There’s only two more weeks before a long Labor Day weekend, so get the most out of your summer before it comes to an end! Here are 14 things to do before the leaves start changing colors and you’re yearning for sand and sun again.
1. Go on an adventure
Whether you’re packing up for a vacation as you read this or you’re thinking of a last-minute getaway, there’s always time to find an amazing travel deal. Check out our top 21 travel tips to make your next vacation fun and affordable. If you’re hitting the road, here’s a handy road trip essentials guide to keep you and your family safe. Want to try something off the beaten path? Scope out alternative lodging with our roundup of housing swap sites to bookmark for your next adventure.
2. Flip through a new book
If laying low is more your style, curl up with a good book like some of our Reality Checkers’ favorite summer reads.
3. Primp your deck
If you have a deck, you know that it’s the perfect place to relax on a quiet summer evening. Give it a final sprucing before fall sets in. Get inspiration from some of our fellow readers and how they decorate their homey hideaways, or follow our four tips for a fresh patio look. Plus, a lot of outdoor furniture is going on sale right now, so you can save even more on beautiful items like these!
4. Whip up a healthy snack
Our favorite Money-Saving Queen Sarah Roe gave us great advice about how to start eating healthier throughout summer. And now that the couponing pros at Krazy Coupon Lady have shared with us how to save money on fresh food, there’s no reason not to eat healthier! These healthy smoothie recipes will satisfy all your sweet-tooth cravings without the empty calories. Don’t forget to stay hydrated with these water-rich fruits and vegetables.
5. Try out a new look
So you saw a daring summer look in a magazine but didn’t have the pluck to try it out yourself? Check out our video tutorial of how to wear a summer scarf in four different ways. They’re easy, flattering and can be pulled off for all styles! If you’re looking for a quick, new updo to try, this easy style is ready in three steps.
6. Go exploring with furry friends
Find out how you can take your pet on vacation with you, and prep yourself to keep them safe in the summer heat.
7. Enjoy a scoop (or two) of ice cream
Just because July, or National Ice Cream Month, is over doesn’t mean you can’t sneak in a frosty treat. Find a new recipe inspired by our Reality Checkers’ favorite flavors. You don’t even need an ice cream maker to whip it up!
8. Get crafty with a new project
Not sure what to do with all those shells you brought home from the beach earlier this summer? Make a day of crafting them into fun decorations. You can also re-live some of your earlier summer outings with a spin on typical scrapbooking and displaying souvenirs in creative ways. Bring the outdoors in with an easy stargazing jar, or serve up a drink on a newly made seaglass mosaic tray. You can even try out some of our reader-inspired crafts from our very own Reality Checkers!
9. Have a fun ladies day
Catch up with girlfriends before fall routines take over. Here are some great ideas to have fun with the ladies whether you have a few hours or a whole weekend.
10. Take a staycation
You don’t have to go away to get away — embrace the possibility of a staycation! Pick out a few activities to do from our staycation guide, and find out how to make the most of your backyard getaway. Our favorite frugal bloggers even have some tips to pass along. (Psst … Did you see our post about the best and worst cities to take a staycation? See if your hometown falls on the list.)
11. Pamper yourself
This summer, we saw a ton of DIY home treatments to boost your beauty routine using coconut oil, aloe vera, epsom salt and more. If you want to try out a new look for fall, check out some of our must-have products for the year. Make your summer glow last even longer than your sun-kissed highlights, and give your skin some TLC with a luxurious at-home facial.
12. Host a cookout
Fire up the grill for your friends, family and neighbors by dishing up one of our tasty grilling recipes. If you’re looking to really get creative with it, top it off with a new condiment recipe. Just keep in mind some of our experts’ grilling tips and how to keep your party safe at your cookout.
13. Get organized
It might not sound like fun to everyone, but if you’re like me, getting organized can be a great stress-relieving project to put you in the right mood to tackle new challenges this fall. Boost productivity by banishing desk clutter from your work space, getting cords in check, or rolling up your sleeves to clean your cleaning supplies. Check out our editor Nina Willdorf’s tips she shared on the TODAY show with Kathie Lee and Hoda.
14. Update your wardrobe
As much as we might not want to think of the end of summer, we’ll have to pack away the sundresses and sandals soon anyway. Get ahead with a new seasonal wardrobe, and find out how to stylishly (and affordably) transition your outfits from summer to fall.
Tell us: What’s on your end-of-summer to-do list?
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Photo credit: Paul Bradbury/Getty Images
