It's summer, and there is no better time to be alive! From the flavors of our food to the delight of just taking a step back to breathe, summer offers so much to our souls.

Summer treats when hot weather comes for us.

Typically not a summer "fan," this year I'm taking a different look at it.

This year, though, I do feel a little differently about the arrival of summer. I heard one of the meteorologists on TV recently say that we are indeed in "meteorological summer," which basically means that it's hot, so it's summer.

I started thinking about all of the things that I appreciate about this time of year.

For one, summer meals are usually quick and easy. I opt for the kind of dishes that use a lot of lemon or lime, plenty of tangy cheese like feta, and let's talk for a moment about all the delicious summer veggies! I can't get enough of the flavors that summer brings - whether we're talking about: summer squash, bell peppers, corn, green beans, okra.... and deliciously juicy fruit like peaches.

Secondly, while work never seems to slow down, there are other ways that life seems to take a little break. There's no school drop off or pick up. After school activities and sports turn into camps and conditioning classes. Pride month, Independence Day, the watching of the Tour de France (and this year the Olympics in Paris!), lots of pool parties and the overall vibe contribute to a really fun couple of months.

Either way you go, you can't lose! But yeah, sometimes it's just about the fun you have when you actually soak up some sun, put on the cutest swimsuit ever (and double points when it makes you feel great about yourself!), and make some memories with your family and friends.

I can think of many summer memories that got us out and about having fun together. One year, Sarah, Luke and I headed down to Port Isabel and stayed in the neatest little water-front trailer park. We made seafood and ate on the deck, got to experience the local beer scene, made the obligatory beach visit that ended with our feet burning with the hottest sand I've ever felt. It was a mess. Even the dog was hopping on top of the cooler to keep from scorching his paws, poor thing. Other summers we spent in the Pacific Northwest, the Big Sky Country of Montana, California where I participated in the AIDS/LifeCycle bike ride from San Francisco to LA twice - ending with Pride in WeHo, plenty of summers around Texas and of course, like this year, summers spent at home. The couple of years I spent at my apartment downtown were such fun times during the summer, with the pool at our fingertips. The grill and gaming areas added to the fun, keeping us occupied and cool with lots of laughs.

Last summer, I had a really great time simply sampling a selection of sensational sour beers! As a reminder for me and a little brewery tour for you, let's review these delicious treats.

This was my so-called Summer of Sours that was so fun to experiment with and try something that at the time I wasn't in love with. After this experience, I found a true appreciation for this style of beer and welcome the chance to try other sours as well!

But it doesn't stop there. We're going to have fun all summer long with some really awesome Summer Selections right here on Matzy Platzy: Cool personal stylings, easy peasy preparation, home decor and of course, bright and vibrant summer food (it's kind of the Matzy Platzy way). Leave a comment below and get in touch with us! We'd love to hear about the things you're interested in reading, watching and seeing on this site and our Instagram!