10 Things to Do in July

Can you believe that this is our last ever monthly 10 Things list?! Where has the past year gone! (If you're interested, you can revisit our first 10 Things list--for August--here). We'll miss creating these monthly suggestions of things to do, but we have plenty of other "10" lists in the works, so stay tuned! 

1. Celebrate Canada Day

















http://www.canada-day.ca

Kick off the month of July by celebrating all things Canadian on the first. Even if you don't have the same ties to the country that we do, you can still use it as an excuse to indulge in a stack of maple syrup-drenched pancakes, read some Margaret Atwood, or listen to an exclusively Canadian playlist on your iPod.

2. Celebrate the Fourth of July

http://bostinno.streetwise.co/2012/07/02/where-to-watch-fireworks-in-massachusetts-this-4th-of-july/

Happy Fourth of July, Americans! No doubt you'll go all out on your special day, but those of us who don't live in the Land of the Free can still take advantage of the festivities by watching all the fabulously elaborate concerts on TV. 

3. Celebrate Bastille Day


http://www.stoffersgroup.com/vive-la-france-how-to-celebrate-bastille-day/bastille-day-fireworks/

The 14th of July is Bastille Day--France's day for patriotic pride. While it may not be your home country, it's the perfect excuse for indulging in some Gallic delights, whether that be a dainty serving of macarons, or a fresh-out-of-the-oven baguette. 

4. Partake in a Poolside Party

http://www.destination360.com/north-america/us/nevada/las-vegas/vegas-pool-party

Cool down from the hot temperatures in the most refreshing way possible--that is, poolside, and preferably with an icy cold drink in hand.

5. Hail Down an Ice Cream Van

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lomokev/7034881665/

Indulge your inner child and satisfy a sweet tooth by answering the siren call of the ice cream van next time you hear one doing the rounds in your neighbourhood.

6. Go to a Farmers Market

http://www.artpictures.co.uk/gifp0959.htm

There is something so wholesome and summery about farmers markets--and you're bound to find one somewhere in your vicinity during these warmer months.

7. Go on a Road Trip

http://kassyaugustine.tumblr.com

Whether it's a grand All-American monthlong affair, or an afternoon drive to a little town an hour away from where you live, there's nothing like hitting the road to get away from it all. 

8. Watch the Tennis at Wimbledon

http://www.theuksportsnetwork.com/the-digital-side-of-wimbledon-2013-who-is-doing-what

Did you watch the showdown between Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic on the 7th of July? Nailbiting stuff, right?! We never realised watching tennis could be so edge-of-your-seat!

9. Go Camping
http://www.henandhammock.co.uk/helpingtheenvironment/index.aspx?id=2722

Well, first off, a disclaimer: we're not really camping girls ourselves, to be honest. But if it's your thing, then go all out and enjoy some time in the wilderness!

10. Make a Summer Playlist

http://www.bcliving.ca/entertainment/granville-onlines-ultimate-summer-playlist

A playlist of summery songs is the perfect accompaniment to all your warm-weather fun--from listening to at the beach on your iPod to playing at a party for all to enjoy. And, when you're feeling a bit down in the depths of winter, listening to those songs will bring back a flood of happy, summertime memories. 

10 Things to Do in June

Soooo. This blog. Believe it or not, we're still committed to it (her?) as it approaches its first birthday in August (they grow up so fast! Sniff sniff). We know we've been pretty lax on the posting front, but we're working on it, we promise! We hope you enjoy our belated suggestions for May and June (many of which can apply throughout the summer months), and we hope your summer is going fantastically thus far :-)

1. Make Your Own Summer Bucket List

http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/summer%20bucket%20list

We enjoy giving monthly suggestions here on the blog, but only you can decide what exactly you want to achieve over the summer! Half the fun of summer activities is the planning stage; if you're a fellow list person, go all out and handwrite an elaborate bucket list (complete with illustrations!) of all that you'd like to cram in over the next few months.

2. Go For a Run

http://ehow-blog.com/how-to-breathe-during-running/

Did you know that the 5th of June is National Running Day? Nope, neither did we, and while it's not the most thrilling-sounding holiday for exercise-phobes such as ourselves, if running is your thing, go out and have a...celebratory...run! (Maybe wear a costume or something?! And then reward yourself with cake :-)

3. Go To a Festival






















http://www.motelrocks.co.uk/tag/motel-fashion/

It's the time of the season when festivals are in full force, and while Glastonbury might not be on your agenda this year, there's bound to be some sort of music/cultural festival happening in your vicinity that's worth checking out.

4. Have a Garden Party

http://madeleinelamour.blogspot.ca/2011/07/throwing-garden-party.html

Barbecues are all very well, but sometimes it's nice to introduce a bit of old-school formality into your life. Make this a slightly prim and proper, genteel affair at which everyone dresses up in frothy pastel frocks and dainty nibbles are served on delicate china plates.

5. Celebrate Father's Day

http://www.artrenewal.org/pages/artwork.php?artworkid=37157&size=large

Sunday the 16th of June is Father's Day: the perfect opportunity to make a big fuss of your dad (or father figure). Whether his recreation of choice is golfing or hiking, or simply taking in a movie, celebrate in style!

6. Celebrate Bloomsday

http://www.irishcentral.com/ent/Bloomsday-Tracing-James-Joyces-Ulysses-through-the-streets-of-Dublin---PHOTOS-123936964.html

The 16th of June also happens to be Bloomsday--the day on which, in 1904, the events of James Joyce's Ulysses unfold in Dublin. If you're a big fan of the book (neither of us have read it), you can partake in the Joycean-themed events to be found in most cities worldwide.

7. Partake in World Sauntering Day

https://www.facebook.com/XLIreland

If #2 is not really your thing, you may be more in favour of partaking in World Sauntering Day, observed on the 19th of June; a day to simply take things easy, stroll around at your leisure, people watch, and soak up the summer vibes.

8. Celebrate Summer Solstice

http://www.templeilluminatus.com/group/beacons-for-love-and-light/forum/topics/summer-solstice-meditation-stonehenge-06-21-2013

June 21st, aka the Summer Solstice, officially marks the first day of summer. Weather permitting, it's the perfect occasion to perhaps organise #4 or #10.

9. Wander a Flea Market

http://design2share.com/design2share-qa/2012/8/22/tips-for-haggling-and-navigating-local-flea-markets.html

Some cities have year-round flea markets, but there is something so distinctly summery about wandering leisurely around one, admiring the random bric-a-brac and objets d'arts. Summer is also the perfect time for working on DIY projects, so be on the look-out for items that could be transformed with a few simple alterations or a lick of paint.

10. Dine Alfresco

http://www.masala.com/16089-al-fresco-dining-at-ottomans

There are few things more enjoyable than dining outside on a sunny afternoon or balmy evening. Whether your location of choice is the patio of a favourite restaurant or your apartment balcony, enjoy this summery pastime however you see fit.

Ten Things to Do in May

This post has been a looong time in coming, but we hope you enjoyed your May! 

1. Celebrate May Day

http://furtherglory.wordpress.com/tag/maypole/

The first of the month was traditionally viewed as a time to herald in the start of the summer season. While your plans for the day probably don't include dancing around a maypole, you can still mark the occasion by donning a floral frock or going on a walk round your local park.

2. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

http://www.elkspringsresort.com/gatlinburg_cabins_blog/ole-celebrate-cinco-de-mayo-in-gatlinburg-tn/

Even if you're not Mexican, you can celebrate the 5th of May by indulging in all this vibrant country has to offer, whether that be noshing on tacos, sipping on a Corona, or listening to some mariachi.

3. Observe National Beverage Day 

http://mousehousekitchen.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/article-refreshing_summer_drinks.jpg

National Beverage Day is the 6th of May, and presents the perfect excuse to test out some summery libations, or even create your own and impress all your friends come barbecue season.

4. Partake in McHappy Day

http://www.cknw.com/eventcalendar/Details.aspx?ID=361618

If you've read our post on Ljubljana here, you'll know our views on McDonalds. (Basically, we pretty much love the place). But just in case you needed some coaxing to pay a visit to Mickey D's, the fact that the 8th of May is McHappy Day should persuade you, as proceeds from sales go to children's charities.

5. Get Bikini Ready

http://heidiklum.aol.com/category/style-files/the-ultimate-bikini-ready-countdown/

After one last gluttonous hurrah (see #4), it's time to get yourself ready for bikini season (if you so desire, of course. No pressure). Check out some lighter meal options (May is National Salad Month, after all!), and take advantage of the longer, warmer days to get in some more outdoor exercise.

6. Celebrate Mother's Day

http://www.oilpaintings-sales.com/oil-paintings/pino-a-mother-s-love-77278.html

While Ireland and the UK celebrated their mothers two months ago, Sunday, May 12th is North America's Mother's Day: the perfect opportunity to spoil your mama (or mother figure) rotten!

6. Watch the Eurovision

http://news.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/novelty/eurovision/romanias-its-my-life-a-knocking-eurovision-each-way-bet_155171.html

It's hideously tacky and grotesquely cheesy...but we love the Eurovision--it's a prime example of something so bad that it's good. For the uninitiated, Buzzfeed provides a very detailed guide here, and if you watched the finals on the 18th of May, we hope you enjoy this recap of The 11 Most Absurd Moments of Eurovision 2013 here (totally with her on Romania...they were our favourites this year, along with Greece.) And yes, we were inexplicably mortified and utterly despondent that Ireland came dead last. Ohhhh, the shame!

7. Enjoy the May Long Weekend

http://kassiastclair.com/have-a-relaxing-long-weekend/

The last Monday in May marks Victoria Day in Canada and Memorial Day in the U.S. (and it's also a bank holiday in the UK), so long weekends all around! Enjoy yours however you see fit, whether that includes camping, picnicking, or just catching up on sleep.

8. Fill Your Space With Fresh Flowers

http://inmyownstyle.com/2012/03/my-found-desk-gets-a-high-gloss-makeover.html

A home filled with fresh flowers is a surefire way to brighten your day and get you in the mood for summer! Even a single, small bunch near your workspace is enough to make a tough day a bit cheerier.

9. Go For a Bike Ride

http://www.designcatwalk.com/cycle-chic/

The third week in May is National Bike Week, so why not take the opportunity to explore your city by bicycle? (Heels optional). If you don't have your own, many cities offer rental services--perfect if you want to go for the occasional cycle without having to commit to buying your own bike.

10. Have a Day in the Park

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:A_Sunday_on_La_Grande_Jatte,_Georges_Seurat,_1884.jpg

May often has an abundance of perfectly pleasant days, weather-wise: sunny and warm, without being oppressively hot. Take advantage of the late spring temperatures by planning a day in the park, complete with snacks, blankets, music, magazines, frisbees, footballs...whatever constitutes good entertainment for you, really.

10 Things to Do in April

Sorry for being AWOL this past month...things have been insanely busy with finals, work, and packing for Ali's upcoming move to Vancouver! We hope this has been a rewarding month for you all, and hope you enjoy this re-cap of things to do/have done in April!

1. Play a Prank on April Fool's Day

http://grahamsdownunderthoughts.blogspot.ca/2012/04/april-fools-day-vintage-postcards.html

A well-planned prank may cause momentary mayhem, but is the only fitting way to welcome in the month of April, in our opinion. So long as the mischief doesn't cause any lasting emotional or physical harm, we say prank away!

2. Celebrate Siblings Day 

http://www.theslideprojector.com/art6/art6lecturepresentations/art6lecture4.html

Celebrate your siblings on the 10th of April, which just so happens to be National Siblings Day. Love them or loathe them, you and your kindred have a lifetime of shared memories, so spend some time together reminiscing on the good old days.

3. Celebrate National Humour Month

http://theangiemartinezshow.com/2012/10/14/2-cents-ha-ha-hoe-hoe/people-laughing/

We suppose it's only fitting for the month that starts off with a day of mischief to be assigned National Humour Month! Obviously, laughter should be an integral part of your life year-round, but this month take some extra time to watch funny shows, read humorous books/articles etc...(If you're looking for some comedic suggestions, we cannot recommend the Australian comedian Chris Lilley highly enough - Summer Heights High, We Can Be Heroes, and Angry Boys have us in stitches - and we defy you to not laugh at the hilarity to be found on BuzzFeed). 

4. Observe Stress Awareness Month

http://calibermag.org/articles/in-hindsight-thankful-for-a-break/stressed-student/

The clever people who assign causes to each month clearly don't do this arbitrarily: all things considered, as students we definitely find April to be the cruellest month. Final exams, multiple essay deadlines, etc., etc. can take their toll on your sanity, but make sure you take some time to just chill and re-energise...and remember, the end is nigh!

5. Observe Earth Day
















http://www.mobilecommons.com/blog/2011/04/earth-day-goes-mobile/

The 22nd of April is Earth Day, so show some love to our planet, whether that be cleaning up litter at your local park, recycling, using less electricity around the house, or riding your bike to work. We are certainly not the greenest people around so don't have the authority to be too preachy, but it really doesn't take that much effort to do these little environmentally-friendly things.

6. Observe Shakespeare's Birthday

http://archaeosoup.com/bard-memories-why-shakespeares-stratford-deserves-a-second-chance/

Shakespeare's exact date of birth is uncertain, but is traditionally celebrated on the 23rd of April. Not a whole lot is actually known about the man himself, but he is arguably the most influential figure in the history of English literature. Whether you take some time to read one of his plays or sonnets, or even just watch a movie like 10 Things I Hate About You (based on The Taming of the Shrew) or She's The Man (based on Twelfth Night), celebrate the day accordingly.

7. Celebrate St George's Day http://www.britainfirst.org/events/st-georges-day-rally-21st-april-berkshire/

The 23rd of April also marks the English celebration of St George's Day. First observed as a holiday in 1399 to celebrate the legendary soldier who saved a princess and slew a dragon, the day soon became on par with Christmas in terms of hype. Nowadays it's not as big a deal, but serves as a fitting day to celebrate all that is English.

8. Observe Poetry Reading Day 

http://www.flickriver.com/photos/30755796@N04/5418728612/

The delightful Poetry Reading Day is celebrated on the 28th of April, and serves as the perfect excuse to reacquaint yourself with favourite old poems and share them with others, as well as discover some new ones.

9. Observe Hairstyle Appreciation Day

http://living.msn.com/style-beauty/celebrity-style/50-worst-celebrity-hairstyles-of-all-time#8

The last day of April has the glorious honour of being Hairstyle Appreciation Day, so observe the day accordingly by both dishing out compliments to people with fabulous locks, and being awestruck by some of the more gruesome examples to be found in Hairstyle History. This is a fantastic round-up of the 50 Worst Celebrity Hairstyles of All Time. Enjoy!

10. Go For a Springtime Stroll in the Park
https://www.facebook.com/visittoronto?filter=2

Spring is a magical time of year, and what better way to witness the natural glories of the season than by paying a trip to your local park? Take countless pictures of the cherry blossom, inhale the smell of freshly cut grass, and bask in the mild sunshine.

10 Things to Do in March

Happy March, lovely readers! We hope you enjoy our suggestions for things to do in this charming month :-)

1. Spring Clean Your House

http://www.bayshore.ca/caringathomeblog/index.php/its-a-spring-fling-thing-time-to-recharge-and-get-things-done/springcleaning/

Way back in January, we suggested that you de-Christmas the house and clean out your fridge, but this type of cleaning is on a whole other level. Spring Cleaning requires that you do a thorough scrubbing, polishing, sweeping, dusting, whatever-ing to freshen up your place for the incoming season. Divide it into manageable hours here and there or do it all in one fell swoop Marathon Cleaning Session (but make sure to suitably reward yourself afterwards!)

2. Spring-ify Your Wardrobe


It's the time of year when heavy winter clothes are starting to feel stale and stuffy, so rejuvenate your wardrobe with some new Spring additions. Bring your old warmer-weather clothes back into rotation, and check out our 10 Items For Spring for some inspiration on what new items to buy.

3. Celebrate International Women's Day 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:We_Can_Do_It!.jpg

International Men's Day (celebrated on the 19th of November, fyi), does not have nearly the same level of hype that our day gets on the 8th of March, but we have had a tougher time of it historically, so a day observing the enormous strides women have made in bettering their lives and those of future generations deserves all the celebration it can get.

4. Spring Forward 

http://northdelawhere.happeningmag.com/spring-forward-sunday-dst-2013

Clocks go forward on Sunday the 10th in North America and on the 31st in Europe. It does mean you get shortchanged with your sleep that night, but on the plus side, the evenings will be getting decidedly lighter!

5. Celebrate Mother's Day (Ireland & UK)

http://heroinesofthefaith.blogspot.ca/2012/03/benefits-of-mothers-and-daughters.html

This is another one of those confusing days that occurs on different dates in Europe and North America. But if you're in Ireland or the UK, we hope you showered your mama with lots of love this past Sunday!

6. Observe Plant a Flower Day 

http://www.beneaththemagnolias.com/2012/05/planting-flowers-in-watering-can.html

The 12th of March (aside from being our darling mama's birthday) is Plant a Flower Day! Cool, right?! So we suggest you do just that! Whether you actually plant a flower/seeds in your garden, cultivate a window box, or simply take better care of existing indoor plants, it's a nice way of connecting with nature and getting in on the Spring vibes. 

7. Celebrate St. Patrick's Day 

http://www.wespeaknews.com/world/st-patricks-day-proud-to-be-irish-40278.html

We love St. Paddy's for obvious reasons, but even if you don't have a drop of Irish blood in you, you can still get into the festive spirit by donning your finest shades of green on the 17th of March. (But as for that whole getting-pinched-if-you're-not-wearing-green? Completely a North American thing. As is calling it St. Patty's. Please don't.)

8. Celebrate Fragrance Day 

http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/vintage%20perfume

Here's another obscure holiday for you to enjoy! (We swear we don't make these up - they're all certified, legitimate occasions :-) Celebrated on the 21st of March, it's the perfect day for investing in a new, springtime-appropriate perfume. Some suggestions? Daisy by Marc Jacobs, White Jasmine & Mint by Jo Malone, Cherry Blossom by L'Occitane, Chloe, and  Petite Cherie by Annick Goutal are all light, feminine scents perfect for this time of year.

9. Celebrate Make Up Your Own Holiday Day

http://www.coolfactsbro.com/holidays/march-26-is-make-up-your-own-holiday-day/

Another fun holiday we are most definitely in support of! Take it as a day to celebrate the little things in life (well, unless it's your birthday, in which case go all out). Get all dressed up, have cake for breakfast and champagne for dinner...whatever floats your boat, really, on this random Tuesday.

10. Celebrate Easter

http://jennyatdapperhouse.com/2012/04/happy-vintage-easter/

Easter Sunday falls on the last day of March this year. Celebrate Jesus' Resurrection however you see fit (which for us will include some serious demolishing of chocolate). And if you're in need of a delightful way to kill a few minutes of your time, we highly suggest you Google Image "easter vintage." The highly anthropomorphic rabbits, eggs, and chickens featured on old greeting cards are simultaneously hilarious and terrifying.