Our Editors' Ultimate Summer Bucket List
Summer (and summer heat) are in full swing! Our editors are ready to embrace every component this season has to offer and the most straightforward (and aesthetically pleasing) way to do that is, of course, via a summer bucket list.
We begin every summer with the highest of hopes – we vow to watch more sunrises, be more mindful with our bodies, dress up for date nights more often, and finally read that book collecting dust on our bedside table (anyone else?). When we were younger, summer meant carefree living in every sense of the word. It felt as if weeks went by where our only concern was whether we should put aloe on our sunburn or not. Now, as responsible adults with jobs, a boyfriend, or in some cases even a husband and kids to care for, we have to be more intentional about how we’re spending our free time.
That’s why having a checklist detailing the goals and milestones you want to accomplish, and the adventures you want to go on, is the best way to ensure that you’re not letting these precious 13 weeks of summer pass you by without so much as a carefree kiss in the park.
We’re going back to nature this summer and that means embracing our feminine energy in everything that we do. We're fully immersing ourselves in the simple joys of what makes us uniquely female. From soaking in the sunshine to indulging in practices that help us feel more confident in our own skin, we want our summer months to be filled with excitement, romance, and beauty. Grab your favorite sundress, a frothy iced coffee, and prepare to make memories as you check off items on our ultimate summer bucket list!
Get a Tan Au Naturale. Why is it that we instantly feel more confident when we have a natural glow? Not only is vitamin D incredibly beneficial for our physical and mental health, but we somehow appear as if we’ve been hitting the gym twice as often when we have a little extra color too. So kick back in your lounge chair, put on some tunes, and (safely) indulge in the Earth’s natural mood booster.
Plan a Drive-In Movie Date. Forgo the classic picnic date every women’s magazine swears by and plan to snuggle up with your beau at a drive-in movie instead! If you don’t have a showing nearby, set up your own private theater in your backyard, on your roof deck, or even in your living room for a thoughtful and romantic gesture.
Invest in the Perfect LWD. A little white dress may just be the most worn item in your closet this summer, and for good reason. It’s the simplest way to make a statement of sophistication and effortless style for any occasion. Snag one that has a feminine touch like subtle ruffles or bow straps to stand out while remaining timelessly classy.
Get a Luxurious Pedicure. Treat yourself to a relaxing sugar scrub or paraffin wax and wear your open-toe sandals with pride this summer! Be bold and try out a new shade of pink, lavender, or baby blue to match all of the cute pastels in your wardrobe.
Go on a Daily Walk. There’s no better way to perk up your booty, get a natural glow, and boost endorphins! Whether you go on a “hot girl walk,” a “rich mom walk,” or well… just a walk, there’s no question that your body will thank you.
Do a 7-Day Social Media Detox. Unplug from the virtual world and invest your time and energy into appreciating the beauty around you. Soak in some extra time with loved ones, or go inward and reassess your goals and plan for the remainder of the year.
Find a Skincare Routine That You’re Obsessed With. Want to find a skincare regimen that makes you feel ready to tackle the day the moment you roll out of bed? Because, same. Feeling like an absolute goddess when you’re barefaced without the urge to pick or prod at your imperfections is truly the best feeling in the world. Who wants to cake on layers of makeup in 90-degree heat, anyway? Taking care of our skin and embracing our natural beauty is one of the things that undoubtedly makes us feel the most feminine.
Plant an Herb Garden. Let’s get back to our roots (literally). With grocery prices at an all-time high, there has never been a better time to harness the power of our backyard, or roof deck if you’re in the city. Soaking our fingers into rich, luscious soil, allowing the world to go quiet, and getting in touch with nature will reap more than just some aromatic basil.
Go to the Farmers’ Market. Do as the French girls do! Embrace the Parisian lifestyle and spend your Saturday morning perusing your local market. Fully immerse yourself in your surroundings and practice mindfulness as you take in the smells of different cuisines and dream up your next meal.
Try a No-Heat Hairstyle. With effortless beachy waves making the rounds on red carpets and viral TikToks alike, getting out of your comfort zone and trying something new with your gorgeous locks is a great idea this summer. Give your heat tools a rest and embrace salt spray and overnight braids for a mermaid-esq look!
Host an Outdoor Dinner Party. Want an excuse to bring out your cherished wedding china or set a darling tablescape using the paisley placemats you snagged from your local HomeGoods? Channel your inner Martha Stewart and invite your friends and/or family to a gathering in your backyard (or rooftop if you’re a city dweller). If you really want to get fancy and impress your guests, you can even mail out beautiful, summer invitations!
Drink Iced Coffee. Does anyone else feel the need to treat themselves to an iced coffee every time they leave the house? There’s just something about shaking the ice around in your cup and sipping on a refreshing creamy latte while aimlessly scanning every aisle for totally unnecessary purchases at Target.
Go Camping. POV: The sound of birds chirping stirs you from your slumber and there are luscious green trees for as far as your eyes can see. While living entirely off the grid may not be realistic, you can certainly get a taste of the pure bliss of being surrounded by nature when you go camping. Whether you follow up with an adventurous hike or you simply lounge around in a hanging hammock while finishing that romance novel you swore you’d read, this cheap and easy activity is perfect for a summer weekend.
Try a New Ice Cream Flavor. Blackberry basil? Strawberry shortcake? Ice cream parlors are like craft coffee shops these days and boast a wide variety of flavors to choose from. Get crazy and try something new – you never know, it may just become your new favorite!
Read a Romance Novel. Rather than scrolling mindlessly on your TikTok ‘For You’ page, grab a book and get lost in the wholesome, sweet storyline of two lovers finding their way to each other. We promise it’ll warm your heart exponentially more than watching viral videos of women complaining about or poking fun at their spouse.
Go Kayaking. Whether you’re looking to get your sweat on in a fun and creative way, or you want to paddle out to the middle of a pond at sunrise and enjoy your morning coffee in the arms of your beau, kayaking is a summer must!
Wear a Bright Lip Color. Take a chance on something colorful this summer! With that gorgeous glow you have from catching the sun’s rays, any lip shade is guaranteed to look fabulous on you. Go the French-girl route and swipe on a bright red with a quick coat of mascara for an effortlessly chic look day or night.
Go to Europe. “Paris is always a good idea,” as perfectly stated by our eternal style icon, Audrey Hepburn. Have you always wanted to roam the streets of Athens, share a kiss under the twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower, or take a dip in Lake Como? Now is your time, girl. Here’s your sign to plan the summer vacation you’ve always dreamed of.
Cozy Up by a Bonfire. S’mores aren’t just for the little ones! Indulge in this nostalgic and carefree summer tradition with friends or your man. You can even take it up a notch by elevating this classic combo with artisan chocolate from the local Farmers’ Market, specialty graham crackers, and homemade marshmallows.
Try a New Fashion Trend. While we will always remain proponents of timeless style and embracing your personal aesthetic, there’s nothing wrong with peeking at what’s trending and finding small elements to work into our wardrobes in an authentic way. Some of the fashion trends we’re swooning over (like the Coastal Grandmother aesthetic, Country Club chic, and crochet reemergence) combine modern silhouettes with feminine details and we simply can’t wait to wear them ourselves.
Take a Bike Ride. We’re all guilty from time to time of forgetting about life’s little pleasures like taking a leisurely bike ride. If you already own a bike, this activity is free, easy, and will give you an excuse to get out of the house and get some fresh air when you’re at a loss for what to do.
Go to a Tropical Destination. Does waking up near the beach sound heavenly to you? Book a spontaneous flight to Mexico, a remote island, or somewhere in Florida to make the most of your PTO. You’ll get a natural tan and return home feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever life throws your way next!
Wear Lots of Summer Dresses. Need an outfit for a first date? Slip into a midi dress. Searching for the perfect statement to attend your BFF’s vineyard wedding? That floral ruffle dress you’ve had your eye on is calling your name. Want to run errands without worrying about pulling together an entire look? A white sundress is the perfect answer. Summer is your chance to fully embrace your feminine energy and utilize the cutest dresses in your closet!
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