9 Ways to Have Fun in the Summertime

July is speeding by...so, here's a list of things to do (aside from, well, going to the beach) while the lazy summer days last. From discovering new bands (or seeing long-time favorites in concert) to being inspired by the people in your life (young and old), there are plenty of ways to spend the warm days.

9. Enjoy your favorite cool treat (Frappucinos, iced coffee, froyo...you get the gist).

 8. Read! Get swept away by a romance, captivated by a drama, or lost in a fantasy land.  Discover something intellectual and inspiring. Or better yet - write. Try your hand at crafting your own world.

7. Go see a fun movie, like Brave (ogle at the wonders of digital animation). Or The Amazing Spider-Man...

6. ...and develop a shameless crush on Andrew Garfield. Or whoever else is your favorite celeb-du-jour. Get a poster, rip out pictures from magazines, and so forth. Indulge your inner fangirl.

5. Discover new bands, like Of Monsters and Men and The Lumineers. Let their music become the soundtrack of your summer.

4. Watch some of USA and TNT's summer line-up (White Collar, Covert Affairs, Rizzoli and Isles...). Or any other favorite shows. Even watch, dare I say it, reality television, if that's your cup of tea.

3. Go see your favorite band or singer (I just saw Broadway performer Idina Menzel at the Mann Center) in concert, if you can afford it. Many venues offer inexpensive lawn tickets. Go with your friends. Scream and cheer.

2. Go on a sushi date with your favorite people. Or discover new restaurants in your town. Catch up.

1. Be inspired by the various people in your life. We all have something to learn from those we encounter. We can learn just as much from a playful, curious baby cousin as from a grandfather's cousin who is in her '90s and still living a relatively independent lifestyle.

Pictures were found on Pinterest and Tumblr.