More than any other season, Summer makes me feel young.   Maybe it’s nostalgic camp memories, or our tradition of family vacation, or great weather allowing more time outdoors, but Summer invites the kid in all of us to come out and play.  I just feelbetter in the Summer.  It could be the added dose of Vitamin D from sunshine-filled longer days, but whatever is responsible, Summer months have me singing a happy tune.

Sassy or sexy, flirty or fun, pretty or practical–here are some ideas to help you seize your Summer and feel younger in the process–

1.  Add an hour to your day. Sunrise is earlier giving you that extra time you’ve been craving.  You’ll be amazed what you can get done if you start your day 30-60 minutes earlier.

2.  Do a new do.  Have a friend French braid your hair; braid your own; pick a flower and put it behind your ear; paint a temporary purple streak; get it cut shorter; let it grow out.  Changing your hairstyle is bold and daring!

3.  Get your glow on.  At the beach this year I used sunscreen but still managed (on purpose) to tan a little.  I know, I know, it is no longer PC to admit this, but when I returned, a half dozen people commented how great I looked.  I prefer natural tanning because I’m a child of the 70s, but you can buy it in a bottle or spray, too.  Rosy cheeks are healthy-looking cheeks, no matter how you get ‘em.

4.  Rebel nails.  Typically my fingernails are always natural, my toenails always polished.  For something different, use a fun color on your fingernails, or add a striking top coat–like one that crackles over a base color or adds a holographic shimmer!

5.  Let your top down.  Got a touch of Thelma & Louise in ya?  Rent a fire-engine red convertible for the day and ride all over town with the top down.  You might not ever be the same.

6.  Drink to your health. With fresh fruits and veggies in abundance this time a year, it’s time to crank up your blender.  Use low-fat yogurt combined with your favorites and you’ll forget all about ice cream and milkshakes.

7.  Blow Bubbles. Unless you have littles in the house, it’s been way too long since you’ve done this.  It’s play therapy that’ll feed your soul, a guaranteed smile maker.

8. Summer cleaning. “Heavy” cleaning is typically reserved for Spring, but why not tackle something you keep putting off?  Dusty baseboards, ceiling fans or wooden/mini blinds, you’re gonna feel SO accomplished when you’re done!  And little feels better than THAT!!

9.  Do good things. Whether it’s free babysitting for a friend who’s short on funds, stocking boxes at your local food bank, donating blood or volunteering in your church’s nursery to let the regular workers take a vacation, you’ll feel GREAT knowing your random act of kindness made a difference in someone else’s life.

10.  Born to be wild.  Find an oldies station, crank up the volume, then sing like no one’s listening and dance like no one’s watching. You’ll burn calories and feed your soul at the same time.

11.  Embrace a trend. Shop your favorite discount venue and buy something different for yourself, something totally fun and that will be out of style by this time next year.  Then have a blast wearing it….and receiving compliments from those who are surprised (and maybe a little jealous) you’re that daring.

12.  Flower power.  Pick up a few inexpensive bouquets to decorate several rooms in your house; or if you have access, pick roadside wildflowers or raid your neighbor’s yard.  Added sass: tuck a posie behind your ear (or make a clover crown!).

13.  Smelly goods. When was the last time you wore perfume?  Not just yummy-smelling lotion, but real perfume or cologne?  Take a trip to the department store counter, test a few, and if you discover one that makes your nose smile, buy it!  If you have a significant other, he will both notice and appreciate it!

14.  Off the beaten path. Strip your feet bare and if you’re lucky enough, take a stroll in the sand waterside, sink your feet into a velvety, luscious lawn, or even wade in a creek!  This is reflexology at its best–and it’s free!

15.  Brain power.  Read “that” book you’ve been meaning to get to for ages, with a pen and notepad in hand.  Write down every word you come to that you don’t know.  Look ‘em up later and learn them…then use them!  Smart is always sexy.

16.  Staycation. Discover something new about your hometown.  Visit the Chamber of Commerce or local Convention Bureau.  Then do something that only a tourist would do.  You’ll see your hometown with new eyes.

17.  Tea time. Invite a friend over (or a few) and have a tea party!  Just like you did when you were a little girl.  Dress up, keep the menu childish (Kool-aid and cookies) and exchange stories about your childhood.

18.  Spa retreat. Fill your tub with more bubbles than water; light candles, play soft music, have a book on hand, and sip some sparkling water (or your favorite beverage).   By the time you dry off you’ll feel like you’ve been on vacation all week.

19.  Discover your inner artist.  Walk through a local arts and crafts store for ideas, then do something!  Watercolors or acrylics, crayons and coloring books, or even a magazine-paper collage–there’s nothing like paints, paste, glitter and glue to take you back to your youth.

20.  Natural woman.  Visit a local park, a walking trail or even your back yard with camera in hand (even a cell phone!) and document your walk.  Try to see nature with new eyes, appreciating the simple beauty that is often missed because of life’s rush.

Your turn:  Add something FUN to this list!  Or if you try any of the above, let us know!!