The Summer Manifesto: Have Fun!*

*This is a collaborative post*

Summer lasts for such a short time don't you think? We owe it to ourselves to make the most of it as before we know it, we'll be heading back towards winter, drawn in nights tucked up under blankets instead of long balmy summer evenings in the garden. (Fist pump at the thought of Christmas though! Yay!)

Here are 5 ways in which you can make this summer the best one ever and create memories that will keep you warm throughout the long, cold winter.

1. Clear your schedule

Summer is all about spontaneity and living for the moment. How can you head off on a last minute camping trip or outing to the beach if your diary is crammed with engagements? Try and cut down on work and social commitments to allow some flexibility. This is not the time to commit to pottery classes or plan a house move. That sort of thing can wait until the winter!

2. Make your garden a playground

You want to spend as much time as you can outside at this time of year so make your garden a fun place to be. Hot tub sales increase in the summer months and it is hardly surprising. Imagine your long summer nights soaking in the bubbles under the stars, glass of wine in hand. Other garden essentials are a BBQ and some comfortable seating. Dragging one of your dining chairs out into the garden is not the most comfortable solution. Deck chairs are perfect. They look great and are so comfortable.

3. Banish devices

Staring at a screen in bright sunlight can give you a headache (believe me I know) but that's not the only reason you should limit your screen time in the summer. Why waste precious time glued to your phone when you could be enjoying some quality time with family and friends? Get out the hose pipe and play some water games. Another great idea is to go for a picnic. Make sure all the family put away their gadgets so you can really enjoy this. Get everyone involved in preparing the food and they will not have time to pick up their phones. Take some board games along to get all the family interacting. If you happen to have your picnic on the beach, you've the perfect excuse to get everyone to leave their devices in the car. Phones don't go well with sea and sand at the best of times!

4. Ditch the routine

Routines are great at most times of the year and they make sure that we get stuff done but with summer being so short lived, you should ditch the routine and make the most of the brighter, warmer weather while it lasts. Let's face it, you deserve a break, it's not going to hurt to put the chores on hold for a while. Take some time to just really relax and bask in the sunshine.

5. Look around you

Slow down a little and take a moment to admire how wonderful the world looks at this time of year. Marvel at the gorgeous colours, the green freshly cut lawns and the bright blue sky. Really pay attention as you're sunbathing in the garden and you'll hear the soothing sounds of low flying planes and birds chirping. Stop and admire the blooms. Flowers aren't just beautiful in the summer but they smell gorgeous too.