we can help!
Always try and utilize the light, medium and dark colour mix. Mix and match a light shirt, medium colours shorts and dark shoes. Or try a dark shirt, light pants and medium shoes - the possibilities are endless.
Depending on your style, a simple short will help you get a better look and we believe that shorts should be just above the knee, but to each is own. Be sure to be wary of tan lines if shorts are too short or long…
Have a bag packed and ready that includes some of your needed items that you may not be wearing that day: swim shorts, a hat and towel standing is always a good idea.
Most importantly: wear what makes you feel good. If you feel confident in a V-neck you do you!
SUMMER FOOD
I can already smell the BBQ and Beer as summer approaches. BBQs and picnics bring out some unique food that you do not often get at other times of the year. Here are two of our favorite summer recipes guaranteed to make you the star of the BBQ or picnic:
MEXICAN CORN SALSA
INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
4 ears fresh corn, shucked, kernels removed (about 3 cups fresh corn kernels)
Kosher salt
2 ounces (60g) feta or Cotija cheese, finely crumbled
1/2 cup finely sliced scallions, green parts only
1/2 cup (1/2 ounce) fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and stemmed, finely chopped
1 to 2 medium cloves garlic, pressed or minced on a Microplane grater (about 1 to 2 teaspoons)
2 tablespoons (30ml) mayonnaise
1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh lime juice from 1 lime
Chile powder or hot chile flakes, to taste
DIRECTIONS
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering. Add corn kernels, season to taste with salt, toss once or twice, and cook without moving until charred on one side, about 2 minutes. Toss corn, stir, and repeat until charred on second side, about 2 minutes longer. Continue tossing and charring until corn is well charred all over, about 10 minutes total. Transfer to a large bowl.
Add cheese, scallions, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, mayonnaise, lime juice, and chile powder and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and more chile powder to taste. Serve immediately.
AWESOME PASTA SALAD
INGREDIENTS
Fusilli pasta – Or your pasta of choice! Short pasta shapes are best here. I like rotini, penne, and farfalle in addition to fusilli.
Cherry tomatoes – I love their sweet flavor and juicy texture in this salad.
Cucumbers – For crunch! I like to use Persian cucumbers or English cucumber here. Both have very thin skins, so there’s no need to peel them.
Chickpeas – They add plant-based protein.
Arugula – It adds peppery flavor and extra green.
Feta cheese – For salty, tangy flavor.
Pine nuts – Like the cucumbers, they add satisfying crunch.
And fresh herbs – Parsley, basil, AND mint pack this salad with fresh flavor!
DIRECTIONS
Cook your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain it, toss it with some olive oil, and set it aside to cool.
Chop your cherry tomatoes and cucumbers, mince the parsley, and crumble the feta.
Whisk together the dressing ingredients.
And toss everything together in a big bowl! Season to taste and dig in.
THIS WEEK IN HISTORY
Here are three things that happened this week in history:
May 14, 1607: English settlers established the Jamestown colony in present-day Virginia, making it the first permanent English settlement in what would later become the United States.
May 15, 1940: The Battle of France began during World War II, as German forces launched a massive invasion of France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. The battle ultimately led to the fall of France and the evacuation of British and Allied troops from Dunkirk.
May 18, 1642: The Canadian city of Montreal was founded by French colonists under the leadership of Paul Chomedey de Maisonneuve and Jeanne Mance. The city grew to become one of Canada's major cultural, economic, and political centers.
YOUR WEEKLY AFFIRMATION
“Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you.” - Walt Whitman
For those of you who have not learned about Walt Whitman, I suggest you take some time. He was an amazing man. We hope that you have gotten something great out of this latest update and can start to feel good about prepping for summer.
For those of you who struggle with summer, there is no shame in that. You do you. Many of the items listed in this update can be used indoors or at your leisure. Just remember that your comfort with life is the most important thing.
If you need help, there are many places to reach out to:
United States & Canada: Call or text 9-8-8
United Kingdom: National Suicide Prevention Helpline: 0800 689 5652
Regardless of what you have going on - remember to always keep pushing. - J. W.
P.S. - don’t forget to like us on Instagram @digital__male and our Podcast gets released each Thursday! Follow us on Spotify for the latest.
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