My Summer Bucket List 2018

Yesterday was the official first day of summer, but the weather in Amsterdam feels like fall. So I figured instead of Friday Favorites this week, I’d get in the spirit by sharing my summer bucket list for 2018. I don’t know that I’ve ever written a summer bucket list. Things feel different this year. Maybe because I’m spending my first summer living in another country. Or maybe it’s because winter felt so long and dark here. Either way, I’m so excited for summer, and I want to make sure to live it up to the fullest.

Do you have a summer bucket list? I’d love to know what’s on yours!

Xx, Kelsey

SUMMER BUCKET LIST 2018

Have More Picnics – We live right near a nice park, so this summer I want to have more picnics. Every time there is nice weather, all of the Dutch head to the park with a blanket and a bottle of wine. There’s no reason that Jon and I can’t do that. It wouldn’t even be hard to pack up our dinners and bring them over. Since the nice weather is a little more rare here in Amsterdam, I want to make sure that we take full advantage when we get some sun.

See an Outdoor Movie – Every Tuesday night, this outdoor beach bar, Pllek, shows movies just north of the city. I’ve never been to an outdoor movie even though I always say I’m going to. So this year I really want to make sure I go. It seems so cool to sit back and watch a film with the lights of the boats on the water in the background.

Throw a Party – Fourth of July isn’t something that is celebrated here, obviously. So next weekend, we’re going to throw a Fourth of July party on the 1st. We haven’t really had anyone over to the apartment other than our many visitors, so I’m excited to host something. Plus I love any reason to celebrate!

Plan More Day Trips – Our next big trip is to Colorado at the beginning of August, and we’re going for eight days. So we won’t be taking any big trips between now and then. Instead, we’ll do a few day trips. Brugge is definitely on the list. I’m also really interested in exploring more cities in the Netherlands (and getting Jon to one of the Dutch beaches).

Get in Shape – I said I was going to do this as one of my New Year’s goals. But that didn’t happen. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been doing Kayla Itsines’ bikini body guide, and Jon and I have started eating better. So now it’s actually happening. And I want to keep that momentum going.

Listen to Live Music – I love live music, and I don’t get enough of it in my life. I want to make more of an effort this summer to check some out. Jon and I are overdue to see some at Paradiso. There are also free concerts in Vondelpark, although I think they’re mostly Dutch artists. I’m also booking tickets to Britney Spears with a girlfriend in Antwerp in August. Cannot wait!

Make it to the Beach Again – Since summer doesn’t end until September 21st, I want to make at least one more trip to a beach after our Colorado trip. Croatia was so stunning, and with how easy it is to get somewhere warm, there’s no excuse. I’ve been hearing that the beaches in Lisbon and such aren’t warm yet, so I can rest easy that the water should be nice and warm by the end of summer.

Host Dinner with Friends – One of my friends is hosting a dinner next weekend, and I think it’s such a good idea. I’d love to have friends over, open a few bottles of wine, and enjoy dinner together. Plus my Spring Evenings playlist is perfect for a dinner party.

Master a Summer Cocktail – I need to call up my girl, Symone, for some advice on an easy and light summer cocktail. We made amazing pomegranate martinis when she was here earlier this year, and they were delicious. Now that I have all the necessary bar tools, I need to learn something yummy and refreshing for the warm weather months.

Get Out on the Water – Living in Amsterdam, it’s a shame not to get out on the water when we have a nice day. I’m way too nervous to rent a boat and navigate the canals, but we have some friends who are much more comfortable. I’d also be open to going kayaking somewhere with fewer tour boats. No matter what, I need to get some water time.

OUTFIT DETAILS:

On Kim: She-in striped swimsuit

On Kelsey: J. Crew striped one-shoulder swimsuit