If there is one lesson this summer has taught me, it’s that life rarely follows the same schedule we map out in our planners. Back in June, I sat down with my girls, an Olipop in hand and season 1 of H20 on screen, and created a grand summer bucket list full of big hopes and dreams. But then... life got wildly chaotic, the days blurred together, and before I knew it, July was in full swing with only a handful of items checked off.
Instead of letting myself feel discouraged or give up on summer romanticism altogether, I decided to gently get myself back on course before the remainder of summer slipped through my fingers. I recently sat down to design a fresh, realistic Late-Summer Bucket List; a curated list of simple joys, cozy moments, and sweet family memories to help us end the season on the highest note possible.
Here is what I am prioritizing over these next few weeks before the back-to-school frenzy begins!
✧ Enjoy a pool day with my girls (and play mermaids): There is nothing more magical than seeing the world through your kids' eyes. I’m looking forward to unplugging, splashing in the water with my sweet girls, and diving right into their games of pretend mermaids.
🟅 Watch the sunrise on the beach: Since we've started taking beach vacations, I've not once gotten up early to catch the sunrise. Better late than never! I'm ready to breathe in the morning air, watching the golden light break over the water, and enjoy the absolute quiet before the world wakes up.
✩ Watch the sunset on the beach: The perfect bookend to a sun-drenched day! There is no better canvas than a summer evening sky over the water.
🟊 Enjoy a family game night marathon: We're getting out all of our favorite board games, making a huge bowl of popcorn, and spending an evening full of silly competition and belly laughs with Danny and the kids.
✵ Midsummer at-home spa day: I'm giving myself permission to slow down indoors; think face masks, cozy ambient soundscapes, soft lighting, and an extra-long, luxurious soak to refresh my mind and body.
🟎 Watch the new season of DWTS: The Next Pro: My favorite Autumn tradition is watching DWTS with my little dancer, Evie. This summer they're choosing a new pro and we get to start the tradition early and have something to look forward to watching every Tuesday!
✧ Get a head start on Blogust: I am already brainstorming daily themes for my upcoming daily August blogging series so I can step into next month feeling calm, inspired, and completely prepared!
🟅 Complete a 7-day reset challenge: A gentle, week-long routine is all I need to focus on getting my sleep, hydration, and daily rhythms back on track before the back-to-school season arrives.
✩ Keep writing, keep dreaming, & keep trying: Above all, my main focus for the rest of 2026 is to give myself grace, keep putting pen to paper, and keep pressing forward with a heart full of hope.
You don't need a whole summer to create magic; sometimes all it takes is a few intentional, slow afternoons with the people you love most. If your summer plans got derailed by life, stress, or unexpected twists, consider this your official invitation to hit the reset button, too! It is never too late to sit down, write out a few simple wishes, and make the absolute most of the golden days ahead.
In the comments below: What is ONE simple thing on your bucket list that you want to check off before summer ends? Let’s inspire each other!
