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One Shoulder Dress: c/o Velvet Heart ($78), also can be found here Wedges: Steve Madden ($59.95) Sunglasses: c/o Zenni Optical Ark Bag: Cult Gaia ($128) |
Only one month left of summer!
For some reason when I wore this dress, it made me think about this summer and I wondered, where did summer go?! Can you believe that in about a month summer will be officially over?! I was hoping this summer was going to be more laid-back and I’d have more opportunities to do the things I wanted to do last summer. Last summer, there were many things I wish I was able to do (silly chemo getting in the way) and I thought since I didn’t make many plans this summer, that it would be do-able.
Summer just flew by and somehow our weekends were booked. I was reflecting on my summer and I was surprised that some of the simplest things I have not yet done. With only one month left of summer, I definitely think my summer to-do list is achievable. I’m sure I’m not the only one that feels that summer flew by quickly, so hopefully this gives you a little bit of inspo for you to check off your summer bucketlist or at least take advantage of this season before it ends. Mine is nothing fancy, just a lot of things I can’t do during the colder seasons. It just shows that the simplest things can easily bring joy. My list is mostly tailored to Chicago, but I really think there are similar things occurring in other cities!
5 Things To Do Before Summer Ends
Go To The Park
Chicago is filled with parks and all of them are different! There are several parks and paths I have yet to go on. The city has done so much development that I’d love to see the changes (like the 606)! Plus, Chicago does an incredible job keeping the parks clean and looking aesthetically appealing. Chicago parks have so much to offer during the summer time like Movies in the Park, Rock Climbing in Maggie Daley Park, going for a stroll along the Riverwalk, or, my all time must-do, planning a picnic at Oz Park. There’s a section at Oz Park that is maintained by local residents in Lincoln Park and it is beautiful. The grass is lush, it is surrounded by beautiful flowers, and the landscape is so well manicured. I’ve seen several people go there just to read a book!
Be A Tourist In My Own City
When we travel, we love to explore by foot. So why not explore one of the most walkable cities, Chicago, by foot! And I know there are many things to explore in Chicago that we haven’t seen yet (and I know many of our out of town friends have already been to!) or would like to re-visit. Acting like a tourist gives me a new appreciation for the city. After all, there is a reason why people come here for vacation.
Go To The Farmer’s Market
I’ve been to the Farmer’s Market only ONCE and I love going to the Farmer’s Market. Luckily, I live right by one of the largest Farmer’s Markets in the city – Green City Market. It is such a fun and relaxing way to spend the day. Plus, I love all the fresh veggies, fruits, and flowers! I am also impressed with the Farmer’s Market in the loop. It is so cool to see several markets in the heart of the city! I definitely want to try incorporating more farmer’s market ingredients into summer meals next year!
Do An Outdoor Workout
Nine out of the twelve months we are indoors because, well, it is cold and guess what, that makes working out boring. Somehow during the summer months there are so many creative and fun workouts and they are all outdoors! Best part is that many of them are FREE! I definitely take advantage of the free yoga in the park, rooftop yoga, or beach bootcamp classes! Plus, something about being outside makes the workout more fun and seem to be more do-able haha.
Go To A Fest
There are SO MANY festivals in the summer in almost every Chicago neighborhood. The fun part is that since every neighborhood has its own personality, it makes every fest so unique and the experience so different! My favorite are the ones that Lincoln Park Zoo hosts. Not only does the fee go towards maintaining the zoo and for the animals (FYI it is a free zoo), they have unique ones like the Food Truck Social and Adults Night Out.
What about you guys? Did you get to do everything that you wanted to do this summer? Are you from Chicago and have any additional recommendations?
P.S. the hubs and I really want to book a trip for next month. Do you guys have any suggestions?
xo RD
You look great.
Thank you Regine!
Love that your whole list can be done outdoors! As for trips, I'm heading to the beach next month and can't wait 🙂
https://www.alexisdezayas.wordpress.com
That is so exciting! We can't decide where to go!
Fun tips!
x
Sandra
http://www.morestylethanfashion.com
Thanks Sandra!
great 🙂
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Thanks!
This dress is so pretty on you! And such fun ideas!
Thanks Kate!
I love all of these ideas and your dress is soooo cute!
Thanks girl!
Loving that cute dress on you, Rach! I'm obsessed with anything off the shoulder! And totally agree that summer has flown by – I feel like I was just preparing for all the things I wanted to do, and haven't done half of them haha! I went to the farmer's market once and had a blast, so I definitely need to hit that up at least once more!
Lauren
http://oliverstwistblog.com
Thank you so much Lauren! I know OTS is the best right?! Yes, definitely do! Aren't the Chicago farmer's market great!
Only 1 month! I cannot believe it but I am so excited for fall to get there. I think what you want to do before summer ends is good, I went to a botanical garden and it was super nice so I would totally recommend going to a garden! This look is lovely on you Rach!
Camila,
My Vogue Style | http://www.myvoguestyle.com
I know I seriously can't believe it! Going to a garden is a great idea!
Bring on fall, but this is a great list for the end of summer!
Thanks Amy!
You look great in this dress! And great end of summer ideas here!
Thanks Nataly!
Super Cute look! Yes, I have to go to a farmers Market in my city!
-Lena
L.E.N.A | Revealed
.
Thanks Lena! Definitely do!
I can't believe it's almost the end of summer! I also cannot believe I haven't been to the farmers market yet. You look so pretty, the perfect end of summer outfit!
Heidi || Wishes & Reality
I hope you do end up going before summer ends! Thanks Heidi!
I cannot believe how fast summer has gone by!! This is a perfect to do list 🙂 I live in Chicago too – born and raised – but there is so much to explore so I kind of love feeling like a tourist in my own city sometimes 🙂
Allie
http://www.champagne-tuesdays.com
I didn't know you live in Chicago also! Isn't it a great city!
Yes girl!! Maybe I'll run into ya one day 🙂
That's cool. I like your blog. Go to my blog http://alamodenatine.blogspot.com
Thanks Kristine!
Oh I so need to go to a farmer's market! That has been on my list and I've yet to do it this season. And definitely the park. I love too go with my husband, and we have a picnic basket to use now! Enjoy the rest of your summer!:)
~Krisztina Clifton | http://www.krisztinaclifton.com
Aw that sounds so fun! Hope you enjoy your summer too!
A very nice summer outfit 😉
https://4highheelsfans.wordpress.com/2017/08/09/tuscany-pisa/
Thank you!
I love your outfit, and I love this list of things to do! I always enjoy being a tourist in my own city…definitely fun! 🙂
http://roadesque.com
Right?! It is so much fun and there is so much about your own city to explore!
I love your outfit! What a great list its crazy how fast summer goes by. You have to really be intentional by making a list 🙂
~Rebecca
https://beccaandrea.com/
Thanks Rebecca!
Looking gorgs, Rachel! Perfect dress for summer. That bag is to die for! Thanks for the inspiration!
Have a wonderful week!
Much love, Len
http://www.lenparent.com
XO
Thank you so much Len!
all are on my list!
Thanks Jenna!
I have a long list of things I want to accomplish to before the summer ends. Going on a hike and going to a local beach are some of those things. I can't believe I haven't done either yet and Summer is quickly coming to an end!
xoxo
Rina Samantha
http://www.andshedressed.com
Thanks Rina! I can't believe it either! Going on a hike sounds fun!
The end of Summer always comes to quickly!! And great list!
Adi xx
fancycorrectitude.com
instagram.com/fancycorrectitude
Thanks Adi!
Hoping to come back to Chicago soon, so all of these will be on my list
Filipa xxx
PlayingWithApparel.com | Instagram
Oo yes please do!!
So cute in that darling dress. Love your end of summer ideas. The only one I can't handle is an outdoor work out. This Texas heat is killing us!
Thank you Jessica! Oh yea I'm sure the heat would be too much! I guess I was thinking more on mild days!
Cute as outfit! Especially that bag- it's a dream
xx Kristy
http://www.kristywho.com
Thanks Kristy! It's a fav of mine!
OMH you look so cute. Love your dress so much.
http://www.easys-tyle.com/
Thank you Esraa!
Happy to have run into your blog with this post. I'm actually heading to Chicago at the end of next month, so any recommendations are helpful!
http://www.ticketforadventure.com
Thanks Deasy!
Loving this outfit! Thanks for sharing! Xx, Lucinda
http://www.serendipitylace.com
Thanks Lucinda!
Hi there my dear,
I am in love with your look, it looks great in that combination;)
Hugs from Germany
Have a nice day;)
Isa
http://www.label-love.eu
Thanks Isa!
So envious you get to play tourist in Chicago! Atlanta is the worst tourist city ever. Loving this dress!
xo Jessica
My Style Vita
Oh I bet! Saw your IG, stay cool girl!
I've been to the park a few times and loved it! I've ran a few times outside, so does that count as an outdoor workout? Plus the run was in the park. 🙂 that dress is gorgeous!
Thank you Laura! That sounds a lot of fun!
Such a great list and you look gorgeous!!!!
Thank you Ruthie!
This post is really great.
I live where it's summer all round year and I have yet to do these things much to the fullest!
X❤X❤,
Dimito Michiyo
http://dimitomichiyo.blogspot.sg
Thanks Dimito!
I love this combo! this stripe dress is so cute!
xo!
Shelby
http://www.glitterandgingham.com
Thanks Shelby!
fun ideas to do! love your dress! super cute!
kelseybang.com
Thanks Kelsey!
Yesss, I love your end-of-summer list! And this dress is so adorable!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Thanks Ashley!
Ah I can't believe we're talking about end of summer already!! Although, I'm really excited for Fall Fashion 🙂
One of my favourite things to do in summer is visit the Farmer's Market, and pick up lots of locally grown fresh fruit. Enjoy the last few days of the season!!
Lyndi
http://www.stylecalling.com
I know! I can't believe it either! Farmer's market are the best!
Summer has gone so fast for me, and I feel like there are so many things I wanted to get done that just haven't happened. Loving this dress.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Right?! Thanks Amy Ann!
I still need to go to a fest!! Thanks for the reminder!
xo Laura Leigh
http://www.louellareese.com
They're so much fun! Thanks Laura Leigh!
Love those sandals!
xo,
North + South + Navy
Thanks!
I'm definitely working on being a tourist in my own city, I love seeing Vancouver with fresh eyes!
Jessica Luxe //
Blog | Instagram | Blogger Tools
Thanks Jessica! I've always wanted to go to Vancouver!
Such a great list and love your outfit!
~Samantha
http://goldcoastgirlblog.com
Thanks Samantha!
I should try this concept to be a tourist in my city! Actually I will have to buy a city tour!
It is so fun! A city tour is a great idea!
I have been dying to do an outside workout!! Thanks for reminding me- definitely going to try to do this before summer ends!
Of course! Have fun with it!
Love this post ! The combo is very pretty
http://www.mademoiselleperrier.com/
Thanks!
Cutest dress & great list. At the top of my list is to have a picnic. It's almost too hot here in Fl though, may have to wait until Fall.
Kara Aragon
http://www.thekaragon.com
Thank you Kara!
I need to do everything on this list! And I love this pretty blue dress.
Greta | http://www.gretahollar.com
Thanks Greta!
Oh very cute style darling
xx
Thank you!
Your dress is so cute! And your hair! Lovelovelove it! I can't believe there's only one month of summer yet. The year is flyin' by!!
Thanks so much Erica! I can't believe it either!
kind of worried whether I can do even a little of what you mention above cause of the sad weather here in germany.. beside: your oufit on the photos is awesome 🙂 now I go and get my hair done here at mod's hair
Claudia
So sorry to hear about the weather! But hopefully there is something you can do as an alternative!
aahhh so many fun things to do! i definitely want to hit up our farmer's market! but i need a cute dress like this first of course!
What a cute little to-do list! I'm ready for fall!
Your dress is adorable, and what a coincidence that bag has been on my to buy list x
100% agree with this list, especially on #5. Indeed, there are so many great festivals out there to enjoy with family and friends. As for me though, my must-do this summer would be to get a hold of that cute bag. ha!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
I can't believe Summer is almost over and I haven't been to the Farmer's Market once this year! I need to get a trip in soon!
I absolutely love being a tourist in my own city!! Such a cute post babe!
You look so fantastic! I love the simple but uber stylish dress. It would be fun to pair them with a cardi and tall boots! Love!
I love that dress on you! Such a great style and easy to wear!
These are great ideas for enjoying every last bit of summer! I'm definitely soaking it up as much as possible! I LOVE this dress!
Loving all your last minute summer ideas as well as this whole look:)
xoxo, Hannah
These are some of my favorite things about summer!! xo
these are such great tips!! i'm a huge fan of exploring your own city! sometimes we take the place we live for granted and forget to be tourists 🙂