The Provenmille Girl’s 2024 Summer Bucket List

With the arrival of summer comes the perfect opportunity to welcome back warm-weather rituals and embrace new adventures.

I know that, in the grand scheme of things, a summer bucket list may seem like a frivolous endeavor but I must admit, making this list is one of the most joyful activities for me.

Without further ado, here is the Provenmille Girl's Summer Bucket List 2024. I hope you will find some great ideas in it to usher in this season and to inspire you to have an amazing summer.

Get a summer candle

I love home scents. My husband and I recently bought a lovely citrus-smelling one that brightens up our living area. I usually enjoy having candles around during the colder months but our citrus home scent made me wonder if hygge is still possible even in the summer. Considering how sunny and long the days will be, I love the thought of continuing to dim the lights in the evening and lighting a candle with its zesty lemon, orange, or grapefruit aroma wafting in the air as I dive my nose into my beach read pick or as I sit back to watch my Christmas holiday movies again in July.

Curate a thoughtful non-fiction reading list

While I enjoy various genres, summer is the perfect time to dive into some slow, thought-provoking reads. This year, I'm curating a list of non-fiction books that promise to be both enriching and enlightening. Whether it's a memoir, a self-help book, or an in-depth exploration of a fascinating topic, these reads are perfect for those long, sunny days. And once summer winds down, it will be the ideal opportunity to start applying the insights and learnings from these books to everyday life.

Create a flower arrangement

I like fresh flowers but I am allergic to some of them. Despite that, I still plan to buy a nice vase for the first time since moving here to Japan and making either a fresh or dried flower arrangement to add a bit of luxury to our home.

Make a big breakfast

While I usually have just a piece of toast and a steaming mug of coffee for breakfast on most days, breakfast food is truly my favorite. Breakfast dates alway trump lunch or dinner dates in my book. I do miss having great options for breakfast dates as there just aren't many here where I live so, this summer, I plan to set aside a day to really wake up early and whip up a big breakfast - big enough to still have leftovers for dinner. :)

Make your entranceway welcoming

Like other typical Japanese homes, ours has a genkan - a traditional entryway area. I have decided to give a little TLC to what is usually a repository for shoes and umbrellas. I am thinking a small bench with a shoe rack underneath, minimally spruced up with a reed diffuser.

Camp in your living room

It sure is possible to still hygge even in the summer! Pull out your futons in the living area, pile on the pillows, dim the lights, light the candles (a citrus woodsy scented one to match the mood), and, in place of a campfire dinner, prepare a smores and charcuterie board.

Take a picture by a colored wall

Sure, it's always lovely to have a photo taken against a great piece of architecture - be it a house, a museum, or a well-manicured park. But there's something extra special about a vibrant, colorful wall amidst all the neutral concrete. It's a true photo gem! If you are already out exploring this summer, take it a step further by seeking out a colored wall for a fun and eye-catching photograph. It's the perfect way to brighten up your social media feed and capture the lively spirit of the season.

Invest in a summer sandal

Elevate your footwear game this summer. Summer is such a short season so I might as well have something beautiful (and comfortable) to look forward to wearing while lounging by the beach, wandering through local markets, or enjoying a sunset dinner.

Eat fresh corn

Japanese corn is super sweet and fresh and I plan to enjoy this seasonal delight in every way possible - grilled, boiled, or roasted - with different toppings like butter, herbs, or even a sprinkle of cheese.

Treat yourself to a decadent afternoon nap

Take advantage of those lazy summer afternoons and indulge in a luxurious nap. Find a cozy spot - for some reason, I always love falling asleep on the couch - and let yourself drift into a peaceful slumber. Truly, a massage is great but a decadent afternoon nap may just as well be the ultimate summer relaxation choice.

And there it is - this year's list! May yours be filled with delightful moments, whether big or small. Savor the simple joys, indulge in your favorite treats, and take time to rest.