Remember that glorious sunshine last weekend? It’s a sign that summer is well on its way, and to get in the mood (whilst the weather sorts itself out) I’ve been preparing for it in all sorts of ways. Here’s how you can get in the mood for summer.
Spring clean
Get your home ready for the new season with a deep clean. Take this opportunity to clear out the kitchen cupboards ready for new seasonal ingredients, to change the bedding for something lighter, and to add spring finishing touches, such as fresh flowers, to every room. I’ve even been cleaning our rugs for a fresher feeling!
Wardrobe swap
It’s time to put away those chunky knits and thick wool coats for another year. I love having a full wardrobe switch around every season and rediscovering my favourite summer wardrobe staples that I’d buried away!
Clean the windows
Get ready to let that sunshine in! This was one of the first things I did when spring arrived this year and it makes such difference to the brightness of our home.
SPF skincare
Make sure your skincare has an SPF. My everyday moisturiser already has SPF 15, but I’ll probably increase that for the summer months. When I go on holiday I’ll be upping it even further with Soap and Glory’s SPF50 Sunshield Superfluid!
Buy some new swimwear
Nothing makes me feel more summery than browsing the new swimwear collections. And that’s before I even have a holiday destination picked out.
Get a pedicure
Nobody wants to be caught out with an unexpected heat wave and unprepared feet that aren’t ready for sandals. (That’s actually what happened to me this weekend!) Time to paint those toenails!
Get your garden ready
Trim the lawn; pull the weeds out of your flower beds; dig out and clean up your outdoor furniture and garden lighting; and maybe pick up a citronella candle; all whilst dreaming about the amazing garden parties you’ll be having on balmy summer evenings.
… and dust off your BBQ
Do you have one? Do you know where it is or even remember how they work? Stock up on BBQ coals now so that you’re all ready for that first warm evening of summer.
Make plans
The best way to feel summery is to book a holiday, because although the sun may not be shining here, planning a trip to somewhere sunny will get you in the mood. But even if a big summer holiday isn’t on the cards, you can still be making plans for things to do during the summer months. Check out my top 20 things to do this summer for inspiration.
Exfoliate
Freshen up your skin by exfoliating to get rid of dry winter skin cells. This is great prep for when it’s time to get a summer tan, and gentle exfoliation a couple of times a week will help you keep a nice summery glow. I’ve just invested in Rub rub rub, Lush’s sea salt shower scrub.
Get some summer food Pinspiration
Pinterest is the place to go for summer dining inspiration – think rainbow salads, ice cream-based desserts, amazing popsicles, refreshing summer fizz cocktails, and while you’re at it, how about some garden party decor ideas?
Buy a summer beach read
You don’t have to wait until you’re actually on a sun lounger to enjoy a sizzling summer read. Don’t feel guilty – just enjoy the summer cheese-fest.
Adjust your thermostat
It will be warmer soon – it really will! So you might as well starting saving on your energy bills.
Rethink the contents of your freezer
Essentials include ice cubes, ice lollies and maybe some frozen summer fruits for smoothies. Oh, and maybe something for that unplanned BBQ you’ll be having on the first warm evening of summer!
Have you started any summer preparations yet?
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