Rules of Summer – Part 2
{Picture from last summer’s day trip to Lake Arrowhead}
Last year I put together a list of all the things I wanted to do before Labor Day (here). It was a way of solidifying some of my summer plans – the things you intend to do, but somehow always manage to slip away, along with the long days and warm nights. I’ve decided to keep the tradition going, since I tackled all ten things on last year’s list and it was a great way to celebrate the upcoming season.
1. Spend a day like a tourist in L.A. (similar to this).
2. Rent a bike to ride along the beach*
3. Add wallpaper to our bedroom.
4. Go on a hike that has a lake/river/waterfall at the end.
5. Make fresh jam with friends.
6. Learn how to barbecue on my own.
7. Remember to have drinks/dinner outside whenever it’s warm.
8. Go to Hog Island to shuck oysters.
9. Set a date for our wedding (no biggie).
10. Take a cooking/baking class at a nearby culinary school.
*Embarrassing fact: I learned how to ride a bike when I was a kid, but since I lived in a really hilly area, I never rode that much. Here’s to hoping that the saying “it’s like riding a bike” truly comes into play some 20+ years later.
What’s on your summer to-do list?
156 comments
Riding a bike totally does come back like they famously say! I hadn’t ridden in 10+ years and then I moved to San Francisco and decided to rent one and bike across the Golden Gate on my first day here…it was a cinch!
I’m planning on renting a condo on the beach and enjoy having tan ,can’t wait
http://girlynote.blogspot.com
i’m taking a cooking class as well. and i’f like to rent a boat and relax or go deep sea fishing!
Love this idea, eating and drinking outside are summer essentials for me!
i love summer! this is a great follow-up to your first list! i am yet to create my own summer to-do list!
great list! a new bike is on my birthday wishlist so im hoping to have lots of biking adventures
xo jillian:: enter to win a $100 shopping spree!
just did a great hike (and i am NOT a nature-girl) in Malibu! you should try it! it’s called Escondido Falls and the payoff at the end of the hike is three GORGEOUS waterfalls.
xo Katherine
I love this list. I live in DC, which has recently been over run by Capital Bikeshare {you can rent bikes at most metro stations and other spots around the city for the day} and I’ve been dying to rent one and explore the city on bike! Problem is the same as yours: I haven’t been on a bike in YEARS! Hopefully it doesn’t prove to be too embarrassing.
Yea wedding date kind of important…hehe. Love the list.
A Girl’s Next Best Friend
I think acting like a tourist in your own town is great! There are so many wonderful things to do and as locals we find ourselves missing out on them! Putting that on my list too!
The best summer to do list ever! Bike riding is my favorite! You will feel like a kid again, except without the skinned knees this time! xox! http://theedgeofblue.blogspot.com
Thanks for sharing this. It’s inspiring me to think of a list, as well. Such a great way to kick off summer.
http://www.glamorsham.blogspot.com
what a nice to-do list! I have to write mine too…
buy bike, make fresh jam, drink and eat outside whenever it´s warm, find a JOB! yeah, I already started… 
My list consists of a whale watch off the coast of Gloucester MA, more than one trip to NYC, scouring flea markets and yard sales for the perfect finishing touches on my living room, and a weekend camping trip.
Let’s see if I can cross them all off!
http://jaimereneestylista.blogspot.com/
love summer months list especially the drinks/dinner outside!
Sounds amazing! Love the making jam idea! You’ll definitely have to fill us in on that and post it!
http://www.therosiestcheeks.com
As long as the bike functions well, you shouldn’t have a problem. The first time I got on a bike as an adult I immediately fell off in the middle of a busy street. I quickly the steering was messed up, ha ha! I rode fine after that was fixed
Great list! Good luck picking a date!
Great list, I intend to take a photography class, baking class, and go crabbing!
I’m kind of obsessed with lists so I LOVE this post! I have a million lists re: to the rooms my boyfriend and I still need to furnish in our apt. Maybe I should turn one of them into a blog post. Color me inspired
. http://www.theprettydish.com
I would love to try no. 6 this summer
http://ladolcevita-jenny.blogspot.com/
I do this every summer too! It’s a great idea!
http://www.petitefemmejolie.blogspot.com
emily, my husband and I have a vintage tandum bike (its rickety and full of charachter) you should get one for you and your fiance, he can do all the steering and hard work up front and the back seat is truly a *ride* so much fun! we bike to brunch and the beach..everywhere! =)
Awesome list! I also have a goal to get back on a bike this summer… it could be scary given that I live in NYC. I’ll try the park first
On my summer to-do: start thinking about the menu for our wedding reception, finish a landscaping project for the backyard, pick up an extra strength-training class each week, and explore some fresh new summer recipes for dinners on the patio.
-Ashley
http://lerougestylo.blog.com
This is an awesome list. I’d also like to ride my bike more, perhaps play some more tennis and your hiking idea sounds wonderful as well. I was thinking of doing something similar by my house this summer.
Fashionable Collections
This is such a great idea, more of us should do it! My hubby and I created a “to do” list of all the things that we wanted to do when we first started dating and it’s an amazing feeling to be able to cross things off that list! That reminds me, I need to find that list and start adding things to it again!
http://www.cositabella.com
It is a list that’s a little challenging. My list is much shorter.
Enjoy it while it’s here!
re-covering and sprucing up my grandma’s old chair.
making a doily lamp.
re-decorating my kids room
learning how to paddle surf in hawaii
getting down to the weight i was when i got married by our 10 year anniversary (aug 4th)
The big thing on my list for this Summer is to find an apt in NYC which is no easy task. Then to do all the fun NYC things this summer, since it’s the first time I get to spend this season in the city. Oh and cook more at home!
looooooooove
i’m planning it ;D
Street Style: ANNA WINTOUR
http://magmoiselle.fr
Have you ever been to Nojoqui Falls right outside of Solvang (about thirty minutes north of Santa Barbara)? It’s not too intense of a hike with a beautiful waterfall at the end.
When you’re done, you can reward yourself with a nice lunch or treat in downtown Solvang!
joiedeveralynn.blogspot.com
my to-do list is to get a bit more use out of my bike and eat a lot strawberries!
xx Olga
La Petite Olga
La Petite Olga
Oh this is a great list! I love the going for a walk and riding a bike!
http://www.raindropsofsapphire.com
Fantastic list! What kind of wallpaper are you gonna go for???
Kate
http://www.thrillofthechaise.com
Actually pursuing my personal business plan I’ve had for months!
Girl, you’re going to be quite busy! (But everything on your list sounds like fun!) I’ll be getting ready for my son (I’m due in August) and soaking up LOTS of AC!
making jam is always on my summer to-do list! it’s a lot easier than you’d think, and fun to do with friends; good luck!
Great list! Making jam sounds like a lot of fun too!
This is such a cool concept ! I will definitely be writing my very own summer rules after all my exams
Thanks for being awesome Emily ! Laura
http://laurasbible.blogspot.com
What a great idea! Think I’ll go write out a list today!
I also haven’t ridden a bike in 20ish years, and I’m hoping to re-learn this summer. Fingers crossed for the both of us!
Love all your summer to-do’s! I have similar ones, especially involving being outside. CA is too beautiful not to be!
http://goldhearted.etsy.com
You should make a day of it at Hog Island! I love going up there for picnics…just be sure to call ahead and reserve a table (they go fast!).
Love your list! We are entering winter here in Argentina but one of the things I definitely want to get done for next summer is finish decorating the terrace and throw a rooftop dinner party ♥
http://www.rachaeldiab.blogspot.com
I loved this list last year, and love it again. I write my own every season (including Winter) just to remind me of all the wonderful and simple ways to make the most of each time of year.
And don’t worry, I used to love riding a bike as a kid but then didn’t ride one for years and years for the same reason (lived in a hilly area). When I moved to Cambridge in England (where EVERYONE cycles), I had to learn again – and it did actually come back within a week (not to say the first time wasn’t terrifying).
Lovely post.
Miss B xx
http://agirlastyle.com/
Yay double post today!
So fun. I’m in culinary school now so I will be taking lots of baking this summer!
I need to think of a summer list for me. School & work take up too much time
Cupcake Diaries
Love those double post days!!
Great list! This summer I’d like to visit a vineyard (I’m 27 and I have never been), make sure I do my annual crab feast, throw an outdoor garden party, and go to the beach whenever I have an available weekend off from weddings!
These sound like wonderful plans. I rented a bike in Hyde Park and also in Richmond Park (a bigger park further out of London) recently and it really does come back to you- even if you haven’t ridden for a while!x
I hadn’t ridden a bike since I was 10 but my hubby loves biking so when we were dating he re-taught me how. The key it to not go too slow : ) You will just topple over.
That’s a great summer list! I’ve also got one I’m calling my “Inspiration List”–including, see an outdoor Shakespeare performance, visit two new-to-me museums, finish Buffy the Vampire Slayer, read my long summer TBR list, and master the handstand!
Your list is filled with some pretty fun activities! I’ll definitely be adding ouster shucking to my list – either at hog island or tomales bay!!
Http://www.thelateafternoon.com
I love the idea of shucking oysters! what a perfect little plan!
http://mstwirlyskirts.com
I also “learned” to ride a bike as a kid, but never rode, so my boyfriend is going to teach me this summer!
love this idea. i should come up something awesome as well! thanks for sharing!
Xo
http://ericplustanya.blogspot.com
Your list sounds like fun! I’m always making to do lists, possibly too much, hopefully I accomplish a lot of stuff on mine this summer
Check out my blog: Principessa Gabriella
Love this post! It’s such an inspiration to read what other people are doing during their holiday, and I’m definently trying this out this summer! The first things to add will be to go to two different festivals! And I will also add: Go surfing in France, since I am going there this summer! I guess I should add things like “going to the beach with friends”, “see my friends every week” and “practise on my singing and saxophone playing”
Have a GREAT day! And a GREAT summer of course!
I bought a new retro bike – without thinking about the fact that I had not been riding a bike since I was 10 years old. After my first try I had to consider supporting wheels. That was really embarrassing. The good news are – it only took a couple of times until it didn’t look to bad and I could remove my imaginary support wheels. Good Luck – and have fun. I even have my pug in a basket in front – but I’m Norwegian so who cares?
hog island is on my list too. and biking to sauslito. it’s hard to plan “summer” activities in the city since the weather is so unpredictable and usually foggy.
You’ll be fine re-learning to ride =)
I like your idea to make a summer list, maybe I’ll do the same. For now I have an unwritten list. First on my list? Moving!
I love crossing of things on my to do list, so a summer list is definitely going to be fun! I have a short one at the moment:its to buy a small table and a pair of chairs that fits our small balcony (perfect for outside drinks!) and to work on my newly opened etsy shop. Any tips are welcome!
http://despetitesmerveilles.blogspot.com
Such great ideas. I do this with every season also..like a new years resolution type with winter, spring, summer and fall. Makes things a lot more manageable.
xo, Ashley
http://thebeautyholic.blogspot.com
Marry me pt 2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Enjoy one of your beautiful summer evenings in a cute tank dress from positive light clothing.
YOU HAVE INSPIRED ME! I AM DOING THIS TONIGHT!
http://WWW.COPPERETIQUETTE.COM
SHOP DRESSES
YOU? Take a cooking class? Girl, you could teach a cooking class. I really want to get away to Laguna, spend days at Lake Powell, and take a girls trip to Las Vegas.
XO, Katie
Running on Happiness
I love this! I made my summer list a few weeks ago and have been crossing it off as much as possible.
http://www.mimosasnthemorning.com
i am DEFINITELY with you on number 7!
This list has inspired me to do my own
I did the same thing for my New Year’s Resolutions and have almost completed them 
xx
I have one rule this summer…do something creative everyday, oh and finish it!
PS. I did cross country all through school and we did 10-15 mile bike rides for training. I know I’ll never forget.
Have a great summer!
xoxo
Read a good few books, for once in my life actually relax and generally enjoy the summer : ) x
I love your list! A cooking class is high on my list of summer activities. And I am dying to take an African drumming class, belly dancing, and spend a day eating my way around Los Angeles.
http://foodfashionandflow.blogspot.com/
Sounds like a great list! I need to make one for myself, too.
Much love,
B
Love the list! I’m hoping to get things crossed off my list this summer, especially since I’ll be on vacation in about 3 weeks (This is when I LOVE being a teacher!) I think the first thing will be to plant my flower pots for the front porch and tackle the never-ending weeds!
Love your blog!
Vanessa
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/chicken-or-steak-with-balsamic-bbq-sauce-recipe/index.html
really tasty (and simple!) bbq recipe! it’s fool proof!
I can definitely relate about the biking thing… I knew how to ride one when I was a kid but didn’t really do it that often….. And when I went to Rome last week, we rented bikes to go through the parks…. first time in over 15 years… I made a serious fool out of myself because the seat was too high so when I would break my feet couldn’t reach the ground and I made quite the show stopper when I tried to hop off my bike !!
xo C.
I noticed that you did something charitable last year, do you have any similar plans this year?
I love these bonus posts of yours! And your list is absolutely brilliant, Emily — so fun, just like summer should be. I also desperately need to learn to grill on my own!
xo Josie
http://www.winksmilestyle.com
When I spent some time in San Diego early this month, renting a bike to ride along the boardwalk was by far one of the highlights of my trip – you’ll absolutely love it! I hadn’t been on a bike in awhile either and although it felt weird for the first minute, it really was THAT easy once I got into the flow of it
I love everything on your list Emily – I should do the same!
I am with you on renting a bike to ride along the beach. What could be better??
taking a photography class so I can get more out of my fancy SLR camera is on my life!
http://www.cupcakesomg.blogspot.com
love yours! going to take it into consideration for mine. except new york-ize it. thanks for sharing girlfriend.
xx, http://wordbyjessie.com/
One of your goals from last year is now on my Summer Bucket list: sneak into a fancy hotel pool! That sounded just harmless and mischevious last year to intrigue me, only I really was living at a hotel at the time (not as glamourous as it sounds, I didn’t think) with my stuff (including bathing suits) packed away in boxes in a moving truck somewhere between the East Coast and the West.
Also on my list this summer, to throw a neighborhood bbq with fish and smores and hubby strumming away on his guitar; go on a hot air balloon ride; and do lots of outdoorsy things like star-gazing, bird watching, hiking (I’m NOT an outdoor girl, so this is more of a challenge than a typical summer list in my case).
Love your list!
http://sparklesmileandshine.blogspot.com/
This is a good idea to stay on track with things I want to do.
Thinking of my own personal list now……
http://www.nichole-yesterday.blogspot.com/
I rode a bike all the time when I was little and last year while living in NYC I was like I’ll get a bike for easier transportation. I rode it once, I got scared to death. This past weekend went out to Governor’s Island and rented bikes with my friends, whom both ride bikes all the time, I felt like I was going to die whenever they cut me off or came to close.
It definitely needs some getting used too again. But good luck! You’ll feel accomplished afterwards!
Great list!
Kisses from Hong Kong,
Nicole
What a great idea ! Sounds like a fun summer.
xxLily
goldandgray.com
Love this list! I should make one myself because Seattle summers don’t last long at all!
http://justbreathe18.blogspot.com/
I love the idea of making a summer list! I’m going to start working on mine
Great idea!!!
xoxo Lauren
http://happylifeinnyc.blogspot.com/
this all sounds so amazing, it is unfortunately winter here so making a summer list would be oh so depressing, congratulations on getting married!
http://sayitallnoww.blogspot.com/
oh summer to-do lists!
mine is full of art projects!
PS, loving your new left hand layout!
http://heytherekid.blogspot.com
This is such a great idea! I’m going to make my own list!
PS-love your outfit below-coming from a pink girl, I LOVE the top!
xx
http://www.trufflesnruffles.com/
On my list: have a romantic night out with my husband, without the baby!
You should look into KnollTextiles Wallpaper….Abbot Miller has some great graphic creations that I think you’d love! (Drop, Merge, Filter, etc.)
-From a fellow designer…Courtney
I plan on riding my bike around Manhattan – plus picnics galore!
http://mynameisreb.wordpress.com/2011/06/06/things-to-do-this-summer/
great summer to do list ! haha i think im on the same boat as you in terms of riding a bike
http://mywonderfulworldof.blogspot.com
great ideas!!
Hiking is on my list too! I can’t wait to hit up this trail in Laguna, heard the view is amazing.
I also want to go somewhere (diff state) I’ve never been too and hmmm… I need to think about this!
Thanks for the inspiration…
xoxo
http://www.thewrittenrunway.com
Go on a weekend vacation once a month!
http://redcarpetcloset.tv/
I like that last one! lol
BIG yes to number 7! I have thought the same many times.
-Jennifer
http://devianttartblog.blogspot.com/
Yes to number 7! I have been trying to remember to do the same.
-Jennifer
http://devianttartblog.blogspot.com/
hooray for wedding plannng:) I know it can be overwhelming but it’s so fun and I have a feeling you will love it….
as for me, I want to lose the rest of the baby weight (so close!) and get my new apt in order. right now it’s just boxes and chaos everywhere!
My bridesmaids got me a gift certificate for a cooking class – we all took a homemade s’mores class, and it was so much fun! I am sure you will be fine on a bike, too….it does come back quickly. Just wear a helmet, haha.
Love this list! Agree with you on the bike riding – I’m hopeless… but I’m with you on #7 for sure
This is such a good idea! I’m lucky that I get the whole of the summer off so I’ll let you know when I’ve done mine (can’t believe you need to take a cooking course though!).. xx
My favourite rule is eating outside whenever it’s warm!
-Grace
http://www.theafeminada.com
More swimming! I live by the Adriatic sea and don’t take enough advantage out of it
Fashion Fractions
these are all wonderful things for your list
I hope you accomplish them all!
xo galmeetsglam.com
I have to make a list too, I always forget!
I’m going to Italy this summer !
Awesome awesome list!! I´ll def take a few pointers!! I´m going back to my beautiful island in the Caribbean so I´ll be making a list of what I really want to do and eat again, especially eat! And don´t worry riding a bike should be easy lol
Would you have thought last year that you would be setting your wedding date? Exciting!!
xx
Emy
http://emykoster.com/
This sounds like a great list. I just created one as well. Some of the things include going skydiving and riding a motorcycle up and down the PCH. Cheers to completing the list by Labor Day.
Besitos xx
Samantha
http://www.seasonedwithyouth.com
I want to learn to make Italian granita for hot summer days and to perfect the perfect outdoor picnic with friends =)
http://www.bluebonnetsforsal.com
This is so cute!
I’ll be adding 2, 4, 6, and 7 to my list!
xoxo,
http://www.thelookandlisten.com
Firstly I love reading your blog! It always brightens my mood.
Summer is all I’m dreaming about at the moment because Cape Town is in full swing of Winter right now…
So this is my Summer to do list:
- Have a picnic on the beach.
- Master baking the perfect lemon chiffon cake.
- Play board games at night with family and friends.
- Have sundowners on Camps Bay strip.
- Braai a lot!!
- Go for a run with my dogs at least 4 times a week.
- Eat ice-cream like a kid.
- Eat water melon outside.
- Swim in the cold cold sea once a week.
Hope you have a wonderful week!! x
Really nice post
http://fashionistablogg.blogspot.com
relax and brush up on my french for our vacation in August!
http://www.lovenycstyle.com
My summer plans are kind of constant. We spend July-August in Amorgos Island, Greece ( if you saw movie ‘The Big Blue’ with Jean Reno, thats the island) as we have a house and beach bar there, so its work & play at the beach in one. We also have a boat and take tourists for a cruise around the island, so when it comes to pretending of being a tourist of your own place I am always in!
xxx from Greece
Loved the idea of cooking classes! I would like to do it too!
I have a lot on my to do list, but the main thing I want to do is enjoy the outdoors whenever possible. Less shopping, more relishing in mother nature.. I can’t wait!
xx
http://lovelylittlevices.com
Being spontaneous is on my list!!! hahaha
xoxo
My friends and I make a list for our summer too! I should make a list just for myself though too with some smaller goals that I can actually accomplish!
Your list sounds great! My list includes a bike ride on the beach too! Another is to find myself a new apartment and visit a flea market (I’ve never been!) for some vintage decor that I can DIY! =]
I’m long time reader and first time commenter. A few months ago you posted something about the list. I remembered it from last year and started one of my own. Just yesterday I posted my list to my blog. So far I have crossed a few off my list. Thank you for this great idea. I will be doing it again next year.
want more photos of this!specially of you two
http://flysongbirdblogspot.com
lots of berry picking!
I have a list too! I told my girlfriends to compile lists and we can see what we can put them together to make out summer plans.
I adore this tradition! My summer plans include: moving to California, traveling to Toronto, sewing my own wedding veil, and getting married {!!!} in August.
Hi Emily,
A great hike in Point Reyes which leads to an awesome waterfall which falls right onto the shore and goes into the ocean is Palomarin trailhead to Alamere Falls… Love it!
Reduce monthly spending on fashion and all things non-essential by at least 1/3!
Aw I hope you love riding bikes on the beach. Fun fact: I totally fell over on my beach cruiser on Venice one time as I was taking in the beautiful beach homes. Also, I’m learning how to grill/barbeque this summer too!
learn harmonica, read, watch sunsets on my roof, exercise everyday and collect vintage dresses and bar ware
I saw someone else mentioned it, and I’ll second it -Escondido Falls in Malibu. Such an amazing hike and the waterfalls are a great reward!
Me too with the bike thing! I’m always nervous that I’ll be asked to go bike riding because I rode one maybe four times, and not since I was really young!
I do the same thing, too, and am in the process of working on my summer list.
Don’t worry about your embarrassing bicycle fact. I re-learned how to ride again within the last couple of years. Though it may take a little while to become comfortable with the concept and with your own abilities, you’ll find that learning how to balance and how to operate a bike as a child will serve you well as you re-learn this summer!
I never learned how to ride a bike. It’s on my summer to-do list.
Great list, Emily! It’s always amazing being a tourist in your own city because there are so many new things to discover!
xxx
http://www.ladyalamode.com
The beach bike paths in SoCal are unbeatable! Good luck to you as you live the summer list! Looking forward to seeing the experiences chronicled on Cupcakes.
Great list!
My list involved making use of my families home in MI and Montana as much as I can – as well as getting out of work as early as possible to sneak in a pool date with my son before my husband comes home and fires up the bbq for dinner.
Ah, summer plans. When it becomes warmer here, I plan to go to the beach more often. I take it for granted being only a five minute drive!!
♡ Fox Whiskers
I may have to steal 1 or 2 or all of these ideas.
I feel ya on the bike thing. I didn’t learn how to ride a bike until I was 12! I have no idea if I even still know how to? Ha!
thanks for the update! oh i have a lot on my summer to-do list one of them being to make sweet basil lemonade ~ my fave
bises xx~ kristina
http://beancakes.wordpress.com/
Emily your post has completely inspired me! I have written my own list and posted it on my blog, I’d love to har your thoughts…
Amy xxx
http://whispersweetnothing.wordpress.com/2011/06/08/inspired-by-cupcakesandcashmere-com/
That sounds like the most perfect summer in the world. We definitely need new bikes. Ours are way too small and extremely uncomfortable. So be sure to ride a bike that is the PROPER size or it will be next to impossible.
My summer to-do list: Get Married!
Maria xx
http://www.cheekypinktulip.blogspot.com
love your summer list! you inspired me to make my own summer to do list!
http://nikkithy.blogspot.com/2011/06/you-dont-need-sun-to-make-you-shine.html
Love numbers 5 & 10!
I loved riding my bike as a child, but then I stopped for a few years. When I finally tried to ride a bike again this year, I remembered how, but it was a lot SCARIER than I remembered it being when I was a kid! Guess I’m a lot more worried about knocking my teeth out than I was when I was 10
i’m taking a cooking class as well. and i’f like to rent a boat and relax or go deep sea fishing!
I’m going sailing, shucking oysters, buying my first bike in New York, riding it downtown and along the river, making up songs, eating mango chili popsicles, getting a fake tattoo, maybe a real piercing, traveling lightly, sometimes with no destination other than “north” on the MTA, feeling alive. as always, in all things.
great list! i would love to say i could barbecue on my own, that’s one i need to work on too. true about the bike, it’s almost magical to think that once you learn how to balance it comes back to you, even after years! … just a little more challenging on the boardwalk with all the people!
Great List- You have inspired me to make one.
Love your list. I’m gonna add “bake a cake…from scratch” to mine. I’ve only ever made one out of a box. Sad, I know!
Awesome list! I havent been on a bike in many years, but used to love it when I was a kid! Must try it out again and hope the saying is true!
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