Is it just me or is this summer one of the best ever? Regardless of what plans and holidays you have, just the general vibe of the season has really captured me this year. From this insane heatwave we’re having in the UK to the excitement of the World Cup (don’t worry that’s the extent of which we’re talking about that!), everyone’s positivity and happy demeanour is one I haven’t felt for years and I really don’t want it to end!
I’ve already had one of the best years of my life and we’re only seven months in, so anything more to come is an unexpected bonus. For the first time in years I don’t have any travel plans for the rest of the year and, as much as I love to travel I’m actually really excited about spending time at home, renovating our house and settling into married life. But can you believe we’re already half way through July?! This summer is going far too fast and I want to soak up every last minute of it while it’s still here by doing a few key things.
KEEP A JOURNAL
Although journalling is nothing new in the wellness world, there’s something less formal and more cathartic about jotting down a few thoughts and memories of the day. I’ve become a big believer in getting things out of my head recently – whether it’s a worry or a to-do for the next day, putting things on paper makes you sleep better and stress less. But there’s a little magic in keeping a journal of your summer that’s not on a screen which you can re-discover years later.
DANCE INTO THE NIGHT
Dusk in summer is my all-time favourite time of day. When the air is still warm, the breeze is cool and the sky is a glow. There’s a nostalgic feeling in summer nights – the sites, the smells, the noises – that make me want to stay up late so I don’t miss a minute of the sun. Sitting outside with friends on a blanket or the grass listening to music and drinking a Aperol Spritz will be what great memories are made of.
EAT AL FRESCO
I can’t wait to get our garden re-designed next year and create a gorgeous space for eating outside. Although we have a glass of something on the patio before dinner, the sound of cutlery clinking on plates underneath the trees from our neighbours leaves me a little envious. With unpredictable weather and chilly temperatures in the UK, eating outside is a luxury we rarely get to enjoy so make the most of summer and get out there!
LET YOUR SKIN BREATHE
As much as I love make-up and trying out new products, I rarely go past the tinted moisturiser stage of my regime in summer. With a light freckly tan and clear, glowy skin, we all just look a healthier sans foundation and powder that it’d be a shame not to embrace it. Don’t you wish it could always be like that?! As the summer light is softer, warmer and generally more forgiving we can get away with the bare minimal and what a great opportunity to let our skin breathe.
As you can see from these photos, I’m also using these hot summer months to let me hair repair and do its own thing by not applying any heat to it and simply working with its natural shape. Sure it’s frizzy, unruly and curly in places I’d forgotten about but I’ve never felt more like myself in my life.
FIND A NEW FAVOURITE BOOK
As a writer I’ve been nursing some serious guilt about the lack of reading in my life. As someone who usually has a screen in front of my eyes, it wasn’t until my wedding where my phone was blowing up with messages and calls that I decided I’d had enough! We retired to the beach for days on end and I have never been so blissfully happy than getting my head into a book. Sitting in the garden, on the beach or in your kitchen with the summer breeze blowing in with bare feet and a good book is the best me-time you could give yourself.
FEEL THE SAND ON YOUR FEET
Whether you live near a beach or miles away, try to include a beach day in your summer plans at least once. If it’s not on your annual summer hol, the UK is full of stunning coves and bays that are so often overlooked. You can’t feel anymore grounded and closer to natural than walking bare foot on the sand. Plus it’s a great exfoliator for your feet!
GO FOR A DRIVE
Living in the countryside means I’m spoilt for choice of country lanes and stunning views of the valley and jumping in the car with a solid playlist and no destination in mind is one of my favourite things to do to make the most of summer. Grab your best girlfriends or your S.O on your next weekend free, fill the car up with fuel, wind down the windows, pack a blanket, good food and a mini speaker and you’ll remember it forever.
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