Dear readers,
Happy summer break! We hope you’ve taken the time to rest up, relax, and finish all the unpacking you might have been putting off. Summer is the perfect time to breathe, connect, and reflect, and what better way to make sure you’re using your break to its full potential than making a bucket list?
Your Blog Editors have been making their lists and wanted to share some things that we want to do before we head back to The 40 Acres. Whether you're studying abroad or just spending time with friends and family at home this summer, here are some fun additions to your bucket list.
The basics:
When the break rolls around, the biggest thing that comes to mind is rest and relaxation, but it’s easy for that to turn into scrolling and bingeing TV every night. Having a good reset can bring you maximum peace and calmness, and self-care is definitely a priority this summer. Maybe you even try something new? Who knows where your summer will take you! Here are some ideas to add to your list.
Hosting a spa night:
Who doesn’t love a good spa night full of face masks, skin care and everything shower? Finding the best products for what your skin loves, having some friends over or even just taking time for yourself will absolutely have you feeling your summer best.
Staying active with yoga or workout class:
Whether you're booking your usual workout class or wanting to try a YouTube workout at home, moving your body in a new way keeps your routine interesting. Try lifting weights or running, but most importantly, stay active doing whatever brings you joy this summer.
Reading and Journaling:
No matter what time of day it is, one of my favorite things to do is to journal! From junk journaling to writing down my thoughts and feelings, this is a great pastime for self reflection. This summer, switch up your location and head outside to your backyard or a park for your me-time. Reading your favorite book or even a genre you don’t usually pick up is a great way to just spend time with yourself and immerse yourself in a different place.
Trying something new:
Out with the old and in with the new, the break is a good way to try something that you might have had the time for with little to no distractions. Whether it's picking up a new skill, going to a different place, or finding your new favorite recipe, there is always something out there waiting to be discovered!
Picking up a new craft:
When it comes to finding something new to do, looking for a craft to do is a fun way to let your creativity flow. Needlepointing, knitting painting, sewing, scrapbooking; the possibilities are endless. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to be perfect and let loose—after all, there is no such thing as perfection in art!
Baking or Cooking:
Nothing feels better than diving into a good home cooked meal, but why not learn how to make different recipes yourself? With so many recipes online, there are really easy ways to learn the basics of cooking and baking. Summer is also a great time to practice using your kitchen if you're transitioning from living in a dorm or chapter house to an apartment next semester.
Finding your hometown “go-to”
If you’re expecting some visits from your sorority sisters and other college friends this summer, your hometown tour should probably include more than your high school. Take some time to explore your own hometown, whether it’s trying out the cafe you and your high school friends never got around to or revisiting the park you learned to do a cartwheel in. After a year away at college, you might find that there’s more magic in your hometown than you remembered.
Being on the move:
If your summer is taking you to many different places around the U.S. or even out of the country, this is the perfect time to check things off your bucket list. With new places come new tons of new opportunities to adventure and make memories! Here are some things you could do while being away to take your summer up a notch.
Explore the local spots in a new city:
New places call for so many new restaurants to choose from, but how do you know which underground spots are worth trying? Having a plan for which places are well-liked and popular with the locals are always a good starting point, but allowing yourself to be spontaneous and decide in the moment might end up leading to your new favorites.
Fill up a disposable camera:
Bringing a physical camera with you on your trip is the best way to capture every memory you make: beach trips, camping, late night drives, and everything in between. Finding a good disposable camera will make your pictures stand out, great for your next Instagram post. Even if you aren’t going out of the country, taking pictures of your hometown adventures will help you fill that camera up, and give you something tangible to hold onto as a keepsake.
Hiking, biking, and exploring:
No matter where your summer takes you, there is so much to take in everywhere! Trade out your car for a bike or some hiking gear to really take advantage of all the sightseeing your vacation spot has to offer.
The editor's personal picks:
Here are some of our picks that are on our personal bucket list!
Shreya: Every summer, I say I’m going to redo my childhood bedroom and clean out my closet, but I swear it will actually happen this year—I have big plans (paper chains, DIY wall art, furniture staining) and an even bigger Pinterest board. I’m also planning to craft up some jewelry, get better at doing my own nails, and make studded jeans these next few months!
Madi: I have been tearing through my TBR list and am always on the hunt for a new outdoor spot to tan and read. I also just got my spring break film back and want to update my scrapbook—definitely leaning into a more restful mindset (but still doing things, I promise). Oh, and kind of random, but I want to learn some new card games for my roomie game nights!
Victoria: I’ve been very into wanting to start some new crafts and get creative! One of my bucket list items is to start junk journaling my summer so I can look back at my fun moments during the school year. Speaking of the upcoming school year, I’m already planning out how I want to decorate my new apartment, so trying to thrift some of my decor is definitely on the list as well.
Wherever your summer takes you, we hope these things give you some inspiration on what your ideal summer looks like. Remember, no matter where you are to always be safe and look out for yourself and others. Have fun and use these next couple of months to soak up the sun!
All my love,
Victoria :)