While the weather has had other plans these last few days, spring weather is (hopefully) just around the corner, and we can't wait to breathe in the fresh air, walk on the green grass and dip our toes in the blue sea. Here are a few great activities to make the most of the sunshine, when it returns!
1. Make daisy chains on your picnic
Picnics are the perfect spring activity to keep all the family happy on a warm Sunday morning. Make your picnics that much prettier with a couple of daisy chains.
2. Visit a farm
Why not give the farm animals some love with a quick trip to the petting farm, an eager visit to a dairy farm or some remote family farm where everything’s fresh and happy.
3. Press flowers
On your next walk through the countryside, pick a few fresh flowers with the most beautiful of colours and find yourself an old book. Put the flowers in said book and voilà… pressed flowers.
4. Make a conserve
Springtime strawberries, fresh Seville oranges… this could only mean one thing. Time to make jam and marmalade! Grab yourself a few jars, sterilise them and store a freshly prepared batch of conserve.
5. Be brave… swim
Let’s face it, the sea is still pretty cold but nonetheless enjoyable. Why not take your first dip in the deep blue early this year? Are you brave enough?
6. Gozo - always a good excuse
As if we need an excuse to get to Gozo for the weekend, right? But why not head to the littler island when it’s at its greenest? Gozo is particularly beautiful this time of year.
7. Hike
Head to the hills! Trek up a hilltop or hike through the countryside with the sun beams gently hitting your shoulders and the bees buzzing around you.
8. Go camping
Pitch a tent in a designated camping area for a weekend of fun and adventure. Don’t forget to pack the essentials like a hammock, beers, food and a BBQ.
9. Wear shorts
Yep, the time has come to take your trusty shorts out of hibernation. Pair them with your fav hoodie, head to the seaside and watch the waves gently crash on the shore.
10. Fresh fruit bonanza
Fruit, fruit, fruit! The sweetest, tastiest fruit imaginable brings colour to our kitchen with every segment, slice and smoothie. 5-a-day, hah! More like 10!
11. Go fishing
Go traditional, grab your granddad’s fishing rod, some bait and set your alarm to 4am. Find yourself a quiet spot early in the morning, ideally watch the sun rise and reel in a couple of aljotta-worthy fishies.
12. Spring clean
Let’s take Marie Kondo’s advice and find out what sparks joy in your home. If you think you can live without some items take them to a charity shop. Alternatively give Project 333 a shot.
13. Join a clean-up
Take that cleaning streak to the streets, get involved in the next clean up and give Malta and Gozo (and the sea surrounding us) a good tidy up. Do your bit for our planet.
14. Give your time
While you’re in the giving mood, volunteer at an animal shelter, spend some time with the elderly or even give your own nan a call.
15. Bird watch
Our flying friends need a spot of attention too. Binoculars at the ready; notepad all prepped, it’s time to spot the birds flying over our islands.
16. Try a new dish
Dig into something new this spring - try out an exotic dish, give a local delicacy a try and find some culinary way to spice up your life.
17. Go for cocktails
Why not pop over to the local and grab a few pints? Make it even snazzier with a cocktail by the beach - order a freshly prepared mojito or a vibrant strawberry daiquiri.
18. Organise a BBQ
Hit up the coals with a few brats, a keg of beer and a whole lot of BBQ marshmallows. Forget the plastic plates, remember to respect the beaches and clean up after yourselves.
19. Start your Earth Garden countdown
You know summer’s on the way when you’ve got the Earth Garden countdown clearly stapled on your desk. So close, yet so far! The anticipation, the excitement, the air mattress… ahhh, soon!
20. Get exam ready
With spring comes exam prep. Whether you’re a secondary student or a BA Hons hopeful, you’re flying through those books, hoping something, anything will stick.