Not sure where my motivation has been lately, but I have just not been feelin’ it. However, putting together this summer bucket list got me excited. I am looking forward to spending as much time as possible outside. This bucket list will work as a reminder not to leave opportunities for new experiences for tomorrow or another day. Read on for fun activities to take full advantage of the summer-long days and warm nights.
The Shoegal Summer Bucket List
Update your summer reading list.
Summer is the perfect time of the year to indulge in reading, especially while you are spending your days at the beach. So, it is no better time than now to update your summer reading list. Include of course your favorite beach books but don’t neglect to include books that are good both for the soul and mind. You can add a biography of a historical figure you admire, a self-help book or a book about something you always wanted to learn. The perspective shift will be a welcome breath of fresh air during the sometimes-stifling summer.
Take a social media free vacation.
A lot of people have their go-to getaway spots. A friend’s summer house, a favorite beach town, the family’s house. Others love exploring places they’ve never been. Whatever your preference in regard to your vacation destination, this summer opts to have a social media free vacation. A social media vacation doesn’t mean that you can’t use your phone for taking photos and videos. It simply means that you enjoy the moment without feeling obliged to share it on your social media. You can delete the apps from your phone to avoid falling into an Instagram rabbit hole. Trust me a few days away from social media will be refreshing and the world won’t end!
Master a summer cocktail.
Rosé on the patio is a great thing and is so quintessentially summer but why not opting for a cocktail instead this summer. Pick a summery flavor and make it all your own. You’ll have a new drink you love and a fun party trick at your next cocktail party.
Watch the sunset at the beach.
Treat yourself to a much-needed change of scenery and take a weekend away by the sea with family or friends. A must-do is to watch the sunset with drinks and your friends on the beach. We guarantee smiles all around and memories you will cherish for years to come.
Spend a day being a tourist in your city.
You know the sights you see only when family or friends come to town and you complain a bit because it’s crowded and just so touristy? It’s time for a change of mind and embraces them all! Spend an afternoon doing all of the classic activities in your city. You might find yourself reminiscing over old memories of visits past and making new ones on your own.
Make a summer music playlist.
Take the time out of your busy schedule to make a summer music playlist. You should include all the uplifting songs you love new and old. Upload your summer music playlist in all your devices and listen to it while you commute, work out or work on projects. You can also listen to it during your summer road trips and at the summer party, you will be throwing.
Buy a retro-style bathing suit.
If shopping for a bathing suit is the absolute worst for you, welcome to the club. I often find myself despising the process of trying to find a new bathing suit, feeling most times discouraged. I usually end up buying whatever I don’t hate the most. This summer trying a different approach and style. Instead of opting for a traditional swimsuit style, I am going to buy a retro-style bathing suit. A style that will fit my curvy figure and that I will feel good every time I wear it. Life is too short not to feel good wherever you are wearing something that flatters your body and uplifts your spirits!
Attend an outdoors concert.
Concerts outside are 100% better than concerts indoors. Something about the energy of the crowd changes as it goes from dusk to darkness. I’m making sure to add at least one show to my summer calendar.
Make homemade ice cream.
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream. Ice cream is so quintessentially summer! Why not trying to make homemade ice cream this summer? You can make your favorite flavors at home or try some new artisan ones. There are many recipes that don’t even require an ice cream maker but if you can always invest in one. Personally, I want to try and make lavender ice cream this summer.
Host a seafood BBQ for friends and family.
Easy breezy summer evenings are always more fun with friends, family and barbeque. This summer host a summer barbeque for your loved ones with a twist. Instead of a traditional barbeque, opt for a seafood barbeque. What’s better than fresh seafood on the barbeque, cold white wine and lots of laughter with your loved ones!
Create a fitness routine that you will be looking forward to.
We’re talking about more than just taking your running off the treadmill and into the sunshine. Check out classes that you always wanted to try, like yoga or ballet. Get your heart pumping in a whole new way — and create a fitness routine you will be looking forward to it.
Find the perfect summer sandal.
This summer make it your goal to invest in a quality pair of sandals that will not only take you from morning to night but that will be actually comfortable. Choose a style that can be dressed up or down to be worn to any occasion. These Anthropologie wrap around sandals tick all the boxes.
Watch a movie in the park.
This is one of those things I am always talking about doing and then September rolls around and I haven’t done yet again. Actually, this is a new concept for my city since we have outdoors summer cinemas that I love. However, it’s a fun concept and I’m determined to go to at least one movie in the park with beers, a blanket and of course my friends. It feels so special watching a movie with a good company under the stars!
Wear floral prints.
Nothing says summer like floral prints in bold colors. Take inspiration from Gal Meets Glam and incorporate the fashionable trend in your wardrobe.
Grow a herb garden in your balcony.
Creating your own herb garden is basically the greatest decision you can make. No more wasting the unused herbs you bought at the store. There’s something fulfilling about reaching for fresh herbs off your balcony to use in a summer recipe or cocktail. I have planted basil, rosemary and thyme for cooking, mint for mojitos, and lavender for pastry recipes and beauty projects.
Buy a pair of heart-shaped sunglasses.
Invest in a pair of heart-shaped sunglasses in black for a fun sophisticated look like the stylish Atlantic Pacific.
Try a summer scarf hairstyle.
You want to be stylish yet comfortable during the hot summer months. Why not upgrade your hairstyle with a scarf? Get your hair in a pony tail or topknot and cover the elastic band with your favorite neck scarf. Use colorfull printed scarfs to compliment your outfits. You can also use your scarf as a turban.
Make a DIY face mask.
Our skin needs extra care in the summer and what better way to take care of your skin other than a DIY face mask. Use ingredients from your pantry and fridge to make your face mask at home. Hello Glow has the perfect recipe for a DIY face mask. Make it a ritual and indulge in a homemade face mask every Sunday evening with a glass of wine and a good book.
Travel to the Greek islands.
I might be biased, but if you travel to one destination this summer, it should be the Greek islands. The beaches, the views, the food, the people are what make the Greek islands one of the most beautiful summer destinations.
Fall in love.
Summer is the perfect time of the year to fall in love. We are all more relaxed and flirty mood. If you are single you might fall in love with someone new when you least expect it and if you are in a relationship use this time of the year to fall in love all over again. Above all fall in love with yourself and your life!