*Outfit details with affiliate links: Dress (Shein) | Mules (Jessica Simpson) | Crossbody Bag (Gigi)
We’re practically half way through summer and it makes me a little sad, but fall is my favorite season so I’m not too bummed about it. I always have a bucket list of what to do in the summer and I like to check in every now and then to make sure that I get those completed since summer always flies by. I like to take advantage of the warm weather and all the outside activities and I hope you guys are too! I encourage you all to think about everything you want to do for the summer that you haven’t already and make it a priority to complete those as we progress into August. I will be sharing my tips on how to make the best of summer and I hope that they will come in handy as you plan for the upcoming weeks.
Explore your city– Especially living in New York City, there’s endless amounts of places to go and things to see. You’ll never run out of places to eat or things to do! Use Instagram or Yelp to find places to go, or websites like TimeOut and Thrillist. If you don’t live in the city, explore your town or the nearest city to you.
Go Outside– Take a hike, go to the beach, have a picnic–summer is the time to do it all. Don’t waste your summer sitting inside watching Netflix when you can be outside enjoying the fresh air and greenery! If you work during the week, you’re probably stuck inside the office all day for nine hours. Spend the time you have to soak up some Vitamin D and enjoy the outdoors. Definitely go out for lunch and have some fresh air because that’s what I used to do when I worked in an office setting.
Learn a new hobby– Because I have a little bit more time in the summer, I try to pick up a new skill or hobby. This summer I’m trying to learn how to read and write more. Use the extra time you have to do something productive because there’s always something new to learn.
Take a Day or Weekend Trip– Taking a trip doesn’t always have to be abroad. If you’re on a tight budget or just don’t have the time to travel abroad, a day trip to somewhere near you is the perfect solution. Going somewhere close to you can help you explore places more around your area and give you the getaway you need. I just came back from Chicago a week ago and it was a great way to unwind and getaway from the city, so try to plan a trip that is convenient and affordable.
Do things you would never do– Sky diving is on my bucket list and I definitely want to add it to my to do list in August. You’re only young once as cliche as that sounds and summer is the time to make those memories! If you’re thinking skydiving is a bit extreme, start small like hosting a BBQ or making your own slip and slide.
Summer is one of my favorite seasons because there are so many events and activities to do. Make the most out of your summer by using the extra daylight to explore and learn more! If you need some inspiration or advice on things to do in NYC during the summer, check out my blog post about that here. (https://mariannyc.com/2017/05/31/summer-events-in-the-city/) Or if you love ice cream as much as I do and need some inspiration on where to go, you can check that out here (https://mariannyc.com/2017/06/13/i-scream-for-ice-cream/).
Great ideas! I definitely want to pick up a new hobby this summer but don't know what yet. I'm thinking maybe something along the lines of weaving or learning how to play the ukelele -- I bought one last year in hopes of learning but so far it's really just been an added decoration to the house LOL. xo, sharon
That would be a great reason to start since you already have the equipment at home! I think we put off a lot of things because we make excuses for not having the time to do so and I am very guilty of it too but it would be so cool if you can learn how to play the ukelele!
Girl I love your summer collections! They always so pretty and bold!! Love the floral top from last post too!! HAhah. I'm definitely making the most of my summer. In face that I have been traveling too much that I wish I can stay at home and be a couch potato.
I love hearing that because you are utilizing your time to go out and explore. I am all about adventures and traveling and I am so happy that you aren't staying in especially since it's warm outside!
Hun, I actually used your guide to what to do in NYC on my one day off (out of 7...) so thank you for that! :) As for your recommendations here I've basically done 3 out of 5. The ones I haven't done are getting a new hobby or learning something new. Or well, I'm kind of ambivalent as I keep learning new things all the time, but I haven't began knitting or something else that would count as a real hobby, haha. Neither have I had time to take a day nor weekend trip yet, but all that will come once these fashion weeks are finally over and I'm able to breathe again. Now it's almost time for me to finally explore summer in my city, your city and many other cities. :)
Thomas xx
Yay that's amazing! I'm so happy to hear that you used my guide. I love that you utilize any downtime aside from work to better yourself by exploring and growing.
I just moved to Dallas, so there's a lot of exploring my family and I have to do. There's so much to do here, a big difference from my old city. On another note, your Shein dress is giving me life! Such a gorgeous print :)
I love this Shein dress! I was surprised by how comfortable it felt on my body and it's such an easy piece to throw on and go!
These are all great ideas! I love summer for the extended daylight hours. Plus the whole idea of no school for the kids and just hanging out with friends into the night. I would love to pick up a new hobby or even just take time to read a new book. I love this floral dress BTW! The print is so pretty and adore all the colors. xoxo, Christine http://dailykongfidence.com/
Thank you Christine! This dress is so comfortable and I love the floral print. I bet summer is a great way for you to spend time with your kids :)
Thanks Mariann, great ideas. I feel like my summer is almost over since I leave for school in three weeks. I have crammed a lot into my summer already - wish I had a little more time. Happy summer to you.
Xxgracie
snappedbygracie.com
Thanks Gracie! I am sure you'll make the most of the last three weeks :)
I can't say no to a weekend away! Spontaneous holidays are sometimes the best thing to do as you get caught up in all the emotion so you're so happy you took a risk!
Great list of ways to make the most out of summer! I love your first tip of exploring your city. Even as a native New Yorker. I still become in awe of all that our city has to offer and how beautiful it can be, especially during the summer. I hope summer can last a bit longer because time is just flying by!
xo, Jo
For some reason, I always think summer is over at the end of August but in reality, we actually have a few weeks into September to take advantage of too!
I totally agree that summer always flies by so quickly!! It's my favorite season and this year I am determined to get as much traveling done as possible! I love these tips for making the most of one of the best seasons of the year :) Hope you get to check all your to-do things on your list. http://www.samanthamariko.com
I can't wait to see what other travels you have on your list because I feel like you are always somewhere!
It's hard to believe the summer is almost over, but I'm done with work after this week, so I'm definitely planning to have some time away and just enjoy this time for what it is! I'll be so mad when the heat fades and it's back to school time, so gotta enjoy it when I have it!
Jordan xx http://thehatlogic.com
I don't know why summer flies by so quickly but whenever it hits August, I panic a little and try to fit everything I want to do in haha. I still haven't gone to the beach so that's definitely on my list for next month!
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Great ideas! I definitely want to pick up a new hobby this summer but don't know what yet. I'm thinking maybe something along the lines of weaving or learning how to play the ukelele -- I bought one last year in hopes of learning but so far it's really just been an added decoration to the house LOL. xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/fitness/body-goals-bodyboss-12-week-fitness-program/
That would be a great reason to start since you already have the equipment at home! I think we put off a lot of things because we make excuses for not having the time to do so and I am very guilty of it too but it would be so cool if you can learn how to play the ukelele!
Girl I love your summer collections! They always so pretty and bold!! Love the floral top from last post too!! HAhah. I'm definitely making the most of my summer. In face that I have been traveling too much that I wish I can stay at home and be a couch potato.
xx, Jessie
http://4evajessie.com/building-personal-brand/
I love hearing that because you are utilizing your time to go out and explore. I am all about adventures and traveling and I am so happy that you aren't staying in especially since it's warm outside!
Hun, I actually used your guide to what to do in NYC on my one day off (out of 7...) so thank you for that! :) As for your recommendations here I've basically done 3 out of 5. The ones I haven't done are getting a new hobby or learning something new. Or well, I'm kind of ambivalent as I keep learning new things all the time, but I haven't began knitting or something else that would count as a real hobby, haha. Neither have I had time to take a day nor weekend trip yet, but all that will come once these fashion weeks are finally over and I'm able to breathe again. Now it's almost time for me to finally explore summer in my city, your city and many other cities. :)
Thomas xx
Yay that's amazing! I'm so happy to hear that you used my guide. I love that you utilize any downtime aside from work to better yourself by exploring and growing.
I just moved to Dallas, so there's a lot of exploring my family and I have to do. There's so much to do here, a big difference from my old city. On another note, your Shein dress is giving me life! Such a gorgeous print :)
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
I love this Shein dress! I was surprised by how comfortable it felt on my body and it's such an easy piece to throw on and go!
These are all great ideas! I love summer for the extended daylight hours. Plus the whole idea of no school for the kids and just hanging out with friends into the night. I would love to pick up a new hobby or even just take time to read a new book. I love this floral dress BTW! The print is so pretty and adore all the colors. xoxo, Christine
http://dailykongfidence.com/
Thank you Christine! This dress is so comfortable and I love the floral print. I bet summer is a great way for you to spend time with your kids :)
Thanks Mariann, great ideas. I feel like my summer is almost over since I leave for school in three weeks. I have crammed a lot into my summer already - wish I had a little more time. Happy summer to you.
Xxgracie
snappedbygracie.com
Thanks Gracie! I am sure you'll make the most of the last three weeks :)
I can't say no to a weekend away! Spontaneous holidays are sometimes the best thing to do as you get caught up in all the emotion so you're so happy you took a risk!
https://www.bunnybernice.com/single-post/2017/07/17/Afford-Your-Wedding-With-An-Affordable-Wedding-Dress-Under-17995
I definitely agree! I love getaways too :)
Great list of ways to make the most out of summer! I love your first tip of exploring your city. Even as a native New Yorker. I still become in awe of all that our city has to offer and how beautiful it can be, especially during the summer. I hope summer can last a bit longer because time is just flying by!
xo, Jo
For some reason, I always think summer is over at the end of August but in reality, we actually have a few weeks into September to take advantage of too!
I totally agree that summer always flies by so quickly!! It's my favorite season and this year I am determined to get as much traveling done as possible! I love these tips for making the most of one of the best seasons of the year :) Hope you get to check all your to-do things on your list.
http://www.samanthamariko.com
I can't wait to see what other travels you have on your list because I feel like you are always somewhere!
It's hard to believe the summer is almost over, but I'm done with work after this week, so I'm definitely planning to have some time away and just enjoy this time for what it is! I'll be so mad when the heat fades and it's back to school time, so gotta enjoy it when I have it!
Jordan xx
http://thehatlogic.com
I don't know why summer flies by so quickly but whenever it hits August, I panic a little and try to fit everything I want to do in haha. I still haven't gone to the beach so that's definitely on my list for next month!