Summer always feels like a fresh start — longer days, softer evenings, and the kind of energy that makes me want to do everything and nothing at the same time. This year, I want to be intentional with how I spend my summer. I don’t want it to just pass me by while I scroll through my phone indoors. So I made a list of things I want to do this summer — little goals, cozy habits, and fun memories in the making.
Things I want to do this summer
🌸 Read a lot
There are so many books I still want to read. I’ll probably reach for cute romance novels (because is there a better genre for summer?), but I’d love to explore other genres too — maybe a mystery or something with a touch of magic. My goal is to always have a book in my bag, ready for any sunny afternoon.
🚶♀️ Walk more
Summer usually means sunny, warm days — the perfect weather for a walk. Whether it’s a quick stroll through the neighborhood, a walk in the forest, or even just a trip to the supermarket while listening to music or a podcast, I want to be outside more. Speaking of which…
🎧 Find a podcast I actually like
I’ve never really been into podcasts, but I think it could be fun to find one that inspires or entertains me while I walk. Maybe something self-improvement related, or just cozy chats between friends. I’ll need to do some research to find a few good ones.
🎶 Learn to play the ukulele
Yes, I own a ukulele. No, I haven’t learned to play it yet. But this summer, I want to change that. Even just learning one or two easy songs would make me so happy. I know I can find time once or twice a week to practice. Honestly, I’ve been wanting to learn since 2020 — or maybe even earlier — so now it’s finally time.
🛍️ Visit (new) flea markets and thrift stores
I love thrifting year-round, but summer is perfect for outdoor flea markets. There’s a big one not too far from me that happens once or twice a month during summer, and I want to go as often as I can. I’m on the hunt for CDs — especially Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. Fingers crossed I’ll find them!
🕯️ Fix my sleeping schedule
If you know me even a little, you’ll know I’ve been struggling with my sleep schedule. But if I don’t stick to it, I have trouble falling asleep and getting proper rest. When I do follow it, I have so much more energy and motivation, and I feel better overall — so this is a big priority.
🧘 Meditate more often
I’ve noticed I always feel better when I take a few minutes to slow down and breathe. This summer, I want to build a small, calming routine — maybe morning stretches, a 5-minute meditation, or journaling outside. I’m a chronic overthinker, so I’m really trying to calm my mind and enjoy the present moment more.
🎉 Organize themed nights or mini parties
I love anything themed — movie nights, pink parties, cozy dinners with a dress code. I want to plan a few fun nights like that, even if it’s just for myself. I have to work all summer and don’t have any time off, so I’m trying to make my ordinary days feel a little more special.
🇫🇷 Improve my French
I’ve been wanting to pick up French again — even if it’s just a few words a day. I might try Duolingo or find cute French YouTube channels or songs to learn from. It shouldn’t be too hard since I took French for five years in high school. I just need to make a little time each day or week to get back into it.
🍓 Try new food/recipes
There’s still so much I haven’t tried at the supermarket, and I always see delicious-looking recipes on Pinterest or TikTok. Summer is the perfect time to experiment in the kitchen — pasta salads, iced lattes, fresh desserts. Even brands are coming out with new chips and chocolate flavors I want to try.
📷 Document the little moments
I want to take more photos and videos, even of the small things. I don’t want to rush through summer — I want to remember it. I even started a Pinterest board with my own photos so I can share my favorite, prettiest ones online.
🌻 Make a summer playlist
Songs that feel like warm air and open windows — I want to create the soundtrack to this season. I love listening to music while I work, but I never put effort into curating playlists. Everything just ends up in one big mix. This summer, I want to make playlists that match my different moods.
📅 Have a slow day every week
At least one day a week with no to-do list and no pressure — just rest, recharge, and enjoy. I’m thinking of waking up slowly with a cup of tea and a great breakfast, maybe going for a walk, reading a lot, or playing a cozy game (I love The Sims 4 and Animal Crossing). Just a day to recharge my body and soul.
🪄 Romanticize my life.
This summer I want to treat everyday moments like they’re part of a movie. I want to romanticize the little things: reading in bed with the window open, putting on lip gloss before going to the store, making breakfast on cute plates, and listening to French café music while cleaning my room. Life feels softer when you slow down and let it be beautiful.
🎀 Do themed weeks just for fun.
I’m planning to do cozy “themed weeks” where everything follows a vibe. A Pink Week with pink outfits, pink drinks, strawberry snacks, and pink movies like “Legally Blonde.” Or maybe a Paris Week — striped shirts, croissants, French music, and watching “Midnight in Paris.” I might even do a London Week with tea, cozy bookstores, rainy day outfits, and romantic comedies set in the UK. It’s silly, but it makes life feel more magical and playful.
Summer doesn’t have to be packed with big adventures — sometimes the magic is in the smallest things. I’ll check back in later to see how I did with this list. What’s on your summer list? 💛