As I’ve gotten older, I approach my summers with a different mindset. Instead of attempting to squeeze in every possible activity, I’ve started embracing the slow summer. I consider this my time to relax, recharge, and spend some unrushed time with my kids before the hustle and bustle of the school year recommences in the fall. I do, however, like to set the tone for the summer by making a list of sorts to guide our plans Setting an intention and making this list helps me remember that the real purpose of summer is to slow down and savor it. I’m calling this my lazy girl summer bucket list (and lazy is a good thing!)
The Lazy Girl Summer Bucket List
Less Planning & More Impromptu Get-Togethers
This goes against my natural tendencies (I’m very much a make plans in advance kind of girl) but this summer I want to embrace the impromptu get-togethers. Inviting the neighbors over for a last minute barbecue, meeting a friend for a drink (or a mocktail) on a random Tuesday, taking the kids for ice cream just because. These are things that make summer so fun.
Eat More Seasonal Produce
This is the time to eat your fruits and vegetables. My plan is to hit up the local farmer’s market as many times as possible this summer and enjoy that peak summer produce at it’s best. Fresh summer greens, berries with whipped cream, simple pasta with fresh tomatoes, caprese salads with basil, yum!
Spend More Time With Family
After moving to Chicago, we’ll be a little bit closer to family, and we already have two family visits on the calendar. I’m so excited! I have missed our Sunday family dinners and holiday get-togethers so hopefully this is the beginning of lots more family time.
Go To A Baseball Game
We’re going to be Chicagoans so, of course, we need to go to a Cubs game this summer. Baseball is a quintessential summertime activity, and I like to go to at least one game every year.
More Pool Hangs
I think we’ve reached a point in our parenting journey where hanging at the pool can be (somewhat) relaxing. New parenting level unlocked! Our kids are still young so we still need to keep watch, but we don’t necessarily have to be right next to them at all times. This year, I want to get a summer pool pass so we can hit up the pool a few times a week (with lot of pool snacks in tow!)
Eat More Ice Cream
I don’t think this one is going to be difficult to check off the list. It’s not summer without several trips to the local ice cream shop for a scoop. We are also considering purchasing an ice cream maker to try making our own at home. We’ll see!
Be A Tourist In Our Own City
Summer is when Chicago really shines, and I’m so excited to explore all the neighborhoods, maybe go to a street festival or two. We actually don’t have any summer travel plans as a family, and we’ll be using this summer to learn and discover places in our new city.
Eat Outside More
Dinners outside (or on the screened in porch) are what summer is all about. Lingering at the table long after the meal has finished while the kids chase fireflies in the backyard is my ideal summer evening.
I hope this post gave you some good ideas for embracing a slow summer! The point of this post and how I personally want to spend my summer is with intention to slow down, have fun, and don’t take anything too seriously. Cheers to a carefree and relaxing summer!
