My Official Summer Bucket List
📍 Vinoy Hotel, St. Petersburg
Maxi Dress (also) || Similar Sandals || Clutch || Sunglasses || Similar Earrings || Bracelet
Yesterday was the official first day of summer, and my favorite season is finally here! Although the Florida heat has its extreme disadvantages, there’s so much opportunity during this time of year. The days are longer, schedules seem laxer, and a sense of freedom reigns supreme! Especially after a year of such uncertainty, it’s time to take full advantage of the season in ways big and small. Here’s my official summer bucket list to spark some inspiration.
Find Your Anthem for the Season
You can’t expect to have a great summer without the perfect set of tunes on standby. Each year, the ultimate party song seems to pop up during this time of year. While they’re almost always catchy and upbeat, I tend to listen to a more classic playlist. Further cementing my “old soul” status, I’ve been listing to this playlist on repeat. 60’s Beach Party is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser for you, your friends, and your entire family.
Pack a Romantic Picnic
Step one, invest in a picnic basket. Step two, pack your favorite packable foods like tea sandwiches or pasta salad. From there, you need to pick the perfect for a romantic meal al fresco. Since the days can be so warm, consider having a later meal where you can watch the sunset. A bottle of chilled rosé pairs perfectly with this and any other outdoor meal.
Plan a Trip to Anywhere
I know I’m not the only one itching for a fantastic adventure, but do you feel the same? It doesn’t matter if it’s a staycation or a trip on the other side of the world. Penciling in a trip has felt so good after a year of staying put. What do I have in store this summer? On Friday, I’m so happy to jet off to one of my favorite cities for a special celebration! After that, the sky is the limit!
Get On the Water
Being on the water may be the ultimate reprieve from the summer heat. The good news is accomplishable no matter where you are. I’m so fortunate to live next to Gulf Coast beaches. Rivers, lakes, oceans, and even water parks are what summers are made of. Don’t forget to make a full day of it and pack your sunscreen!
Get a Colorful Pedicure
Treat yourself to a spa day! You may want to go the whole nine yards with a facial, a massage, and the works. Sometimes a simple pedicure can go a long way. When it comes to polish color, I am steadfastly either a Ballerina or Gitane girl, both from Chanel. They are both in my comfort zone. Because the summer is a time for bright and cheerful colors, consider picking a polish that stands out! While there are so many to choose from, how fun is this mermaid-esque turquoise from Deborah Lippmann, or shockingly bright fuchsia from Chanel.
Sip on a Huge Spritz
Every year, around this time, the Aperol Spritz becomes the drink of the summer. I have to admit, though, it’s not my favorite. Although my best friend made one so good that I’m having a change of heart. Instead, I like to sip on this refreshing drink. One taste, and I’m instantly transported back to the waterfront cafe in Lake Como. The recipe couldn’t be more effortless and checks so many boxes. Take a look at this recipe from With Two Spoons to try for yourself.
Try a New Watermelon Recipe
Watermelon is a quintessential flavor of summer. No cookout or dinner party is complete without this freshly cut fruit. While I’m perfectly content snacking on watermelon as is, I also like to play around with different recipes using whatever I have leftover. Add a twist to the traditional Caprese salad by swapping the tomatoes with watermelon. It pairs perfectly with the mozzarella cheese and surprisingly doesn’t combat the balsamic glaze. This is the perfect meal to whip up at lunchtime if you want to feel like you’re on vacation.
Send A Postcard
Finally, let your loved ones know you care by sending some quick correspondence. Who doesn’t love receiving mail? While a traditional letter is the perfect example of snail mail, sending postcards can feel special and doubles as a cute keepsake. Are you not going anywhere? Then just send postcards from your town, the kitschier, the better! Bonus points if you find any vintage postcards at your local antique or thrift shops.
How many things do you think you can tackle before summer’s end? I hope to get all eight and then some. Let me know what’s on your own summer bucket list, and I may have to add to my own. Happy summer!
Love from Florida,
Katie
As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.