When Spring semester was coming to a close, all I could anticipate was the eventual vacation I'll be on after finals. Now that the Summer is fully in session and the initial shock of no longer having due dates and assignments has left me, life has become quite, well, boring. If you are like me and need a cure to your post-semester lethargy, check out this short list of ideas you can incorporate into your summer plans.
1. Make A Summer-Inspired Drink
Nothing is better on a hot, summer day than a cool drink. From 12 refreshing lemonade recipes to mascot wine punch, Pinterest has a tremendous catalog of colorful beverages. Browse through slushies, frozen drinks, smoothies, and even copycat Starbucks recipes. Impress guests at parties or make a pitcher for yourself when you want something tasty.
2. Have A Picnic
This one may sound cliche but you would be surprised by how many people rarely indulge in this charming pastime. Funny, as it is often inexpensive and fun! Pick a comfortable spot to bring a friend or few and unwind; if it's a date, don't be afraid of going all out by thrilling your partner with your culinary skills (24 Picnic Sandwiches to Try) or adding some pretty aesthetics.
3. Host An Outside Movie Night
Buy a home projector from Amazon for as low as $100 and you'll never have to go into a drive-in theatre again. Even better, you could invite your own friends and family and host an amazing movie night. Ellie Petrov has a step-by-step guide on her personal blog on how to build your own backyard movie theatre. Now all you need to do is to incorporate your own props and let the entertainment begin!
4. Start a D.I.Y. Project Involving Seashells
If you enjoy collecting seashells by the seashore, then take a bucket of them home for a do-it-yourself project another day. There are over a thousand different uses for seashells; you can make your own seashell covered letter, create glass beach lanterns, or glue them on to a planter. The possibilities of what you can do are endless! Invite another person to help or make it productive activity for yourself.
5. Make Homemade Ice-Cream
Popsicles are sweet and easy, but wouldn't you want to try your hand at making your very own ice-cream? The process is not even difficult, and think of all the wonderful flavors you'll conjure up like salted caramel pecan or blueberry cheesecake. Sprinkle on your own toppings or have it sandwiched between two cookies, and you have yourself a cool treat for a warm afternoon.
6. Take Up A New Hobby
What is one hobby you wanted to pick up but never had the time during the semester? Hot yoga, horseback riding, ceramics, backpacking? I'm sure there is an awful lot you want to do, but try to narrow it down to one that really interest you and make it a goal to be a master by the end of the season.
7. Develop A Green Thumb
Warm temperature is here to stay, so what perfect way to celebrate than building your own garden? You can grow beautiful flowers, or start planting summertime vegetables like squash, tomatoes, or cucumber. If it is too hot for comfort, you can always create a personal indoor garden. Just think of all the organic, yummy food you'll have, in addition to a useful skill you'll learn in the process.
Well, there you have it! Hopefully you will have the inspiration to start at least one of the things on this list, or the motivation to get up and start enjoying your Summer. Remember, Fall semester will be here before you know it! So enjoy all the time that you have before then.
