Out of all the seasons, summer is the one most people look forward to the most and, of course, it seems to go by the fastest. Before you know it we’ll be packing away the sandals, throwing on a sweater, working full weeks (summer Friday’s in effect, anyone?) and sending the kids back to school. So why not make these next 60 or so days extra special by doing some summer (and some non season-specific) things to nourish your mind, body and soul? Here are Madame Noire’s top 10 things to take time for you, put fun first and have a slammin’ summer. Ready Madames? Let’s go!
1. Get Wet! Run through a sprinkler, jump in a pool, go to the beach and actually take a dip in the water. You can always do your hair later. Check our summer hair tips here.
2. Take A Trip. If your budget allows, make sure to plan a weekend away with your spouse, partner, girlfriends, or even go solo. Traveling to a new city, state, or country should be an opportunity to reduce stress, enjoy new surroundings and bring pleasure into your life. You deserve it.
3. Take On Your Town Like A Tourist. Sometimes, because we have constant access to a zoo, museum or cultural center, we take them for granted and zip right past them. Living in a big city, I only realized how much I once ignored the sites when visitors came to town and said: “Hey, what’s that place like,” and I was embarrassed that I had no idea. I changed the way I view my city. Next time, go in and experience or learn something new.
4. Take A Class. Always wanted to learn how to make sushi? There’s a cooking class for that. Need to perfect your back stroke? There’s a YMCA class for that, too. Computer skills lacking? You already know the answer…get to it and start your research for a link for that class.
5. Act Like It’s Christmas And Make A List. Picture everything that your ultimate summer would include and then write it down, says Laura Vanderkam, author of 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think. Write the big stuff (rent a summer share for a week) and the little things (spend a day at the beach with the family) and keep the list visible. You don’t have to cross off every item, but you’ll savor the ones you do.
6. Sample A Beauty Trend. Brighten up your look by sampling a fresh and easy make up tip. Try a sunny fruit-inspired lipstick (tangerine and papaya are hot), use a pastel shadow to give a summery look to your eyes, or warm up your cheeks with a light-pink powder around the apples, then dab fuchsia powder directly onto the apples of your cheeks.
7. Find A Great Summer Read. Who has time to pick up a book, right? Well, if you grab a great one, it won’t feel as taxing and can be a great escape while you commute to work or lay on the beach. We recommend: Aliya S. King’s exciting drama “Platinum.”
8. Feel The Beat. Summertime is always free concert time. Grab the local paper and see who is in town in the next few weeks, grab a blanket and some snacks and head out for a musical adventure. Even if your favorite artist is not playing, most of the fun will revolve around the experience–and the company you invite–anyway.
9. Disconnect From The ‘Net. A day or two away from social networking sounds ridiculous to you? Then you definitely need to try stepping away from technology. Trust me, I do it and I feel better–and not so bogged down with information–each time.
10. Eat Your Colors. I must confess, this is a lesson from Elmo. Yes, that little fuzzy red guy from “Sesame Street.” My daughter plays a computer game where he tells the kids to eat their colors: the reds, the greens, the yellows, the blues. This is a nutritional tip that can be used annually, but especially in the summer. It’s so hot, who wants to be weighed down by heavy foods? Eating your colors means cooking and snacking on fruits and vegetables that will keep you healthy and give you the energy to move.
Madames, what is on your summer “to do” list?
