The random summer jobs I had as a teenager!

When I think back to summer jobs when I was younger, I don’t think of fancy internships, building a career or anything that looked impressive on a CV. I think of sweaty afternoons, doing jobs I probably wasn’t qualified for, earning a few extra pounds and convincing myself that I was basically an adult because I had somewhere to go and something to do. Looking back, some of the things I did during the summer were actually quite funny. Some were proper little jobs, some were more like helping out, and some were probably just excuses to spend time somewhere I wanted to be. If I wanted money for sweets, clothes and going out with friends, I had to find something to do and looking back, I think those summer jobs taught me a lot!

Babysitting - because I fancied the older brother!

This is one of the most obvious teenage summer jobs, except my reason for doing it wasn’t because I had a burning passion for childcare. Sometimes, when you are a teenager, you make decisions based on very important life factors. Like whether there is a cute older brother involved. There may have been a time when I was around 16 years old and babysitting was made slightly more appealing because I fancied the child’s older brother. The child was about 5 years old and the older brother was a little bit older than me. Teenage logic was brilliant. I convinced myself that doing almost anything was a good idea if there was even the smallest chance of seeing someone I liked. Looking after someone else’s children is a big deal when you are still basically a child yourself. Although I do wonder what the parents were thinking about leaving their precious children with a teenager who probably still needed reminding to tidy her own bedroom.

Working at horse riding stables - when I already had horses at home!

This one still makes me laugh because looking back, it seems slightly ridiculous. I spent time working at horse riding stables, mucking out the stables, cleaning saddles, making feeds, filling up hay and water buckets all in exchange for riding lessons, even though I already had horses at home and I was quite good at horse riding. I wasn't even paid! When I finished work, I still had to help with my family's horses. You would think that if you had horses the last thing you would want to do during your summer holidays was spend more time surrounded by horses but back then, horses were my passion, so spending my summer working with them and helping out seemed like the perfect job.

Cleaning a betting shop - before I was even allowed inside!

One of the strangest summer jobs I had was cleaning in a betting shop. I would go each evening after it had closed, empty the rubbish, hoover and clean. What is funny about it was that I wasn’t even old enough to be inside one when it was open. I was under 18, so I couldn’t actually walk into the betting shop during normal hours but I could go in and clean when it was closed. Madness! I was even responsible for making sure the shop was locked up each evening, which was crazy considering I was only about 16 years old. One night I remember finding a bag filled with that day's takings. Someone hadn't put it in the safe. I panicked, rang my dad from the shop phone and he said hide it somewhere and leave a note on the counter. It seemed like a good idea at the time but if someone had broken in, they would have just read the note and found the money. lol I got a bonus in my pay that week for being so honest and trying to help. Each Friday I would turn up to collect my wages, which would come in a little brown envelope and would have to try and get the manager's attention so he could come outside and give me it. 

Working in a laundrette - maybe this explains why I hate laundry now!

Another summer job memory that makes me laugh is working in a laundrette. At the time, it was just another way to earn some money but now, as an adult who looks at a pile of washing and immediately feels tired, I have to wonder if this was the beginning of my laundry problems. The sound of machines spinning all day, the smell of washing powder, folding clothes, dealing with other people’s laundry. I think teenage me accidentally ruined laundry forever. I am sure this was the summer I put on a ton of weight as the woman who owned it was a feeder. She made sure all the staff were fed when they were working and she was an amazing cook, so everyone ate far too much, with her asking again and again to eat more!

Car boot sales with my dad - one of my favourite summer memories!

Doing car boot sales with my dad was so much fun, even getting up ridiculously early, loading the car with things we wanted to sell and heading off before most people had even had their first cup of tea. Car boot sales were a proper summer tradition and you never knew what you were going to find. One person’s unwanted clutter was another person’s treasure. Doing them with my dad was probably less about making money and more about spending time together.

When I look back now, I realise those summer jobs were a big part of growing up. They weren’t glamorous, weren't always fun but they gave me independence, stories and memories.

What summer jobs did you have as a teenager?

Music that screams summer - My nostalgic playlist!

Isn’t it funny how a song can act like a time machine! One moment you’re sat there doing the washing up, and then a few notes float through the radio and bam, you’re fifteen again, dancing barefoot on the lawn, eating ice pops and hoping your crush walks past! Summer, I think more than any other season, has a soundtrack. It’s the season of car windows down, festivals in fields, beach days and spontaneous BBQs. So, I thought I’d share my nostalgic summer playlist, the songs that instantly take me back to those golden days, whether I was a teenager riding my bike or a twenty-something dancing at weddings with bare feet and a Pimms in hand.

Summer of '69 - Bryan Adams!

Let’s start with a proper classic! I wasn’t even alive in 1969 but this song makes you feel like you were living that carefree summer where everything was simpler and the biggest worry was probably what you were doing the next day. I remember this one always being played at family BBQs when I was younger. The grown-ups would be standing around with their drinks, getting all nostalgic and singing along at the top of their voices while us kids pretended to be embarrassed. We’d roll our eyes, act like they were so uncool and fast-forward a few years and now I’m the grown-up shouting the chorus, thinking I sound amazing while my girls are probably looking at me the exact same way I used to look at my parents.

Miami - Will Smith!

Party in the city where the heat is on! This track came out in the late ‘90s and made every British teenager, me included, dreamed of jetting off to palm lined streets and beach parties where everything glowed orange and cool people danced in slow motion. I never made it to Miami, but that didn’t stop me from blasting this on my CD player while lounging in a back garden on a plastic sun lounger.

Steal My Sunshine - Len!

This song is an instant mood lifter! The second it starts playing, you can’t help but feel a little bit happier. Maybe it’s the weird talking bit at the beginning or just the fact that it sounds like sunshine. This song was everywhere on every summer playlist, every radio station and definitely every homemade CD. I can still picture listening to songs like this on a chunky portable CD player. Summer just felt different back then. Days were spent outside, sitting on the grass with friends, chatting about absolutely nothing and thinking we were much cooler than we actually were. Now when I hear it, I’m instantly transported back to being younger.

Mambo No. 5 - Lou Bega!

Did you even have a summer in the late '90s if you didn’t dance to this? It’s pure cheese, but in the best possible way. Every time it starts, I grin. It’s got that carnival vibe, a bit of silliness and it’s impossible not to dance along to it even if you’re just doing the mum shuffle in the kitchen these days.

Mr. Brightside - The Killers!

Technically, this isn’t a summer song but it somehow became one. If you were anywhere near a pub beer garden, a BBQ or a house party in the mid-2000s, there was a very good chance this song was going to get played. It didn’t matter if you knew all the words or only knew the loud bits. Everyone shouted along like they were auditioning for a band. Even now, when those first few seconds play, you can’t help but join in.

Call Me Maybe - Carly Rae Jepsen!

This is bubblegum pop at its absolute best and I’m not even going to pretend I didn’t love it from the very first time I heard it. It was impossible not to sing along, even if you tried to convince yourself you were too cool for it. I remember it being one of those songs that everyone knew whether you were a teenager, a parent, or someone who claimed they didn’t listen to that sort of music but somehow knew every single word when it came on.

Dancing in the Moonlight - Toploader

You know when the sky turns that perfect shade of pinky orange, the fairy lights come on and you’ve just poured another drink? That’s when this song comes on. It's mellow but joyful, like the musical equivalent of a warm breeze. This one makes me think of summer holidays.

Teenage Dirtbag - Wheatus

It’s angsty and slightly awkward and yes, I still know every single word. This one’s for the eyeliner-wearing, guitar-strumming, misunderstood teen in all of us. I remember blasting this on a dodgy stereo with the windows open during a heatwave, trying to look moody and cool while melting in black jeans. It’s the ultimate I'm not like the other girls” summer anthem and now it makes me laugh and sing every time I hear it.

Hot in Herre - Nelly

“It’s getting hot in here! This was a summer anthem that felt like it had played in every club, car and back garden for about three years straight. It was the song to dance to at every party, and I remember shouting the lyrics with my best mates, even though we absolutely weren’t taking off all our clothes!

I Gotta Feeling - The Black Eyed Peas

Now this one was practically law at every summer party in the late 2000s. Tonight’s gonna be a good night. As soon as that line hit, you knew it was time to abandon your flip-flops, grab your mates, and dance like you had no responsibilities. It was the song I blasted while getting ready for a night out, the one that played as the sun set over a BBQ and the one that somehow gave me a second wind just as I was thinking about calling it a night.

What songs scream summer to you?

My favourite summer drinks from best to worst!

Summer and drinks just go together, don’t they? The moment the thermostat ticks past 20C, I want a drink in my hand at all times. I have become one of those people who can’t function without ice cubes. Every trip out somehow turns into an opportunity to try a new drink and my fridge starts looking like a mini corner shop.

Summer drinks are an absolute minefield. Some are pure bliss in a glass and others taste like melted plastic and regret. So here is my very important ranking of summer drinks from best to worst.

Iced Coffee!!

This is the drink that gets me through summer without being a grumpy cow! There is something magical about iced coffee. Especially when you’ve been melting all morning and finally sit down with one that’s freezing cold. The sound of the ice clinking around the cup cools me down, just hearing it and the caffeine kick is a great boost.

Fruity Cocktails!

Cocktails make me feel like I'm on holiday, even if I'm just sitting on a plastic chair in the back garden. They’re fun, colourful and they make the summer feel a little exciting. I want something that is bright and comes with a slice of fruit stuck on the side and a silly umbrella. Give me a Sex on the Beach, a strawberry daiquiri or a pina colada. It doesn't even have to have alcohol in, it can be a mocktail.

Fizzy Coca-Cola Out of a Can!

Not a bottle or glass, it has to be out of a can! Coca-Cola from a can tastes colder somehow. I don’t know the science behind it and I don’t need to know. It just does. The sound of opening a can of Coke on a hot day is one of the best sounds, especially when it’s been in the fridge for ages. That first gulp hurts with the coldness and the fizz but it is sometimes what is needed.

Lemonade!

Lemonade is one of the simplest drinks but in the summer it is so refreshing, especially with loads of ice. I love proper cloudy lemonade most but I’m not fussy. If it’s cold and fizzy I’m happy. Lemonade is also one of the few drinks that works with absolutely everything. You can have it by itself or a mixer for another drink.

Fruit Cider!

Fruit cider feels like summer in a glass. Strawberry and lime, mixed berries, dark fruits. There’s something about fruit cider that feels less heavy than other alcoholic drinks in hot weather. It’s cold, fizzy and easy to drink. Sometimes a little too easy.

McDonald’s Milkshake!

A McDonald’s milkshake in summer is either the best decision ever made or the worst. There is no middle ground. Sometimes they’re thick and freezing cold and perfect and other times you spend ten minutes sucking through the straw with nothing coming out. The main problem with them is they can become too much very quickly in hot weather. You start off feeling refreshed and end up feeling like you’ve swallowed melted ice cream by the bucketload.

Iced Tea!

I want to love iced tea more than I actually do. It always looks so refreshing and people drink it in films while sitting on porches looking peaceful and organised but when I drink it, I spend the entire time trying to decide whether I like it or not. Some flavours are nice, especially a peach one but others somehow taste both watery and too sweet at the same time. I’ll happily drink iced tea if it’s offered to me but I’m probably not choosing it first.

Coconut Water!

I keep trying coconut water because people insist it’s refreshing, healthy and amazing and every single time I convince myself maybe this will be the time I finally understand the hype. It never is. I know loads of people love it and swear by it in summer, especially during heatwaves but I just can’t get excited about it.

Fruit Smoothies!

This might be controversial because smoothies seem healthy and cheerful but I just don’t want a thick fruity drink when it’s hot. They feel too filling and I don’t want to chew my drink. Homemade smoothies are always a gamble. One banana too many and suddenly you’ve created baby food, shop bought smoothies are better but they still leave me feeling weirdly thirsty afterwards.

Blue Raspberry Slushie!

Last place is the blue raspberry slushies. I don’t care how nostalgic you feel about these they are a crime against humanity. What even is a blue raspberry? Have you ever seen a blue raspberry? They look amazing but they are too cold! The freeze gives you brain freeze, they taste too sweet and artificial and when you finish one and your tongue looks like you’ve been eating crayons.

What are your favourite and least favourite drinks in the summer?

One of my favourite summer days out! The agricultural show!

The Winterton Agricultural Show is something we have been going to ever since we moved to North Lincolnshire seven years ago and it has become one of those days that I always look forward to every summer. It's a traditional country show and has a brilliant mix of farming, food, shopping and entertainment, so even if you don't know the first thing about agriculture, there's still loads to enjoy. There's cattle, sheep, horses, vintage tractors and classic vehicles alongside food stalls, local businesses, craft tents, fairground rides, live entertainment and displays in the main arena. There really is something for everyone.

The day didn't exactly get off to a smooth start! My dad had two vintage cars to take to the show and has spent all his time working on the Reliant Ant (the orange one) to make that show worthy and he just assumed his Reliant Scimitar (the yellow one) was good to run as he last drove it a couple of weeks ago. Well, on Saturday morning he was supposed to pick Stu and me up as he was driving the Ant and my brother was driving the Scimitar. That didn't happen as the Reliant Scimitar had a petrol leak! The whole pipe was split and when we arrived at my dad's my brother was underneath it and not in the best mood as he was in his nice clothes with stinky overalls over them. A wheel had to come off so they could repair the petrol pipe and they had an hour to do it. Amazingly, we were on our way to the show in 45 minutes. Of course, it wasn't the end of the little hiccups. Just as we got out of my dad's gate, the Scimitar broke down. My brother and I were behind and my brother went out and gave it a push start. What a drama! We made it there with time to spare and the big bonus was Stu and I got in as my dad and brother's guests, so we saved ourselves £15 each, the entry fee!

First up was finding something to eat since we had missed breakfast. One of the things I love about the Winterton Show is the food. There are always loads of food vans selling everything from burgers and loaded fries to cakes, ice cream and fresh coffee. We got a bacon sandwich and a fancy coffee to get us going.

We never have a real plan for the show, we do a lot of wandering with little stops to look at things. We wandered past the motorbikes, had a look at the sheep, stopped to admire some beautiful owls and browsed a few random trade stalls selling everything you can imagine.

Eventually, we made our way over to the main arena to see what was happening. There were cattle being judged along with the amazing agricultural horses. I don't think you ever quite realise just how enormous some of these horses are until you're sat looking at them. It's lovely watching the owners proudly walking them around the arena after all the hard work that clearly goes into preparing them.

After that came the Driving Turnout. An equestrian event where competitors show off horses or ponies harnessed to vintage, classic, or traditional carriages. It's one of those things which is so relaxing to watch and it's nice to see traditions being kept alive.

When that was finishing off, we decided to visit the craft tent and do my favourite thing at the show, shopping! I can never resist looking around all the handmade stalls. Last year I held off buying things until the end of the day and a lot of what I wanted was sold out. This time I wasn't holding back and the bonus of my dad being there was that I could drop anything I bought off with him, so I didn't have to carry it around.

Last year I bought a horse print from a little company called Keeper Kraft. They make handmade pictures made from upcycled shotgun cartridges and feathers. I got the feather one because the shotgun cartridge ones had sold out. This time I got one! I also bought a gorgeous framed glass art from Smythical Media, a knitted plant, the most amazing fudge and a few other things!

After dropping everything off with my dad, we headed back to the main arena just in time for the Scurry racing. If you've never seen it before, imagine Formula One but with ponies. lol Tiny ponies pull lightweight carriages around an obstacle course as fast as they can. If they knock over obstacles, they get time penalties added to their score. Even after coming to the show for years, I still love watching it. Everyone around us was cheering as the ponies raced around the course and it became far more exciting than you'd expect if someone simply described it to you.

It was coming up to lunchtime and there was only one thing we wanted, the stone-baked pizza made in a little truck. We've had it the last couple of years and it is amazing! I am a bad blogger and didn't take a photo. We made it back to the main arena in time to see the floats coming in! Local schools and community groups spend weeks building and decorating the floats and the procession travels through the streets allowing the local community to cheer on the participants before the floats reach the showground and are led in by a marching band. They get judged and prizes are awarded for the most creative or best decorated ones.

We then went for another wander, stopped off at the beer tent for a pint of something cold, had a catch-up with my brother and my dad's partner and then gave into Ellie's nagging of wanting to go on the fairground rides. Stu and the girls went on the Twister, Becky chickened out of going on the Waltzers so it was just Stu and Ellie and only Ellie was brave enough to go on the Miami. It's a ride that is a long row of seats which spins in vertical circles. It's not for me, just watching it made my stomach turn!

To finish the day, we headed back to the main arena to watch the Bold Dog FMX stunt team. The riders performed huge jumps, backflips and tricks on motorbikes, which was something quite amazing to see!

By the time we left, we realised we had been there for about 7 hours and fitted so much into our day! It was so much fun and when we got home we were more than ready to sit down for the rest of the evening! It was another great year at the country show and we will be back next year!

The A to Z of Summer joys!

Ah! Summer, it feels like it's almost over with Ellie going back to college next week. We have had a good summer, plenty of sunshine and hot days even though I have complained a lot about the heat. As much as I have complained I will be sad to see the end of the season. 

Everything feels brighter, lighter and just a little bit more joyful in the summer so I have put together my personal A to Z list of summer joys!

A is for Alfresco dining!

Summer is made for eating outside. Eating outside. A BBQ, a picnic in the park or lunch at a cafe or dinner in the pub's beer garden. Food somehow tastes better when sat outside in the sunshine!

B is for Beach!

I love a trip to the beach especially in the summer as long as I don't have to go onto the sand, it gets everywhere. Hearing the sound of waves crashing and feeling the salty breeze on my face is just heaven! The kids used to love a trip to the beach when they were younger. Building sandcastles, paddling in the sea, exploring the rockpools, fish and chips wrapped in paper and playing in the arcades!

C is for Cold showers!

There’s nothing quite like the refreshing jolt of a cold shower on a hot summers day. We lived here for a few years without one and I don't know how we managed in the warmer months without it! I have loved having a cold shower after spending time in the garden.

D is for Day trips

Summer is perfect for adventures and day trips are a fantastic way to explore without too much planning. I actually prefer a day trip to a proper holiday. 

E is for Evening light!

I love those summer evenings, they seem to last forever. When the light softens and everything glows just before the sun starts setting. The world feels peaceful.

F is for Fresh fruit!

Summer is the season of juicy, ripe fruit. Strawberries, watermelon, raspberries and cherries are out favourites. Fresh fruit feels like a treat that’s good for you too!

G is for Gardening!

Summer is the time when everything seems to come to life and all the effort in the spring planting seems worthwhile. I love my garden. Watching seedlings grow into vibrant flowers or tasty vegetables is so rewarding!

H is for Holidays!

Holidays are a huge part of summer. There is of course the break from school and college, the chance to break free from routines, sleep in, eat ice cream for breakfast and fill your days with what you love. A bonus is of course a proper holiday even if it is only a few days. 

I is for Ice Cream!

Summer and ice cream go together like sun and sea. The classic vanilla, fruity sorbets or indulgent chocolate fudge. A real treat is one from the ice cream man but during the summer months I always have some in the freezer.

J is for Juice boxes!

These are a nostalgic thing for me. I always remember my mam getting them to take on day trips in the summer and I do the same now. They are so handy, just enough to quench your thirst, not too much to waste and light enough to carry around.

K is for Kids playing!

Barefoot in the grass, chalk drawings on the pavement, water balloons flying through the air. The sound of kids laughing and playing outside is one of the loveliest sounds of the of summer. I miss my girls being little.

L is for Lazy mornings!

Summer gives us the chance to slow down. No early starts or frosty mornings. We can wake up when our body is ready, sip a cuppa in your dressing gown and there is just a slower pace.

M is for Melon!

Nothing says summer quite like juicy, sweet melon slices. Watermelon, cantaloupe, or honeydew I am not fussy, I like them all! It is such a refreshing snack for hot days!

N is for Nectar from flowers!

The bees and butterflies have loved my garden over the summer months. All gathering nectar. Watching these tiny visitors flit from flower to flower is calming and so amazing to watch. 

O is for Outdoor games!

From classic croquet and frisbee to giant Jenga and Swingball outdoor games bring laughter and plenty of fun. We have had them all over the years and Swingball will always be our favourite.

P is for Picnics!

Packing a basket with sandwiches, snacks and treats then spreading out a blanket on the grass feels like the perfect summer day. Even just grabbing a meal deal from the supermarket and sitting outside feels like something special.

Q is for Quiet moments!

Summer is busy so it is nice to have those quiet moments. Early mornings with a cup of tea, sitting under a shady tree people watching or just looking at the clouds drift by.

R is for Road trips!

Packing up the car and hitting the road with no fixed plan is a true summer adventure. I especially like going off with my dad when he goes on an adventure, I never know where we'll end up.

S is for Stargazing!

Summer nights offer clear skies and warm air perfect conditions for lying back and watching the stars twinkle overhead.

T is for Thunderstorms!

I know, I know thunderstorms aren’t everyone’s idea of a summer joy, personally I can't stand them. I always get a headache and the thunder scares me but it does often mean that the air will be less heavy and it will feel less sticky and hot afterwards.

U is for Unplugging from screens!

I have definitely spent less time in front of a screen over the summer with the warmer weather and being able to get outside more. I have all winter to sit in front of a screen!

V is for Vino!

Summer and a chilled glass of vino and there's nothing better than sitting drinking it in the pubs beer garden. I love a fruity rose. 

W is for Water fights!

Nothing beats the sheer, silly fun of a spontaneous water fight on a hot summer day. Whether with water balloons, squirt guns or garden hoses. I still have some water balloons in the cupboard that the girls keep forgetting about.

X is for eXtra time outdoors!

I had to stretch a bit for X! Longer daylight hours in summer mean more time to get outside. Evening walks, sitting in the garden and just staying out longer.

Y is for Yellow!

Yellow is the colour of summer! Sunshine, happiness and energy! Bright sunflowers, lemonade sun dresses, butterflies and of course the sun's glow!

Z is for Zzzs in the Sun!

The ultimate summer joy: a lazy, dreamy nap in the sunshine.

What are your favourite joys of the summer?

Things I pretend to like in Summer but don't really!

Summer! The season of sunshine, barbecues and endless Instagram worthy moments. At least that’s how we idolise summer when it is here! The reality is bugs, the awkward tan lines and just being too hot! I’ve come to realise that there are quite a few summer things I pretend to like mostly because it feels like the polite or expected thing to do. These are those things.

The whole "I love waking up early to watch the sunrise" thing!

I get the appeal of a gorgeous summer sunrise. The idea of sitting quietly with a hot drink while the world wakes up sounds idyllic but the reality is that I like my bed too much and an expert at hitting the snooze button.

Ice Cream!

Yes ice cream is a summer staple and I love it and hate it in equal measures. Eating it inside is fine but outside means it just turns into a sticky, drippy mess faster than I can lick it? I always end up with cold drips down my arm or stains on my clothes. When friends suggest grabbing an ice cream, I join in enthusiastically and pretend it’s all perfect sunshine and rainbows.

BBQs!

Barbecues scream summer fun and sure there’s something lovely about cooking outdoors and sharing food with friends and family but I secretly dread the smoky eyes, the flies attracted by the food and the stress of ensuring everything is cooked just right without burning. 

The beach!

Going to the beach sounds wonderful in theory but what no one warns you about is how relentless the sun is, how you’re either melting or it's too windy and cold. There's sand in your shoes, your hair, your lunch bag, everywhere! I’m the type who loves going to the beach as long as I have shade and can stay off the sand!

Summer fashion!

I absolutely love the summer style: flowing dresses, sandals, cute hats but here’s the truth I’m often uncomfortable, self conscious about showing more skin than usual and tired of sweating through clothes that aren’t breathable enough. 

Camping!

Camping is a brilliant way to connect with nature and unplug from the hustle and bustle but it's not for me. I’m a softie. I don’t love sleeping on the hard ground, dealing with unpredictable weather or sharing a tiny tent with bugs. I dream of a hotel bed and hot shower.

Sticky sunscreen and greasy skin!

We all know the importance of sunscreen and I totally get it but there is nothing to enjoy about covering yourself in a thick lotion that makes me feel like I’m wearing a greasy mask. Then you get feeling of sweat mixing with sunscreen to create a sticky, uncomfortable mess. Ugh!

The pressure to be happy!

Everyone expects you to be happy in summer, sunshine equals happiness but sometimes I just want a quiet day indoors and that’s okay. I pretend to be all smiles because that’s what’s expected but inside, I’m perfectly content with a lazy day, a cosy jumper and zero plans. 

Frozen cocktails!

Frozen cocktails are a summer staple at parties and nights out. I pretend to love them especially because they look so pretty but the brain freeze hits hard and trying to sip a melting cocktail before it turns into a sticky mess is a challenge. I grit my teeth, smile, and say, this is amazing while secretly wishing for a simple glass of chilled wine.

Flip Flops!

People wearing flip-flops always look carefree summer people but I have never found a comfortable pair! That piece of plastic or whatever material between my toes is uncomfortable and just not natural.

What about you? Are there things you pretend to enjoy every summer just to fit in or keep the peace? 

My top 10 summer essentials!

Every year I tell myself I don’t need to buy more stuff for summer but then the sun comes out and suddenly I’m like, wait I need that amazing bottle and those sandals and probably another fan because last year’s one mysteriously disappeared. So here's my top 10 summer essentials I honestly can’t live without!

A refillable water bottle that actually keeps things cold!

I used to think all water bottles were created equally but then got an insulated one that keeps your drink cold for hours even if it's roasting outside. It was a game changer and the silly thing was it was only a few pounds of Temu! Not only does it save money and the planet but having cold water on hand means I’m less likely to reach for sugary drinks all day.

A playlist full of Summer anthems!

Summer isn’t summer without a soundtrack! The minute the sun peeks out, I’m queuing up a playlist full of 90s and 2000s bangers and cheesy party tracks.

Dry shampoo!

The sun does strange things to my hair, it's nothing at all to do with me dying it, hehehe It goes all dry, flat at the roots and frizzy at the ends so dry shampoo becomes my best friend. It adds volume, freshens up sweaty roots and makes me feel just a little bit more polished when I’ve been too busy to deal with my hair properly!

Slip on sandals!

Who has time for buckles? There comes a point every year where my toes want freedom and my ankles want air. Last year I had the comfiest pair but I went to wear them a few months ago and they're now to big so I pinched a pair off Ellie which I gave here when they were too small last year. I have a few pairs now. One for every day wear, a pair for going out, out and one pair designated just for garden and bin duty.

Iced coffee!

I need my coffee fix but I am not keen on drinking hot drinks when it is warm even though my dad swears that they cool you down. I make my own but when I’m being lazy the ones from the shop do the trick. I am loving this Galaxy Mocha Frappe at the moment, you just add ice and milk!

Tinted moisturiser with SPF!

I ditch foundation in the summer as it just melts off anyway. Instead I go for a tinted moisturiser with SPF built in. A little bit of glow, a little bit of coverage and sun protection in one product.

Ice Lollies!

I have ice lollies in the freezer all year round but I make sure to keep the drawer stocked up at this time of year. Rocket lollies, Fab's, Mini Milks, posh fruity ones which only I am allowed to eat and of course Cornetto ice cream ones but to be honest I’m not fussy when it comes to icy treats.

A collection of no cook meal ideas!

I love cooking until it’s 30C in my kitchen and turning on the oven feels like entering the seventh circle of hell. That’s when I rely on my no cook meal list of picky plates, wraps, salads and sandwiches stuffed with leftovers and whatever’s in the fridge. Anything that doesn’t involve sweat or washing up is a win in my books!

Sunglasses!

You know those people who wear sunglasses as a headband, that is me! I always leave the house with them. I had a favourite pair which I've used for the last couple of years and then I lost them so I bought a cheap set from Primark and lost them too, bought another 2 pairs and obviously now I've found them all. It's a good job all the one's I have are slightly different! I couldn't be without sunglasses when the sun is out! I hate brightness in my eyes!

Frozen grapes!

I saved the best for last. If you’ve never tried frozen grapes in summer you’re missing a trick. Pop a bag in the freezer and thank me later. They’re like mini sorbets. Sweet, icy and ridiculously satisfying. Great for snacking, topping up a glass of wine to keep it chilled.

What are your summer essentials?

What Summer looks like now the kids are older!

Summer now feels so different than it did just a few years ago when my girls were little. It’s not the same whirlwind of packed days, endless outdoor games and the constant chorus of Mam, I’m bored!. Now with the girls aged 22 and 17 summer has shifted into something quieter, slower but somehow more fun and memorable!

Don’t get me wrong it’s not quiet in the way you might imagine. There’s still plenty of noise and laughter bouncing around the house but it’s a different kind of noise. Instead of the boisterous playdates and sticky fingers it’s music spilling from bedrooms, conversations with friends on the phone and shouting at screens when they are playing online games.

Both girls have their own lives now. Becky has been working full time for quite a few years. She works night shifts, has a partner and a social life that keeps her busy. She’s not at home every day like she was in her teens but when she is I really enjoy the time with her even if we are not really up to much. Like the day I wrote this, we had a lazy morning. I pottered around the house tidying up and doing some washing, we had lunch together, made a delicious iced coffee each and caught on Hollyoaks! Ellie is still in college although she's on her summer break now. She has her own friendships, her first serious relationship and she’s starting to create her own summer traditions too. It’s brilliant watching them both in this stage so independent, yet still part of our family!

Mornings in summer are no longer a rush to get everyone dressed, packed and out the door for a day at the park or play date. Instead there’s a gentler pace. I often find myself making a drink and enjoying it in peace looking out over the garden. Sometimes they’re off to meet friends or my Becky is making her way to bed just as I am starting my day. The house feels different but not in a bad way.

The afternoons are when the magic really happens. Sometimes, it’s a solo kind of magic. I’ll find a quiet hour to blog and other times we're together doing or own thing or we’ll all decide to watch a film together, have a walk out to my dad's or even venture into town for a look around the shops. It’s no longer about squeezing every minute out of the day with packed activities it’s about sharing those moments that just happen naturally.

What I love most is how those moments often surprise me. Becky sometimes invites me to go out somewhere with her partner or my youngest who invited me to the cinema to tag along with her and her boyfriend. I hesitated for a second it felt like stepping into their world rather than mine but then I said yes. We had a great time. Those little invitations make me feel connected in a way I didn’t quite expect. It’s lovely to be included even if their lives are their own now.

Evenings have become my favourite part of summer especially when the day cools down and the house fills with the smells of tea cooking and Stu gets in from work. That hour on an evening makes me feel happy. There’s laughter, teasing and conversation. 

Watching my girls grow into such thoughtful, independent young women who still want to spend time with me is one of the greatest joys of my life. There’s a pride in seeing how they’ve developed their own interests, their own social lives but also comfort in knowing that no matter how busy or far flung their lives get this family bond remains a place they come back to.

Summer now is different. It’s less hectic but still so full. It has changed but for the better.

How is your summer looking now?

How many times can I complain It’s too hot before the end of August?

I love summer, I really do. I look forward to it all winter. Every time I’m shivering waiting for a bus or having to put the heating on in January I tell myself just wait in July you’ll be warm again but what I forget year after year is that the British version of warm is not the charming Mediterranean glow I always imagine. Oh no, it’s the kind of heat that makes your back stick to every chair, you sweat in places that you didn't even know you could sweat and your inner thighs stage a protest with each step you take. We’re not equipped for this in the UK. We don’t have air con, we don’t have breezy open plan villas. What we do have is brick houses built to trap warmth and streets that melt under the pressure of anything over 25°C.

So here I am at the middle of July wondering how many more times I can dramatically declare It’s too hot! before the end of August arrives. Honestly, I might be on a personal record and I know I’m not alone it seems to have been extra warm over the last month or so. I grew up thinking 22C was proper hot, it really wasn't. So this whole business of waking up to a house that feels like a oven is just unnatural. 

Complaining about the weather is basically a British national sport. Rain, we whinge. Snow, we panic. Wind, we sigh with disgust at the bins flying down the road and sunshine we rejoice for 0.5 seconds and then crumble like a chocolate bar left on the dashboard in a car.

The first complaint came early from me at the start of June. A little heatwave started and everyone was giddy. We embraced it at first. The washing dries in an hour, the kids stop tracking mud through the house, people have conversations saying things like smells like a BBQ and have you got the fan out yet? It was bliss for about about 48 hours. Then the air got sticky, the bedrooms became like a sauna and I started sleeping with just a thin sheet on me.

I am not built for heat. Every day I wake up thinking maybe today will be a bit cooler but the only thing cooler is the inside of the fridge which I keep opening not for food, but for relief. By 10am, I’ve already said it’s too hot once in the mirror while trying to tame my humidity filled hair, my hair also hates the heat! By noon I’ve said it out loud to the postman who looks worryingly cheerful and by 3pm I’ve messaged my friend three times just the phrase TOO HOT in all caps because that’s the emotional support I need!

I’ve noticed that when I’m overheating my patience also evaporates. Everything feels ten times more irritating. Anything with a waistband becomes the enemy. If it’s not stretchy, loose or made entirely of cotton or linen, I’m not wearing it! Don’t even talk to me about bras. Whoever invented underwire clearly never experienced underboob sweat! Cooking is such a chore, even more so than usual and other people’s cheerfulness winds me up. I see someone smiling while sunbathing and I want to shout are you really enjoying being baked alive?

I miss sleep. I open the curtain on a night to let whatever breeze there is in but by about 5am in the morning the sun is shining in heating up the room. I get irrationally angry at my fella because he gets up then and doesn't have to lay there trying to sleep in the heat forgetting about the fact he has to get up at 5am and I wouldn't want that either. I shut the curtain and doze off back to sleep for a couple of hours still waking up sweaty and tangled in my thin sheet.

I got so happy last week when it looked cooler and the rain came but guess what? It was still hot and not even the nice kind of hot, it was sticky and no fun being hot and soaked from the rain. It is not easy to dress in that weather. I did think about wearing my sandals and just putting up with wet feet but it didn't feel right so I put my boots on and of course my feet felt like lava! I have waterproof jackets but it was too warm for them so ended up going out with just a cardigan and my trusty umbrella! Thank goodness it wasn't windy.

Yes, I complain but no I don’t want it to end because I remember what comes after this the cold, dark nights and arguments about whether we should put the central heating on. At least in the summer I don’t have to warm my jeans on the radiator before wearing them, ice cream is my go to meal and I get to wear all the pretty dresses!

Now if you’ll excuse me I need to go put my head in the freezer for five minutes and say too hot under my breath like a summer chant!

Do you think it has been too hot?