It's been a fairly decent summer. I would not say before now for fear of jinxing it somehow but it truly has been a warm one here in the UK and across Europe. We've had such grey weather over the years in the UK one wondered if we would ever remember how beautiful this place is when the sun is shining upon it. I'm from Africa originally so I know all about the sun. The African sun is the sun at it's most golden and life giving. It's hot yet nature offers a gentle cool breeze simultaneously making it bearable to be under. It makes Africa the beautiful continent that it is. So believe me now when I also say that there is nothing like the perfect English summer's day. it's beautiful! In that rare occasion when the sun shines just after spring and just before the summer the temperature is perfect! It's neither hot nor cold. It's just right. And there is so much air. You breathe and breathe and breathe beautiful air on a day like that. But that day is short lived. It is, if it is, there only for a short time before it starts to really warm up and all the moisture taken up into the air with it! Then it's humid. Hot and humid!
I don't complain. As hot weather has been so rare these last few years it's the chance to get out on to the Green that's wonderful. A life indoors all the time slowly becomes a SAD one. Yes, that's a real affliction for I had it once. I'm used to the dark grey winters now. But SAD stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder. It's a winter thing mostly. Anyway, back to summer. We're so grateful when it's here and we get out as much as we can. But for us plus size this can be a bit of a challenge when the weather heats up past comfortable. We sweat a little more and the energy seems to drain the energy right out of us when we exert ourselves a little more. It can feel like it's a real chore going out into the hot sun. We are tempted to stay indoors in the cool, near the fan and with plenty of cool drinks to hand. If you're lucky enough to have a garden where you live you might venture out as far as there. But the rest of us make do with the Greens and Parks and mostly have to go to work, school, etc. I tend to always pack a few essential things in my bag in this weather and I'm going to share them with you. They help me a great deal so hopefully this helps you too.
1. Switch to using a back pack in the summer. A stylish one if it's important. There are plenty designer leather made back packs with the appropriate gold or silver hardware on them online and even in stores. Get a fairly large one but not too big it 'breaks your back'. In the hot weather having your arms free to swing makes walking easier.
2. A mini hand held battery operated fan is excellent for keeping you cool out and about. Always pack the right extra batteries in your bag as well. Bu if you prefer the old type fans made from paper, light card or fabric pack this instead.
3. It almost doesn't need saying but pack a bottle of water or a drink of your choice.
4. For this next item in my country we grew up calling them 'slops', no idea why, but maybe one day I'll find out and tell you all about the different words I learnt growing up. Quite funny really. Anyway, always pack a pair of flip flops. They are light and useful when your sandals become unbearably hot, sweaty, sticky and tight from your feet swelling. You can keep them in a bag. When you swap them with whatever shoe you're wearing you can 'lock up' your smelly shoes in that bag. Make sure it's a bag that will do that. Some people don't enjoy the flip and flop of flip flops so here's a tip. Add a bit of elastic to each end of the flip flop and it turns it into a comfortable light sandal and doesn't flip about! ;)
5. I don't know about where you live but in the UK sudden showers are a possibility so I would pack a foldable and large umbrella. You can get large foldable umbrellas online. A tiny one is not going to help cover you. A word of warning if lightning is about just stay under cover of buildings etc and don't go out into it! These bigger brollies (almost golf size) do fold up nicely and you can still save space in your bag. Alternatively if you prefer there are larger rain coats.
6. Lastly, essential toiletries are up to you but they should include wipes to clean your sweaty brow and folds every now and again, a drying deodorant, lip balm and hand creme. Always carry your essential medicines as well. Particularly anything for a headache. These always seem to be prevalent in the warm weather.
Always be prepared for any type of weather!
Stay beyoutiful bigYoutifuls!
RayRayxx
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