1. Chase The Light and Start Your Day
What better way to start the day by heading out on your bike or taking a stroll through the countryside? According to Wild Cycling author, Chris Sidwells, these are three of best routes in Britain:
Full English: the Chiltern Hills, Buckinghamshire
Distance: 37 miles
Difficulty: 6/10
Start and finish: Princes Risborough
Nearest station: Princes Risborough
The most unexpected: Dengie Peninsula, Essex
Distance: 24 miles
Difficulty: 4/10 (8/10 if it’s windy)
Start and finish: Burnham-on-Crouch
Nearest station: Burnham-on-Crouch
Best cafe ride: Selby, West Yorkshire
Distance: 24 miles
Difficulty: 5/10
Start and finish: Selby
Nearest station: Selby
2. Light Up Your Taste Buds and Enjoy Summer Sun
What better way to spend the day than among the berry fields?What better smell of summer than simmering raspberries or strawberries? What better way to capture summer in a jar?
Speedy summer berry jam
Jo Pratt
Ingredients
750g/1½lb mixed summer berries including strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries
- 100ml/3½fl oz water
- 400g/14oz caster sugar
Method
- Wash and remove any stalks from the fruits. Place in a pan with water and bring to the boil. Leave to simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the sugar, stir until it has dissolved and boil for a further 15-20 minutes.
- Transfer to any airtight jars (a couple of clip jars are perfect) to cool. Once cooled, cover and chill in the fridge where it will thicken and become more jam-like. It will keep for up to 2 months.
3. Enjoy Movies Under The Moonlight
Garden, yard or balcony? Convert your outdoor space into an outdoor cinema! No need to queue for tickets or popcorn! Take an interval when you want!
Best Films for summer? The Observer Newspaper makes some good recommendations:
1. The Talented Mr Ripley
Anthony Minghella (1999)
2. Do the Right Thing
Spike Lee (1989)
3. The Green Ray
Éric Rohmer (1986)
4. The Swimmer
Frank Perry (1968)
5. Adventureland
Greg Mottola (2009)
4. Create Under Dappled Light
Recent research tells us that to boost creativity we need: to take 15 minutes out from each day to reflect, change our routine weekly, see new places and create something new yourself each month.
Monet (1840-1926) was an artist obsessed with light. The water lilies show light and shadows of the hours from sunrise in the east to sunset in the west. He began painting the Nymphéas in 1914 and continued this work until his death in 1926.
The artistic study of the changing effects of light was communicated through painting the same landscape at various hours of the day. Monet wrote:
Nerves strained by work would relax in its presence, following the restful example of its stagnant waters, and for he who would live in it, this room would offer a refuge for peaceful meditation in the midst of a flowering aquarium.
5. Enlighten Yourself and Hear The Bard
Whether or not you live near the Globe theatre, you can enjoy hearing the bard this summer- or another classic playright. Check out The National Trust Events; The Tempest: Kenilworth Castle- August 10, The Importance of Being Earnest :Washington Old Hall 24th August.
6. Shade the Light From Future Generations
What better way to show you care about future generations than to plant a tree? Did you know that one Oak tree can support 1000 species? I didn't! Here's what the Wood land Trust says about :
Quercus robur
Also known as common oak or pedunculate oak, English oaks are one of our best-loved trees but do not produce acorns until they are around 40 years old. English Oaks have been considered sacred by just about every culture that has encountered the tree, but it was held in particular esteem by the Norse and Celts because of its size, longevity, and nutritious acorns. Today the Major Oak in Sherwood Forest is thought to be the UK’s largest oak tree. It is believed to be 800-1000 years old and according to legend, it was Robin Hood and his Merry Men’s shelter. It is the English oak leaf that is used within logo of the Woodland Trust.
7. Pass On Something Light and Bright
If you saw the discarded item hanging in your wardrobe on this earthquake survivor in Nepal would you donate it today? Pass on and feel good!
For every £1 given to Oxfam...
- 41p goes towards emergency response work
- 38p goes towards development work
- 3p goes towards campaigning for change
- 10p goes towards support and running costs
- 8p goes towards fundraising costs
8. Change The Light and Change Your Mood
Even if money is tight you can still get away. A cheap holiday is of course camping but the latest trend is glam camping. Economy without the hardships. Check it out!
9. Invest in a Warmer and Brighter Winter
Open up your fire place, chop wood or -follow the crowd- and invest in a wood burning stove! Liz Ransome- Croker writing for Which? states:
'A wood burning stove can be a great focal point in your living room, creating a warm, cosy feel. It can also be a practical way to cut or avoid rising heating bills - 43% of the stove owners we surveyed* said they believe getting a stove had saved them money. Whatever your reasons for getting a wood burning stove, our expert guide will help you to choose whether a stove is right for you and what things you need to think about before spending your money – stoves can range in price from £400 to well over £2,000, depending on the type. '
Read more: https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/wood-burning-stoves/article/wood-burning-stoves-what-you-need-to-know/how-to-buy-a-log-burner-or-multi-fuel-stove - Which?
Read more: https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/wood-burning-stoves/article/wood-burning-stoves-what-you-need-to-know/how-to-buy-a-log-burner-or-multi-fuel-stove - Which?
10. Light Up The Eyes of a Loved One
In the depths of summer you could surprise a friend or loved one by booking a short break in the depths of winter- or indeed spring. The world's your oyster as they say!
So over to you now!
You can share your windows for August or September with me below
or on Twitter- Sara Particco
I look forward to hearing from you
Bring on the light!
