As much as you enjoy the summer, there comes a point when you realize that you need something to do. Choose any (or all!) of the following, and your boredom will disappear. Outdoor activities are mixed in with indoor activities, so you can alternate sun with the cool air inside. Whether you want to frolic in the summer sun or enjoy the air conditioning, there’s something for everyone here. There are things to do alone, or with the whole family.

Make a scrapbook of the places you go this summer. Scrapbooking isn’t just for kids; everyone is doing this now. You can find scrapbook supplies and books at your local hobby store. It’s a lot of fun, and it’s very creative.

Have a picnic. What’s better than a summer picnic? Pack some fruit and cold drinks and enjoy your time in the sun. Grill outside, if you’ve got the option.

Write a letter to someone. People don’t write letters much anymore, and I’ve got to tell you when I receive one, it’s a treat.

Go to a ballgame. Nothing says summer like Major League Baseball. Eat a hotdog while you’re there and have some apple pie when you get home, and you’ll be quintessentially American.

Have a water fight. What’s more enjoyable than being soaked to skin when it’s hot outside? If you have kids, they’ll love this. And if you don’t, there’s nothing wrong with a little playful fun once in a while. Who says you always have to act grown up?

Take photographs. You might be surprised at how good your photos turn out. Don’t have a camera? Get a disposable camera. Just make sure you develop your pictures in a place that recycles the cameras after use.

Try out new recipes. Tempt your taste buds with some exotic fare. Get ingredients you’re not familiar with, and step outside your comfort zone. You’ll never know if you like it until you try it.

See a matinee. What’s better during the hot summer days than sitting in a cool movie theater watching a great flick? As a bonus, matinees are cheaper than seeing the movies at night, and they’re usually less crowded.

Try your hand at drawing or painting. Or sculpting, or any other creative endeavor that you choose. Let your interests guide you. I never realized that I was a good artist until I was in my 30′s and helping my kids with their creative projects. You might be the next ‘Grandma Moses’. Only younger, of course.

Have a party. Pool party, yard party, whatever kind of party you choose – it doesn’t matter. It will be fun for everyone involved.

Visit the zoo, or at least look at some from the comfort of your own home. There are lots of zoo web cams and they’re very entertaining.

Read a story to someone. I’ve participated in story hour at the library a lot, and I must tell you it’s tons of fun. I put on my wizard hat and read that story with gusto. Kids love it, so if you have any of your own, take them along. Or if you don’t want to volunteer at the library, go to a nursing home and read to someone there. It will be a blessing for both of you.

There are lots of things to do this summer, and you’re sure to find something you like on this list. Don’t let the hot, humid weather keep you trapped at home. Make having fun a priority this summer.

Do you have any fun activities to share with us? Let me know on twitter, Facebook, or leave me a message here on the blog.

Summer is a great time to go on a date. There are tons of things you can do, and lots of ways to have fun. Best of all – they’re all inexpensive. Just don’t forget the sunscreen if you’re going to be out in the sun for long.

Go on a picnic. Pack up some sandwiches and drinks in a big bag along with a blanket and go for a romantic picnic in the park. Even in the hottest weather, you can find shaded areas. Picnic benches and tables are usually under a shelter, so you won’t melt in the heat. Even if they’re out in the open, a late afternoon/ early evening picnic is a great way to have a meal.

Go to Yard Sales. It’s a great way to pick up things cheaply, and it’s also a lot of fun. Check your local paper and get started early. You’ll have fun, and you might find some great bargains.

Have dinner at sunset at an outdoor cafe. Pick a place that has a great view of the setting sun, and wow your date with nature’s beauty.

Get wet. Plan a day of water play – whether it’s in a swimming pool, boating on a lake, or even washing the car together. Summer and water play go hand in hand, and no matter which option you choose, it’s going to be fun.

Don’t forget to give yourself a healthy summer glow before you go out. If you want a tan but don’t want the sun damage that can come with it, using a self tanning moisturizer is the way to go.

Do you have a fun summer date idea? Tell them to me on twitter, Facebook, or leave me a message here on the blog.

Now that summer is officially here, you want to stay outside all the time. Or perhaps I’m confusing you with me. I love the summertime; I’d spend all my time in the fresh air if it were possible. Until, of course, the summer heat drove me either into the pool or under the air conditioning. I’ve been thinking hard lately about how to green my summer and I wanted to share these tips with you.

Dos

Shop local growers and Farmer’s Markets for fresh fruit and produce. Not only will you enjoy the fresh, home grown food, you’ll save money. You’ll also support the local economy.

Alternatively, start your own garden and grow some food of your own. It doesn’t have to be a big garden; a pot on the patio can hold tomatoes, peppers, or any other kind of vegetable you like to eat.
Ride your bike or walk, since the weather is fine. Your body and your gasoline bill will thank you. Just make sure to wear a hat, sunscreen, and hydrate before and after. Carry a reusable water bottle along with you to ensure you don’t dehydrate.

Watch your water usage. Your lawn only needs about an inch a week to grow green and lush. Has it rained an inch this week? If so, you don’t need to turn your sprinklers on.

Consider carrying an eco-friendly tote. They can hold your summer picnic items, and they can also come in handy to carry sunscreen and towels when you visit the beach.

Don’ts

Don’t turn your air conditioner down low and let it run non stop. Setting it higher will save money and energy. Most air conditioning units can’t get your house that cool anyway, and if it never gets below 72, what’s the point? I set mine for 73 and let it cool the house during the heat of the day. I keep the shades drawn to keep out rays during the hottest part of the day. I’m comfortable, and my electricity usage isn’t sky high.

Don’t use paper plates on picnics. Use your own dishes. Use that tote you have to carry your dishes back home with you. If you feel you must use them, at least recycle them. The Environmental Protection Agency says that if everyone in the United States recycled just 10 percent of the paper they used, 25 million trees would be saved each year.

Don’t use pesticides on your lawn. Your kids and your pets play on that lawn. Is a green lawn worth exposing them to toxic chemicals?

What are some of your dos and don’ts for summer green living? Tell me on twitter, Facebook, or leave me a comment here on the blog.

Sun exposure is good for you, in moderate doses. It’s been proven that people with regular time in the sun are healthier. The sun provides you with Vitamin D, and fresh air and exercise are always good for you. If you’re outside in the summer sun for short bursts, you’ll feel better and look better. But make sure that you apply sunscreen to your face (always!), and other exposed parts of your body when you’re staying out longer than a few minutes. On days when you know that your time in the sun is going to be extended, use a good, broad spectrum sunscreen and use it all over.

I know you hear the term all the time, but do you know exactly what a broad spectrum sunscreen is? That’s a sunscreen that protects you against both UVB and UVA rays. UVB rays are the ones that give you sunburn, which can dry out your skin and make you very uncomfortable. Not to mention that it can cause long term skin damage. UVA rays get down into the underlying layers of your skin, and cause wrinkling, age spots, and even skin cancer. You always want to make sure that you choose a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays.

Whenever possible, always use hats, clothing that breathes (natural fibers like silk, linen, or cotton) with you, and shade to block the sun. If you stay in the shade – or shade your body – you’ll help avoid sun damage to your skin. If you can avoid prolonged sun exposure between 10 and 2, you’ll reduce the possibility of sunburn. But if it can’t be avoided, make sure that you apply plenty of sunblock. Then reapply it after exertion or swimming.

If you have children, it’s especially important to apply sunscreen. Sunburns, especially in young children, are the leading cause of skin cancer. Your child can sunburn quickly, and you want to make sure that you use sunscreen for kids to prevent them.

Enjoy your time in the sun, but be careful not to burn. Sunscreen, hats, and the right kind of clothing can help reduce over exposure to UVA and UVB rays. Apply sunscreen before you go out, and then reapply it if you’re going to be outside for an extended period of time.

Do you use sunscreen every day? Let me know on twitter, Facebook, or leave me a comment here on the blog.

The Daily Deal is ready to go! Celebrate summer – and summer vacation – and get 2 Kodak Funsaver with Flash single use cameras for the low price of $14.39. This single use camera is great for taking pictures both indoors and outdoors, as it comes with a built-in electronic-flash. There are a total of 27 exposures of ISO 400 film. That’s a savings of 23%.

What could be more fun and convenient than a single use camera? You throw it in your beach bag and take it with your wherever you go. Its there, ready and waiting to capture images of the fun you’re having over the summer. You can take it on vacation, to summer camp, or anywhere you’re likely to be having fun. Snap pictures to your heart’s content, and save your memories for posterity.

Don’t worry about waste – single use cameras are recyclable. This is what Kodak has to say about global sustainability and their single use cameras: Started in 1990, the Kodak Single Use Camera program works with photofinishing outlets to return used cameras to Kodak sorting centers, where they are then routed for recycling. Nearly every piece of the camera is either recycled or reused in the ongoing production of more Single Use Cameras, bringing down costs for consumers and keeping huge amounts of waste out of landfills. Laid end to end, the 1.5 billion cameras would stretch 120,000 miles, which is enough to circle the earth five times or reach more than halfway to the moon.

That’s a lot of recycled cameras! I’m impressed. I’m truly glad that single use cameras are recycled, and that Kodak has stepped up to the plate on this issue. Since the used single use cameras are sent right from the photofinishing outlets where the pictures are developed, there is much less chance of them ending up landfills.

Do you plan to use a Kodak Funsaver single use camera this summer? Have you used them before? What do you think about the picture quality? Tell me your opinions on twitter, Facebook, or just leave me a comment here.