A Summer Bucket List + Summer Reading Challenge

Happy Summer to you all! It's finally that season of the year that is filled with nostalgia, and warmth. Summer brings back memories of spending long days outside and coming in when the mosquitoes begin to bite.  Summer reminds me of ice cream trucks driving through the neighborhood, their jingles floating across the breeze.

Summer to me is camping, and Italian ice, beach picnics, and thunderstorms. Summer is reading books and books and more books, and then swimming when you aren't reading. Summer is lemonade and iced tea - the list goes on and on.

Though for most of us summer is filled with memories and nostalgia, I think it's very important to make new memories. Of course, many of us will be taking summer vacations and trips, but there are memories to be made in the quiet days at home as well. 

That is why I'm excited to share this summer themed bucket list with you!
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Let's get started!

{photo by Eugene on Unsplash}

1. Have a Beach Day
Yes, some of us do this every year, but even if you don't live in a coastal place you can still have a beach day! To me a beach day is anytime you spend a whole day out by the water, picnicking, building sandcastles, swimming and reading. This can be accomplished by the ocean, or next to a pool or lake. 

2. Make Root Beer Floats
There is something so nostalgic and American about having a root beer float. It's a simple treat, just root beer and vanilla ice cream, but whenever I have one I'm transported back to a soda counter or a hot dog stand sometime in the 50's.

3. Watch the Stars
Summer nights are perfect for stargazing. The skies are often clear and the air isn't too cold or too hot. It's absolutely wonderful to sit on the deck, or lay on a blanket and watch the stars. It's also a lot of fun to see if you can spot constellations or shooting stars. I have always loved stars, they remind me of the vastness of God's creation and yet despite that vastness, his love and care for everything he created.

4. Make Popsicles
When I was younger we used to have a popsicle mold. I always loved making popsicles out of favorite juices or smoothies. I haven't made popsicles in years, but I would love to do it this summer. Here are a few popsicle recpies I have found from across the internet that look delicious. Fruit Popsicles, Honey Lemonade Popsicles, and Yogurt Funfetti Popsicles.

5. Wake up at the Crack of Dawn to Bake
Summer mornings appeal to me so much, and I love the idea of rising early to make a special baked breakfast. Especially with in season fruit like strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and peaches.

6. Go on a Carousel (Merry-Go-Round)
Nothing screams childhood and nostalgia more than a Carousel does. I have many happy memories of riding those majestic painted horses every summer when I was younger. It may have been a while since you have been on one, but I would highly recommend adding it to your summer bucket list!

{photo by Shannon Baldwin on Unsplash}

7. Go on an Imaginary Vacation
Sometimes it just isn't doable to have a big summer vacation, especially to a foreign country. I have had this idea for a few years, and I think this year is the year to finally carry it out. What do I mean by imaginary vacation? Well, pick a country you dream of visiting, then plan a day themed around that country. Eat only food from that country, listen to music from that country, dress like you live in or are visiting that country, watch movies, read books, do jigsaw puzzles all set in that country. Visit a local garden, museum or store that in some way reminds you of that country. To make it extra fun, why don't you make a little passport to record all of your imaginary vacations?

8. Read with your Toes in The Water
Spend a warm afternoon dipping your toes in the pool, sipping your favorite iced drink, and dissappearing into a book. Summer was made for quiet moments like this.

9. Sing Songs Around a Campfire
Growing up, camping played a big role in my summers. I think it's un-debatable that the best part of camping is having a campfire, sitting around it, telling stories, roasting marshmallows and singing songs until the embers die out.

10. Spend Some Time Learning Something New
Just because there isn't school in summer doesn't mean we shouldn't continue learning. Summer is the perfect time to learn a new hobby (how about embroidery, sewing, knot tying, diving. grilling, or bookbinding just to get you started.) It's also perfect to learn about a new topic (maybe try the sinking of the R.M.S. Titanic, foraging, a certain historical figure, how to use AI, or any number of things.)

11. Participate in Summer Reading
Many libraries offer great summer reading programs, but if you aren't involved in your library, or want something a little different, I'm here to present to you my Ultimate Summer Reading Challenge. 
The rules are very simple. all you have to do is read one book that fits into each of the following categories. Don't worry, you don't have to feel obligated to do them all, these are essentially, reading prompts.

Something Summery

Something that's impressive to tell people about

The first book in a series that is new to you

A Picture Book

A Young Adult Book

An Award Winning Book

A Non-Fiction Book on a New Topic

A Classic

The idea behind all of these categories is to help you discover some new books and step out of your reading comfort zone just a little bit.  Throughout the summer I'll be sharing some reading ideas both here on the blog and on my email list  - so be sure to subscribe to that if you would like to get those book suggestions!

Happy Summer!!

Belle Thomas

​Belle is the writer behind An Old Fashioned Girl. She is passionate about Jesus, good books, and living a beautiful life