We’re in full swing summer season now. Do you have a summer bucket list? What have you checked off?
I’m not one to make bucket lists. I keep my to do’s in a journal and in my brain. Every summer though, there are certain things I know I want to do. Like, take a dip in the ocean. Full-head-in-kind of dip. It’s colder than heck but it feels amazing. Picking the berries right off the bush, is also a must-do for me.
It’s easy to let summer’s fleeting season pass us by. It comes and goes so quickly but luckily I have a summer fun recipe you’ll love…guaranteed to make your summer joy happen. This post has been updated from the archives.
10 TOES IN WATER (lake, beach, or swimming pool)
It’s too easy to avoid the water because it can a shock to the system. But let’s not forget our inner child and instead, remember how refreshing a summer swim can be. Put on that bikini and go for it!
1 NIGHT UNDER THE STARS
Yes, check out the moon rising in the east, the first twinkling of the northern star. Find the big and little dipper. Dream and think about how big the universe is under a clear summer sky.
1 SNUGGLE ON A PICNIC blanket with children
Don’t worry about the ants. Grab a large blanket, a basket, a cooler and some deli treats and hit the park, beach, lake or sand. The kids will love it. We used to spend our summers at the spray park on a quilt that my ex’s EX had made. She had left it behind when they split and you know what? It was beautiful and soft. So, I began using it in the backyard for the kids when they were babies. Then we started to take it out to the parks. I didn’t get to thank her for her handy work.
unlimited FROZEN MARGARITAS on a blistering hot afternoon(best served with girlfriends)
Indeed, girlfriends are the best people to enjoy this marvelous summer beverage with. Here’s a recipe.
BEACH FIRES to roast marshmellows and wieners
Get out there now, before the fire ban. There’s nothing like sitting before a crackling outdoor fire. It’s so relaxing. When you come home smelling like camp fire, you know you’ve had a good night.
Homemade, shaped by hand, GRILLED BURGERS
Get your hands dirty. Dig into that ground beef and mix it up. Start shaping the burgers into little discs. You can make them mini or extra large, if you prefer. It’s all up to you.
1 smile from a SHIRTLESS HOTTIE at said beach or lake
There’s always a good deal of ‘eye candy’ at the beach or lake. have you forgotten how wonderful it is to observe from afar, a man with a beautiful beach bod, swimming, surfing or playing volleyball?
1 CEASEFIRE on custody battles
Tell your lawyer you’re on holiday. Or better yet, tell them your case is taking a holiday.
zero INTERFERENCE BY EX with summer plans with children
I know. This one is a hard one to ask but remember it’s all about your reaction. From now until the end of summer you’re a duck. Whatever your ex says and does runs off your back.
1 RUN THROUGH THE SPRINKLER
So simple, yet so refreshing.
1 night in a TENT
Even if it’s in your backyard, it still counts. Camping at home is a thing.
sprinkling of SUNBURN
A little pink from the sun is proof you’re out there making the most of it. Don’t forget the sunscreen though.
1 barefoot ROMP ON A TRAMPOLINE
There’s a scene in the show Divorce. I believe it’s the last episode of season 2 where Frances (Sarah Jessica Parker) has just said goodbye to her kids for the summer. They’re off to Europe with their father and his new girlfriend. She goes into her back yard and gets on the trampoline. She jumps up higher and higher, lifting her spirits along with the bounce. Again, so simple, yet so uplifting (literally).
2 bottles of SUNSCREEN
One for your car and one for your beach bag. Because you don’t want to get too pink.
1 BLOCKBUSTER Movie
Is it Toy Story 4, or Spiderman…or the Secret Life of Pets? I just saw Yesterday. It was so good! Highly recommend.
several trips to the FARMER’S MARKET
Fresh fruits, veggies, pies, breads, crafts, art and all local made. Don’t forget your sun hat and bags.
1 ROAD TRIP with stops for ice cream, lemonade, antique shops, junk food
My favorite road trip is one we take every year to the Okanagan Valley. We tour the wineries, swim in the lake, and generally enjoy the season. Antique shops along the way are my favorite stops. If you have young kids then plan to stop at some lakes and touristy water slides. Driving through the country? Stop to say hello to the horses. Or, if you see a horse show happening, stop in and watch the action.
Playlist OF SUMMER SONGS
I like to include anything by the Beach Boys’ Endless Summer album. Of course the options are truly endless (pardon the pun) when it comes to summer music, do share in the comments your favorite summer song.
Add or subtract ingredients according to personal taste. MIX TOGETHER AND ENJOY.
First image source Tamara Bellis
All other images my own.
What’s in your summer recipe this year?
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Jane Thrive
August 28, 2019 at 4:38 pmLisa,
I love love love your summer list!! <3 <3 your ideas are WONDERFUL, tips are sound, and love that you got to go on a beautiful road trip, too! Here's to our toes in the sand and stargazing and smiles from a shirtless hottie, and the warmth of friendship and belief in hope and love in the world. <3 <3 <3 <3
lisa
August 31, 2019 at 9:20 am😀 Yes, that’s the summer spirit! Hope yours was perfect, Jane. It’s all over but the crying now haha.
lisa
September 5, 2019 at 10:16 amThank you, Jane! Glad you enjoyed this and there’s still time to do a few of these. You had an action packed summer already though. Loved reading about your trip to Washington and New York!
Mayra Gupta
August 16, 2019 at 3:25 amGet a few heirloom tomatoes, one red, one yellow and one green. Core them, slice them and then quarter the slices.
Halve a cucumber lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Slice it and put the slices into a bowl with the tomatoes.
Julienne some red onion and add it to the bowl as well. Thinly slice a big clove of garlic and, you guessed it, into the bowl.
Sprinkle some salt and sugar over the vegetables. Follow that with a generous grind of black pepper. Sprinkle on some of your favorite vinegar and add a splash of good olive oil.
Tear up some basil leaves and toss them in too.
Stir up the salad and enjoy outdoors on a cool summer’s eve.
lisa
August 16, 2019 at 7:43 amThis sounds delicious for a summer dish. thanks, Mayra.
Christine Carter
August 10, 2019 at 6:50 amI LOVE THIS!! When I first read the title, I thought it might be a good beverage recipe I could use! Lisa, this is both creative and brilliant! You’ve inspired me in these last days of summer before school starts! Also? When the kids go back to school, there’s still time to do some of these wonderful ideas WITHOUT THEM. Thank you for reminding me of some of the sweetest things about summer, my friend.
lisa
August 10, 2019 at 4:36 pmThank you, Chris! yes, there’s still lots of time left to do some summer stuff. You’ve a good idea to enjoy that summer weather when the kids are back in school. Enjoy a little time to yourself, at the beach or lake. Hope it’s been a good one for you so far 🙂 xx
Chrys Fey
July 29, 2019 at 7:55 amI used to love having picnics in the backyard with my nephews when they were little. They are older now and probably wouldn’t want to have a picnic with their auntie. *sniff*
I also used to play in the sprinklers with them. Jeez…I miss them being little!
lisa
July 29, 2019 at 11:06 amAwww, yeah, it’s kind of a drag when they hit the pre-teens…wah!
Jeri
July 22, 2019 at 9:19 pmI agree! Camping at home can indeed be a thing 🙂
lisa
July 23, 2019 at 7:36 pmYes, totally true. 🙂
Marcia @ Menopausal Mother
July 19, 2019 at 9:08 pmI love how you did this—super fun. Now I’m going to go out and make this “recipe”, LOL
lisa
July 20, 2019 at 5:59 pmThanks, Marcia! Hope it turns out perfect 😀
Balroop Singh
July 18, 2019 at 4:31 pmPerfect recipe Lisa and a romantic one too! Summers are fun here and since the water is so cold, it is refreshing, even if you walk into the waves. 🙂
Have a wonderful Summer dear. Love and hugs.
lisa
July 19, 2019 at 9:47 amThank you, Balroop. You too and enjoy that refreshing dip in the waves!
Tamara Bowman
July 18, 2019 at 11:03 amGosh I love summer. My recipe calls for dipping my feet in two oceans, the smell of sunscreen on kids, toasted marshmallows, Cape Cod sunshine, and the sound of sandals on wooden planks.
lisa
July 19, 2019 at 9:46 amLove your descriptive summer list, Tamara! Especially the sound of sandals on wooden planks. 2 oceans? LUCKY you!!
Marie Kléber
July 18, 2019 at 2:49 amThis, I love Lisa!
Thanks for sharing…
You’re right it goes so fast. We ought to make the most of it.
Friends, beach, ice creams, picnic, a bit of sun, horse riding and day-trips. Just being together and enjoying some rest and peace.
Have a lovely one Lisa.
lisa
July 19, 2019 at 9:45 amThanks, Marie! Horse riding sounds fun! Love you summer list, Marie.
DGKaye
July 17, 2019 at 5:19 pmLove your list Lis, and I’m with you on much of it – especially the Margaritas LOL. And lol to that episode of Divorce. I watch that show too. 🙂 x
lisa
July 19, 2019 at 9:44 amYes to the margaritas. I only have them in summer time or if I’m visiting somewhere hot. What do you think of the new season of Divorce, so far?
Shali
July 17, 2019 at 11:38 ama nice pick-me-up, reboot summer read Lisa. Thanks.
lisa
July 19, 2019 at 9:43 amThanks, Shali! So nice to hear from you. How is Island life treating you? <3