There were times when we didn’t think we would make it, times when we couldn’t remember a world without snow piles, icy sidewalks and slush. But spring is here at last, which means that summer is right around the corner!
We can’t wait to smell the delicate notes of sunblock on our skin and feel the sun on our bare shoulders; to race against time to finish an ice-cream sandwich before it melts and most of all, the beach! Sand in our toes, cozy beach blankets under our bums and nothing but sun and sky reflecting in our sunnies. It’s been so long that it seems magical.
After this much anticipation, we knew we had to make this summer EXTRA special…
Sound the trumpets! We are thrilled to announce the #HTSummerStoryWin contest which we’re running with our friends at Hawaiian Tropic. The winner will receive a $2,500 travel gift card to use towards the VACATION OF HER DREAMS. (THIS IS REAL LIFE, GUYS)
To enter, all you have to do is post a pic of yourself on Twitter tagging @shedoesthecity and @HTropic_CA with hashtag #HTSummerStoryWin (or #ConcoursHistoireeteHT) and tell us what you’re most looking forward to doing this summer. It’s THAT easy!
It gets even better! Each week we’ll be selecting four entries to be featured in a She Does The Summer mini blog on the site…aaaand one of them could be YOU! Are you ready to start your summer story?
Need a little inspiration? We’ve asked our fellow She Does The City contributors to share their upcoming summer plans and favourite memories from summers past.
I love summer days when there is zero agenda. Long afternoons lazying around in parks, wandering here, wandering there: totally directionless. You know the ones I’m talking about, when the heat forces you to slow down, when your only decision is whether to get a pink or yellow popsicle. Those days when you lie on the grass, look up at the sky, forget your stresses, and just dream.
This photo is from one of those afternoons ten years ago; I still recall it clearly. It was my magnificent Chow-Chow’s last summer. We spent as much time as we could together, walking and cuddling. I will always remember Michelle as the gentlest and kindest of creatures. Lying with my cheek pressed against her muzzle was pure magic.
– Jen McNeely
As soon as April rolls around, I start to awake from my sleepy winter hibernation and by May I’m ready to take advantage of the weather. As a true Torontonian, I LIVE for summer in Toronto! During those 4 summer months there is always so much to do!
My friends and I are the ultimate patio queens and if the weather is even slightly appropriate that’s where you will find us. Even if it’s a balmy 5 degrees, we will be the first ones on a patio, bundled up and enjoying a local beer from one of Toronto’s many craft breweries. Nothing can stop us when we know summer is around the corner.
But my ultimate favourite thing about Toronto summers is the island. Just a short ferry ride away and you are transported to a tropical(ish) beach getaway. With the bikini clad girls, beach volleyball and laid back party atmosphere it feels you’re in an indie music video!
– Liza Hicks
The cottages, the concerts, the beaches and the beers. Dog parks and walks with my pup and a quick getaway to LA. Being outside as much as possible. The return of endless dresses and being able to walk everywhere. Also, channeling my inner Blake Lively by sporting my newly acquired floppy hat….and getting my tan back.
– Nicole Rashotte
Every year, I try to plan a couple of summer trips that act as tent pole, things-to-look-forward-towards. I used to go to sleepaway camp as a child, so maybe that is why getting away is my summer bread & butter. This year, I already know that I will be going on a cruise to Bermuda in August with my grandmother and two cousins. Doing a trip together is something that we have had in our minds since we were children, and I can’t believe that it is actually happening! After we all selected the trip/ship, my grandmother let it slip that Bermuda is where she honeymooned with my late grandfather so it will be beautiful to create our own memories there. I am also in the midst of planning a jaunt to Iceland and England, since I will have a friend in each place during June. I can’t resist the prospect of seeing both of them in one trip thanks to IcelandAir’s crazy policy of no-charge, long layovers. If things really go my way, I’ll be going to Isle of Wight Music Festival while in England, but if not, I will definitely survive.
– Danielle Finestone
When I was in my early twenties, my parents used to go away every summer on vacation and leave me to look after the house for a couple of weeks. We were lucky enough to have a pool in our backyard, so naturally, I’d have a giant pool party complete with Jell-O shots. It would start at around 6 in the evening and end around 3 p.m. the following day (after a much-needed hangover brunch). If they forgot bathing suits, my friends would frequently end up swimming in their clothes – or their underwear. It was a hedonistic ball where everyone ended up sleeping on the couch, the floor, or, in at least one memorable instance, my family dog’s bed. For me, a pool party that lasts for almost 24 hours because no one has anywhere else they need to be is peak summer. It’s that fleeting feeling you wish you could savour–that you and your friends are having the most fun anyone has ever had in the history of the world. In my opinion, the essence of summer will always be not caring if you get your clothes wet or end up sharing a bed with a Wheaten Terrier.
– Sarah Sahagian
Summer is so sweet that it’s hard to pin down one specific memory that is the absolute best. I don’t think anything can beat the classic pool party though. Last year I kicked off my summer in Toronto after being away for 3 months poolside with my best friend, cold beers and a bunch of strangers. We knew maybe 3 people but decided to go anyway and mingle. We wing womaned each other and also got our asses kicked in beer pong (they totally had practice). I can easily say that was the best reunion ever. Long live pool parties!
– Nilou Yekta
THE FINE PRINT:
Shedoesthecity’s “Hawaiian Tropic: Story Of Your Summer” Contest is open to residents of Canada (including those residing in the Province of Quebec) 18 years of age and older.
Winner MUST take vacation within 2 months of the contest end date (between July 31, 2015 and September 31, 2015) and share their experience within 2 weeks of their return on shedoesthecity.com.
Full contest rules & regulations HERE!
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