Teen Breathe

Summer sunset

Celebrate the end of a warm day with a tropical ice that looks
as colourful as the evening sky
MAKES ABOUT 6

1 pineapple (tinned chunks will also do the trick)
2 large, ripe mangoes
100g strawberries or raspberries
Method
1. Peel, core and chop a fresh pineapple into approx 2cm cubes.
Blitz in a food processor or blender until smooth.
2. Fill each mould a third of the way up with the blended
pineapple and put into the freezer for 1 hour. (The mould will need
to stand upright to create the layered effect.)
3. Peel and chop the mangoes into small chunks, blend in the
food processor and add to the moulds until they’re another third
full. Return to the freezer for another hour.
4. Blitz the strawberries until smooth and add to the moulds
until each is full. Put them back in the freezer for 2 hours until
they are solid.
Top tip! If your mould doesn’t have a fixed stick, you can secure
one in a central position by taping it in place at the top.

49

HEADING

standfirst
standfirst

Body

Raspberry iced tea

These fruity lollies have all the flavour of a traditional iced tea
but will keep you even cooler

MAKES ABOUT 6

2-4 berry-infused tea bags
600ml boiling water
1 tsp–1 tbsp maple syrup or honey (adjust according to taste)
150g raspberries
90g (dry weight) black tapioca balls (optional)

Method
1. Brew up 600ml of your favourite berry-flavoured fruit tea. (It can be a
good idea to double up on teabags to intensify the flavour.)
2. Add maple syrup or honey to sweeten and allow to cool completely.
3. Drop 6–8 whole raspberries into each mould before pouring in the
cooled tea – and make sure to fill the mould. Leave in the freezer for at
least 2 hours.

Variation
For an extra burst of flavour and a chewy texture, you could try
adding tapioca balls (aka boba pearls).
Prepare them in advance by boiling about 10 cups of water in a pan for
every 90g of dried tapioca balls. Simmer for 30 minutes without a lid.
Then take off the heat, pop a lid on the pan and leave to stand for another
30 minutes. Rinse and leave to cool before sprinkling a few into each mould
at step 3 of the recipe.

Top tip! If you’re not familiar with them, look for tapioca balls
in specialist supermarkets or online.

50

S UB S C R I BE

BE INSPIRED • BE STRONG • BE CURIOUS • BE UPLIFTED

TEEN Breathe

Fyrdoeireuercdtdelotivooerry

Freedom to wander • Celebrate summer • Grow your own pet • No need for excuses
Take the stress out of studying • Ideal chit chat • Dress to express • Only connect

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52

CELEBRATE SUMMER

Marking the changing seasons is one way of tuning into the
Earth’s natural cycles – as well as a lot of fun

Early cultures had a deep connection to the Earth and From this point on, the number of daylight hours
a respectful relationship with the whole of life, which begins to decline as autumn approaches. In the
many indigenous people continue today. As others southern hemisphere, the summer solstice takes place
become more aware of climate and environmental six months later on 21 December – which, of course, is
change, they too are recognising just how important winter solstice in the north.
it is to respect the Earth’s resources.
Whichever date the summer solstice falls on, it’s when
Celebrating seasonal festivals is part of this – and solar energy reaches its peak and so is regarded as a
something that has taken place all over the world vital time for people and the planet. Midsummer was
throughout history. In some societies these occasions traditionally celebrated as a time of gratitude, growth
have become more about making money, but honouring and expansion. In ancient times, communities lit fires on
the seasons is free and can be as personal as you wish. hilltops to represent the life-giving energy of the sun
and came together to share songs and stories.
Whatever your religion or beliefs, the change of
season is an opportunity to explore your relationship It’s thought many surviving stone circles and
with the environment in any way that’s important to you. megaliths were built as solar temples. Stonehenge, the
And it’s coming right up... famous stone circle in Wiltshire, UK, was likely designed
to align with the sun’s movements. Today, large numbers
Here comes the summer of people still gather at such circles to celebrate sunrise
and sunset on the summer solstice.
The summer solstice (or Midsummer’s Day) occurs
around 21 June in the northern hemisphere and marks Turn the page for ways to celebrate the longest day
the longest day and shortest night of the year.

53

Mark the occasion

You don’t need to visit ancient monuments or isolated hilltops to make the most of midsummer.
Here are a few fun ways to create your own celebration at home

Being up early in the morning half-light is a magical If you’re a yoga fan, you may have encountered sun
experience. You could set your alarm to watch the salutations. These moves open up the body and give
sun rise and listen to the dawn chorus. Alternatively, if thanks for the healing energy of the sun. What could be
you’re allowed, you could stay up a bit later to look on a more perfect moment to practise these positions than
as the sun sinks beneath the horizon. when the sun is at its most powerful? (See information
point on the next page.)
The longer, lighter evenings in summer are great
opportunities to camp outside overnight. If you don’t The summer solstice is a time of expansion, joy and
have a garden, you could ask about campsites nearby. energy. Dancing, drumming or singing with a group of
Watch the sun set and rise from your tent door or try like-minded people can be a great way to express this.
some stargazing.
Spend time outside. The first step to connecting
Reflect on the power of the sun and let it fuel your with the changing seasons is to experience them for
creativity. If you like writing poetry or music, use the yourself. Try going for a walk in the countryside, a forest
sun to inspire your next piece. If arts and crafts are your or park. Pause to appreciate the trees, plants, flowers
thing, celebrate the sun by adding a splash of vibrant, and wildlife. What do you notice at this time of year?
energising colour – such as red, orange, yellow and
gold – to whatever you’re making. Plan for a season of growth. Summer solstice occurs
shortly before several months of holiday. Pause for
Sun and flower crowns were traditionally worn at a moment to take stock and celebrate what you’ve
summer solstice. These can be fun for younger siblings achieved in the first part of the year. Consider your
to put together. Stick colourful paper flowers to a thoughts, plans and ideas for the second half. Is there
cardboard circle to construct a simple headdress. anything you’d like to learn, create or spend time doing
during the long summer days ahead?
Research different cultures. Are there folk stories or
traditions associated with the summer solstice?

54

WORDS: VICKY H BOURNE. ILLUSTRATIONS: LA JEANETTE Solstice around the world

Many historic monuments around the world were
built to showcase extraordinary visual displays on
the solstice. The pyramid (known as El Castillo or the
Temple of Kukulcán) at Chichén Itzá in Mexico is one
such example.

In ancient Greece, Kronia was the midsummer festival
for the Greek god Kronos and the first harvest of the
year. On this day, the social hierarchy was abandoned
so that slaves and lords could celebrate together.

Many countries today hold midsummer events.
Juhannus is the Finnish festival. Friends and family
gather in the countryside to fish, boat, relax in saunas
and light bonfires. Similar activities take place in
Sweden, where some people take part in ancient
traditions such as walking barefoot in the morning
dew and wearing floral crowns.

Did you know...?
The word solstice comes from the Latin solstitium, which
means ‘sun stands still’. This is thought to refer to the sun’s
pause upon reaching its highest or lowest point (as seen
from the Earth) before the direction of travel is reversed.

As with all physical activities, do not try yoga if you
have any medical conditions that might be aggravated. If in
doubt, check with a doctor first.

55

DRESS TO EXPRESS

People use clothes and accessories to present themselves in a personal way.
So when it comes to fashion choices, expressing yourself and respecting
others is the only style guide you’ll ever need

The clothes you wear, the shoes you choose and how Dressing to impress
you style your hair are all great ways to make a statement
about who you are and influence how you’re viewed. But Sometimes people dress to please others, rather than
pressure from friends, society and social media – plus a themselves. This happens because humans have
natural desire to fit in – all combine to stifle individuality evolved to seek social acceptance. As they transition into
at times. adulthood, people can feel particularly judged on how
they look – not only by friends, family and peers, but also
If you’re feeling under scrutiny, here are some ways to social media and society in general.
embrace your personal style – and everyone else’s.
This might be felt even more acutely by anyone whose
You do you style doesn’t conform to gender stereotypes or current
trends. Feelings of not ‘fitting in’ can send self-esteem into
People express themselves through their appearance. a downward spiral.
Whether it’s a beanie hat with Doc Marten boots or a
bright sparkly dress and a bold brow, your choices reflect ‘We all want to be uniquely ourselves and at the same
how you see yourself and how you want the world to time fit in,’ says child psychologist Kim McCabe, author
see you. of From Daughter To Woman and founder of mentoring
organisation Rites for Girls.
As people move towards adulthood, their tastes can
change with the seasons. This process is an important part Choosing how you look is part of that. ‘Everyone feels
of working out who you are and who you want to be (see pressure to follow the group fashion, while also putting an
page 28). One day your wardrobe might be bursting with individual stamp on it,’ continues Kim. ‘Just take care not to
comic book hoodies and skinny jeans. A month later, it give too much weight to what others think, at the expense
could be full of silver leggings and neon lace gloves. of dressing how you like.’

This urge to experiment comes just as many people Mirror, mirror
are feeling most self-conscious about how they look.
Personality is often imprinted on every item of clothing, so Wanting to dress the same as friends (or swap and share
it can seem as though your shoes, hat and even the bag clothes) is normal. When people copy each other’s clothes
you carry say a lot about you. and accessories – or even adopt the same mannerisms
– they are affirming their friends’ choices and confirming
56

57

the connection between them. It’s a way of saying ‘I trust While being different is a good thing, it’s not always easy
you’ and ‘I want to be seen to be like you’. But sometimes – so it’s natural to worry if you go for a new look. Although
people get deliberately left out – either as punishment stepping away from the herd might seem unnerving at first,
for not conforming or for trying too hard to look like finding your own style will ultimately bolster self-esteem
everybody else. and build a better sense of who you are.

‘We copy each other as a direct result of the need we ‘Enjoy experimenting with how you look but don’t forget
all have to be part of a tribe,’ says Veronique Mertes, a to give just as much attention to how you are on the inside,’
psychotherapist and hypnotherapist from Devon in the says Kim. ‘If you’re not happy, changing how you look isn’t
UK. ‘Our primitive brain – which is amazing and helps going to fix that. Instead, practise looking at yourself with
us survive – can also cause anxiety and the need for kind eyes and seek out people and experiences that truly
reassurance that we’re not alone. Teenagers copy each make you feel good.’
other’s style to guarantee their place in the group.’
Everyone feels more comfortable when they are free
Finding your own flair to be themselves. Complimenting people on their own
choices – rather than criticising them – might help others
Although wanting to fit in is normal, copying others is the feel confident enough to find their personal style, too.
opposite of personal style. So focus on wearing what suits
you. When an outfit feels just right, it can boost you to What’s on the outside is part of the package, of course.
superhero levels of confidence. But accepting and appreciating individuality makes
everyone feel better about themselves, and each other.
58

WORDS: TRACEY DAVIES. ILLUSTRATIONS: TONWEN JONES Celebrate your style

1 Start small. It doesn’t take a total makeover to

express your individuality. Begin with something
low-key, like a statement button pin, quirky tote bag
or just some bolder jewellery.

2 Get an attitude. View your outfit with a positive

outlook and watch the self-confidence bloom.

3 Take the lead. Don’t feel you have to follow trends.

It feels empowering to be the first to introduce
something new.

4 Give (and receive) compliments. Perk your friends

up with daily words of praise. Then be prepared to
accept a few in return, too.

5 Stay true to you. Whatever you wear, the only

approval you really need is your own.

59

GROW YOUR OWN PET

Expand your family by becoming a houseplant parent

Caring for another creature can help you feel calmer and another living thing without having to worry about walks or
more connected. Your heart rate slows, breathing becomes grooming. And, as you grow up, your leafy youngsters will
more regular and muscles relax. But if a cat feels out of the too. They’re the gift that keeps on growing…
question and dog walks a step too far – well, how about
looking after a houseplant? Learn some simple propagation (or breeding) tricks and
you could end up a plant grandparent! Before long, you’ll
Plant pets are becoming ever-more popular companions, have a brood of baby houseplants to give to friends and
and with good reason. They give you the chance to care for family as presents. Here are three to consider adopting.

Pancake plant PROPAGATING PANCAKES

Their Latin name, Pilea peperomioides, might sound like
a pizza topping but pancake plants are actually so-called
for their circular, disc-like leaves. They’re also known as
Chinese money plants or ‘pass-it-on’ plants – in Asia,
they’re given away as tokens of good luck.

Despite their unusual appearance and glossy, saucer-
like leaves, these indoor plants are straightforward to grow
and need little attention. Try not to let them sit in wet soil
but they shouldn’t get too dry, either. If the leaves start to
droop, you’ll know it’s time to give them a drink.

Propagating pancake plants is so simple it can become
a little addictive. One of the reasons they make good
presents is that the parent plants easily produce plantlets
around their base.

All you need to do is pick a small plantlet that already
has three or four leaves then gently dig it up, roots and all.
You can either pop them in water to grow more roots, or
plant straight away into small pots of compost.

Turn the page for two more

61

Spider plant

If there’s one plant that’s guaranteed to forgive you when sharp scissors. Fill a vase with water and place the babies
you forget it, the spider plant – or Chlorophytum comosum in the top so their bottoms are submerged in water.
– is it. And, yes, it really does look like a spider.
Once you have a nice nest of white roots (typically at
As with all the houseplants mentioned here, the spider around three to four weeks), you can plant them into small
plant needs very little care. It likes to be kept out of direct pots of peat-free compost. Place so the top of the root ball
sunlight, so a north-facing window is best. And you only is level with the surface of the compost and fill in firmly
need to water it when the top few centimetres of soil with more compost. Water well.
feel dry.

You might want to serve up a little plant food during the
summer – but, other than that, these guys are not fussy.

Spider plants also do a nifty job of removing household
pollutants (such as detergent, air freshener, varnish and
smoke). They absorb the chemical particles into their
leaves and roots and breathe out oxygen.

One way your spider plant will tell you it’s happy is by
popping out baby spider plants on the end of long stems.
It’s also known as the ‘hen and chickens’ plant for its ability
to spawn a flock of tiny offspring.

These spiderettes have small nodules on the base,
where they’ll grow their own roots. This makes them
easy to propagate, and you can help them produce
roots by snipping the spiderettes off the parent plant
and placing them in water.

Get an adult to help cut the stem connecting
the baby spider plant to the mother plant with

Swiss cheese plant

Famous for their holey, Emmental-like leaves, monsteras
(or Swiss cheese plants) can get pretty gigantic when they
grow to full size. But they have a gentle nature. They’ll
need regular watering and a spot away from direct sunlight
– but they also love it when you dust off their leaves to
help with photosynthesis or give them a bit of mist to
increase humidity.

Holey leaves are a sign your monstera is contented, and
in the wilds of Central America they helped the plant
withstand heavy rainfall and wind.

When the plant gets bigger, look out for
a wrinkled ‘muscle’ where the leaf meets
thefffffgffggffgfg stem. This helps the plant
direct its giant leaves into the light.

It’s hard to believe a plant of such size
would be easy to breed, but you can use
the same water rooting method as used for
spider plants. Look for a new stem with several
leaf ‘nodes’. These are the brown circular rings
where the leaf used to be. Each of these nodes
will support new roots.

Choose a node low down on the stem and get
help to carefully cut 2cm below this with sharp
scissors. Pop the stem in water and wait for
roots to form.

It may take more than a month for the
roots to begin showing. But it’s fascinating
to watch them grow as this is a process
that’s normally hidden away underground.

abneimkMeaoplsnt,sostuoetrsaohfaorrueeladtconhxeiocvfetaornbhyeuometahatenersnpaaenntdsd. must

WORDS: ALICE WHITEHEAD. PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

63

‘When we were
children, we used
to think that when
we were grown-up
we would no longer

be vulnerable.
But to grow up

is to accept
vulnerability...
To be alive is to
be vulnerable’

MADELEINE L’ENGLE

PHOTO: RAWPIXEL.COM Back on track

Think of a time when things didn’t quite go the way you planned yet turned out for the best
in the end. Write about it here and revisit – together with ‘Freedom To Wander’ on page 36

– whenever you’re worried about taking a step in the wrong direction

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