10 things... to do instead of watching tv

hello! well it's the 10th again. my google analytics dashboard tells me that these "10 things" posts are consistently getting the more hits than any others. talk about pressure!

today i decided to write about things to do instead of watching tv. don't get me wrong, we have more than one tv in my house, and i love nothing more than an episode of the simpsons, but i also try very hard to keep a good balance between that and some more wholesome activities. so on to this month's ten things...

1} listen to music. and i mean really listen. turn the lights down and listen to the words. dance in your living room.

2} read a book. i posted my latest must read list a few months ago. pick up a book and really get lost in it. read your favourite childhood book and remember how it made you feel the first time.

3} write a letter. seriously, i can't remember the last time i wrote a proper letter. i do know i have a huge stack of beautiful writing paper just waiting to be used. i miss the excitement of finding an envelope on the mat (or one that wasn't a bill anyway). take some time to write to someone you love, stick a stamp on it and make someone's day.

4} get outdoors. climb a hill, walk a dog, see how fast you can run then recover while having a picnic in the sun. i can't wait to crunch through the leaves under my feet and feel that chill in the air this autumn. here are some of my favourite ideas.

5} learn a new skill. have you looked how much free stuff there is out there on the internet? you can learn almost any language, learn to cook, learn to code, learn to sew, all with free online resources. the bbc has a great website i've been using to keep up with my french.

6} make a scrapbook. save money by making your own "smash book". stick in all those ticket stubs and shopping lists that gather at the bottom of your handbag. make a record of your life right now using words and pictures and crayons if you like!

7} play a game. why save board games for christmas or card games for casinos? get some friends together for a game night. make nibbles and a score board but try not to let the competition get the better of you!

8} do something crafty. check out craft gossip for a squillion ideas for things to make. i find there's something incredibly soothing about making things with my own hands. even if they do turn out wonky and imperfect. and i always think a friend who doesn't appreciate a hand made gift isn't worth having!

9} redecorate using stuff you already have. pop a new picture in a frame, make a display out of your favourite books, move around your bits and pieces so you notice them and enjoy them again. surround yourself with things that make you happy.

10} read my blog, leave a comment, say hello, or if you want to make me really happy, click to be a follower over on the side bar!

sorry about that last sneaky one - i couldn't resist! if you haven't done already, check out other "10 things" posts over at shimelle's blog.

{em} x