What’s on your summer checklist? I’m excited for lazy weekends with no plans other than listening out for the ice-cream truck. Here are 10 chill things the boys and I are looking forward to…
1. Watch a popular movie you’ve somehow never seen. I watched Dirty Dancing for the first time a few summers ago, and this year I might check out a little film called Star Wars. Ever heard of it?
2. Sit in front of your house on a lawn chair. My septuagenarian neighbors often do this, and we — and everyone else on the block — stop to chat whenever we pass by. Such a relaxed way to connect with people.
3. Fake a pretty glow. My skin is so pale it’s almost blue, so for sundresses and skirts, I smooth on this award-winning lotion a few times a week to give my arms and legs a golden glow. It’s very natural-looking and easy to use. (Btw, if you have a wedding or party, they have a great instant version.)
4. Make galettes your thing. Or cakes. Or crumbles. Or whatever treat you love.
5. Read a big book. Our local bookstore, Liz’s Book Bar, posted a sign saying “Big Book Summer” above a table of doorstoppers like Lonesome Dove and Pachinko. How fun would it be to sink your teeth into a juicy read? If you’re looking for a new release, I’m currently devouring Land by Maggie O’Farrell.
6. Invite the little kids in your life on a picnic. Nothing more exciting than sharing a PB&J on a blanket together.
7. Paint your nails on a magazine. Right now I’m into this chic neutral and this bright red. (What colors are you wearing?)
8. Catch up with friends/family. I’ve always lived far from my siblings, parents, and other relatives — often an ocean away — so I love catch-up phone calls with aunts, cousins, and grandparents during the summer. For those who aren’t into phone calls, maybe text each other your Wordle scores or try Catalogues, the New Yorker game that just came out today.
9. Walk/pet/cuddle a friend’s dog. Anton’s forever favorite thing. xoxo
10. Lastly, take a sofa nap with the fan on. I used to feel guilty about staying inside on nice days, until I realized that slowing down is the point of summer. Maybe eat a bowl of cereal? Take a cold shower and see how many seconds you last? Just listen to your mind and body and let yourself take a good ol’ break.
What’s on your list for summer? I’d love to hear. And here’s the best parenting advice I ever got.
P.S. Low-key summer checklists from 2019, 2022, 2023, and 2025. They all hold up!
