Summer is just around the corner, and when I feel myself getting the winter blues, nothing is better than daydreaming of warmer weather. By the time February rolls around, Southern gals like myself are already itching to get out the sundresses and sandals— and maybe you are too!
Recent data tells us that Americans are migrating to Southern cities in record numbers! In 2019, my hometown of Nashville became one of the top 25 most populated cities in the country. Whether you’re a born and bred Tennessee gal or have just begun to enjoy the southern speed of things, you can let the sunshine in with these 5 ways to embrace your inner Southern Belle and “Summer Like a Southerner!”
- Embrace Home Cookin’
Whether you crave sweet or spicy, delicate or decadent— you will find your flavor when you explore southern home cooking. Between BBQ, biscuits, and our signature Nashville Hot Chicken, there are plenty of temptations for your taste buds to explore. Whether you’re an expert or a novice in the kitchen, just grab a stick of butter and let your inner Paula Deen shine! Southern food is always guaranteed to get me in the summer mood.
- Enjoy the SUN
Next, It’s time to show off your skill with the grill and take lunch with the family outside! My favorite way to get some extra vitamin D is to have friends over to eat on the patio, and there’s nothing more southern than enjoying good food with good company. I love to view my backyard as an extension of my living room, and local retailers that are credible like NashvilleBilliards.com, can help you create an outdoor entertaining space that’ll have you saying “y’all come back now, ya hear?”
- Plant a Garden
In warm and humid Tennessee, we get to see flowers bloom almost year-round! Feel like a true southerner and discover your new favorite hobby by planting flowers that will bring you joy all summer long. After planting a garden featuring handsome dogwood, sweet-smelling magnolia, or my personal favorite, the hydrangea, you will inexplicably find yourself humming Dolly Parton as you sip your sweet tea. Don’t have a backyard? You can bring the great outdoors into your apartment by creating a potted plant garden inside.
RELATED: 7 Amazing Ways You Can Benefit From Gardening
- Adopt Southern Phrases
Of course, there is the iconic “y’all,” but an important step in embracing your inner Southerner is realizing there are southern phrases to get you through all of life’s trials and tribulations. Overheard a coworker gossiping? Tell her to “mind her biscuits!” Wishing to convey sympathy, whether real or feigned? A simple “bless her heart” will do the trick! Adopting a sassy southern phrase can help spice up even the coldest winter day.
- Sundresses Galore!
Get ready to soak up the sun by investing in a fun summer wardrobe! Freshen up your closet by stocking up on sandals, sundresses, or crop tops to get you in the Summer mood. And don’t forget…nothing says “yeehaw” like pairing your new wardrobe with a trendy pair of cowboy boots!
by Madeline Glenn Thomas. Whether you’re pondering a transition into Tennessee living or are a seasoned Southern gal, these are just a few ways in which you can embrace your inner Southern Belle this winter and begin to “Summer Like a Southerner!”
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