There’s just something magical about summer!
9 PM sunsets, iced coffee runs, fresh fruit, pool days, warm sunshine, and that feeling of wanting a little reset compared to your typical routine.
Instead of putting a lot of pressure on yourself to have a “perfect summer,” this is your fun reminder that summer prep can be simple, intentional, and cozy.
Grab your coffee (or fave beverage!) and let’s dive into my summer girl prep checklist for creating a season that feels refreshing and helps you truly romanticize your summer!
Find a Swimsuit That Makes You Feel Confident
Summer is so much better when you actually feel comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing.
Take this from someone who has rarely worn a swimsuit in front of others! What I’ve learned is that it’s not that I don’t enjoy being in the water or getting a little sun by the pool, it’s that I’m usually not wearing something that makes me feel covered up enough (that’s just a personal thing!) or it is uncomfortable.
I included some beautiful Cupshe swimsuits below that showcase some of the different types of swimsuits you can buy, and they have a ton more on their website. I was fortunate enough to work with them a couple of years back with some dresses (I just got a compliment on one of them the other day!), and they have the cutest swimwear.
If you want to add some fun touches, you could add:
- a lightweight cover-up
- a cute beach tote
- a pair of oversized sunglasses (takes me back to the early 2000s!)
- comfy sandals for errands and pool days
Stay Hydrated (Without Making It Complicated)
Hydration is one of those small habits that can completely change how you feel during summer (and honestly, all year round!).
A few easy ways to drink more water:
- Find a pretty water bottle or tumbler to refill easily
- Add more flavor with sliced lemons, strawberries, cucumber, or mint
- Drink a small glass of water after you get out of bed
- Instead of coffee (I struggle with this!), bring your water bottle along for errands or get-togethers
There are lots of tiny things you can do to make it a little easier for you to incorporate water into your daily routine. Find what works best for you and you’ll notice the difference this summer!
Spend More Time Offline This Summer
One of the best things you can do for yourself this summer is to end the doomscrolling, or at least limit it.
Instead of constantly refreshing social media, try adding more analog activities into your routine:
- Grab a book and read in a cozy chair or while sitting outside (I like to read while I’m with my husband fishing, such a peaceful environment)
- Journaling in the morning
- Spend time mapping out in your week in a paper planner
- Coloring (it isn’t just for kiddos nowadays!) in an adorable coloring book
- Put together a pretty puzzle or build a LEGO set
- Going for walks without your phone
- Instead of texting, send a handwritten note to a friend
- Make a recipe that’s been hanging out on one of your Pinterest boards
While not all trends are great, I’m such a fan of the analog trend! You can create so many memories with your friends and family offline. Plus, being outdoors in the fresh air while doing something you enjoy is so much better for your mental health than scrolling online for too long.
Set Small Summer Goals Instead of Overwhelming Ones
Not every goal has to completely change your life, and not every season has to feel jam-packed with productivity.
Summer can actually be the perfect season for small, sustainable goals like:
- Create a better morning or evening routine
- Make body movement a priority, such as getting in 5,000+ steps per day
- Read or listen to X number of books
- Post more consistently if you’re a fellow blogger
- Save money
- Cook at home more often
- Cut back on daily caffeine
- Break down a house project and spread it out over 2-3 months
I’ve personally been loving the Cultivate What Matters Fresh Start Weekly Planner because it feels much less overwhelming than trying to plan out an entire year at once. Since it’s undated and focused on 90 days, it’s perfect for a summer reset and helping you stay intentional without burnout! I’ll be sharing the prep work and a plan with me over on my YouTube channel in the next month, so be sure to hop over there if that’s something you’d like to check out!
That’s a wrap on these simple ways to romanticize your summer, sweet friends! I hope you found something that made you smile and get excited for summertime! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts in the comments, and if you have any fun plans coming up!
I really liked your ideas for slowing down and finding joy in the little moments. It’s amazing how something as simple as a morning coffee outside, fresh flowers, or an evening walk can make everyday life feel a bit more magical.
Thanks so much friend, I’m so happy you liked these!! Yes, just the little things make such a big difference!
I really love this post, Ashley! I love my CupShe swimsuits I was gifted last year and I selected ones that do cover me a little more. We had a really beautiful sunset here tonight. One thing I want to try in my summer water is some infused ice cubes! Autumn got me this really cute lemon shaped ice cube tray and I want to cup up pieces of fruit to freeze in it and then I’ll add it to my glass of water!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Aww, thank you so so much Carrie, you’re the best! So happy you loved this one and Cupshe has the best swimwear, I’m convinced! Your sunset sounds perfect and that is such a neat idea about the ice cubes. You’ll have to tell me how it goes and I may give that a whirl! How fun!
Reading out by the water while your husband fishes sounds like the absolute peak way to romanticize the season, and it makes me want to immediately throw my phone into a drawer and head outside. There is so much pressure to pack summer with these massive, exhausting bucket lists, so focusing on small things like a comfortable swimsuit and analog hobbies feels like a breath of fresh air. I am completely stealing your idea of adding strawberries and mint to water to make hydration feel less like a chore and more like a treat. Do you already have a specific Pinterest recipe picked out to try first during your offline time?
You always have the prettiest outdoor adventures!! I so agree with you, summer is for slowing down a bit and soaking up all the good things that we can. I think I want to try these mud hen bars out! https://cookiesandcups.com/mud-hen-bars/
Reading while your husband fishes sounds dreamy. I’m tempted to copy that and swap doomscrolling for a good book too.
I hope you’ll enjoy it if you do, my friend! It’s fun just to be in the fresh air and just relax a bit, and of course to actually catch fishies here and there haha, we throw them back!
These are all great summer tips! I love the idea of reading by the water (reading while your husband fishes sounds so idyllic).
Julia x
https://www.thevelvetrunway.com/
Thanks so much Julia, it is one of my favorite things and just so peaceful! So happy you enjoyed these tips!!
I love these suggestions! Getting offline is one I have thought about. Your nudge is what I need to do it.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Aww, so happy you loved this one and I understand, I need those gentle nudges myself too! I sitll end up doomscrolling at times, but definitely am making a more conscious effort to be more present and do things that don’t involve technology.
We’ve been cooking/grilling at home instead of going out on the weekends. It’s so relaxing to just hang out on our deck. I’ve been doing a lot of reading too!
Jill – Doused in Pink
I love that Jill!! Have some yummy grilled things for me, we don’t have one of those haha, it gives such a better flavor. I need to get myself back into my reading habit, I’ve fell off it a bit and am starting to miss it!