Five Ways || Tips For Making a Memorable Summer

Now that we’re into the first quarter of 2016 and the hustle and bustle of Christmas and New Year is over, I find myself almost wishing this year away a little, craving the warmth that summer will bring. Plus, this will be the first summer in our new home, and my mind is already racing with ways that I can make it the best yet for my kids. As I’m sure you’ll know if you’re a regular reader, we’re quite a bohemian family, and spending time together, making experiences and creating fond childhood memories for my sons is one of the most important things to me.

With this in mind, I decided to list a few ways I’m going to try and make our summer 2016 the best yet - hopefully these inspire you too...

Take Unexpected Trips

I think it’s important to be a spontaneous parent on occasion. like I said, we try to live a free-spirit boho lifestyle and despite modern day expectations. When the boys are off school we love to take impromptu trips to the countryside, Falkland Hill or to local fairs as they are a great way of letting go and spending time with them. We generally ask the boys at the start of the year where they would love to go this year and what they want to do so we have a list in mind that we can just pick and choose from without them knowing. Spontaneity is great for kids as they get so excited and it stops them getting bored so I’m definitely going to fit as many surprise trips into my schedule this summer.

Have More Parties

I like things to be informal and relaxed at my parties, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring. I want to make a pact with myself to have more people round, enjoy being with the ones I love more, but making it memorable by having something that people will talk about. A great way of making a feature for a party whilst feeding the five thousand is with a hog roast machine - while we don't own one I've always thought it would be a fun spectacle for a party, a unique twist for a BBQ, but also really easy to use and practical.

Make More Than Memories

When you have kids, you don’t want them to sit and watch TV all week, so why not get them up and moving? Whether it’s baking scrummy cakes or building a fort in the garden out of furniture, make it a fun experience. There are tonnes of ideas for this on Netmums, from example planners to arts and crafts.

Soak Up The Sun

In this country, those moments of sunshine are rare, but there’s nothing I like better than laying on the lawn in the sunshine, going for a walk to the park, being closer to nature and feeling utterly relaxed. The sun has a natural calming effect, and your summer will be a lot more enjoyable if you get out into the sun as much as possible in order to destress. Oh and remember to purchase a paddling pool early on in the year because they sell like wildfire when the sun comes out, get ahead of the pack by purchasing when it's not needed. The kids will be grateful also.

Learn Something New

This was one of my new year’s resolutions, and I think summer is as good a time as any to pick something new to learn. Warmer temperatures usually mean that many people feel positive, motivated and have a new vibe to get up and go, so make the most if it - learn something new and make your summer unforgettable. I think I’ll take those new Yoga positions into the garden for a sun salutation.

I wish all of my readers a happy and healthy run-up to summer this year. If you have any tips, please share them with me in the comments section