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summer incoming!




summer incoming! 

to many sixteen year-olds across the country, this summer is going to be a big one. post-GCSEs we're getting ready to relax and have fun. however, sometimes summer holidays feels like a long time -- especially near the end. sundial has come up with some fun and easy stuff to do over the holidays if you're in a slump.

1) get out of the house

grab a pal and explore your town or city! try the library, find a small coffee shop, where's the nearest park? or, even just go into your garden or road or yard. 

it's so easy to get caught up inside on social media or whatnot (okay, mum) that we sometimes forget whats out there: take a breath, pick some grass, draw a picture, train your dog, sit on a bench and call your best friend! 

one thing that i love is picnics! gather a group of any size -- two, three, seven -- and each bring a food item. fruit and bread's the best. just go to the bakery in sainsbury's or your local petrol station, they usually have fresh, cheap bread. grab some oranges and a cute blanket and bam! a feast. meet up in the nearest grassy patch and you're a queen. 

char, issy and lucy in guildford, photo by mhairi

2) do something creative

this one can be tough sometimes, but you've just got to get started. grab a pencil or sewing needle or your best stickers; clear a space and just have at it! sometimes i make collages on my bedroom floor. 


if you're stuck, people watch. people on the street will always have a story that you don't know (unless you are a mindreader). in the book "stargirl" by jerry spinelli, this is one of stargirl's favorite hobbies (bit weird). but think about the people: is she a pisces? where's that kid's parents? what's his job? are they married? 

take pictures of where ever you go, who ever you're with. collect them and stick them in a book or on the wall. sundial is using this tip for ourselves -- we'll translate this into a summer zine. 

3) get a job

seriously, you get paid.

 4) read a book

pop to the library or look online for new stories to read. or even get started on non-fiction books for 6th form.

my recommended list is here:
- stargirl by jerry spinelli (mentioned above)
- the raven boys by maggie steifvater (& series)
- the buddha of suburbia by hanif kureishi 

if you want more recs, come ask me on my tumblr or tweet me

5) have fun

duh!! you're free at last... chill out! take a breather, do something new, hang out with your friends, party! 


have a great summer!

by issy x





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