How are you guys? I know, it’s been a while I’m so sorry I haven’t posted in ages – I’ve had exams and bad wi-fi connection over the past few weeks, which really aren’t the best combination for blogging. But excuses aside, I am now off school for the next few months which means I can at last focus on my blog again! I’ve got tons of exciting posts planned for you guys this summer, and I’m kicking things off with the ultimate holiday bucket list!

I don’t know about you, but every year I have so many amazing plans for the holidays and then before I know it, summer’s over and all I’ve accomplished is spending three months binge watching Netflix. But this year, I’m determined to be productive, try new things and visit new places (ok, and maybe binge watch Netflix just a little). Let me know in the comments below what plans you have for the holidays and if you have an recommendations for a good TV series I can get addicted to over the summer. Now, without further ado, here’s 20 ways to have the best summer ever 🙂

1. Have a Campfire/BBQ

Nothing screams ‘summertime’ more than having a barbecue with your neighbours (I’m pretty sure they only do that in movies, but who knows) or roasting smores over a campfire. Just make sure you don’t burn your house down!

2. Have a picnic on the beach

I’m pretty sure it’s an unspoken law that you have to go the beach at least once during the summer – or if you don’t live near the coast, a pool or lake or something. Either way, having a picnic by the sea with some friends and family is an inexpensive outing that is always fun and memorable!

3. Travel the world!

Whether you’re flying abroad or going on a roadtrip with some friends, discovering new places is an essential part of summer time. This year, I  saved up to go with some friends on a trip to Germany, Italy and Slovenia – I can’t wait!

4. Embrace your inner bookworm

I’m not saying that everyone loves reading, I’m just saying that if you don’t you need to reevaluate your life choices. I used to be an avid reader, but recently I’ve noticed I haven’t been reading enough. This summer, I plan to raid the library and get back into the joys of literature!

5. Bake some cookies

Well, not necessarily cookies – any food will do (though if you are a cookie fan, make sure to check out my super easy Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe 😉 ). If you guys like cooking/baking as much as I do, I’m sure you also have a few recipes that you’ve always wanted to try out, but have never been brave enough to! Well, let’s make this the summer where we face our culinary fears and attempt to cook those complicated recipes.

6. Go to a concert

Concerts and music festivals are always something I want to do over the summer, but never get around to attending (usually because I’m broke). But for the first time, this year my friend and I are going to see Beyoncé perform live up in Dublin on July 9th, which will no doubt be amazing!

7. Get crafty! 

You guys know I “get crafty” all year long, but in my mind three months of holidays is just an excuse to spend even more time diy-ing! I got this tie dye kit for Christmas (like two years ago) and I’m definitely going to be trying it out this summer.

8. Learn a new skill

Summer is the perfect time to learn new skills, whether that’s trying out a new sport for all you strange athletic people, learning how to drive or taking up an unusual hobby. Personally, I’m going to look into taking part in a photography course this year.

9. Eat ice cream

Forget Romeo and Juliet‘s love story. A few years ago I went on holidays to Florence, Italy and tried gelatos. I have loved ice cream ever since.

10. Dye your hair

Admit it – you’ve always secretly wanted to dye your hair some crazy colour. Well, I think this is the year that you should woman up and do it (just ask your parents first). I tried getting a purple ombré look last year, though instead of the vibrant, violet locks I’d hoped for I was left with was half of my hair having a barely noticeable maroon-y tint. This year, I think I might just go for some highlights. If you don’t want to damage your hair, colourful extensions are a good alternative too.

11. Make a smoothie

Or get someone else to make you a smoothie. Either way, summer is the perfect time for cold, fruity drinks and smoothies are way healthier than a can of coke.

12. Have a movie night

Instead of spending money on overpriced popcorn and tickets at the cinema, invite a couple of your girls over to spend the night. Just open up Netflix, grab some snacks and let the movie marathon begin!

13. Celebrate an obscure holiday 

Everyday of the year is dedicated to a different, unusual holiday and most of them you’ve never even heard of! So this summer, why not research a few ‘obscure’ holidays , choose one (preferably the most bizarre) to celebrate and go all out. Personally, I love any excuse to celebrate, so I’m definitely going to be trying this out. I mean, when something as wonderful as ‘corn on the cob day’ exists, how could you not celebrate it?

14. Take photos

Now I’m not saying act like one of those infuriating tourists who just take pictures of everything, but I do think its really nice to take few photos to keep as souvenirs. At the end of the summer, you can even put together a little scrap book.

15. Learn Origami

Cause I mean, why not? It’s such an underrated art these days.

16. Have a henna tattoo party

A fun way to spend an afternoon is to invite a few friends over and give eachother henna tattoos. For those of you who don’t know, henna is a plant-based dye that is used in various Cultures (notably in India) as a sort of temporary body tattoo. Now, it’s starting to become a trend around the world! You guys can check out my step by step Henna Tutorial to learn the basics.

17. Play a board game

As a kid, I used to play board games all the time with my brothers and things would get pretty competitive! This summer, I think I’ll spend a little time reminding my family that I’m still the undisputed Champion of All Board Games ;).

18. Focus on a project

During the rest of the year, there’s so much going on that sometimes we tend to avoid getting involved in big projects. Summer’s the perfect time to really focus on a larger task that’s a bit time consuming. As I said, this year I want to dedicate a lot of time to blogging and also to working on my portfolio for art college (by the way, if any of you are making/ have made a porfolio, please leave any tips in the comments below! They’d be much appreciated).

19. Be Spontaneous

When I’m at school, my life tends to become a routine and the weekdays all start to blur into one. Even though it can be nice to have a plan, it’s also fun to just be a little spontaneous once in awhile, like randomly going out to lunch with your friends or suddenly deciding to visit somewhere new!

20. Watch a sunset/sunrise

Even a cynic like me can appreciate a beautiful sunset or sunrise. Hopefully I’ll see one this summer (if I manage to wake up early enough) and maybe even take some nice photographs!

all photos are courtesy of http://www.pixabay.com

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