• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Joy the Baker
Joy the Baker
  • Cookies
  • Bread
  • Cakes
  • Pies
  • Recipes
    • All Recipes
    • Cookies
    • Birthday Cake Recipes
    • Biscuits
    • Muffins
    • Cupcakes
    • Drinks
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Fruit
    • Nuts
    • Buttermilk
    • Chocolate
    • Vanilla
    • Holiday
    • Healthy
    • Gluten-Free
    • Vegan
  • Blog
    • Baking 101
    • Tips
    • Beyond the Kitchen
    • Let It Be Sunday!
    • New Orleans
  • Camp Joy

Summer Bucket List, 2023

July 19, 2023 by Joy the Baker 23 Comments

Better late than never when it comes to this year’s Summer Bucket List, friends!

Here we are, smack dab in the middle of summer and the unwritten rule of summer so far?  Have a glass of water and relax.

Of course, telling someone to relax is akin to telling someone to calm down. The advice is much easier than it is to do.  Nevertheless, everyday this summer is an opportunity to down some water and venture out into the heat to camp and ride and stuff my face with fruit.

I’ve been quietly working through my bucket list for the past month, it just took until this week to get my list down on paper.  Let’s live it all up, slowly and surely – here’s now!

HOW TO MAKE A SUMMER BUCKET LIST:

BUCKET LIST buck•et list (noun): a number of experiences or achievements that a person hopes to have accomplished during their lifetime.  Also, a 2007 comedic film featuring Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson.

SUMMER BUCKET LIST sum•mer buck•et list (noun):  a list of things that a person would like to accomplish and experience during the summer months.  If done correctly, should involve water-guns, pool time, and roller-skates.

Summer Bucket List, 2023

•  Put at least 1,000 miles on the new motorcycle  – These are sweaty, hard-earned miles.  Over the 4th of July weekend, Will and I rode The Twisted Sisters in what ended up being a 10 hour riding day.  I LoVEd it!  Also, my throttle hand was numb for two days but that’s probably normal, right?

•  Take an intermediate motorcycle class  – I spent last Friday in a parking lot of a Harley-Davidson dealership north of Houston where my brain melted and and I tried my best to take slow speed tight turns around cones. It was, very much, NOT my best showing and as much as I wanted to quit the class and ride my little butt home – I did not.  Numerous times the instructor told me to relax . LOL LITERALLY HOW? I passed the class but wow my imaginary tight turns in a parking lot are janky, at best.

•  More sandwiches, more peaches, more strawberries, more apricots – This is extremely self explanatory. Do not hesitate.

•  Brew a batch of beer – Will’s best friend Bob passed his late father’s beer-brewing supplies and extensive notes to me, so I’m brewing a batch of Bob’s favorite beer in honor of his iconic dad, Andy.  I used to brew beer way back in my Venice Beach days and it’s got to be like riding a bike, right?

• Go to Scotland and England with Will – if my dang passport renewal comes through in time.

•  Camp Joy for several weekends Take to the woods, to the park, heck… the the patio and put together a recipe from the new zine.  A few weekends ago, Will and I camped outside Fredericksburg and I made That Pasta Salad. Can confirm it’s dope.

•  Eat more kolaches How else am I going to perfect this fall’s JtB kolache recipe?

•  Finish a book while floating in the pool I’m thinking of picking up The Golden Couple from Toby’s year old summer reading list.

•  Be open-hearted to all of it This is the best part!

Handwritten summer bucket list from joy the baker.


This is the 8th year of the Summer Bucket List.  If you need more inspiration, here are my pasts lists:

Summer Bucket List, 2022 Blueberry picking in Mississippi was a success (see: Gluten-Free Brown Butter Blueberry Muffins), but I didn’t eat nearly enough oysters.

Summer Bucket List, 2021  I loved this summer. My clay earrings were a disaster but wow was I in love with the rest of my life!



2020’s Bucket List,  2019’s, and 2018’s List

2017 (I got the piano) //  2016  // 2015 – the list that started it all!

What’s on your Summer Bucket List this year?

I can always make space on mine for your good ideas.

I hope you’re enjoying your days!

My love to you.

xo Joy

Previous PostNext Post

Categories: Beyond the Kitchen

Previous Post: «
Next Post: Dad’s Biscuits Make The Best Shortcake »

Reader Interactions

All Comments
I Made This
Questions
  1. Chancey

    July 27, 2023 at 11:28 am

    Joy, I adore your penmanship and artistry on all of your Bucket Lists.

    Reply
  2. Emily

    July 21, 2023 at 10:27 pm

    Currently 8 months pregnant so this summer the bucket list oscillates between trying to rest/relax as much as possible and trying to squirrel away freezer meals/jams to last through that “fourth trimester” period. Not to mention hoping to wrap up all the half-completed DIY projects around my house.

    Reply
  3. Freya

    July 21, 2023 at 4:06 am

    Love this list!! Really hope you both make it to the UK, we may be small but we have some gorgeous country and coastline. If you’re thinking of the Edinburgh Fringe – beware of the insane price hikes on accommodation…it might be cheaper to stay outside the city and bike (or bus!) in xx

    Reply
  4. Amy

    July 20, 2023 at 11:15 am

    Never too late for a bucket list! For the rest of this summer, I want to slow down – more lazy early evenings in the stocktank pool, more snack plates for dinner, and a beach picnic with friends xx

    Reply
    • Joy the Baker

      July 20, 2023 at 1:59 pm

      You’re absolutely on the right track, Amy! Also, I was thinking about a stocktank pool in my backyard in New Orleans. Do you love yours?

      Reply
  5. Katt

    July 19, 2023 at 11:18 pm

    One day I’ll make a real summer bucket list (not this year, lol), but for now:
    – get a blackout on my Adult Summer Book Bingo card (from Seattle Public Library and Seattle Arts & Lectures). There’s 48 days left until it’s due and I only need ten more books! (Any suggestions for two books of different genres by the same author?!)
    – at least a five day backpacking trip
    – float trip (annual trip with friends is the weekend after my last day at work!!!)
    – build a head/foot board (this will likely be a fall project, though I suppose summer does last until late September!)

    Reply
    • Joy the Baker

      July 20, 2023 at 2:01 pm

      This is a fantastic list! We have to get Toby in here about your book question!

      Reply
    • Mary

      July 22, 2023 at 11:19 am

      Love the adult summer book bingo as a person who earned my personal pan pizza every summer as a kid! The first idea that came to mind for two genres is Nora Roberts – she writes romance and also like crime thrillers (under the name J.D. Robb).

      Reply
    • Lisa

      July 26, 2023 at 8:36 pm

      I’d recommend Summerland (young adult fantasy) and The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay (historical fiction (ish)) by Michael Chabon.

      Reply
  6. Sue

    July 19, 2023 at 2:45 pm

    I think your bucket list is incredibly adventurous but sounds like a whole lot of fun in visiting other countries and taking long rides on a motorcycle. Without thinking it totally through as you have, I am looking forward to some of my own home grown watermelons, melons and pumpkins. I have been hoping to adopt a shelter dog but am not sure if it will exactly happen in the summer. There are so many animals that need forever homes it is really hard to choose. I probably will be doing some baking utilizing summer fruits. That’s after I get chocolate cake off my mind by baking some chocolate desserts. Anyway, enjoy yourself on your trips. Be sure to take lots of pictures to remember these special times away. Do you get inspired by riding on your motorcycle when trying to create your recipes?

    Reply
    • Joy the Baker

      July 20, 2023 at 2:03 pm

      Sue! You’ve got a great list right there off the top of your head! Absolutely incredible that you have your own melons in your garden. My big sister grew watermelons from seed last year and it just amazes me! Best of luck with your adoption. You’ll know when the right animal comes along for you. And yes, I do find a lot of inspiration riding the motorcycle. Here’s to great days ahead!

      Reply
  7. Anjani

    July 19, 2023 at 2:23 pm

    As for the passport…it pays to get expedited service. You can either hire an google an independent company to process it for you (takes several days, costs vary but start at a couple hundred) or opt for it on the intake form you send in to the Passport office…instead of a six month+ wait it’s about a month and well worth the money.

    Reply
    • Joy the Baker

      July 20, 2023 at 2:04 pm

      Oh you know I have that passport EXPEDITED!

      Reply
  8. Hailey

    July 19, 2023 at 10:52 am

    At first I thought you meant finish WRITING a book while floating in the pool, but reading I can definitely get on board, or floatie, with. I want to read 3 books from my ever-growing stack, spend as much time as possible in water (always), and stay out late dancing and sweating to live music at least once… ok, twice.

    Reply
    • Joy the Baker

      July 20, 2023 at 2:07 pm

      I’ll keep the writing to the desk and couch. And YES get out there and dance it out! What a privledge!

      Reply
  9. Elizabeth

    July 19, 2023 at 10:28 am

    I wet to Scotland and England last summer. One of the best vacations of my life. If you hope to go this summer to Scotland, you MUST go during the Fringe Festival. We happened to be there the day it opened and saw three brilliant shows. I have many recommendations if you’d like :)

    Reply
    • Joy the Baker

      July 20, 2023 at 2:08 pm

      Yes we were looking at Fringe Festival! Seems amazing!

      Reply
  10. Deborah Burns-Walton

    July 19, 2023 at 10:03 am

    I feel you on the passport issue-had to cancel my trip to England and Scotland due to glacially slow “expedited” service. And friend had similar problems, not sure what’s happening but it sure isn’t processing passports!

    Reply
    • Joy the Baker

      July 20, 2023 at 2:08 pm

      That just SUCKS and I fear that’s what I’m on track for too. Womp womp.

      Reply
  11. Katie H

    July 19, 2023 at 8:20 am

    I eagerly await your kolache recipe. I moved from Houston to Kansas City, and they simply have no good kolaches up here. Guess I’ll have to make my own!

    Reply
    • Joy the Baker

      July 20, 2023 at 2:11 pm

      I really want Rebecca from Fluff Bake Bar to teach me how to make them. Have you had her kolaches? They’re fantastic!

      Reply
  12. Toby

    July 19, 2023 at 7:21 am

    Love your biker babe era! And at the top of my summer bucket list is going to the post office to send u more books :)

    Reply
    • Joy the Baker

      July 20, 2023 at 2:09 pm

      I am loving your upcoming Western era! Get INTO IT.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

RELATED POSTS IN Beyond the Kitchen

Baking 101: How To Read A Recipe

Welcome to the wonderful world of baking where flour, butter, and our collective sweet tooth’s (teeth? teeth’s??) come together to create an absolute mess in our kitchens. Dirty every dish, I say! In the name of cookies, of course. Whether you’re a seasoned baker, or just tying up the apron strings for the first time,…

Read More

You Have To Make Karlee’s Peach Butter

I have the same regret every September: I didn’t eat enough summer peaches. It never fails. Every July I take peaches for granted. They’re stacked high at the grocery store and though they never do, I think they’ll last forever.  I throw a mega watermelon in my cart, grab a bag of cherries, and head…

Read More

My 5 Best Pantry Organization Tips

Friends, hi! You know Virgo season is hitting hard this year when even I take to the pantry with new canisters and labels.  Virgo season would have us holding ourselves to our highest standards and I’ve taken that on, and I’ve taken it personally. I’m working with two pantries these days. In the Houston kitchen…

Read More

Primary Sidebar

Fresh baked emails, delivered to your inbox

Receive recipes from Joy the Baker and updates on events at The Bakehouse.

HI! I’M JOY!

Welcome! This has been my little corner of the internet since 2008!

I’m a baker, photographer, cookbook author and teacher.  I live laugh love in New Orleans. 

MORE ABOUT JOY AND THE TEAM

BOOKS + Magazines

2023 CAMP JOY SUMMER ZINE – get it here!

JOY THE BAKER 2022 SUMMER MAGAZINE

JOY THE BAKER 2021 HOLIDAY MAGAZINE

JOY THE BAKER 2020 HOLIDAY MAGAZINE

HOMEMADE DECADENCE

OVER EASY: SWEET AND SAVORY RECIPES FOR LEISURELY DAYS COOKBOOK

JOY THE BAKER COOKBOOK

MY FAVORITE CAMPING GEAR

SHOP MY FAVORITE GEAR HERE! 

joy the baker on facebook joy the baker on twitter pinterest-social instagram-socialbloglovin-social

DRAKE ON CAKE

Passionate from miles away since 2015.

CHECK IT OUT ON INSTAGRAM

Drake on cake instagram.

 

BREADS YOU’LL LOVE

close up of strawberry shortcake recipe with soft whipped cream

Dad’s Biscuits Make The Best Shortcake

jambalaya buttermilk biscuits in a row

Smoked Sausage Jambalaya Buttermilk Biscuits

inside of warm cinnamon roll on plate

How To Make The Best Single Serve Cinnamon Roll

LET’S MAKE COOKIES!

a stack of white chocolate macadamia nut cookies with a bite taken out of the top one with milk

Classic White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies

wider shot of lemon bars stacked on a plate with a bite taken out of one lemon bar

My Favorite Classic Lemon Bars Recipe

completed recipe close up shot of a blondie so the toasted almonds, chocolate chips, and sea salt can be seen

My Best Classic Blondie Recipe

Footer

Instagram

joythebaker

📚Baker, author of books, lover of butter
🎂Creator @drakeoncake
📝Inquiries megan@underscoretalent.com

joythebaker
🥯🥯 for the weekend, babes! Save this no-yeas 🥯🥯 for the weekend, babes! Save this no-yeast bagel magic for your Sunday morning. ⁣
⁣⁣
Two Easy No-Yeast Bagels⁣⁣
1/2 cup self-rising flour⁣⁣
4 tablespoons greek yogurt (plus a teaspoon or two more if needed)⁣
1 large egg, beaten for egg wash⁣⁣
1/3 - 1/2 cup grated gouda or gruyere⁣⁣
Everything bagel seasoning⁣⁣
3 tablespoons baking soda with 2 cups of boiling water. ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Place a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray the paper lightly with nonstick spray. ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
In a small bowl, use a firm spatula to work together the flour and yogurt. Add a few teaspoons of yogurt if it feels dry and knead into a cohesive ball for 5 minutes or so. Sprinkle with a bit more flour if it gets overly sticky. Cover with a damp paper towel and gather your toppings. ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Divide dough in two and roll each piece into a roughly 8-inch rope. Bring the ends around and pinch into a circle. ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Sprinkle the bottom of the prepared pan with grated cheese in two spots.  Pour boiling water over the baking soda and float each bagel in the water for 20 or so seconds.  Use a slotted spot or spatula to transfer the bagels on top of the cheese.  Brush lightly with egg. Sprinkle with more cheese and everything bagel seasoning. ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Bake for 20 - 22 minutes until deeply golden and bubbling.  Allow to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and smearing with cream cheese.
The secret to really great muffins is eating them The secret to really great muffins is eating them warm, with a big smear of butter and a sprinkle flakey sea salt. ❇️ This goes for any muffin but is especially delicious on these a Vegan Carrot Zucchini Harvest Muffins because they have so many veggies they’re basically a salad. ❇️ Full recipe linked in the bio! Xo
This fall the ultimate chocolate chip cookie is pa This fall the ultimate chocolate chip cookie is packed with oats, @guittardchocolate baking wafers, and candy coated chocolate pieces from @traderjoes. ✌️ It’s the perfect weekend bake, babes! Full recipe linked in the profile!
Once September hits it’s all cozy couch dinners Once September hits it’s all cozy couch dinners starting with this creamy tomato Marry Me Chicken. Disclaimer: this chicken has yet to get me hitched. Full recipe linked in the bio, bbs! Xo
This weekend I spent most of my time in a motorcyc This weekend I spent most of my time in a motorcycle seat but there was also boudin stuffed kolaches and @karleesislerflores’s perfect peach butter. Happy Labor Day, friends! Xo
I’ve entered my Kolache Era! First recipe test i I’ve entered my Kolache Era! First recipe test includes kolache dough from @kingarthurbaking (chosen because of the sour cream in the dough) and @karleesislerflores’ peach butter (the perfect blend of summer and fall spices). ⁣
⁣
We’re just a few tweaks away from a recipe. More is more when it comes to boudin and peach butter. That’s what we know. Xo
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2023 · Joy the Baker
All rights reserved. Violators will be whupped and sent to bed with no dessert · Privacy Policy

Scroll Up