Ahhh, sweet summer…my favorite season!
I decided to create a summer bucket list. Not just a list filled with fun activities, although I do have some of those, but one that would benefit my overall wellbeing. I already live an active and healthy lifestyle, but I’ve inadvertently let some things slip, so, I’m hitting the restart button in a few areas, and I’m throwing in a couple of other items for my own good.
Here are the 10 things that make up my healthy, summer bucket list. Want to join me?
1. Purge and organize my pantry.
I know this isn’t a fun summer activity, but I have to do it for my physical wellbeing. You’ll see why, specifically, in my third list item.
At the same time, I’m going to organize it better. I found this short video from Brittany Vasseur with some helpful organizing tips, and I just bought these stackable storage containers and this lazy suzan to hold oils, vinegars, and tall bottles. I’m tackling my first list item this weekend!
2. Get outside more.
This one’s a no brainer. Summer is the time to get in as much patio dining and as many outdoor activities as possible because we all know how fast summer goes by. I need my Vitamin D after a loooong, cold winter and spring.
3. Eat clean.
I have a lot of food sensitivities. Just last week, I had a scare with anaphylaxis and had to go to Urgent Care for an EpiPen injection after my entire face swelled up and my throat started to tingle and tighten.
Since then, I’ve cut out gluten, dairy, processed foods, refined sugar, and all meat except fish. I hope I can keep this up because I feel a difference in just a week.
I’ve already made this Dijon Baked Salmon from Downshiftology twice. Trust me on this one!!! I’ll share more clean eating favorites in a future post.
4. Spend a weekend in the mountains.
We live at the base of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado but haven’t been up there in quite a while, so in July I’m going to recharge my battery by heading up to Beaver Creek, a breathtaking, alpine village just west of Vail. Look for a future travel post on this one!
5. Read five books.
Reading is something I’ve inadvertently let slip over the past six months, so this summer I’m going to start up again by reading five books. That will have me reading at least 30 minutes a day, and if I surpass my goal, hooray!
6. Start cycling again.
Where I live in Colorado is consistently ranked among the top three bike-friendly cities in America. We have over 300 miles of bike lanes and 30+ miles of wide-lane, paved, dedicated bicycle trails. I love cycling, but last summer, I didn’t ride at all. I’m going to pump up my tires and hit the trails this year.
7. Shop at Farmer’s Markets.
This one goes hand in hand with my 2nd and 3rd list items, getting outside more and eating clean. I also think this will make grocery shopping feel like less of a chore to me. Bonus!
I’m linking my outfit items here. The skirt and top are on clearance for $26 and $16.
denim skirt (white here, knee-length here) // top // sandals
similar market tote // similar belt // earrings // sunglasses
8. Cut back on screen time.
I know people who do full-on social media or screen detoxes. A more realistic and attainable goal for me is to cut back on my screen time. I don’t watch much TV as it is, but I do spend a lot of time on my phone.
This might be my toughest list item because I just got Apple’s new iPhone Xs Max, and oh my goodness, I love it!
9. Attend outdoor concerts.
Last summer, I attended one outdoor concert. Just one! It was a good one though…Third Day’s final concert at Red Rocks!
Last weekend I saw Rick Springfield perform at a local festival, and on July 8th, my sister and I will see Mercy Me, also at Red Rocks. In addition, I want to go to free concerts in local parks. Music is good for the soul.
10. Be more intentional with friends.
It’s easy to say “let’s get together soon” and then time passes, we do our daily routines, and before you know it, the next month is here.
I don’t want the summer to be over and all of a sudden realize I didn’t spend much time with friends. I’m already making plans to do some of these activities with my gal pals, although none of them have volunteered to help me clean out my pantry! 😆
What do you think about making a healthy, summer bucket list? Let me know in the comments below, or share your ideas for keeping healthy this summer. And as always, thanks so much for reading.
xx, Lisa
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Well, for sure we will be joining you on the pantry thing. Because we are trying to clean it out before our move…ha ha!!
I love these ideas. We try to take a walk in the summer evenings because it’s a great way to get a little exercise and enjoy the outdoors.
We finally went to see a concert at Red Rocks two summers ago. It had been over 25 years before that. It’s such a great venue!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Moving is always good for purging! Good luck with all you have to do! Red Rocks is a pretty incredible venue, isn’t it?
xo, Lisa
You’ve inspired me! I just purged my pantry, but I’m going to do a few things on your bucket list-cycling, outdoor concerts, more reading. Thanks for the inspiration!
That makes me happy to hear! Thanks for reading and commenting, and have a great summer!
xx, Lisa
You have really inspired me to finish a book! I’m great at starting multiple books but finishing is often another story! I love all of these bucket list goals!
Thanks, Lisa! So glad you were inspired to finish a book. Thanks for reading.
xo, Lisa
Going to start shopping at the neighborhood Saturday Farmer’s Market, and joined Audible last week. My goal is to read (hear) two new books a month. THANK YOU for this wonderful, positive encouragement!
So glad to hear you were inspired, Suzana! I’ll look into Audible, too.
xoxo, Lisa
Hi Lisa
I am writing a similar post for Friday. I love your list! I am big on eating clean- so many great fruits and vegetables as well as grilling. I enjoy the Farmers Markets and also love being outside.
These sound wonderful!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
I look forward to reading yours, Jess! Thanks for reading and commenting.
xx, Lisa
OK, I’ll join you on some things that work for me. I’ll try that Salmon, I do read ALOT, I won’t cycle but I will walk, I’ll cut out dairy, and try my best with sugar. I’ll be thrilled if I can do these. But thanks for reminding me. All good and doable stuff.
Hi Sandra,
Thanks for joining me on some of these! I know sugar is a tough one…I’ve found a few recipes that use dates as the sweetener, and they’re excellent. Best of luck!
xx, Lisa
Hi Lisa:
I love your summer bucket list. These are all things we can all be doing to make for a healthier lifestyle. I hope your health is doing better. I started eating a cleaner diet in January. I struggle sometimes with keeping up with it when things get hectic, but I’m getting there. I can’t wait to hear about the books you are reading!
Hi LeAna, I’m doing so much better…thank you! And I appreciate you reading and commenting. Have a wonderful summer 😉
xx, Lisa
I love the ideas on you list, the pantry is definitely on my list and well as eating healthy. I have always kept myself, my husband and my kids on a healthy diet but as I get older I notice more and more digestive issues so its even more important now. I gave up all red meat almost a year ago, but I do still have chicken and am contemplating giving that up and just sticking with fish..Dairy is always a bit challenging too! Also doing some traveling this summer and my goal is to live in the moment!
Sherri, I did my pantry over the weekend, and it’s SO much better. I think it’s okay to not be too rigid…especially when traveling. Hope you’re going somewhere fun!
xx, Lisa
This is such a great list! I lived in the mountains for 10 years and so I can relate to # 4 on your list! There’s nothing like a mountain retreat to clear the mind & feed the soul! Looking forward to seeing more of your clean recipes. That salmon looks delicious!😋💕💕
Thanks, Susie! Sometimes we just get stuck and need to reset, right? I’m still trying out recipes and am excited to share my faves soon.
Take care, Lisa
I have been inspired listening to your story and have also started to clean up. I’m doing. my pantry next! Maybe today!