10 Tips to Bring On Summer
Sometimes summer can seem like it will never get here. As you wait in anticipation, here are 10 ways to bring on summer…
1. Sunglasses. Get some totally awesome sunglasses. You will look great while protecting your eyes. You can pick these up for a buck at most dollar stores.
2. Flip-flops. Flip-flops look great with jeans while you’re waiting for the transition to summer weather. Once again, you can usually find these at a dollar store for, yes, a dollar. Or other stores, such as Old Navy or drugstores like Walgreen’s also carry them for a relatively good price.
3. Work. Not everyone’s favorite word, but if it’s on your summer list, it’s time to start thinking about a summer job. In this economy, job competition might be fierce for teens, so you will want to pound the pavement early.
4. Summer clothes. Time to get those sweaters out of your closet, and replace them with your t-shirts and tanks. You should also trade out your jeans, (except for 1 or 2 favorite pairs), for shorts and/or Capri’s. Try wearing something flower printed, plaid, or bright colored to put you in a summer mood.
5. Get outside. With the days getting warmer and longer, it’s time to get outside and soak up the sun. The sun provides you with the necessary vitamin D that we all need to feel more energetic. Getting out in the sun can also give you a great tan, but be mindful not to get burned. Be sure to wear sunscreen. Note: If you want to tan, but instead seem to bake until bright red, try using self tanning lotion. You purchase it at any drugstore.
6. Hats. Hats can be very stylish and they also protect your eyes and face from sun damage.
7. “Cool” down your bedroom. If you sleep with a comforter, quilt, or any heavy blanket, it’s time to trade it for something a lot lighter. Target sells cool bedding and bedroom accessories for teens. Choose fun colors to brighten up the whole room! You’ll probably be spending a lot more time in your bedroom hanging out with friends once school is out, so you’ll want it to feel cool, both in temperature and style.
8. Lip-gloss or Chap Stick. For you girls, whether you wear lipstick or not, this is the time to try lip-gloss. It will give your lips a shine that looks brilliant in the sun. For the guys, (and the girls who aren’t so partial to the lip-gloss), start wearing Chap Stick to protect your lips. A fruity flavor will get your mind set on summer.
9. Volunteer. Start thinking about what you can do for someone else this summer. Maybe that means helping to paint your neighbor’s house, planting flowers in a senior citizen’s yard, or working at the local food pantry. Helping out in your community is something you can do on your time and feel good about it. You definitely won’t regret this.
10. Get in shape. It feels good to look good. You can make this totally fun! As summer approaches, it is a good time to go on a nature jog. Keep your eyes open for flowers starting to grow, buds sprouting on trees, and different kinds of animals scurrying about. Riding your bike, swimming laps, shooting hoops, or jumping on the trampoline are good ways to get exercise. Or sign up for a summer sport to get outside and get your heart pumping!
There is so much more you can do to bring on summer. Have a picnic. Make lemonade. Eat that summer fruit and food that you have been waiting for all year. Go to a Drive-in Movie Theater. Have a barbeque with family or friends. Go camping. Fly a kite. Be creative and you will have a blast! Start by implementing some of these ideas right now to gear yourself up to BRING ON SUMMER!
Hannah Bertram is a 14 year old Kansas City Teen who is home-schooled and very EXCITED for summer!