We can all pretty much agree that Summertime is the best!
Even during a lockdown and a mini heatwave there are so many cool things to do when you put your mind to it and have a little plan. If you're struggling with creating new things to do to entertain yourself and your family then you're in for a treat with some of the following Summer time ideas and activities...
READ...
Eat Nourish Glow by Amelia Freer - Revealing the sought after secrets Amelia shares with her prestigious client list. Amelia presents a simple food philosophy that will empower you to make healthy decisions about the food you buy, as well as kick the unhealthy habits and addictive foods that make you feel sluggish and exhausted. With a dedicated recipe section featuring quick, easy, delicious and nutritious recipes for every meal. Amelia shows that you don't have to compromise on taste to eat well.
Last Seen by Lucy Clarke - if you like a seaside based novel you will love novels by lovely author Lucy. This book is a beautiful, sad and gripping, with so many twists and turns you won't want to put it down. Perfect Summertime read.
How to break up with your phone by Catherine Price - after zoom overwhelm during lockdown maybe this book could be just the tonic you need. Award winning science journalist Catherine provides an easy to follow plan to help you conquer your mobile phone addiction in just 30 days.
The Self Care Revolution by Suzy Reading - smart habits and simple practices to allow you to flourish. This book is designed to help and restore your day to day energy reserves so that, rather than running on empty, you will have the strength and spirit to excel with whatever life brings.
MAKE...
5 Ways with Strawberries!
Strawberryade - crush 250g of hulled strawberries and add the juice of three lemons and 75g of castor sugar or malt rice syrup. Pour on 750ml of boiling water, stir, then cover and leave to cool before transferring to the fridge overnight. Strain, bottle and chill. Be sure to swill it down within two days, either with ice or mixed with still or sparkling water.
Ease Retreats Mess - whip 425g of mascarpone cheese or greek yogurt and add 1 tsp of honey. Chop 450g of strawberries (and other seasonal berries if you like) and pour the mascarpone cheese or yogurt over them. Unless you have home-made to hand, smash up a bagful of ready made meringues into little bits, add to the mix and then serve in large flutter glasses.
Strawberry Salad - Toss 150g of strawberries with 2 tsp balsamic vinegar and a few peppercorns. L lightly toast one side of two slices of granary bread then cut a large heart shape from each. Top these with slices of goat's cheese and a pinch more peppercorns. Grill until cheese bubbles then place on a bed of salad leaves tossed with your strawberries.
Strawberry & Avocado Toastie - Toast the sourdough bread until the grill on one side only. Spread the untested side with mashed avocado, top the sliced strawberries and soft goat's cheese, toast under the grill until the cheese browns. Serve with plenty of pepper and olive oil.
Grown Up Strawberry & Rose Jelly - Spoon 4 tbsp water into a bowl. Add 3 tsp gelatine. Leave for 5mins. Dissolve by standing in simmering water. Remove from heat and stir in 40g caster sugar then 500ml rose wine. Cool. Lay sliced strawberries in the base of a jelly mould, cover with the mixture and pop in freezer for 15 mins until set. Repeat twice.
LISTEN...
If like me you miss the coast and daydream about long hazy days by the beach, then this track will transport you there in seconds 'By The River' by Groove Armada
If you're in need of calming, soulful sounds, then this album is a treat for the ears. It has been album of the month at Ease Retreats Cottage 'What's Your Pleasure' by Jessie Ware
WRITE...
Grab your best stationery (or make your own) and send your dear friend a handwritten letter. There is something quite cathartic in putting pen to paper and documenting your latest news. Even if in lockdown you don't have much to report on, just by writing about how you're feeling and describing what your plans are post lockdown, your writing will start to flow. To add a little bit of love, I slip a Pukka Tea Bag (their packing is so pretty) and some pressed flowers from my garden to send a piece of my home to them, especially if they don't live in Wales. If you're looking for gorgeous notecards do check out www.behindtheseen.co.uk
HOST...
A virtual movie night...
This is a fantastic way to fill your Friday evening with your immediate family. Bringing the movie theatre experience outdoors requires some equipment. There are some things you’ll want to make sure you have to hand including a portable projector, projector screen and blue tooth speakers. Grab lots of pillows and blankets to create a picnic like environment on your lawn. If you’re setting your movie night up on a driveway, blankets might not be plush enough to soften the ground. Instead, put out patio or folding camping chairs and a couple of bean bags. Choose a feel good movie. Make sure you have some delicious and healthy snacks. Get comfy and enjoy the movie. Don't forget your torch in case someone needs the toilet or has the munchies and in need of extra refreshments!
GET CREATIVE...
This is one for you and your family to enjoy...Start a scrapbook, fill a photograph album or start your very own vision board for 2021. We all have old magazines lying about the house and it seems a shame to not recycle them. There is something quite therapeutic about scrapbooking, selecting and cutting around articles that have stunning photography and inspirational information that you can also use to create a vision board. When was the last time you grabbed a collection of old photos or printed off your best instagram shots and stuck them into a beautiful album. www.lalalab.com is a really cool photo printing service, highly recommended!
The Summertime 'Could Do' List is limitless and I'll add more to it over on my social media profiles, particularly on Instagram stories. I hope you find the time to enjoy one of the above activities, be kind to yourself and try to 'live life with ease' whenever and wherever you can
Until the next time
Stay safe
Much love
Tan xx
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