The Provenmille Girl’s Summer Bucket List 2023!

As the days increasingly grow longer and the air gets filled with a gentle warmth, we find ourselves on the threshold of a new season: summer. As a dedicated teacher, summer signifies a well-deserved break after ten months of classroom teaching and learning. It has always meant to me to be a time for rest and rejuvenation and embracing the things that bring me pure joy.

If you have been following my newsletter, blog or Instagram account for some time now, you’d know that I take my summers very seriously. So seriously that I carve out time to sit down and actually plan all the fun things that I want to do every summer. I’m grateful for the time off from work and I want to make certain that I make the fullest out of this season.

With great excitement, I am sharing The Provenmille Girl’s Summer Bucket List 2023! Now in its third year, curating this list continues to bring me immense joy. While I approach my summer plans with intention, I also acknowledge the importance of not pressuring myself to check off every item on the list. There's no need to fill my days to the brim with activities only to exhaust myself by the end of the season. It is perfectly okay to allow moments of stillness, to do nothing at all, and to rest afterward, as the wise Spanish proverb reminds us.

Learn something new.

I think summer is the best time to invest in one’s self. With relatively many free days at our disposal, this time lends itself to learning new skills and having sufficient time to develop them. 

Watch holiday movies.

Christmas in July! I absolutely love watching movies or TV shows with the festive holiday as the backdrop in the summertime My usual line-up includes While You Were Sleeping, You’ve Got Mail, and Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares. Doing so gives me that warm fuzzy feels - only with a glass of sweet iced tea on hand instead of hot cocoa.

Take evening walks.

Winter in Japan is brutally cold and so with the rise in temperature, I am looking forward to resuming my evening strolls with my husband. Summer temperatures here are equally brutal so post-dinner walks are a much favored option than daytime saunters. At least three times a week, we would put on light clothing and walking shoes and take a walk in our neighborhood. Sometimes, we’d each listen to a podcast or some tunes as we break a sweat.

Build a summer reading list.

I recently discovered that many of the independent bookstores I follow have been doing seasonal book previews. While detrimental to my book budget, I thought I would make a list of all the summer reading that I’d like to do. I’d probably share it soon but for now, I’d be including light romances, a thriller, a magazine or two, and one (just one!) professional development reading.

Visit a flea market/thrift shop.

Make it a point to visit a flea market, vintage store, or thrift shop this summer, where time seems to stand still, and every corner holds a unique find waiting to be discovered and loved. I love the thought that behind each piece is an enchanting story and, while I may never know what exactly that is, that gem of a find may just become a cherished part of my own story.

Have a spa day/night.

While summer may be associated with vibrant activities, it’s equally important to prioritize some pampering for yourself. Carve out a day (or two) of tranquility for some rejuvenating indulgence. I miss going to an onsen - haven’t been to one since the pandemic but I’m planning to change that this summer. I usually start off with a long dip, a massage, a leisurely lunch, and then I’d read a book until I fall asleep. After that nap, I would do one more dip in the hot baths before calling it a day. This treat does not have to take place in an actual spa, though. A hot bath, a face mask, a decadent afternoon nap can very easily be done in the comfort of one’s own home to coddle one’s self sweet.

Host a brunch.

Hosting a brunch is a lovely way to gather friends in a very laid back and relaxed atmosphere. Create a spread of delectable sweet and savory dishes. Think fluffy pancakes or waffles accompanied by an assortment of toppings such as fresh fruits, syrups, and whipped cream or freshly baked bread and pastries from a local bakery. And don’t forget breakfast favorites such as scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or fried potatoes.

Brunch is much easier to pull off than a BBQ. The food is easier to prepare - no marinating meats or getting a facial steam of the smoky kind from managing the grill. You can encourage a relaxed and leisurely ambiance by having fresh flowers and a variety of beverages like juices and iced coffees. There’s just so much ease and versatility in hosting brunch.

Wear black.

This is the unexpected hue of summer 2023! Yes, black is literally hot this season! Ironic as it may sound, I think it’s a refreshing color choice for summer if done right. Think a long and loose linen dress in this inky shade with flat strappy sandals and a lovely straw hat and woven bag. The key is to pair contrasting textures or shapes to make the look considered and elevated.

Embrace a no-heat hairstyle.

As someone who bows dry her hair every single morning, this new summer “habit” is growing on me. Once the warmer weather caved in, I let my hair air dry and it has looked healthier than ever. I have been loving the barely-there beach waves (my hair is naturally super straight so I'm pleased with the waves) and it has been great to just let my hair be lately.

Take it outdoors.

Summer offers a golden opportunity to reconnect with outdoor activities. If hiking or going to the beach is not in your plans this season, there are still ways to be beckoned by the allure of the outdoors. Whether it be reading or journaling or writing your next blog entry - take it outdoors! Enjoy a leisurely picnic in the park and bask in the warmth of the sun as it kisses your skin.

If you are one of my lovely newsletter subscribers, you may have seen this list land in your inbox a few days ago. Another thing that you may have noticed in there is a printable version of this list to keep handy in your planner or journal! I hope you’ll use it as you plan delightful activities this summer! (If you want in on exclusive subscriber lovely little things, please sign up for my email list - just scroll to the bottom of the page.)

May this season ignite a sense of adventure within you and discover the wonders that summer holds!