Embracing “Jam Girl Summer”: Sourdough, Sunlight & Slowing Down

The Season of Slower Living Has Arrived!

Jam Girl Summer isn’t just a trend—it’s a soft rebellion. In a world that rewards hustle and hyper-productivity, this gentle movement calls us to pause, breathe deeply, and return to the simple pleasures that make life feel full. Think cottagecore meets homemade joy: garden dirt under your nails, the scent of sourdough rising in the kitchen, and laughter over clinking mason jars at a backyard “jam-boree.” This summer, we’re choosing slow, intentional living—and inviting our families to join us for the ride.

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Start Your Mornings the Jam Girl Way

Forget rushing out the door or scrolling your phone first thing. Jam Girl Summer is about reclaiming your morning. Start your day with a hot cup of tea or coffee outside, barefoot in the grass if you can swing it. Breathe in the quiet. Watch the sun rise just a little higher. Add a homemade sourdough discard poptart to your plate (trust me—you’ll want the recipe for that, it is the best one I have found!). There’s a healing rhythm in mornings like this—a sense of being grounded before the day demands anything from you.

Yes, We’re Baking the Bread

Let’s be honest—we’re all in our sourdough era. There’s something deeply satisfying about feeding a starter and watching flour and water transform into golden-crusted loaves. It’s science, magic, and therapy rolled into one. Whether you’re a seasoned sourdough baker or just dipping your toes in (or rather, your dough), this summer is the time to lean into it. Kids can help too—kneading dough is surprisingly calming and screen-free fun. And when those loaves come out of the oven? It’s a celebration every time.

Throw a Backyard “Jam-boree”

This one’s as fun as it sounds. A jam-boree is a low-pressure, high-joy gathering where friends or neighbors bring their favorite homemade jam (or biscuits, or scones!) and spend the afternoon sipping iced tea under string lights. It’s potluck meets garden party with zero expectations of perfection. Bonus points if you crank up some folk music and bring out blankets for lounging in the grass. The goal isn’t to impress—it’s to connect.

Plant the Seeds of Calm (Literally)

If you have kids, Jam Girl Summer is the perfect time to start a garden together. It doesn’t have to be fancy—a few pots of tomatoes, herbs, or sunflowers will do. Gardening teaches patience, nurturing, and respect for the process—values we all need a bit more of. It’s also a break from the constant hum of electronics and social media. Let them get messy. Let them see something grow because they cared for it. That’s the magic.

Less Scrolling, More Savoring

This summer isn’t about being productive. It’s about being present. Watch bees in the lavender. Make small-batch jam with your kids and label it with the date. Read that book you’ve been meaning to. Take the long way home. The world won’t fall apart if you slow down—but your soul just might start to heal.

Let This Be the Summer You Remember

Jam Girl Summer is a call to remember who you were before everything got so loud and busy. It’s about the joy of homemade, the stillness of early mornings, and the sweetness of strawberries plucked right from the vine. You don’t need a cabin in the woods or a picture-perfect Instagram grid. You just need the willingness to say: this moment matters. And to make space for more of them.

More Sourdough Recipes I Swear By!

Sourdough Discard Biscuits– I make these weekly and my family loves them!

Sourdough Cinnamon Toast Cereal

Do you have a favorite recipe? Share in the comments!

XOXO Tanya Michelle!