It feels a bit weird to be writing this in mid-July. Seems like summer is half over. Well, other than the fact I live in Arizona so it:s about to be summer until around…October. That leaves plenty of time to do these few things. I always feel strange making “bucket lists.” Mainly because I quite literally forget about them after a few weeks. Sure, I could write them down, actually do them, and check it off, but where is the fun in that?

Bucket lists are at their very core lists of things you want to do before you “kick the bucket.” The most common bucket list items, per my Google search, are seeing the Northern Lights (cool), going to the Super Bowl, changing someone’s life for the better, ride in a hot air balloon (why?), and other things of that nature. Things you want to see, do and accomplish within your lifetime. So I bet you can guess where a summer bucket list is going? I’ve seen a bunch of different people talking about all the amazing, fun, and stellar things they want to do this summer and I thought why not get in on the action?

Travel Somewhere New

I feel like this is on every summer bucket list, but given the last year where we couldn’t really go anywhere..I’d say anywhere sounds pretty good right now. Bless being vaccinated and the many places begging for us to visit. Airline travel is cheaper than it has been and there are so many destinations calling my name. Whether it’s close to home or far away, I really want to check out places I’ve never been to. Maybe Solvang? Maybe Europe? Maybe I’ll just spin a globe and see where life takes me.

Master a Summer Cocktail

It goes without saying, I’m not that great at making cocktails. I can’t honestly think of a party or situation where I’ve ever actually been put in charge of them before. Look, mixing up some tequila and Sunny D in the back of a car in my early 20s before going into a nightclub to avoid overpriced drinks doesn’t count, but that’s about as far as my skills go. But so far there hasn’t been a shortage of cocktails I really want to try splashed across Instagram, Pinterest, and my favorite blogs. I’m thinking a spicy margarita with a chili salt rim sounds pretty solid for summer 2021…

Be Confident In a Swimsuit

“But Nicole, there are swimsuit photos of you on your Instagram…” While this is true, it has taken me a while to get here and every time I post one it takes everything in me not to delete it. Granted they really aren’t my full body, to begin with. I, like many others, would just like to feel as confident as possible. I hate feeling like everyone is looking at the tiny rolls, imperfections, and stretch marks. But the reality is they probably are more consumed with having a good time or are too consumed worrying about their own insecurities to notice mine. Sometimes it’s easier said than done, but fake it till you make it, right?

Make Pasta By Hand

I truly can’t remember the last time I made my great-grandma’s pasta dough. My sister and I, for years, would spend hours and hours cranking the pasta maker and shaping little Pope hat noodles. Of course, our family pasta maker is long gone, but the recipe remains so I would love to give it a go again. Buying pasta is much easier, but making pasta can be romantic, fun, and honestly, it doesn’t take much to make it.

Treat Myself to Something Just for Me

I sure don’t need an excuse to buy myself something nice, but I would love to treat myself to something or an experience without the added guilt. Last year was a crazy year and this year kicked into overdrive pretty quickly. It’s still all too easy to get overwhelmed and anxious. Self-care is critical so whether it’s a new dress, a day away from tech, or a manicure, I deserve something pretty nice all for me.