Every year I tell myself I want to make the most of summer, but then August shows up out of nowhere and I realize I spent most of June sitting inside rewatching the same comfort shows (no shame, honestly). So this year, I’m making a summer bucket list—not to pressure myself into having a “perfect” summer, but to intentionally fill the season with things that make me happy.
From books I want to read to recipes I want to try and little adventures I want to take, here’s everything currently on my summer radar.
📚 Books I Want to Read This Summer
Summer reading season is elite. Whether you’re a beach reader, a patio reader, or someone who carries a book around hoping to read for five minutes somewhere cute, this is the time to lean into it.
A few books currently on my TBR:
- A fun romance for poolside reading: The Daisy Chain Flower Shop by Laurie Gilmore
- A thriller that keeps me up way too late: It Could Have Been Her by Lisa Jewell
- One chunky fantasy I’ll pretend I can finish in a weekend: Prince of Swords by Elisa Kova
- A nonfiction book that makes me feel productive: To be determined. Got any recommendations?
- At least one backlist title that’s been sitting on my shelf for years
I’m also determined to create the ultimate cozy reading setup this summer. Think:
- A lightweight reading blanket:
- Cute bookmarks
- An iced coffee tumbler
- A Kindle page turner (life changing, honestly)
- A beach bag dedicated entirely to books
🍓 Recipes & Summer Treats I Want to Make
I’m not claiming this will be my “homemade everything” era…but I would like to become the type of person who casually brings a pretty pasta salad to a picnic.
Things I want to try making this summer:
- Strawberry overnight oats
- Homemade lemonade
- Pasta salad recipes
- Fun mocktails
- Charcuterie boards for girls’ nights
- Ice cream sandwiches
- Fresh salsa with chips on the patio
I also really want to put together a little outdoor hosting setup this year. String lights, cute serving trays, maybe a tiny portable speaker for playlists? That’s the dream.
🌿 Local Adventures & Summer Outings
Not every summer memory has to involve a plane ticket. Some of the best days are the simple ones.
A few things on my local summer bucket list:
- Farmers markets
- Outdoor reading dates
- Visiting indie bookstores
- Coffee shop hopping
- Picnics at the park
- Sunset walks
- Outdoor concerts
- A spontaneous road trip
- Trying a new ice cream shop every month
- Attending more local events and book clubs
I’m also challenging myself to say “yes” to more plans this summer—even the last-minute ones.
✨ Personal Goals for the Summer
Not every goal has to be life-changing. Some can simply make life feel a little softer.
This summer I want to:
- Spend less time doomscrolling
- Read more before bed
- Take more photos of everyday moments
- Wake up earlier (we’ll see)
- Move my body in ways that actually feel good
- Spend more time outside
- Create more memories with people I love
- Romanticize ordinary days
I think summer is the perfect reminder that happiness often lives in tiny moments: cold drinks, warm evenings, good books, and conversations that last longer than expected.
☀️ What’s On Your Summer Bucket List?
Are you planning trips? Reading a ton? Learning something new? Spending your weekends at the lake? I’d genuinely love to know what’s on your summer wishlist this year.
Share your summer bucket list ideas in the comments so we can inspire each other to make this season feel a little more magical. ✨
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