on summer bucket lists.
So I have this thing where I pretty much still believe in summer vacation even though I’ve been out of school for nearly ten years. It’s just ingrained in my brain that the end of may through the beginning of september is SUMMER! and it won’t even stop. Regardless of what I’m doing at the time or where I’m working or how much time I even get to spend in the sun. Summer is soon.
One of my favorite people ever makes a bucket list every summer with her kids and I just love the idea. I can’t wait to do that with kids someday. In the meantime, I made up my own little bucket list. Trying to make 2014 the best summer ever. I may even make a summer inspiration board. #howannoying
This is what I’ve got so far!
- Make a watermelon keg.
- Read 20 books (between June-September).
- Paddleboard! We’ve wanted to do this for years but never have. This is it!
- Do paddleboard yoga. Another thing I’ve wanted to do for.ev.er.
- Make killer strawberry pimms cups. Everything’s better with strawberries.
- Walk outside everyday (as brain exercise) and set my fit bit daily step goal to 20,000 instead of 15,000. And meet it! Sometimes I feel like I’m cheating when I wear my fit bit to workout (such as doing Turbofire, I get around 6000 steps in 35 minutes or so) and I need to stop that ish.
- Grow some freaking herbs, organically and successfully. You know I struggle with this every year. I always start out organically and then they die and then I use miracle grow on them and then I refuse to eat them. HELP. Maybe I’ll get a self watering vertical planter. Because they look cool.
- Go to the zoo. Because it’s fun.
- Plant flowers and actually give a crap about them, like water them and take care of them. I’m successful at this about every OTHER year, so we should be good this summer of ’14.
- Make some to die for nachos – on the grill.
- Go to as many country concerts as I can because I’m the pop country convert that everyone hates.
- Take a last minute weekend trip. Just pick up and go!
- Taco night every single week. With chips and guac. Every single week. With lots of variety.
- Go to the drive in. Can you believe I’ve NEVER been to a drive in? So deprived.
- Make a different fruit infused water every week. I have some of my favorite combinations in my cookbook, but I’ll share them in the next few weeks.
- Master trashy nail art. Think neons and glitter and white polish oh my.
- Freeze some awesome cocktail popsicles. Have one on hand… at all times.
- Go six weeks without blow drying my hair – last year I made it about four weeks or so. So healthy!
- Make old-school fruit pizza. I’ve been craving this for a month and I think it might happen this week.
- Sit around the fire pit every other week or so. With adult beverages and SNACKS.
- Convince Eddie more than once that a stellar cheese plate is dinner.
- Go to a movie by myself. I love doing this. (the trashier the better.)
- Finish my ginormous summer playlist that gives everyone but me second embarrassment. (hello bette midler. and pitbull.)
- Improve my gourmet hot dog game.
- Tie-dye white tanks. I’m a child.
- Remember to wear sunscreen on my hands every single day. I rarely do this. I put it everywhere else though.
- Make homemade shaved iced and custard. Can I make homemade Rita’s? Teach me.
- Bike ride every weekend. It’s so freeing!
- Take a vacation to somewhere we’ve never been. I’m absolutely DYING to go back to Nantucket, but I feel like we should explore and try somewhere new. We will obviously be going to Michigan later this year so we should go somewhere new to us too.
Now tell me! Dying to know what’s on your summer bucket list. Also because I want to add to mine. Over the next few weeks I’m going to come back and add a few things as well as mini-update on what we do. SO FUN. Checking things off is my dream.
135 Comments on “on summer bucket lists.”
I LOVE this idea! I started my own as soon as I finished reading yours! I totally agree with wanting to try paddle boarding. I was so close to trying it last summer and I showed up to do it and it turned out to be a scam! SO disappointing, but I’m determined to try this summer.
COME TO CALIFORNIA!!!! We can eat nachos TOGETHER! I’ll paint your nails. And bedazzle something for you! (since I kinda already said I would like, 10 years ago)
Last year I had a summer bucket list and it stressed me out how much I didn’t accomplish haha. So no bucket list for me (at least not in as many words :P ), but I’d love to make it to the beach more than once, since I can, you know, walk there.
Paddleboard yoga is high on my list too, but it might have to wait until summer ’15. Which is sad because I am terrible at waiting. Also, strawberry pimms cup sounds amazing. This is such a good idea!
I’m looking for all the free stuff with toddlers in the ATL area – because I’m a newbie and can’t wait to try them all. And will you post your reading list to give us ideas!
20k steps? I’m impressed! I’m lucky if I make it to 10k since I’m at a desk job (and usually that’s only because I’ve worked out that day).
So sunscreen – I read your blog religiously and you’ve prob mentioned it in your beauty favs BUT what’s your SPF product of choice for face/body in the summer? I have an arsenal of products but I’m so picky about SPF because I dislike the sticky nasty feeling most of them leave behind. I’m also like see-through pale so SPF is a must unless I want to look like croc Birkin I’m ten years. Help?!
for face – last year i used the coola brand and really liked it. i’m probably going to use that again, but i also bought a shiseido sample at sephora that i’m liking too! for regular moisturizer i used to use the josie maran daily face cream and adored it, but they changed the formula and i hate it now.
for body, last year i also used coola and loved it – i’ll probably use that again and i also bought some sun bum sunscreen at ulta!
I feel you on the Josie Maran change up! Thanks for the feedback, I appreciate it!! : )
1. I want to eat more meals outside this Summer and enjoy these meals with friends & family.
2. I would like to explore more happy hour spots around our beach area on the weekends.
3. I would love to take my kids to the beach more.
4. And lastly, I want A LOT of ice cream sandwiches on homemade chocolate chip cookies (or any type of cookie) and maybe some brownies and/or waffles.
Love your trashy nail art quest! i hope you check off everything on your list this Summer.
great list!!
http://www.lesley-kim.com
GET THEE TO A DRIVE-IN STAT!!!! seriously, you won’t be disappointed.
I’ve never been a drive-in either! The last few summers my husband has promised to take me but it never worked out that there was a weekend we could go when there were actually movies playing that we wanted to see. That’s definitely going on my summer bucket list again this year!
I’m from Madison, WI and we have a ton of craft breweries around here that I’ve never been to. I’d like to visit at least one new one this summer, ideally with a nice big patio to enjoy a pint or two on. I also want to visit some state parks which I haven’t done since I was a kid.
I have also never been to a drive-in. I’ve got a little mini pick up truck so I’ve got a perfect seat if/when I do go to one.
I want to host a barbecue at my husband’s gym. I’m thinking like weekly/twice monthly kinda deal. Big group workout followed by steak? Sounds awesome.
I want to go to the aquarium that just opened 20 miles north of me and also to the aquarium in Seaside Oregon when I go in a couple of weeks.
I want to spend a weekend in park city and rent some bikes and go exploring.
I want to sit on the beach and watch the sunset over the ocean, because that’s my favorite.
I want to ace my classes that I’m taking this summer.
My summer list is too long to share! Thanks for the fruit pizza reminder, now I want to make one! Stat! Time to go dig out my mom’s recipe for the cookie base. I love adding blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, kiwi, and mandarin oranges on top. So refreshing!
Oh, and thanks a lot for the gf chocolate chip cookie addiction I now have from Trader Joes. I can’t even tell you how easy it is to plow through a bag….alone. ;)
aren’t they ridiculously good?! GAH
It’s winter here in Australia & I usually do a winter bucket list to help feel a bit more positive about the oncoming cold/ dark (although it doesn’t really get THAT cold here in Australia). It usually has things like “drink hot chocolate with Baileys in it” & “go ice-skating at the local rink” that I can’t do now that I’m pregnant so I’ll have to think of some new ones… Probably around eating, like “eat hearty/ cheesy pasta dish”… haha
I want to increase the amount of yoga I do, and try to find a class near where I live. I would also like to finish the summer with a beginner’s meditation retreat in Nepal that I really want to do/am terrified to do. But since I’m already on this side of world, I feel like I kinda have to!
I paddle boarded for the first time recently! I love it, granted I did encounter two manatees, but still I want to do more this summer! I want to do SUP yoga too, but it’s expensive near me!
I started some herbs inside, I can’t wait till I can chop ’em and sprinkle them in everything!
I’ve also been craving fruit pizza, cannot wait for all the fresh produce!
I’ve never been to a Drive-in either…I don’t even know if there is one near me?
Weekend trips, YES. I totally want to road trip it this summer, but where to?!
Nantucket has been on my list for years! I love Cape Cod dearly, and I went to Martha’s Vineyard years ago! It just sounds so quaint and delightful!
Basically I want to do all the things on this list!!
I completely failed with my summer bucket list last year, hopefully I’ll do better this year!
I do this too! I think with the weather and everything people just want to have new experiences in summertime. I actually like making a Pinterest board for my summer bucket list, because then I just scour through things i’ve pinned throughout the year and haven’t gotten to do yet and repin them onto the bucket list board, and then I have the link and everything right there.
Vacation in Portland! (Oregon, not Maine). Pacific Northwest in the Summa time is the very best.
I love this idea! One of the things that will go on my list is to learn how to make watermelon gazpacho. I’ve been wanting to try it for years.
What a fun idea…I’m sure you won’t mind if I borrow it. We are actually doing a major bucket list thing for our family…twice!…this summer. And that would be taking an all family vacation. Like not just to our respective hometowns. Our poor kids have been deprived of the family vacation so we are trying to fix that.
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Try paddleboard yoga in Seattle, Washington! http://wasupyoga.com/
It is fantastic!
I love the bucket list idea!! I’m going to totally put weekly homemade pizza night on my list and start with your carmelized pear, prosciutto and blue cheese recipe! Put “The Rosie Project” on your book list – it’s a fun summer read. I’d love to hear what else is on your book list???
OMG I LOOOOOOVE this idea! Totally gonna do this myself and I know what you mean about the plants, I suck at that!! Brown thumb all the way!
This is such a great idea. I need the recipe for that drink from the picture. It looks DE-lish!!
i love this. i sorta do it informally every year but you’ve inspired me to write it down this year ! cuz what’s better than a list of things i will most likely not accomplish all of. LOL. oh well dream big right !!!
What was in my head so far was go to an outdoor concert, make sure i go to july 4th fireworks (missed last year cuz of 1 rainout and didnt go to the other – so mad), go to a baseball game, go to the art museum and the botanical gardens, do a happy hour or 2 outside, paint my 2 bedrooms, CLEAN and ORGANIZE (this must happen i have way to much sh*t right now in my house), going to a new beach (house booked in Kure beach for august !), participate in the local marathon on the relay team. And enjoy some homemade ice cream !!! mmmmmmmmmmmmm
How in the world did you survive going that long without blow drying your hair?! which is gorg by the way, this made my mouth drop and i’ve always wanted the will power to pull it off…….tips please?! : ) Thank you!!
so it’s pretty easy for me because my hair is long and doesn’t have a “style” – for the most part i was washing at night and letting it air dry. if i wanted to style it the next day (if needed i’d still use a curling wand/heat tools, but rarely), i’d use dry shampoo if needed (love!) and go from there. if i washed during the day, i’d allow it to air dry but use a beachy-wave spray or something to help the curls/wave. otherwise, i wear it up in the summer a lot too because it’s so long and hot!
Once again, you’re very inspiring with little things like this. I’m SO on the no hair drying train : ) Thank you Jessica!!!
So… I’m not sure if you’ll read this because it’s old and I don’t know how your notifications work, but if you do: What kind of dry shampoo do you use? I have the crazy thick curly half-Korean hair that only gets washed once or twice a week, and by day three everything in va-va-voom but my bangs. Which are sad. And limp. And starting to do weird curly things in spots where they shouldn’t.
So what brand is your favorite and go-to?! Thank you!!
my favorite brand is batiste – some people hate it because it can leave a white cast on your hair, but i spray it on and then rub rub rub my hands all through my scalp and hair to rub it in. white cast goes away!
I love this list! Such a great idea, maybe I’ll make up a bucket list of my own.
Thanks for sharing!! xx
Please visit my blog as well: lulusandtiffanyblues.wordpress.com
I saw this..and couldn’t help it…
http://www.saveur.com/article/travels/nantucket-travel-guide
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My summer bucket list:
1. Create a blog and stick with it
2. Get fit. No, really really fit.
3. Stick to a budget
4. Have a garage sale
5. Clean out my closet and take the clothes to sell them at Buffalo Exchange
6. Drink a lot of tea
7. Join a bowling league
8. Go to Vegas
9. Grow some office plants
10. Get a glowing tan, the healthy way
I’ve gone 28 years without blow drying my hair. LOL
I think I’m going to take my daughter on the pirate ship this summer. It’s going to be tacky and touristy and wonderful.
I saw Kristen’s bucket list before too and started one at work one day.
1. Go to Hot Doug’s in Chicago before they close in October.
2. Take the kids to the drive in (go! I have great memories there- and take nachos)
3. Day trips through Indiana
4. Cheer for my kids during volleyball and golf clap for my son.
5. Enjoy each day before my sweet little boy starts high school. Waahh!
no pirates baseball game!?!?! you’ve got to get that on your list :)
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In this entire list what jumped out at me was that you have never been to a Drive In? How? Why? What?
Well, you can not cross it off your bucket list unless you follow some rules. First, you have to sneak in AT LEAST two friends in the trunk of your car and 2nd, even if there are friends in the back seat, if you are with your hubs, you have to make out. Period.
Do it!
I’m officially taking your entire list on board and making it my own. I love all the suggestions. And, a cheese plate is always fine for dinner…or breakfast….or lunch. :)
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For your travel bucket list: come to Minneapolis if you haven’t been here yet! Here is one way to spend a weekend: http://mplsgossipgirl.com/2013/07/09/reuters-48-hours-in-the-twin-cities-what-you-really-should-do/
No, I’m not this blogger but I have lots of other ideas for you too. We have great food, fun breweries for your hubby, a sweet Twins stadium, great parks, lots o’ theater & music, and I can get your VIP Sea Salt Eatery (seafood restaurant) treatment. Send me an email if I can be of any help to you. Happy Summer-ing! And congrats on the baby news!
I absolutely love this idea!! I don’t know how I missed this before, otherwise I’d have started one…I suppose there’s always a fall bucket list, and winter, and then spring to get me through til summer, right? :)
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