10 Wonderful things to Make, Do and Celebrate in July
July by Emilie Maguin
Welcome, July! The beginning of the second half of the year; the perfect time to take a step back and check in on those goals you made at the start of the year. I have been looking over my January goals, and have a blog post ready to go up tomorrow with my process. It has been, as usual, revealing, hard at times and liberating at times too. How are your goals or your word for the year holding up?
July is, for many, the pinnacle of the summer. The weather is warm and dry, the school summer holidays start in just a few weeks and the best of the seasons fruit and flowers are abundant. This summer in particular has been the warmest we've had in years and I am drinking every last drop of healing warmth up. I'm living in sandals, sunglasses and sundresses and we are busy planning some summer adventures too. Hurrah!
10 Wonderful Things To Make Do and Celebrate in The Month Ahead:
Take a breather from your year. Review your year so far and check your January goals. Tomorrow, I am publishing my July Book, a mini version of my January Book, to facilitate exactly this, so keep an eye out.
Press Summer Flowers. Pressed and dried flowers are always lovely but are especially popular at the moment thanks to likes of Worm London. Press summer blooms now to enjoy in months to come.
Go Berrying. I’m itchy about the fact that I haven’t got to a PYO farm yet but there is still time! Is there anything better than sun-warmed, perfectly ripe strawberries, straight from the plant?
Plan the school summer holidays, if you have kids. Book a holiday club, look for free events near you, arrange a childcare swap with friends, plan some day trips. We are writing our summer list at the moment and it’s lovely.
Plan a holiday close to home. Whether you booked your holiday a long time ago or are still deciding what to do, plan a staycation either in your house, in a neighbouring town or somewhere else in your country. It's cheaper, better for the planet and can be surprisingly interesting too. We just got back from an incredible trip in a cabin in Sussex.
Book a festival. Whether it's a huge 4 day celebration or a local day long affair, a summer music festival is always lovely, and one of the only times you and your kids can enjoy music together.
Go outside in the evening: It's light at 9.30 pm here in the UK so take advantage and get outside. Do a couch to 5k or go for a walk. I am very much looking forward to starting some exercise again (I’ll get there, i’ll get there).
Embrace your body. I am so sick of seeing targeted ads that feed on women’s self hatred at this time of year. Wear the swimwear or clothes you want to wear this summer. You are fine just as you are right now. You are not too pale or hairy or thin or fat. My hairy armpits have been out in full force and as each summer passes I care less and less what people think.
Go to a car boot. It's Car boot season; a great way to pick up things you need (or like) second hand for cheap. Go with a specific list to avoid cluttering up your home- or better yet- sell some stuff at one too.
Join in with your local community Tis the season for village fetes, community fun days, school fairs and charity fundraisers. We need our communities now more than ever. Be a part of yours; and help out if you can.
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