Your End of Summer Checklist

August feels a bit like the beginning of the end. The kids are back in school. Maybe you’ve already been on all your vacations. Yet the weather is still nice and warm, and we’re still wearing flip flops. Why do we jump into fall the second back to school hits, when technically there’s still another 4-5 weeks of summer?

Growing up in a touristy town (Newport Beach), and now living in another touristy town (Lake Arrowhead), the end of August and early September have always been a magical time. As much as I love fresh faces coming into town (I really do) it’s the best having the longer days, beautiful weather, and the barbecue on, while having the place to ourselves again. It starts to feel like our own vacation in our own town, instead of everyone else’s, if that makes sense.

Because I gave birth at the end of May, summer slipped by quicker than I anticipated, and we weren’t able to get out much. So I’ve been thinking of ways I personally want to make the most of these final weeks, by making my own town, home, and routine feel like a summer vacation.

Hopefully you can do the same where you live, and we can soak in these final moments of the season before welcoming in autumn. Here’s what I came up with.

This one is the most important on the list. Water is incredibly healing and also just the epitome of summer. I will be jumping in our local lake, but highly recommend the ocean if you’re close by, a pool, or perhaps an outdoor shower. Wherever you’re getting your final dose of summer water, I recommend making it cold. Cold water triggers a release of endorphins and is an instant mood lift. It also activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which leaves you feeling nice and calm afterwards.

Admittedly, I’m not usually a breakfast person (something I’m working on), but on vacation I never go without it. I think it’s the hot coffee out of a new mug, fresh fruit cut up perfectly, and homemade granola that really does it for me. Or maybe I’m just dehydrated from one too many drinks and too much sun the day before. Either way, I think a great way to close out summer is to treat yourself to a breakfast spread you normally wouldn’t spend time on in your day-to-day.

This can include freshly squeezed orange juice, a hotel-feeling bistro mug, a fresh pitcher of ice-cold water with cucumber and lemon, some local seasonal fruit cut up, bread from your local bakery with a summery jam, and eating outside with a newspaper or a book, all while still in your robe. Even if you have to wake up an hour earlier, I guarantee it’ll be worth it.

Time to soak up a full dose of sunshine. We all know the benefits of sun first thing in the morning especially… helps you feel more awake and improves sleep, supports bone health, immunity, and mood regulation. Makes you feel a little more bronzed and gorgeous. Lay out one more time, with sunscreen of course.

Purchase the last beach read of summer and go out and read somewhere new! Post up at your local coffee shop or wine bar, lay out a towel in the backyard, or even just read on your couch with all the windows open. Reading is the best way to slow down the day, escape to another world for a bit, and soak in the relaxation of summer.

This summer I’ve read Yesteryear, Whistler, Theo of Golden, June Baby, The Mountain is You, Dolly All The Time, Lost Lambs, Our Perfect Storm, and The Lost Summers of Newport. All were so good. I have a few more lock and loaded on my Kindle that I’m planning on diving into these next four weeks to squeeze in my final beach reads of the season. And I plan on reading them outside in the sunshine!

My husband and I (when we were dating) used to go on a picnic about once a week. We’d pack up a few snacks and beers and hop on the motorcycle to find a good view. Times have certainly changed, but we both still love a picnic. Nothing says summer like easy snacks, a chilled red, and laying out on a big blanket.

Nowadays, we put some olives, cheese, a baguette, and some dark chocolate in our fave ride-or-die cooler and post up in the back of our SUV. It’s no motorcycle, but I love watching the sunset on the lake, taking a break from cooking for the night, and spending time outside. It’s an easy post-work activity that we’ll miss when the weather gets colder.

This can be big or small. I haven’t gotten a facial or massage in probably 5 years at this point and I plan to before the clock strikes fall. I also believe in the power of back to school shopping, even if there is no school in your life. Buy a new work bag or maybe a new candle for your at-home desk.

On a budget? Treat yourself to a delicious iced coffee on Friday morning before work or give yourself and at-home mani + pedi (my favorite kit ever.)

Anything to make to feel productive, special, and slightly upgraded before the new season.

Choose your favorite summer seasonal fruit or veggie and make something with it one more time! The heirloom tomatoes are gorgeous right now and I plan on using them as much as possible.

berries – folded into a galette
watermelon – blended into a frosé or paired with feta + mint
peaches – grilled over burrata or ice cream
tomatoes – paired with peaches + whipped goat cheese and arugula or a toma-tini.
zucchini – 10/10 recipe sent to me by my best friend last week. (I also made this with corn)
figs – with ricotta + honey on toast

Just choose one ingredient that exemplifies summer and make one final cocktail or dish, you won’t regret it.

Fall has become my “new years” where I set new intentions and resolutions to close out the year (more on this to come.) So, in these final weeks of summer, it’s the perfect opportunity to get ahead of it and start just one new habit.

For me, I’ve started to go on morning walks. So simple I know, but it isn’t something I was doing all summer. Now that the temps are more reasonable, I’ve started every morning on a walk with my coffee to-go and the baby and dog in tow.

What’s one new habit you’d like to already be in the rhythm of this September?

Gather your friends and neighbors and have cocktails in your backyard after dinner. Have a movie night with your girlfriends. MAYBE have a potluck where everyone brings a dish with their favorite seasonal ingredient? Just one final summer send-off where you can still where a mini dress outside.

We had our friends over a couple weeks ago for a branzino night and our drink of choice was boxed wine… I think boxed wine is back? Did it ever leave? It was so delish and easy for everyone to refill their glasses all evening. Highly recommend.

Will there ever be a day where I don’t suggest journaling on Substack?

The best path to an abundant life is being grateful for exactly where you are now. Write down your favorite memories this summer. Journal about all the ways to grew this season. Create a list of 20 things you loved the past few months. I promise this allotted time for reflection will set the tone for the season ahead.

Although summer is my favorite time of year, I can’t help but get a little excited when a chill starts to hit the air. Before I step fully into autumn and create my fall syllabus, I’m going all in on summer.

xx,
P.K.