12 Things You Need To-Do This Summer
Celebrating the first day of a long Aussie summer.
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1. Spend an entire day at the beach. This goes without saying, but there's no better way to take advantage of our world class coastline than to enjoy a day at the beach. While I like to spend 1, 2, 3 hours at the beach on a beautiful, warm day, you have to be prepared if you want to go there for any longer. Not only will you need towels, sunscreen and your favourite swimsuit, but also plenty of food (don't forget a watermelon - the freshest beachside snack), water and chilled refreshments, shade (we're investing in a decent beach umbrella this season) and entertainment, like a good read or portable speakers. Bring on the holidays!
2. Enjoy an iced coffee. I love coffee. I love coffee in the morning. I love coffee in the afternoon. Heck, I even love coffee at nighttime, BUT a cosy hot mug of coffee on a hot summer's day is just... no. And so I find myself ordering a tall iced coffee more often than not, and my goodness, is it deliciously refreshing. So, this summer, ditch the mug for a glass. You'll thank yourself for it.
3. Buy new swimwear. Yes, I understand this a daunting task for many (it used to be for me too!), but it is so worth it in the end. My go-to brands are ASOS and Jets Swimwear - I know I can always find something I adore, that fits and makes me feel confident (a rare combination when you're on the busty side of life). Oh, and because I sympathise with you, I've popped a few of my favourite flattering swimsuits below.
4. Poolside service. Imagine this; you're stretched out comfortably on a sun lounge underneath the shade of an outdoor umbrella, drying off after another dip in the pool and reading that book you've had on your to-do list since forever. Then, a friendly waiter delivers a freshly made mocktail and fruit platter to you poolside. Sounds like a dream, right? Book a night or three at your favourite hotel and take advantage of their outdoor poolside service. For those in Perth, I'd recommend the Crown Metropol, which offers the most exclusive and luxurious poolside.
5. Go on a road trip. Each summer I try desperately to find the time to go on a road trip, whether it's down south through our green South West or up north where the sunshine seems to never end. There's just something so magical about setting off with the wind in your hair (or the breeze of the air-con) and being able to explore every cliff and hillside along the way. Road trip essentials? Sunglasses, comfy shoes and lots of snacks!
6. Create a signature summer cocktail. Or mocktail, obviously. Whether you're a frozen margarita, pink sangria or dirty mojito sorta' gal, it's time to dust off those cocktail glasses, and enjoy a fun refreshment (ahem, preferably by the pool). What's your signature cocktail?
7. Watch a movie at the cinema. When all hell breaks loose (also known as an Aussie heatwave - that's 3 consecutive days over 40°C or 5 days over 35°C), then it's time to stay the heck inside! And my top tip is to head to your local cinema and catch the latest blockbuster flick because they're always icey cold. Don't forget the popcorn and frozen coke!
8. Slather on the SPF 30 (or 50). This is an important point and cannot be missed, not once. When I say you need to do it this summer, I mean it. Sunscreens are damn good these days too, so you don't have to cover yourself in a sticky, oily mess anymore to protect your skin. I even spoke about the facial sunscreens I'll be wearing all summer last week, so make sure you check them out.
9. Add to your summer sandal collection. My shoe shelves are overflowing (oops), yet I can't help but add again and again to my summer sandal collections (my latest addition are these lace-up sandals - they're amazing, right?!). This summer is once again all about slide-on flats and gladiator lace-ups, so here are my picks:
10. Have a BBQ on a balmy summer night. Invite a bunch of your loved ones over and enjoy a classic Aussie BBQ outside on one of our infamous warm nights. Brad and I don't have our outdoor kitchen set-up yet at our new home, but I have a feeling we'll be enjoying many a BBQ nonetheless. There is no better way to catch-up with friends and family than a big barbecue, on a warm summer night, after all.
11. Go to an open air cinema. One of the most popular things to do now in summer is to go to a pop-up open air cinema, and chances are there's one coming soon to your city too. They play the old classic films and the big new release movies, which means there is something for everyone. And you know what? They're a lot of fun.
12. Eat fish and chips. Followed by ice-cream, duh. There are zillions of exceptional fish and chip restaurants and takeaway shops scattered along our coastline, so order your favourites and watch the sunset by the ocean (well, on the west coast anyway).
What are your favourite things to do in summer?
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