The Loser's Guide to a Great Summer

Most college students and many high school students have already said goodbye to teachers and classes as summer solstice rapidly approaches. Despite the long anticipated freedom, we often find ourselves stuck inside, bored out of our minds. I'm putting together a sort of customizable bucket list for those who want to give their summer an upgrade, whether it be big or small!

For the Foodies: Branch Out w/ New Recipes

As someone who is not kitchen savvy, I can personally say that successfully cooking a meal you've never made before is super satisfying. Cooking is a life skill that is learned gradually over time; so why not get started now? Not only is this a great opportunity to discover new things you like, but it's also a time to invite over friends for some good food and even better conversation! Here are some healthy recipes and the links to get you started:

REAL+VIBRANT - Roasted Veggie Buddha Bowl

https://realandvibrant.com/roasted-vegetable-buddha-bowl/

MINIMALIST BAKER - Bibimbap

https://minimalistbaker.com/easy-bibimbap-with-gochujang-sauce/

HEALTHY LUXE - Coco Berry Smoothie Bowl

https://healthyluxe.com.au/coco-berry-bowls/

RAINBOW PLANT LIFE - Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff

https://www.rainbowplantlife.com/blog/creamy-vegan-mushroom-stroganoff

THE DELICIOUS LIFE - Citrus Roasted Salmon

http://www.thedeliciouslife.com/citrus-roasted-salmon-with-herbs-recipe/

For the Adventurers: It's Road Trippin' Time

Easier said than done, for sure, but the payoff of a good trip is endless memories and countless excursions. There are a few key steps that will make this process less stressful, so let's get into that:

1. BUDGET. This is definitely not the most fun part, but it is crucial to get the most out of your trip for the least amount of money possible. If you're spending money on gas, fill up before the trip, and wait until you can find a cheap station to refuel. If you're buying plane tickets, be sure to clear your browser cookies and history beforehand, and buy in advance to get the cheapest results. Figure out about how much money you want to spend per day, whether it be on meals, shopping, or miscellaneous items. Your wallet will thank me later.

2. SIGHT-SEE. When the girls and I went to Arizona, we made sure to check out some unique spots on the way, including a historic chapel and some authentic crystal shops in Sedona. Do some research to see what your destination has to offer. Maybe it's a monument or national park, or something smaller like the best local coffee shop. Whatever it may be, go see it and explore!

3. CAPTURE. What I mean is take in the present moment. This can be done in multiple ways, and it's your job to find the one that means the most to you. My personal favorite involves photography. When my best friend Sean came into the city for a few days, we had the idea of getting disposable cameras and using up the film throughout his trip. Seeing the developed photos was so cool because I could remember the exact moments when each one was taken, and the anticipation was much more exciting than the instant gratification of an iPhone photo.

For the Couch Potatoes: Movie Night Rewind

I'm not talking about just any old movie. Brainstorm some of the classics you watched as a kid (including TV shows!) and see if you can dig them up in your house/rent them online or from the nearest library. The next step is to stock up on your favorite snacks (hello pints of Ben&Jerry's). Take a trip to the grocery store and pick out something that reminds you of your childhood. The most fun challenge of the night: building a fort. Depending on who you have with you, this could mean a simple couch fort or a whole basement palace. Don't be afraid to get creative with this process - utilize your resources (blankets, pillows, chairs, etc.) If you want to up the laugh factor, tell everyone that's invited to wear their best set of pajamas - whoever wins gets first movie pick!

Leave it up to dads to make a fort guide: https://www.fatherly.com/play/activities/an-architects-tips-for-turning-the-living-room-into-an-epic-pillow-fort/

And here are the best legal free tv sites: https://fossbytes.com/best-sites-watch-free-tv-shows-online-legally/

For the Crafty Artists: Let's Get Scrappy

Not only are these activities great for their therapeutic elements, but also because you can pass time easily while getting lost in the process. My best friend Abbey makes really cool collages simply by getting a dozen magazines and cutting out sections that vibe with her. You can even make whole inspiration boards using the collage method (see this blog: https://thepeacefulmom.com/how-to-make-an-inspiration-board/ )

I've made a few scrapbooks that have little anecdotes and stories from years of going to Turks and Caicos and New York City. My favorite way to display concert tickets, stickers, old photos, post its, drawings, etc. is in a Smash-book, mostly due to the fact that you can make it as simple or as complicated as you want. This blog post gives an overview of all the cute supplies you can buy along with the book itself: http://blog.consumercrafts.com/paper-crafts/smash-books-the-un-scrapbook/ . Starting a journal is another great way to keep track of all the things going on inside your mind, and all you need for that one is a pen or two!

I hope that at least one of these ideas inspires you to step out of your comfort zone and fill some boring summer days with a bit more spunk! If you try any of these, make sure to send me some photos :)

Until Next Time,

Anna xxx