Summer evokes images of longer days, endless nights, and the stress of regular life melting away like an ice cream cone. Or it calls to mind unremitting heat, humidity, and the drone of dripping air conditioner units from every available NYC window.

Potted plants, in addition to being aesthetically pleasing, have been shown to clean and purify air in an indoor setting– and for New Yorkers, fresh air is hard to come by! In 1989, NASA conducted a groundbreaking study on the air-filtering capacity of common indoor plants, compiling a list of species that filter toxins such as formaldehyde, ammonia, benzenes, and more.

Time to beat the heat with some hydration. Of course, hydration comes in many forms, with water being the very best, but not necessarily the most fun. My kids, aged six and four, have eagerly wanted to try a lemonade stand. As they are both are a bit shy, I was excited for them to have the opportunity to put themselves out there!

Traveling by air can be both stressful and exhausting. When preparing for a short or long flight, there are a few preventative measures to ensure healthier, safer, happier, and less stressful travels.

Reminders are really productive, especially when it comes to interacting with other people and the world around us. More and more there seems to be a general disconnect, rather than being present and conscious of all that surrounds us on a daily basis. I’m very drawn to this Code for Living that came home from PS 29 with my six-year old.

When it comes to music, our corner of Brooklyn has so much to offer. From classical to jazz, country to electronic, there’s something for everyone. In my time working at Element in Carroll Gardens and living in Cobble Hill, I have been amazed at the number of places where you can see incredible live performances within walking distance, or just a couple stops away! Here is a short guide to some of neighborhood favorites: