10 things we should all do this summer
As last Monday heralded the official start of summer here are a few suggestions to make the most of the season
1 Go to the seaside.
As we’re a small island nation most of us can drive to the sea in less than 2 hours. In fact the village considered furthest away from the coast in Britain is Coton in the Elms, Derbyshire; a mere 70 miles from the sea.
There’s something magical about the seaside. Everything smells good (even those fried doughnuts!), the sound of the waves and seagulls lull you into a relaxed state and for me, it always reminds me of childhood day trips and holidays. So breathe deep and enjoy the sea air!
2 Write exercise in your Dairy Diary.
With a hectic life, it’s not always easy to fit in exercise but I have found a very nifty trick to sticking to my new found ability to run (it only took me 40 years!!) – write it in the diary. If it’s there on paper, slotted into an available gap you’re far more likely to stick to it. You can even tick it off when you’ve done it and feel really virtuous!
3 Make a holiday photo collage.
How many holiday photos do you have stashed away on the computer or in old dusty albums in a drawer somewhere? Enjoy them instead! Choose one really lovely image from each holiday and make a collage – either with prints or make one with digital photos online and get it printed via a photo website. Frame your creation and put it somewhere you can see it every day and remember all those cherished moments.
4 Treat yourself to a pedicure and show off your toes.
Summer means sandal time, so book yourself in for a proper pedicure – I love Shellac or Minx because they last and you can enjoy gorgeous shiny or sparkly toe nails all summer long.
5 Go on a picnic.
Make this an impromptu affair with a blanket, a few of your favourite foods (homemade or bought from your local deli), and your favourite view. Bliss.
6 Explore local footpaths.
When going walking we often head off in the car to some ‘route’ I’ve found in a walking book. This summer, instead I plan to explore our locality and discover where all those public footpaths lead to that we have never walked. I just hope we don’t get too lost!
7 Wear your favourite dress on an ordinary day.
We so often save gorgeous clothes for ‘best’. But how often do we actually get to wear them? Tomorrow, wear that beautiful dress and enjoy it rather than saving it for a special occasion that may never arise.
8 Spend the evening in the garden.
Whizz up a dip and take it into the garden with a bag of crisps or crudité and a chilled bottle of rosé or elderflower fizz. You’ll probably need a blanket or warm cardigan but enjoy the long summer evenings and having some tv-free time.
9 Plant lavender.
The fragrance of lavender is so relaxing it’s perfect for the garden. Plant one or two bushes near to where you sit or come in and out of the house and enjoy the scent all summer. Don’t forget to enter this month’s prize draw to win a £50 garden voucher and you could buy a whole gardenful of lavender! <link>
10 Make a different salad for lunch every day this week.
One of the best ways to ensure we are getting all the right nutrients is to eat a ‘rainbow’ of colours. Each day this week enjoy a different salad for lunch – see how inventive you can be with different veg, salad, fruit, nuts, seeds, cheeses, fish, meat and dressings. The possibilities are endless. Why not try this one today:
Tuna, Avocado & Fennel Salad
Calories 296 per portion
Fat 20g (3.7g sat) per portion
Ingredients
- Tuna in water 200g can, drained
- Light mayonnaise 3-4 tbsp
- Lime 1, juice only
- Avocado 1, peeled, stoned and diced
- Fennel bulb ½ small, very thinly sliced
- Salad leaves 60g packet
Instructions
- Mix together tuna, mayonnaise and lime juice.
- Add avocado, season to taste and gently stir together.
- Divide salad leaves between two plates. Spoon tuna mix on top.
#summer #win #competition #salad
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