4 Steps to a Better Summer Next Year
The summer is not quite over, but it's winding down so fast that I already have that back-to-school mentality.
Not that our summer sucked, but I can already tell you what I'd like to do next year so that next summer is even better:
1. Get my priorities in order sooner. I made a major change at the end of July so that I could have more time for all the fun stuff that my boys wanted to do. Before that, I was repeating this is what is best for my family over and over in my head. And then I figured out that what was best for my family was me being able to spend lots of time with them. We've had a kick-ass few weeks because of this change. Next year, the whole summer will be kick-ass.
2. Rock a bikini. I don't have any delusions that I will be able to have a perfect body by next summer. Though losing 10 pounds would be nice. But, what I noticed at the pool and the beach is that so many mamas decided that they didn't care if their bodies weren't perfect- they went for it with a bikini. And had the confidence to pull it off(not literally pull it off- we don't frequent those kinds of beaches). While I wore my full coverage tankini with gut-sucking-in briefs. Which did rock... but next summer, I'm going for the bikini, too.
3. Buy my favorite summer drink in bulk. Mike's Hard Strawberry Lemonade. Not Pink Lemonade and not cranberry, but Strawberry. And when they say it's only available for a limited time, I will remember that means it's gone by mid-July. And possibly buy enough as soon as it comes out that there will be a shortage in my area by mid-June.
4. Go to Blogher. It's in NYC next August. And I'm not missing out next time!
What do you want to do differently next summer?
Don't forget that you can link up your favorite pictures from this summer in the Summer Fun Show-off linky now thru Monday night. Meet new bloggers and have a chance to win prizes, too.
Not that our summer sucked, but I can already tell you what I'd like to do next year so that next summer is even better:
1. Get my priorities in order sooner. I made a major change at the end of July so that I could have more time for all the fun stuff that my boys wanted to do. Before that, I was repeating this is what is best for my family over and over in my head. And then I figured out that what was best for my family was me being able to spend lots of time with them. We've had a kick-ass few weeks because of this change. Next year, the whole summer will be kick-ass.
2. Rock a bikini. I don't have any delusions that I will be able to have a perfect body by next summer. Though losing 10 pounds would be nice. But, what I noticed at the pool and the beach is that so many mamas decided that they didn't care if their bodies weren't perfect- they went for it with a bikini. And had the confidence to pull it off(not literally pull it off- we don't frequent those kinds of beaches). While I wore my full coverage tankini with gut-sucking-in briefs. Which did rock... but next summer, I'm going for the bikini, too.
3. Buy my favorite summer drink in bulk. Mike's Hard Strawberry Lemonade. Not Pink Lemonade and not cranberry, but Strawberry. And when they say it's only available for a limited time, I will remember that means it's gone by mid-July. And possibly buy enough as soon as it comes out that there will be a shortage in my area by mid-June.
4. Go to Blogher. It's in NYC next August. And I'm not missing out next time!
What do you want to do differently next summer?
Don't forget that you can link up your favorite pictures from this summer in the Summer Fun Show-off linky now thru Monday night. Meet new bloggers and have a chance to win prizes, too.
posted by Shell at
8:22 AM
76 Comments:
fantastic list...
number 3 is especially important...mama's gotta make it through...
I think next summer will be different, too, because it'll be the first time we have the "break from the school calendar" feeling.
I found Lienie's Summer Shandy (beer) this summer and it was by far my fave.
Wow...great list!!! Since I am a member of the "Over 50" group, not sure I could rock a bikini however, I just may add that to my list for next summer!! Of course that means I have to "tighten up some areas" lol!!!!!!!!
Ooo... I will have to try those drinks - next year now I guess, you'll have to remind me!
I don't know why I feel like I can't wear a bikini when I see people in a lot worse shape than I am that do... I just don't feel like I have the stomach for it anymore!
There's not a lot I would change about my summer.
I'm hoping to have lost a lot of the weight that I put on recently, and to just enjoy the summer, rather than worrying about how I look.
Love this list. First, I would totally wear a bikini if I weren't pregnant. You and I are the same age. It ain't perfect, but it's not like it's going to get any better, right? :)
And I can't wait to meet you at BlogHer next year
Great list, Shell. Especially the bikini- hellz yeah!
Oh and BlogHer too. I have fantasies I'll be there next year.
Fabulous list! I hope that your next summer is awesome all summer long. I am also hoping to go to BlogHer next year.
Great list!
And way to have your eye on the prize! Do all mom's live for summer? ha!
I plan on at least having the body that could rock a bikini -- if I wanted too -- but since in the 40 years club, it will probably remain my little secret under the tankini.
So wish I could go to a BlogHer too. I guess I have a year to get a sponsor maybe?
NOT move! LOL - and if I wanted to send my boys running, screaming, gauging their eyes out - all I would have to do is SUGGEST I was going to wear a bikini - no matter what size I was! LOL
I plan to have a kick ass summer as well, not that this summer was not because of the wedding but next summer I can actually relax!! Oh and I agree, I need to rock the bikini also ;)
Rock that bikini hot momma! And glad you had a blast with your boys!
Mikes doesn't always treat me well, but I do love strawberry lemonade.
We've already started talking about family trips for next year. Hopefully we do a better job of planning and actually going to places.
I would love to go to Blogher and NYC might be doable. Wonder if I can convince the husband to take a family trip to NYC so I can go?
you know, I've seen pics of you this summer and you could def rock a bikini right now...
and SQUEEEEE for next year's BlogHer...OMG,I can't wait. But I think I'll be meeting you before then!!!!!
I'll try to find that Lemonade online ;)
Now I am sad that I will never ever EVER be able to rock a bikini. Or even gently cradle one. Damn you, stretch marks. *shaking fist* >=|
I've been leaving alot of chores to the wayside in order to do the kick ass fun stuff, and I am sure next year it will be more so since Maggie will be older.
You really weren't at BlogHer? I can't believe it! I am SO going to BlogHer next year, too! I hear you about the bathing suit. I lost about 7-8 pounds since May and then just STOPPED. I need to lose 10 more, for sure. I am always self-conscious in a bathing suit but notice at the waterpark that I am one of the few. Lots of proud ladies walking around letting it all hang out. They inspire me!
I want to GET A TAN! What happened to the olden days when every part of your body is the same golden bronze? Now I look like a calico cat.
I had the same revelation this year about the bathing suit. We spent a lot of time at the beach this summer and one day I was astonished to realize I was the only one around me not in a bikini. And no one had a perfect body and they all looked perfectly fine to me. It's my hangup. Yes, I wish I could get rid of those annoying love handles that are like an unwanted guest that won't leave. Yes, my body jiggles a bit more than it used to, but I vow to be that happy with my body next year. That I can rock a bikini or at least a modest two piece proudly.
I'm glad you made that change. I know what a weight that was off your shoulders.
I noticed that about moms too. I was amazed at all of the not "perfect" mom bodies out there rocking bikinis. I am so going to rock a bikini next year. Now if I can just find one to encase my giant ta-tas we're good! LOL!
I am also determined to go to BlogHer next year. NYC is so much closer than CA so I need to start saving some money and vacation time from work! =)
I'm already starting to plan for Blogher '12. When its within driving distance, I just can't miss it again! :)
Oh girl, I want to take my kids somewhere they have never been. I want to go on a trip with them. My oldest is so close already to that age where she doesn't want to go with us. Now is the time. Plus my inlaws were here this summer and they left telling the kids--particularly the 5 y/o that they (the kids alone) would be coming to see them next summer. Oh reaaly? No, it wasn't discussed with me. Or as far as I know, not with the husband either. Nice.
And yeah...10 more pounds. Me too!
My summers are pretty much like the rest of the year, but I'm hoping that I at least won't have to leave for work next summer, and that maybe I can take some time off to spend with the kids.
I wish I had that bikini confidence!
Shocktop's Raspberry Wheat was my favorite beer this summer. Which reminds me, I should probably go buy a few cases to get me through the next month or so.
I'm def. contemplating BlogHer next year.. Although, I'm thinking I would rather just go to NYC than the conference.
NYC, is it! Just as we hoped - west of the Mississippi. Yay, us! I might just have to join you!
And more power to you on the bikini - I'm still afraid swimming with my kids will cause me to accidentally end up topless.
I'm already making plans to be at BlogHer in NYC next year, too. Planning to buy my ticket at the beginning of September. :) Which rocks because I will so be looking forward to meeting you! And I'm right there with you on rocking the bikini. I did last summer and there is no shame in it.
I'd love to get the bikini confidence back too! I'm always jealous of girls who pull it off without needed the perfect body!
I have to say I'm a bit surprised they're doing BlogHer in NYC in AUGUST. I'd love to go, but memories of the humidity and sweat during the summer make me cringe. Moving back to CA has turned me in to such a wimp! :)
IT'S IN NYC????????? That's the best news ever. It means I can go, because we always fly through NY on our US trips. I was waiting to see when and where it would be. So I'll meet ya there girlfriend.
Do rock the bikini - life is too short.
And doesn't it always seem being a mom is about playing catchup and trying to do better? I'm so grateful to finally have my license. We've gone to the movies and to the pool and have lots of other plans in motion for this month.
Next summer Tim will be done with fellowship and we'll be moving mid-summer. I hope that in the summer I will be tending our newborn (no, not pregnant yet). I hope to be working part-time or not at all.
Blogher...hmmm. Something to think about. I'm so small-time and not sure that I want to be big. Nevertheless, just meeting women with so much to say - women who say it well and beautifully, like yourself, well that might be worth a trip.
Yes, next summer I hope we can just have a totally fun one and won't be moving again... though we could be :(
I have a gut sucking in bottom too and love it :)
Those are great goals for next summer! I've noticed the bikini thing, too. :)
Wasn't BlogHer in New York last summer? I was hoping they would come to the Midwest again!
I love your list :)
Next summer is going to be a little different, I think, because my little one might actually listen when I say stop! so I will venture into waterpark activities with both of them :) I wasn't ready for that this summer :(
I won't be rocking a bikini but I am definitely thinking about going to BlogHer '12! I put the deadline for Early Bird discount on my calendar with a 2 week reminder. Need to find info about hotel discounts too. $300+ per night is a little rich for my blood!
Yay for Blogher being in NYC next year!!!!
I let a good part of the summer get away from me too... but I AM a SAHM, so to me it's not that big of deal (yet)..
*I never had the strawberry kind... I will *NEED* to try this! :)
I took the plunge with the bikini thing this summer. I just up and decided that I didn't care anymore. Very liberating. :)
Glad to hear Blogher will be in NYC next year! I can't seem to find anything about this. Do you know when it will be?
I want to go to BlogHer next year, too. I have never been to any, but the chances of me going are pretty slim. Me and you hanging out in NYC. How cool would that be?!
I know the feeling... I got stuck in my routine and when summer rolled around I realized too late that it's really not important that my floors are clean. I'd much rather be doing fun things with my daughter.
JDaniel will be old enough for Vaction Bible School. He will get to go and I will get to teach.
YAY! I can't wait to see you in NYC... However, I'm not sure I can wait a whole year to see you.
Good list! #3 I'm a Black Cherry girl myself which has gotten hard (pardon the pun) to find around here. I wore tankinis without a skirt this year for the first time in years, so I'm gonna stick with that... I'll NEVER have the confidence to rock a bikini again, but you go girl!
Next summer I want to travel a little more.
On the whole I'm pretty happy with the way this summer went and I'm really excited to see what next summer brings. I'm hoping its a lot longer than this one was though!
So happy to hear you have had fun with the boys this summer. I know we were both angsting about it...but it's been OK here, too. That said, it is far from over. We start school Sept 8th. So I still have time to make improvements.
I don't know if I will be ready for BlogHer next year but I live in NY and would love to meet you for a drink.
I wouldn't wear a bikini even if I could,not because of the body but because of the whiteness. The less showing of that translucence, the better for all of us!
Great post and insights for next year. You will have to refer back to this post next June.
I have kind of a similar-ish kind of thing I'm sharing tomorrow for PYHO...
I want to go to BlogHer next year too, but I'm afraid NY will be out of my reach. Oh well.
Next summer I'm spending more time at the beach. I live so close to Lake Tahoe & every year I don't spend enough time up there. Which reminds me, I should go again before the weather cools down again!
I had the tankini this year, too. Had to happen. But maybe next year I could pull off a bikini as well. After watching my RSS and Twitter feeds fill with BlogHer for the past week (or more), I resolved to get more committed to my writing and go to BlogHer in NYC, too. Maybe I'll meet you there!
For sure an awesome list! I bet your boys loved so much momma time, too--I have been trying harder to step back and realize what's best for my family is what makes the girls happy.
And a for sure on your drink! I feel the same way about skinnygirl margaritas...
xo
Love that you are making resolutions for next summer. I don't know if I'm doing BlogHer next year, but if you are going I will certainly have to put a plus in the yes column!
Love your list!
Next year, if the weather sucks the way it did this year, we are going to travel a TON and find the friggin sun if it kills us!
I don't think I will ever have the personal confidence to wear a bikini again, but next year I'd like to look better in a tankini that is a size or two smaller than it was this year.
Ooooh, I want to try that drink! And I totally agree on the bikini, I wore one this summer some of the time and a tankini the rest and am just going to wear what I want when I want, as long as I'm not at risk of my youngest untying the straps!
Great list! Doesn't it feel good to get your priorities straight??
Maybe I will break out something other than the tankini next summer--right after I consume large amounts of my favorite beverage...LOL!
I am hoping thsat next summer is a lot better. We didn't do much since we bought a house. I feel like we could have done more.
Every pool I've been to this summer (and it's a lot) I have not been the fattest person there. That rocks.
I'm with ya on numbers 1, 2,and 4. (Although I supposed I could buy Sam Adams summer Ale in bulk.)
I need to get my priorities straight and make a plan for tackling around-the-house projects in general, not just over the summer. This may very well mean cutting back my blogging schedule from 3x a week to 2x a week. We'll see.
I wore a bikini this past weekend at the beach, but I wouldn't exactly say I rocked it. Next summer I'm going to Florida. And I want to ROCK it.
And BlogHer '12 is in NYC? Ooooh... very interesting. That's my side of the country!
Hard Strawberry Lemonade - yum! I must find that.
btw, thanks for the heads up that BlogHer is back in NYC next year. That's practically my backyard being here in Northern NJ, so maybe i'll make next time too.
Now, to finish getting ready to link up for your Summer Fun Show Off! :)
Oh I so want to go to BlogHer too!!! Not sure it'll happen though. But SITS Bloggy Boot Camp will be here in TX next year and I already told hubs I'm going!
it's tough to make those changes, but i'm glad you found what makes you happy and your family too.
oh, and regarding the bikini, i have no doubt you'll rock it!! i'll be launching my new site soon that is dedicated to FAST fitness solutions for the busy mom... I'll DM you (on twitter) the site if you're interested in a sneak peak!!
Julia
I'm glad you were able to make a choice you feel good about. By next summer I hope to have some big decisions made, but I'll be sticking with my tankini. :)
That sounds pretty decent to me, honey! Only thing is that you need to find a drink that isn't limited...that makes for a rough summer! :)
I'm a Crown & Coke girl (Coke Zero because I'm counting calories) and I must say they DON'T run out of that! Haha!
Can I steal your list? I can relate to each point and then some!
Great list, Shell!
I need to get my priorities in order too. And the bikini? I'd love for that to happen again!
Already planning on next year's conferences!
Hmmm... BlogHer right in my backyard? AND you might show?! I will have to get my ticket to that one :)
Well, my summer has had its ups and downs... but I'd like to get to the beach more often next year (I feel as though I say that every year!)
We've had an incredible summer. I'd like to make through next summer without a child getting a broken bone. That would be a bonus. And BlogHer in NYC sounds like something I must add to the agenda!
I totally hear you on the bikini issue! I was so shy this year about wearing a bikini, even though I bought one and had every intention of wearing it to the pool and the beach. As I sat there watching all the other moms stuff their not-so-tiny bodies into bikinis and seem to have no issues with it, I still couldn't bring myself to do it.
But as I put my bikini away for this summer, I vowed to myself that I will bring it out next summer and I WILL wear it!! No excuses for me!!!
Good to know about the Mike's Hard Strawberry Lemonade. I haven't tried it but you can bet your sweet ass I'm going to now!!!!
I'm with you on the whole BlogHer in NYC thing. YES, PLEASE!
Why didn't you go to Blogher? I just saw a picture and all of them are women whose blogs I frequent...I should totally be there...hanging out with them!
Bikini...here are my thoughts (and remember, I had twins, so I'm ruined forever)...there are a lot of girls out there who shouldn't be wearing them...that's why I keep my shit under wraps. Now that I wrote this, I'm thinking I shouldn't have, but I've had some wine tonight and if you were sitting here, at my table, I'd say the same thing to you...I think you look great no matter what...if you like it, then do it.
Me too girl...I am will not miss Blogher 12 since it's in my own back yard!
We are going to try so hard to get to blogher too! We can drive if needed.
Oh, Shell, I'm crying with you. We went through the agony of repeat blood draws with my 2 year old. 15 sticks in two office visits. And his screams still echo in my head.
I'm so sorry you guys are going through this. Hugs to you all.
Oh, Shell, I'm crying with you. We went through the agony of repeat blood draws with my 2 year old. 15 sticks in two office visits. And his screams still echo in my head.
I'm so sorry you guys are going through this. Hugs to you all.
I can't believe summer is almost over! I'm not ready to give up this sunshine. But I am ready to give up the 20 lbs that are covering my rockin' bikini bod.
And man, am I with about NYC. I will be there to meet you.
Ooooh I LIVE in NYC! What is Blogher? [Sorry, excuse my new-blogger ignorance lol]
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home