Okay! I’m proclaiming it! The summer of 2017 is going to be “Summer of Leyla”. What is it exactly? Well, it’s going to be about me – taking time for myself. Putting myself first (sometimes). Doing things without fear of judgment (i.e., I don’t care what you say, I’m just gonna keep drinking my rosé).

The inspiration for the Summer of Leyla mindset is the book “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck. The Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life”  that my friend Diana let me borrow. I’m not done reading it yet but it has really inspired me with this new attitude.

I’ve noticed lately that I’ve been meeting friends for drinks after work (about once a week). I haven’t done that in a long time. Ever since Luke was born. I’ve always had this set schedule in my mind – get off of work, go pick Luke up, make dinner, feed Luke, give Luke a bath, and put Luke to bed. Just thinking about it made me stress out. I didn’t think I had time for anything else, especially meeting friends/coworkers for after work drinks or other moms on a Friday night for a fun night out. But I’m realizing that I can do it and should do it more often.

Since this is the Summer of Leyla, I’ve decided to relax that regimented schedule and enjoy my summer. You see, things will eventually get done. Maybe not the way or in the timeline that I want them to get done.  But they will get done. It’s easier to say it than to live by it, I know.

I want a story for my summer. I want to have picnics and pretend I’m in Paris. I want to share moments from this summer without fear of judgment. I want to laugh for as long as I want and as loud as I want (and ignore the side eye from other people). I want to be spontaneous and carefree. To say things with confidence and without regret. I want to let go of my insecurities. I want to shrug my shoulders when someone doesn’t agree with me. I want to do more things for me and less for others. I want to kick some ass (at what, I don’t know. I just like saying that)!

I don’t expect everyone to agree with what I’m doing this summer. And that’s okay. But please tell me if I’m going overboard with this Summer of Leyla thing. I do take constructive criticism.

Since I’m starting my Summer of Leyla today, I just figured I would do something I normally don’t do….brag a little. I am humbled by the mentions and very happy to be a part of all of them. I started the blog as a creative outlet to express how I feel, what I see, and what I think. I try to keep it an expression of me to share with my friends and anyone who wants to read (no pressure). Thank you for reading and for your support!

Summer Bucket List- Mac & Mia

I recently shared on Mac & Mia’s blog about our summer bucket list. The Summer of Leyla is going do most of these things on our list.

Photo Feature – TimeOut Chicago

TimeOut Chicago included one of my Instagram photos  in their summer issue as Instagram pictures that Chicagoans are taking. Thank you, TimeOut Chicago!

Blog Feature – Care.com

Care.com mentioned my blog on their list for the 5 Best Mom Blogs for Chicago Area Moms! Thank you, Care.com!

Instagram Feature – Mommy Nearest Chicago

Mommy Nearest Chicago mentioned my Instagram account on their list of 6 Chicago Moms That are #InstaGoals! Thank you, Mommy Nearest!