6 Ways To Rock This Summer

Hello hello! Y'all. Can you believe that it's finally SUMMER?! No more threats of snow or waddling around under layers wrapped in down puffer jackets! Hallelujah! I'm loving it so far. I've spent plenty of time at the pool- reading and listening to Serial (more to come with both of those topics in the near future..). It's my picture-perfect way to pass my free time. For me, summer has taken on a new persona in my adult life. Even though I went to school during my summers in college, it was still MY summer. I had plenty of time to do what I wanted with whomever I wanted basically whenever I wanted. I definitely miss those days. But I have learned to capitalize on my new relationship with summertime and wanted to share a few ways you can rock your summer!

Take a day trip.  Living up in metro-DC means that I have a ton of attractions within a short driving distance. Last summer, I tried to make the most of my weekends and visit some cities within 1-3 hours of me. I'm not native to this area, so everywhere is a new beautiful experience for me. Annapolis, Baltimore, National Harbor, Fredericksburg.. I am hoping to grow my list this year as well! Pack up a cooler, make a new playlist, grab your friends, and hit the road! Even if you're revisiting a city, you can definitely find a new perspective!

Throw a pool party. Pool parties aren't just for 13th birthdays anymore. Skip the balloons, streamers, and cake (actually, I say keep the cake..)- add good friends, a wireless speaker, and blended fruity cocktails to a pool deck then stir. That is the recipe for a perfect pool party in my book!

Create your own summer reading list. Now, the words "summer reading list" may send a wave of fear through your body, but I promise it's more enjoyable when you make your own. Do a little research of popular reads and create your own list to enjoy in your down time. No deadlines or reports due at the end!

Explore your surroundings. No matter how long you've lived at your current residence, neighborhoods are constantly changing. Try a new restaurant, take a bike ride in a new park, go hiking on a new-to-you trail. Finding new things to do in your immediate area not only allows you to fall more in love with your present hometown, but may also help you discover a new hobby!

Grill out/picnic. No summer is complete without a good cook out. There's just something so special about eating your grilled (or any, really) meal outside. I think it actually might taste better- and we all could use some more fresh air. My apartment complex has community grills around the property and I am determined to try one out this summer! Wish me luck!

Attend local free events. Many towns and cities offer free or donation-based events to their residents over the summer! There are several blogs and Facebook groups dedicated to publicity for these and I encourage you to find one near you. Whether it be attending an outdoor movie, a fitness class, or a baseball game- there's no reason to miss out!

Hopefully these ideas will help inspire you to make the most of your summer. I know I plan on doing each of these things at least once before Fall comes around. Did I miss any good ideas? Please share your thoughts in a comment!

How will you rock this summer? What are your favorite summertime activities?