Summer Bucket List: 15+ Fun Things to Do at Home or Closeby

Summer Bucket List: 15+ Fun Things to Do at Home or Closeby

[00:00:00] Welcome to the everyday bucket list podcast, get ideas, tips, and inspiration from locals, subject matter experts, and yours truly to pursue travel goals and other bucket list ideas, both big and small. I always think of my dad as like the super masculine person, but he was also a crafter and he loved latch hooks.

[00:00:21] He had this thing for tigers. And he would sit there, he had the patience to take that little tool and pull those little pieces of yarn onto whatever it is that they give you that you weave it on. If that's even the right term, but it looked really good.

[00:00:42] Listening to the Everyday Bucket List podcast. Please fasten your seatbelts and no matter where you're going or how you're getting there, put your phone on airplane mode because free time should never be interrupted. Hey everyone, we are so happy to be back. Once again, we're happy that you are back with [00:01:00] us.

[00:01:00] It's me, Karen Cordaway, your host and author of the Everyday Bucket List book. And

[00:01:10] I'm the sometimes snarky fact checker that chimes in when needed. I'm also known to give unsolicited comments. Hey Team Bucket List, are you ready to create the ultimate summer bucket list? I have a whole bunch of summer activities for you on this show. Whether you're an adult looking for some excitement, or you have kids that are eager for adventure, these ideas have got you covered from classic favorites to newer suggestions.

[00:01:42] This list has something for everyone. So grab a friend, pack some snacks, and get ready to make unforgettable memories this summer. I'm bringing you summer bucket list ideas that you could do close to home. So, we are going to do a combination [00:02:00] of me relaying Newer ideas and I'm also going to point you back to other episodes That you really liked or I think are very timely so we can hit the refresh button And we don't have to start from scratch or a blank slate I can whip these all out for you and put them back on your radar There will be links in the podcast description for the past episodes mentioned on the show Starting off why not go play mini golf?

[00:02:32] You don't have to be a pro, just show up, start whacking that ball, do the best you can to try to get it into the hole or at least have fun trying. Also, collect seashells. Even if you're not a kid, I love to have new seashells. I get a glass jar and I display them in my bathroom. I also sometimes put shells along my railing on my deck just to have that [00:03:00] summer vibe.

[00:03:01] And, you know, think of it as a little beach treasure hunt. Dive into a good book, whether you're at the beach, inside, on your deck, wherever you may be, at the park. It's perfect for some shady relaxation. And if it's scorching out, turn up the A. C. and whip up some homemade ice cream. Don't stop there. Make some popsicles, too.

[00:03:28] I personally find a lot of popsicles too sugary and I'm just at a point where I don't want to have too much of that. So I will gladly make my own and water them down or add fruit to them or whatever I desire. Right? You could customize them. If you make them yourself, not attempt to strike at bowling or avoid striking out at an indoor batting cage place.

[00:03:56] I can't remember why I ended up not doing this. I have a lot of things on my bucket list. So I know during that month or time period, I'm not really going to do all of them, but I really wanted to go to an alpaca farm and I don't know what happened and it fell off the radar. And then the seasons changed and I completely forgot about it.

[00:04:18] So I was re listening to one of my shows. I'm so glad I stumbled upon this again and repeat after me. I will visit an alpaca farm this year. I will visit an alpaca farm this year. Keep me accountable, everyone. On a past episode, we talked about Peru and visiting alpaca farms. You don't have to go far to visit an alpaca farm.

[00:04:41] Let's dive in to episode 86 and get more details. There are so many alpaca farms in the U. S. and all over wherever people can take care of alpacas, you see them popping up. They're just kind of like very popular right now. [00:05:00] And I even mentioned on the New England episode, that there's an alpaca farm in Maine where they'll take you all around.

[00:05:10] You get to pet them and take photos with them. You know, it got me thinking, is there anything in my local area? And luckily in Cheshire, Connecticut, you can actually visit alpacas for free and you just have to set up an appointment. So I encourage you to look for that in your area. So maybe you can see.

[00:05:32] I'll pack us sometime soon. Now, another super simple idea that I like that anybody can do, especially in the summertime, it's a fun thing, is to make teddy bear s'mores. Did you say teddy bear s'mores? I think you have to be a kid, a kid at heart, or maybe invest in some adulting classes. Making teddy bear s'mores is an easy [00:06:00] summer activity that both kids and adults can enjoy.

[00:06:03] I don't know if it's just me that I have like, uh, interests of a 12 year old. I love little things like that because it's like a little twist on a classic. Anytime you can make the ordinary a little more special or Kind of hit the refresh button on it. I love stuff like that. All you need are graham crackers, chocolate, marshmallows, and teddy grahams.

[00:06:27] And there has to be some sort of gluten free option out there. I know there are gluten free graham crackers now, so maybe look into whether or not you can find teddy grahams that are like that if you are like me and you have a gluten issue. So you simply place a piece of chocolate and marshmallow on top of One graham cracker, then roast the marshmallow over a fire or grill until it's golden brown.

[00:06:51] Then you place a teddy graham on top of the marshmallow and sandwich everything together with another graham cracker. [00:07:00] Once again, the twist on a classic is sure to bring a smile to everyone's face and, you know, you create lasting memories with your friends, family, or you come off a little impressive if you have company over.

[00:07:11] And, uh, for a variation. You can also try making s'mores cupcakes, or there's even s'mores bark for a tasty and creative twist on this summertime favorite. Head over to Pinterest. There's a lot of great ideas on this particular topic. So now there's another idea I see on Pinterest. You can make these trendy, bendy candles.

[00:07:39] Bendy candles are taper candles that are shaped into unique designs using hot water. So, if you want to make your own at home, you'll need these types of candles in the color of your choice. And you get a water pitcher or a baking dish filled with hot tap water [00:08:00] and a flat surface to press the candles onto.

[00:08:03] So you submerge the candles in the hot water for about 10 to 15 minutes until they become pliable, which means you can bend them. Then, carefully remove them from the water and bend them into the desired shape that you like. To solidify the design, place the candles in cold water. You have to use safety precautions.

[00:08:27] They must be taken when handling hot wax. Once again, check with a professional. There are a lot of tutorials on Pinterest and this is really something that, you know, can stand out in your house. You can give it as a gift. It can become a great hobby, just seems like a lot of fun. I know that I will be trying that this summer.

[00:08:49] I'd love for you to follow us there too at Everyday Bucket List on Pinterest. Now, another super simple thing to do. Why [00:09:00] not make A drink at home and making Starbucks refreshers. can be fun, and it's a creative way to experiment with different flavors and ingredients, right? And then that whole latte factor that comes into play.

[00:09:15] If you make it at home, it's probably cheaper. Even though we always like Starbucks, that could be a fun thing to do. And with recipes readily available on platforms like Pinterest, even TikTok, Instagram, you can easily customize your drink to your liking. Plus, you can enjoy your homemade refresher in the comfort of your own home without having to wait in any line, or place an order, or drive anywhere.

[00:09:41] So that can work out. Have friends over. You can make it for your family. It's just another fun thing to do. Now, another thing that is very hot right now is pastry art. It's another fun and creative way to express yourself [00:10:00] in the kitchen. You can shape them into flowers, little dogs, fish, porcupines, fancy designs, you name it.

[00:10:10] Hey, we'll be right back. We'll catch you on the other side.

[00:10:20] Hey there, are you struggling to find interesting things to do in your spare time? Join the club. I know just how frustrating it can be when you have a schedule packed with work, family, and other obligations. When you finally have free time or the weekend rolls around, you don't have anything to look forward to.

[00:10:39] You don't rejuvenate and you might even feel stressed or flat out resentful. If you feel like other people are having fun and life is passing you by, stop the FOMO dead in its tracks with my easy step by step book, you can make sure that you have a variety of activities to choose from that fit your budget preferences and [00:11:00] lifestyle.

[00:11:00] Grab a copy of the everyday bucket list book 10 steps to bring more exciting experiences to everyday life. Also, there's always a holiday, birthday, or another special occasion right around the corner. Go to the tab that says book at karencordoway. com. You can also go to Amazon and type the Everyday Bucket List book, but you have to include my name.

[00:11:23] At least put Karen as well, because there's so many bucket list books now. So the Everyday Bucket List Book, Karen Cordway, C as in cat, O R D as in dog, A W A Y, or like I said, you could go to my website, or I will just link it in the podcast description and in the show notes to make it easy.

[00:11:52] Now I'm going to hop in the DeLorean and go back in time to episode 88, and we're going to cover fun things to do at home, or when you're [00:12:00] bored.

[00:12:04] Maybe you just want some things to look forward to, like a hobby you can plan on doing on the weekend, or just something new to try. And I wanted to say, you know, it's not really just about checking a bucket list off. We want to do fun things to have something to look forward to. It can also boost our mood.

[00:12:29] According to an article by WebMD entitled The Health Benefits of Hobbies, a study in New Zealand found that participating in activities that bring out your creative side can lead to an increased sense of well being that is good for you in the long term. And the people who were involved in the study felt a sense of positivity and upliftment after a few days of a [00:13:00] creative activity.

[00:13:02] So, these studies have shown that individuals that regularly take time off for their hobbies are less likely to feel low or depressed. And in fact, These hobbies can make you happier and more relaxed, and that's what we're really looking to do. So all of that was an exact quote, like I said, from WebMD, and so let's get into the details.

[00:13:32] Starting off, I recently saw one of my favorite comedians, Sebastian Maniscalco, talking about How he wanted to grow a garden and he has a bunch of vegetables. He even has flowers and he explained how his grandfather had an awesome garden and he wanted to carry on the tradition. And I know many people in Italy have their own gardens and they grow their own vegetables.

[00:13:59] And this [00:14:00] has really become very popular in the U. S. Unless you've always had a green thumb or gardening was always your thing, I do see a lot more people growing their own food. And when it comes to finding happiness and relaxation, Gardening can be a wonderful activity to do alone or with others, and not only does it allow you to connect with nature, but it also gives you a sense of accomplishment as you watch your plants grow and thrive.

[00:14:32] And on the weekends when you have more free time, gardening can be a perfect way to unwind and enjoy some quiet time. And whether it's planting, uh, zucchini, cucumbers, or anything else in a vegetable garden, or, you know, just simply spending time outdoors surrounded by the greenery, there are plenty of things you can do in your garden that will bring joy and [00:15:00] contentment.

[00:15:00] So think about grabbing some gardening tools. Put on some comfortable clothes and get ready to dig into a hobby that is not only good for your mental health but also allows you to create a beautiful space that brings happiness to yourself and others and Recently, I was just in Boston and there's a certain neighborhood where everyone in this apartment building has a space that is And they can grow their own veggies.

[00:15:33] You just saw like these little numbers, like C 102 and that person had their designated spot. And you just saw all kinds of flowers and vegetables and I think that's such a cool community to be in. It's the Berkeley Community Garden in the south end of Boston. Check their website. I don't even think you have to live there.

[00:15:55] Anyway, if you are interested in growing vegetables, [00:16:00] there are certain ones that are easier for beginners. You don't even necessarily have to start from a seed, you can cheat a little bit and transplant something that has already started to grow. And there's pros and cons to both. I looked up this article for you, it's called 10 easiest That is from almanac.

[00:16:26] com. And if you are going to start from a seed, it can be more economical, especially if you get a large number of seeds. And with seeds, you can have more variety than what is sold as a transplant. Also with seeds. You know, sometimes transplants don't always survive. So maybe if you are starting from scratch and you can monitor everything.

[00:16:57] You know, you never really know if [00:17:00] something is in one setting, what it's going to be like when you replant it. Another thing, it can be, um, very healthy and strong if you grow the vegetables from the beginning. So, those are just some perks if you did want to start from a seed, but otherwise, it's The transplant, you can get a little jump on growing the plant.

[00:17:23] Some plants need like a longer growing season. And if you live in an area where there aren't as many warmer months, it may work to your advantage to get one and transplant it. Maybe like tomatoes or peppers or eggplant. Also, there are certain vegetables that are harder to grow from a seed. So these are just the pros and cons if you're looking to begin, and I pulled up a list just comparing different articles on the internet, and I see that green beans, [00:18:00] lettuce, peas, radishes, carrots, cucumbers, kale, and swiss chard seem to be that seem to are great for beginners.

[00:18:10] I had a friend who lived in a city and she actually grew cucumbers right on her porch. She had enough sunlight and that actually worked out for her. So be creative with wherever you live, kind of sunlight that you can give to these vegetables. And it would be great to have fresh veggies. You can have a nice salad.

[00:18:31] You can have people over. You can share them with your neighbors. Like I said, it's a relaxing activity. Okay. If I have anyone who likes DIY projects, this could be a perfect thing to do if, you know, you don't have anything to do or, like I said, you want to look forward to something on the weekend. Now, I wanted to mention, I was gung ho for the herb garden.

[00:18:59] When you first buy [00:19:00] those herbs, they look so perfect. You could pluck off some basil and add it to pizza, and you have cilantro readily there if you make tacos or guacamole. And I tried the whole thing, and I'm glad I did it, but I realized it wasn't for me. Didn't want my herbs outside cause I just didn't want to deal with the elements or too much rain or birds or whatever might be out there.

[00:19:26] And when you have them inside, unfortunately they do attract little bugs. I have zero patience for that. I'll just buy my cilantro and basil at the store. Um, you know, I'll say it was fun until it wasn't. I'm a person that likes things that are very low maintenance. But I'm glad I tried it to see that it wasn't for me and that's okay, right?

[00:19:50] Because sometimes we're just trying new things. It gives you something interesting to talk about at a cocktail party, okay? When it comes to DIY projects, the possibilities are endless. The key is to find something that brings you joy and helps pass the time. And sometimes that doesn't always happen right away.

[00:20:13] Sometimes you do something and it's not like you have a big smile plastered across your face, you know, every moment that you're doing it, but sometimes it just takes you out of your head. I think that's. Is good enough to pass as joy for me right now, even though who doesn't love to do something and just, you know, so gratifying, I think joy could be on a spectrum, right?

[00:20:35] So anyway, there are so many things out there and I looked up different DIY projects that might appeal more to women and more to men. Some of these things really, you know, gender doesn't matter. You can make beer coasters, right? Both men and women drink beer. So maybe that's something that appeals to you.

[00:20:59] You can make a tire coffee table. If you're someone who's into cars, that could look really cool. You can make a tripod camping stool. Why not experiment with barbecue sauce? That is so popular, especially rubs as well. And, you know, why not just make different types of food yourself? Beef jerky could be a great thing if you like to go hiking and you have a little snack with you.

[00:21:29] It is a little bit of a long process. My husband actually did that at home before, but we do have the air fryer so it makes it a lot easier, but it's just a little silly suggestion. Some other ideas that I looked at on Pinterest were tufting, punch needling, and latch hook. And what's funny is tufting is really a quicker version of punch needling.

[00:21:55] I saw someone making a rug and it's actually a husband and wife team and the man was making a really nice rug. So if you want to speed up making something like a rug, tufting might be something to look into. And punch needling is done by hand. It looks like you really push the special tool that you use through this.

[00:22:19] woven fabric and then the yarn kind of sits on top to form a design. It's really pretty and it's super popular. And a latch hook is another thing. And I remember when I was a kid this was really popular too. And what's funny is I always think of my dad as like the super masculine person, but he was also a crafter and he loved latch hook.

[00:22:47] He had this thing for tigers and he would sit there. He had the patience. To take that little tool and pull those little pieces of yarn onto whatever it is that they give you that you weave it on, if that's even the right term, but it looked really good. He made this awesome tiger. So a lot of these things, if you just follow the directions, you can come out with a decent end product.

[00:23:14] And either way, if you're just starting, who cares? Just, you know, it's something fun to do. It's something new to talk about, and maybe you end up with something nice to put in your house. And the craft ideas about tufting, punch needling, and latch hook are from Country Living. You are welcome to listen to all of the full episodes.

[00:23:36] If you're going to do any of these ideas anytime soon, I'd love to know. You're welcome to email me at hello at KarenCordaway. com. You can tell me how you're going to use the information. You're also welcome to leave something you liked in a review on Apple or Spotify. Thank you so much for listening and have a good one.

[00:23:57] We have arrived at our destination. You can unfasten your seatbelts and we'll see you next time for another episode of the everyday bucket list podcast. Bye You