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This week is set to be an absolute scorcher, which is great news for most – except, perhaps, those who are distraught that Glastonbury isn’t going ahead.
If you’re scratching your head trying to think of new ways to enjoy a rare bit of summer sun after work – or even during the day if you’re not working at the moment – here are a few ideas to get you started.Related... 6 Science-Backed Ways To Boost Your Mood 1. Discover a new beauty spotLook at
Google maps and pick out a pond, lake, canal, beach, park or field within walking or cycling distance that you’ve never been to before. Pack a book, a blanket and some refreshments, call a friend – and go check it out.2. Treat yourself to a swimSwimming pools aren’t yet open, but you can still take a dip in the sea or visit a wild swimming spot. Check out this Wild Swimming map for crowd-sourced swimming recommendations, or look through this list of accredited water venues – some may not yet be open, so check before you go.3. Make your own banana ice creamThere’s a really quick way to make “ice cream” using bananas – perfect in this heat. Dig out those ripened bad boys, peel them, mush them up and put them in the freezer. Once they’re frozen, pop them in a blender and the end result is a cold, creamy banana dessert.
If you want to give it an upgrade, try adding a tablespoon of peanut butter, a dollop of honey, a touch of sweetened condensed milk or a sprinkling of cinnamon, suggests The Kitchn. And don’t forget to enjoy it outside.
Not got any bananas? Track down your local ice cream man or head to the shops and treat yourself to the real deal.4. Have a picnic dinnerPicnics are having a moment, and they’re perfect for this weather. If you have a garden or nearby local park, why not have dinner outside this week?
Get your favourite foodie bits from the shop, invite nearby family or friends, chill some drinks in preparation, make a fancy cocktail if you’re staying at home, or prep the Pimm’s – and you’ve got yourself a pretty perfect evening ahead.Related... 7 Delicious Cocktail Recipes To Make At Home This Weekend 5. Have fun with a frisbeeFrisbees have been incredibly popular during lockdown – and it’s no wonder. You can have fun outside, stay active, and also remain at a distance from others if they’re not from your household (just remember that hand sanitiser). If you haven’t got one, you can get one online fairly cheaply. Easy peasy. 6. Take the pub to the parkParks are rapidly becoming the place to socialise. With pubs still a few days from reopening, we’d recommend taking the pub to the park (or your garden) and enjoying a well-earned, ice cold drink as the sun sets. If you fancy inviting your mates along, make an evening of it with a pub quiz IRL (in real life) rather than on Zoom. What a novelty! 7. Dust off the BBQThere might still be remnant’s of your last barbecue on the grill, so get the marigolds on and clean it up because you’ll be needing it this week. Stuck for recipe ideas? Try these smokey chipotle chicken wings, barbecued mackerel, and halloumi and pineapple skewer recipes.Related... 6 Mouth-Watering BBQ Recipes To Wow
Friends And Family With This Weekend 8. Go on a walk with a brand-new podcastLiven up your same-old evening amble with a new podcast. We’d recommend Am I Making You Uncomfortable? (of course), HuffPost
UK Life’s podcast addressing women’s health, bodies and private lives. Expect candid chats about nipples, body image, money and more. If you’re up to date with that one, have a look through eight podcast recommendations from the HuffPost UK team.9. Tidy up your outside spaceThere’s literally no better time to spruce up your outside space than during this sunny spell – especially if you’re hoping to use it more this summer. Remove any old flower heads to give your plants the chance to flower again, pull out unsightly weeds, and give your plants a much-needed drink.
With garden centres open, you could even venture to your local centre after work this week to pick up some new blooms or seeds.10. Create an outdoor cinemaYou don’t need loads of equipment to create an outdoor cinema – just a laptop,
Netflix and some blankets for when it starts to get chilly. Grab a couple of comfy chairs (you might want to bring some cushions outside), pop your laptop on a table and light some candles or hang fairy lights to set the scene. Popcorn is a must. If you don’t have a garden, take your set-up to the park and swap the chairs for a picnic blanket. 11. Pretend you’re in SpainWishing you were in
Spain instead of the UK? Bring a touch of España to your weekly routine by having tapas in the garden or at the park with your pals. Don’t forget the tinto de verano: one part red wine mixed with one part lemonade (or lemon-lime soda). Add some ice cubes and lemon slices or orange segments, and you’re good to go.Related... Don't Feel Like You've Wasted 2020 – Focus On What You've Gained People Might Have To Register Before Going To A Pub, Says Matt Hancock Prepare This Toddler-Friendly Lamb, Red Lentil and Date Tagine Recipe For a Family Feast