There’s something about the anticipation of summer that livens me up. Some people hate the heat, but I love it. Others can’t stand the humidity, and I don’t mind it. Sure it can get hot, sticky and my naturally curly hair can get out of hand, but I think summer is my second favorite time of year. (Christmas trumps it by far.) The past two years that I have been editor, our team has asked, “What should the themes for our six issues be?” A few of those themes shuffle around a bit, but for our June/July issue, we always come back to something like “Summer Fun” or “Outdoor Living.” Not only is summer a great time to entertain friends outdoors, hang out at the pool or do some outdoor projects around the house, it’s a great time to explore Mid-Missouri.

We did our best to give you some options on where to head out on your next adventure and how to do it in style. Click here to see the pictures!

Hosting an outdoor party this summer? Check out this gorgeous outdoor patio we staged with sweets from Masterful Treats, BBQ and sides from Hoss’s, a beautiful fruit arrangement from Edible Arrangements and baby pies from Peggy Jean’s Pies.

Anyone who knows me, knows I love ice cream. I frequent Orange Leaf, or local favorites, Andy’s or Sparky’, quite often. One of the things I love to do on a hot summer night is make ice cream sundaes or shakes! I found this recipe from Hyvee that is sure to be a hit this summer at my house.

Get outdoors this summer. Entertain, swim, be adventurous, and soak up the sun. (With sunscreen, of course.) I hope you have a wonderful summer full of family, friends and a whole lot of fun.

Audrey has been the editor of COMO Living since September, 2014. She is a CoMo native who moved away briefly but found her way back home. She enjoys spending time on the Katy Trail, hanging out at CoMo’s best eateries, watching the Bachelor/Bachelorette, attending football games at the ZOU, cuddling with her golden retriever, Bentley, and of course, spending time with friends and family. Audrey is a volunteer with Great Circle, Loaves & Fishes soup kitchen and teaches 1st Grade on Sundays at The Crossing Church.