My Summer Bucket List 2019

So here it is, the first edition of my Summer Bucket List 2019. This is mainly to keep track of the things I would like to experience and achieve. I am hoping it helps me to step out of my comfort zone and helps me to hold myself accountable especially in times where I don’t have a what-you-would-call ‘regular full-time job’. Maybe I can inspire some of you to do the same?

1. Road trips instead of flight travel.

I have gotten so used to flying, even short distances, without thinking much about the environmental impact. I am definitely not alone when I say that traveling is my guilty pleasure. And that really messes with my global footprint. So far, it was naive to think that eating vegan and living a sustainable lifestyle sets me free from watching my carbon footprint. Veganism and living sustainably just don’t cut it anymore. I have already started using trains to Amsterdam and Switzerland, trips I would have usually done by plane. But from now on, instead of using the plane, I consciously want to travel by train/bus whenever I can and reduce plane travels to the minimum.

3. Start making my own cleaning supplies.

This has been on my to-do list for such a long time. But with a 40 hour full- time job I always felt that time wasn’t enough time to get into the topic which is obviously a lame excuse. As a starter, I want to make a batch of washing powder, an all-purpose cleaner, a soap, and a tooth powder to replace my usual toothpaste. This way I am trying to avoid unnecessary plastic packaging and I actually know what goes into my cleaning supplies. I would love to give some to friends and family as gifts too. If I can save some money on the side, that would be a bonus.

2. Say yes more.

I know this sounds trivial somehow but I am going to say yes to every opportunity that’s being thrown my way (almost every). This is not to be mixed up with carelessness or even naivety. But it does stop me from contemplating possible consequences, fears or negative thoughts when making decisions. Instead of thinking about what could happen, I think about what would happen if I didn’t do it? I just go for it and see what happens. To some extent, I have done this last year already and believe me it took me places.

4. Travel my own country.

No brainer and it works well with my goal to avoid traveling by plane. You never appreciate the country you were born in as it is considered boring or not instagram-worthy enough. But when living back in New Zealand I learned to love my home country. A lot of this summer’s travels will take me to the south of Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

5. Be more creative.

I want to give creativity a lot more space in my life. I have started taking pottery classes and I have discovered my love for stitching. As a creative, it makes me feel so good to create things with my own hands that are useful and beautiful. But I still feel there is so much I want to try and learn f.eg. about photography, video editing, DIY’s, self-care rituals that I consciously make more space for my creative outlets.

6. Create more recipe videos.

I have already started shooting recipe videos a year ago but with so many projects piling up, I simply lost track of it. I have finally found someone that supports me with post-production. And it is so exciting to see recipes come to life with the help of a video. If you haven’t seen any of my videos check out the recipe video for the Coconut Oil Chocolate and the Banana Nicecream Sandwiches. So I have a lot of ideas in my head for new videos and I am hoping to create a lot more of them this summer!

7. Learn a handstand.

Since I started my yoga practice 4 years ago I was fascinated with the idea of doing a handstand. I have tried different exercises like wall walks to strengthen my arms and to get used to the upside-down body position. But it is still quite a long way for me to the full handstand.

9. I only buy organic food.

If I am being brutally honest with you, the only reason I was buying organic food so far is because I was stingy. I am not ashamed to admit it but I do realize how silly this is. Especially considering the advantages for my health and the positive effect it has on the environment. Also, German food prices are the cheapest in Europe so actually being stingy is not a real excuse. So from now on, I am making a real effort to only buy organic food.

10. Visit a music festival outside of Germany.

How can ‘My Summer Bucket List 2019’ even exist without a festival visit? It can’t! Last year I traveled to Slovakia to visit a random festival simply to see alt-j, one of my favorite bands. I loved the vibe of the international crowd so much that I am going to attend the Garbisz festival in Poland this year.

11. Become more personal on the blog and social media.

I struggled with social media in the past. Most of the time, I am not entirely confident showing myself on social media channels although I understand it is part of it. But instead of overthinking every post; I am just going with it. I have been starting to write a lot more personal content on here and Social Media. And it almost felt like a relief and I have had such positive feedback and I feel I connect with everyone on a much deeper level. So I want to continue writing a lot more about my personal journey here on the blog.

10. Getting more into plant medicine and wild herbs.

Two weeks ago I did a little wild herb excursion around Konstanz with my friend. Hearing so much about wild herbs and how they can be used as medicine or food, I was immediately fascinated. I realised that we have forgotten about plants and their incredible healing agents and nutritional value for our bodies. Instead, we call those plants weeds now. I cannot wait to dive more into plant medicine – and of course, tell you more about it.

I really hope you liked My Summer Bucket List 2019 and maybe you were inspired to write your own as well? Let me know in the comments! I would love to hear what’s on yours!