Hello all! Happy April! I hope your first week of this new month is going well. I’m hoping some of the spring weather we are experiencing is here to stay. As we embrace spring, I’m sharing my Spring Bucket list today! This is just a list of ideas of things I want to accomplish over the next several weeks.
Before we start on spring fun, I wanted to share my winter bucket list and recap it.
I accomplished a lot of things I set out for, the only things I didn’t get done were because of our mild weather this winter.
A look at my bucket list from the winter
The few other things I didn’t get done, I plan to do in the spring. So without further ado, here’s my spring bucket list:
Plant a Garden
Go to a New Place for a Walk
Celebrate Easter
Enjoy Ice Cream
Head to a Local Bookstore and pick up some new reads
Try a Spring Recipe
Enjoy more Fresh fruits/veggies and smoothies
Zoo Trips
Have a Picnic
Try to do Outdoor Activities with Friends
Cut and appreciate Fresh Flowers
Celebrate Memorial Day
Make it a Point to Spend Time Outdoors
Celebrate my Birthday
Enjoy Meals Outdoors
Clean Car
Transition from Winter to Spring
Dye Eggs
Make Lavender Lemonade
I hope this gives you some ideas and inspiration for some spring fun! There’s a lot of outdoor fun, some projects, new recipes to try and memories to make! Did I miss anything for my bucket list? What do you plan to do this spring? Let me know in the comments below! Happy SPRING!
Here we are at the end of another year. At the beginning of this year, my motto or phrase of the year was “Building the Best Version of Me”. I really wanted to lean into my routines and rhythms that I established at the beginning of the year and stick to them and I was happy I did that.
It’s been said before that the older you get, the faster the years go by and that is certainly the truth.
This year has been busy with growing in my job, time with family both at home and away, building friends, enjoying hobbies.
I’m using today’s entry as a both a recap of the past year and a favorite things of 2022 post.
So, let’s begin with a recap:
The beginning winter months of 2022 brought me out in snow and soaking up with outdoors with ice skating, winter walks and trying cross country skiing, something I haven’t tried in years.
Starting the year off with time outside, like skiing.
Time spent ice skating.
And cross country skiing…
Seeing the Immersive Van Gogh exhibit.
I also took in some local theater.
It also brought day trips to Pittsburgh for a trip to museums and time with family. As the weather got warmer, it meant more time outdoors with walks, picnics and trips to the local zoo and different parks.
Time in Pittsburgh in the spring
I love taking in all the architecture.
First zoo trip of the year.
Celebrating Easter traditions.
Both of my brothers graduated in the Spring, one from college and one from high school, so it was fun to celebrate their milestones as a family. I also celebrated my 24th year around the sun.
First signs of spring.
Cheers to 24!
I tried to spend as much time outdoors as possible in the summer months, from walks, to reading outdoors, picnics, and countless meals outside, our winters are long, so I tred to take advantage of the summer as much as I can.
I went to the National Comedy Center this year.
Summer picnics outdoors.
Drive-in dates.
I met up with friends through the summer months for dinners, or coffee or walks. I also did some traveling with day trips with family and my boyfriend and then some meet ups with friends too. My family and I got away for a few days with and went to the ocean which was such a fun escape.
Beach days in the summer
One of the many places I went for hikes for in the summer.
It felt so good to relax for a few days at the beach!
More zoo trips!
Fair fun!
I spent so much time reading outdoors.
I enjoyed sunrises and sunsets.
The summer was also filled with baseball games, strawberry picking, zoos, bonfires, beach days, and grilling. I tried to head outside as much as I could when the seasons changed from summer to fall.
Day trips to Pittsburgh
Lots of burgers on the grill.
Beautiful night for baseball
Strawberry picking summer fun!
Bonfire nights.
In my happy place!
I went to my first MLB game this summer.
And ice cream nights!
I fell in love with avocado toast this summer too.
I enjoyed farmer’s markets this summer too.
But as the winds changed, I had to layer up for fall walks, leaf peeping and apple picking. I tried to do as much baking as possible when I was cooped up indoors.
Fall drives.
Lots of fall baking
Enjoying Beautiful Fall Walks
Apple picking fun!
First time seeing this majestic waterfall.
Making Halloween treats too.
The last chunk of the year was filled with all things holidays. From Halloween movies to family at Thanksgiving and all the Christmas and holiday cheer. The last few months are always my favorite time of the year.
Family movie night for Halloween.
More fall baking.
Hello holiday cheer!
All the Christmas spirit, from movies to decor, to hot cocoa.
Holiday fun!
That was a bit of a recap, now here’s some of my favorite things from the past 12 months:
Favorite Show: This is Us: the Final Season
Favorite Binge Watch: Downton Abbey (both the series and the movies)
Favorite New Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid (new to me!!)
Favorite New Movie: Elvis
Favorite Artist or Song: Taylor Swift’s Midnights
Favorite Adventure: First MLB Game in Cleveland to see the Guardians
This is a snapshot of this past year, it can be easy to forgot or not recall all the little moments that make up the past 365 days. This year has been so fulfilling and fun. I don’t know what the new year will bring, but I’m ready to embrace the change, take opportunities (even the scary ones), and make every moment count.
Hey guys! Happy Wednesday! I don’t know about you, but there is something so sweet about baking in the fall and trying new recipes after a nice long walk!
Happy Fall!
After doing some apple picking, I couldn’t wait to search Pinterest for some new recipes to try. I made this Apple Cinnamon Swirl Bread a few weeks ago and it was a hit. Although it is a bread, it’s so sweet and flavorful, you can serve it as a dessert with a scoop of ice cream or on its own.
Without further ado, here’s a look at this tasty apple recipe.
Ingredients
1/3 cup of brown sugar
2 teaspoons of cinnamon
2 medium apples
2/3 cup of sugar and 2 tablespoons
1 stick of butter
2 large eggs
1 ½ teaspoons of vanilla
1 ½ cup of flour
1 ¾ teaspoons of baking power
1 teaspoon of salt
½ cup of milk and 3 tablespoons
1 cup of powered sugar
Directions
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9×5 pan with cooking spray, place parchment paper and then spray.
2) Mix brown sugar and one teaspoon of cinnamon in a bowl and set aside.
A look at your dry ingredients
3) Toss chopped apples with 2 tablespoons of sugar and one teaspoon of cinnamon and set aside.
Apple mixture
4) Beat butter and 2/3 cup of sugar with mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs one and a time and vanilla.
5) Whisk flour, baking powder and salt in another bowl, add to cream mixture and blend. Mix ½ cup of milk until smooth.
6) Pour batter into loaf pan, add half of the apple mixture, sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon mixture on top.
7) Continue to layer and swirl the mixture once complete.
8) Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes and check with a tooth pick.
9) To make glaze: mix powered sugar with milk and pour on top of bread once cooled.
10) Serve!
This recipe was so easy to make and so tasty! I know I will be making it more this fall season. You can eat it for breakfast, lunch, a snack or dessert.
Happy Wednesday! As we wind down with another month, I’m sharing what I’ve been up to this past month. August was a busy month, from days trips to family vacations and last minute cramming in all the summer fun!
What I’ve been up to-This month was filled with soaking up summer! From bonfires, a trip to an amusement park at home, a family vacation, packing up my brother for college and a weekend wedding, plus add in wrapping up a big work project, August was a busy month, but so fun! It was so good to soak up the sunshine and squeeze in some summer fun!
Summer s’mores and bonfires!
Family trip to the beach!
Fun times being a kid at a local amusement park.
What I’m Wearing– As summer winds down, I’m making sure I wear all my summer clothes, from sundresses, shorts and t shirts and bathing suits! We took our family trip to the beach and it was so good to just wear a bathing suit and shorts most of the trip, it reminded me the days of being a kid. Old Navy had a few great sales that I fully took advantage of. Be sure to stay tuned on a clothing haul post soon!
My uniform for the beach (and most of the summer)…shorts and t shirts!
What I’m Reading-August was such a good reading month! I read three great books back to back! I started the month with Finding Freedom. This books follows the story of Harry and Meghan from when they met to their decision to step back as Senior Working Royals. I’ve always been interested in the Royal Family and found this book to be so enlightening. If you are interested in Harry and Meghan, I definitely recommend this book.
After such a good book, I didn’t know how to top it, well I found it with One Italian Summer. This is one of the hottest books this summer! I’ve been on a waiting list to read it since May. It was definitely worth the wait. It follows the story of a young woman who loses her mother and takes a trip to Italy and learns more about who her mother was as a young woman. I loved the description and how vivid the author makes the setting in the book. I loved the plot twist at the end! 5 STARS for me!
After hearing about this next book for years, I finally got my hands on Daisy Jones and the Six. I loved the way this book was told (it’s told through a series of interviews). The story follows the story of a fictional band and what led to their formation to what led to their demise. I fell in love with the characters and the plot. I can’t wait to watch the series on Amazon Prime.
What I’m Watching: I’ve been spending so much time outdoors, I haven’t been watching a lot of movies or shows this summer. I did recently finish Maid on Netflix which follows the true story of a young woman and mom who after getting out of a bad relationship must start from the ground up. I shared a bit about it on my last currently. It was definitely a heavier mini series but it’s one that really sticks with you. After hearing a lot about it, I’m glad I got to watch it for myself.
What I’m Loving: All the times outdoors! From walks to zoo trips, amusement parks, beach days, even just sitting by the pool. I’m doing my best to get outdoors as much as I can before the seasons change.
Time spent reading and outdoors is a favorite of mine in the summer!
Grilling has been another summer favorite!
What Inspires Me: After spending a few days at the beach, I really loved having a few days to slow down. I’ve found that day to day, you don’t realize how busy life gets and how it’s always go, go, go, until you stop to catch your breath. I’m glad I had a few days to recharge and slow down.
It felt so good to relax for a few days at the beach!
Enjoying outdoor dining was another summer favorite!
What I Accomplished: I checked off almost all my summer bucket list options as shown from my post last week, plus I got a few extra activities thrown in too
Ending the summer months by relaxing at a lake for the weekend.
Goals from Last Month: From a family vacation to entertaining guests, afternoons reading and nights swimming. I got so much in and the good news is just because kids may be back to school doesn’t mean the weather gets cold, I’m looking forward to spending more time outdoors as long as the weather permits it!
Beach days!
And ice cream nights!
Goals for this Month: As much as I hate to say this while still in August, next month, I’m looking forward the transition of one season to another. I’m excited to start thinking about my fall bucket list and still enjoying the time outdoors. I love walks in the fall and seeing the leaves change. Thankfully we still have time before it gets too cold, so right now I’m going to enjoy all the sunshine I can and I hope you will too!
Happy June! I can’t believe we are already into the sixth month of the year and making our way through 2022.
As we embark on a new month and in a few weeks, a new season, I figured it was time for a summer bucket list.
I love goals and I love to do lists, in order to maximize my time in the summer and have fun, I enjoy creating bucket lists. This bucket list is a mix of free and inexpensive things around my hometown and region of things I want to do this summer. Some can be done multiple times, others are a one and done kind of deal. If you are on the hunt for fun things to do this summer, feel free to steal an idea or two from the list.
I love to support local spots and community events, so I’m hoping to do that more this summer. I also like to use the summer season as a way to slow down a bit, less appointments and to-dos and more time to rest and go with the flow (one of my goals for my 24th year!)
Sumer Bucket List for 2022
This summer I hope to accomplish as many of these things as possible and do more activities that goes beyond this list.
Here’s a look at my summer bucket list:
Heritage Festivals/ Fairs
Day trips
Zoos
Beach Day
Pool Day
Celebrate Fourth of July
Time with family
White Turkey
Sara’s
See college friends
Go Someplace New
Meal by the Water
Food tour
Picnicing
Winery/Wine Tasting
Happy Hour/ Ice Cream Hour
State/National Parks
John Russell Brewing
Mini Golf
Kayaking
Amusement Park
Outdoor Concert
That’s a look at some things I hope to accomplish this summer. What are some things you are looking forward to this summer?
Well, here we are in September. This weekend is Labor Day and therefore the end of summer. Although, I plan on still soaking up as much sunshine and warm weather when days permit it. Now, that summer is almost over, it was time for a summer bucket list check in. Did I accomplish all my goals, did I add somethings to the list?! Let’s take a look.
Summer Bucket List Recap
Seawolves Baseball Game
Didn’t happen but there’s still a few more weeks left of home games, so I’m hoping to make it to one before the season is up.
Start a new show
I finished Offspring this summer, I also watched the second season of Outer Banks, watched the second season of Modern Love and I watched the Pursuit of Love. I watched a lot over the summer. The Pursuit of Love was good, it followed the lives of two women through their lives in the 1930s and 1940s. It’s only three seasons, so it’s not too long of a commitment.
One of the series I watched
Summer reading
I read lots of books this summer, from fiction to non-fiction, beach reads and autobiographies. To see everything I read you can check out my past Currentlys or my Instagram stories. I’ve really enjoyed getting lost in books this summer.
Travel someplace new
I didn’t travel any place new but I did have new experiences, such as travelling alone and seeing new things with family and friends.
Best friend’s wedding shower and Best friend’s wedding
One of the highlights of my summer was celebrating one of my best friend’s bridal shower, girl’s weekend and wedding. It was incredible to see college friends and celebrate love this summer.
A look at my dress
See college friends
I was able to see college friends through visits to Pittsburgh, wedding festivities, shopping trips, and lunches.
See high school friends
I saw my close high school friends this summer. I kept up with my book club this summer, I also went to my 5 Year Class Reunion, and dinners and holidays! I’m so glad I stayed close with my friends.
Time with high school friends
Ice cream nights
My answer to everything this summer was ice cream. Good or bad day, ice cream was the answer. I went to many of my favorite ice creams spots all through the summer.
Lots of ice cream this summer
Dinner by water
I didn’t get dinner by the water but I got lunch which was perfect! Especially in Pittsburgh and seafood too, It was perfect!
Summer by the water
Play putt putt
I played putt putt both here in Erie and on vacation, so fun!
Beach day
I was able to head to the beach one morning before work and on a day off too. Plus lots of walks at the peninsula.
Zoo
I went to many zoos this summer. I went to our local zoo a few times. I also went to the Pittsburgh Zoo and Keystone Safari too which was so much fun! Ya girl loves the zoo and animals.
Keystone Safari for the day
Family trip
My family and I went away for a few days at the start of the summer and thank goodness we did, because the summer got busy once we got back.
Family time in Hershey!
Pittsburgh Trip
I went to Pittsburgh with friends and family this summer. I also went to different places surrounding Pittsburgh to visit friends.
A view of the city from above.
See family
I got to see lots of family this summer between picnics and celebrations and just relaxing. It was great to see so many people especially after a year without seeing people.
The Fourth spent with family
– White Turkey and Sara’s
Both classic summer spots. I’m so glad I was able to enjoy them with family and friends.
Hot dog and ice cream on the beach after a walk.
Niagara Falls
I didn’t make this happen this summer but there’s still time in the fall to make it happen.
Grill nights
I enjoyed lots of grilling. From barbecues with friends, family nights at home, and just enjoying time outside.
Entertain friends
I didn’t get to do a lot of entertaining this summer, but I did get a lot of visits in.
Winery or Brewery
I didn’t make this happen this fall, but I’m hoping to make it happen this fall!
Celebrate 23
I celebrated 23 with lunch at work, followed by cake and presents on my birthday and the day after. I also went out to dinner after work the day after too. It was great to celebrate a new year full of new adevntures.
My birthday dress.
Summer festivals
I enjoyed some local festivals as a part of my job and after work. It’s always great to support community events and change things up on weekends or after work.
Pool days
I spent lots of days out by the pool, between reading outside, floating in the water or playing in the water. I had time to soak up the water on hot summer days!
Even my dog Reese got in on the pool action.
That’s just a look at what I did this past summer. What did you accomplish this summer?!
Guys!!!!! Can you believe summer is winding down?! I can’t believe we are in the middle of August! I’ve been checking lots of things off my summer bucket list, I can’t wait to share it with you! Before summer is up, I still have some fun summer date ideas for you and your significant other or your girlfriends or family. Here’s a roundup of my favorite summer date ideas!
-Ice Cream Date
I always say that ice cream makes everything better! Bad day? Eat ice cream! Need something to celebrate? Enjoy ice cream! Hungry? Ice cream is right around the corner! After work or a walk, there’s nothing quite like enjoying some cold ice cream on a summer day or night. The only thing better is getting ice cream from a local shop. I’ve been trying to enjoy ice cream from every local stand, we will see how it goes in a few weeks. But nothing speaks summer like ice cream!
Hot dog and ice cream on the beach after a walk.
-Going for walks
I love taking walks in the summer. Whether it’s by the water, on a trail in the woods or on a trail. Taking a walk allows you to have good conversations while getting fresh air and some exercise in. Plus, how can you beat these views by the water?!
Walking my way through summer days.
-Head to a Sporting Event
Whether you are a sports gal or not, heading to a baseball game or soccer game in the summer is relaxing but also a great activity that’s not too expensive. You can watch a game, enjoy a hot dog, and taking in a sunset too if it’s a night game.
-Zoos
They’re perfect for couples or families; they’re sunny and offer exercise and they’re active and exciting. Plus, it takes you back to your childhood seeing the animals up close and personal. I love to head to a zoo no matter what city I’m in!
Zoos are a favorite date ideas of mine!
-State parks
I’ve been to a couple around the area and there’s so much they all offer. You can tailor the experience! Wanna swim? Done! Hike? Done! BBQ? Why not!
Summer times at State Parks
These are just a few of my favorite summer date ideas! But, I love to take advantage of the outdoors and adventures in the summer. What are some of your favorite date ideas for the summer?
Hey guys! I know we are only halfway through June but I have spent a lot of time outside and going on some adventures near and far. The weather has been beautiful and I have been taking full advantage.
One of my goals for this summer was to be outside more and I’m definitely accomplishing that.
I wanted to share some of my favorite spots so far. If you are looking for walking destinations or hiking spots this could be a helpful guide for you. If you have some favorite spots to walk or hike, drop them below. I’m always looking for new places.
Here’s a recap of some of my favorite adventures so far…
Geneva State Park in Geneva, Ohio is beautiful. I love the dirt and paved trails. There’s also beaches near by which is perfect for a day long adventure. I travelled there in May and had the best time…just make sure you stay hydrated. This was one of the creeks I found on the hike, it was a perfect tucked away spot. Sticking closer to home. There’s a few paved walkways down by the Bayfront in Downtown Erie. I love this view overlooking the Bay and there’s a number of downtown spots for a coffee or meal too!I love the paved trails at Presque Isle, but I also love some of the dirt one by the wetlands. They are definitely hidden gems in an already beautiful spot.Another little trail that leads to water at Presque Isle. I love how the land meets the water here!And after all the hiking and walking, there’s nothing better than a hot dog and an ice cream on the beach…yum!Summer is just gettin started by I’m already enjoying some summer bonfires. It’s the perfect way to end the night.
My summer has been off to a great start so far and the best part is the season just officially kicked off! I’ll be sharing all my summer bucket list items on an Instagram story so make sure you are following along.
Where are your favorite places to head outside to???
Hey guys! Happy Wednesday! We are officially in June! I had the best time celebrating my birthday last weekend. In between work, I was able to go out for dinner, see family, open presents and celebrate with friends too! It was the best way to celebrate 23!
I always view Memorial Day as the official start to summer, now that we are passed that I can share my official summer bucket list! I have shared them every summer since I started my blog and I love to use my list as a way to hold me accountable and be intentional with my summer plans. Here’s my summer bucket list for 2021. I’ve already started to do somethings this summer which I was super excited about.
My summer bucket list that hangs on my wall
-Seawolves Baseball Game
-Start a new show
-Summer reading
-Travel someplace new
-Best friend’s wedding shower
-Best friend’s wedding
-See college friends
I already saw my bestie Danielle!
-See high school friends
-Ice cream nights
-Dinner by water
-Play putt putt
-Beach day
Grilling on the beach was a favorite of mine!
-Zoo
-Family trip
-Pittsburgh Trip
-See family
-White Turkey
A summer must-have
-Sara’s
After a walk at Presque Isle, ice cream was a must!
-Niagara Falls
-Grill nights
-Entertain friends
-Winery or Brewery
-Celebrate 23
-Summer festivals
-Pool days
-Summer Hikes
Hiking at the PeninsulaHikes at Geneva State Park
I know more things will come up this summer but here are my top things that I want to accomplish this summer. What are some things that are on your summer bucket list?!
Well friends, it is the end of the summer. This summer has flown by, I think that has to do with the fact so many things are closed or not what they used to be due to Covid, but I also think due to working full time, summer just feels different. Although, I am sad to see summer go, I am looking forward to the new season. I set 20 goals for the summer and now that Labor Day is over, it’s time to see if I accomplished them all.
Summer Bucket List
Read 20 Books (I’ve read 18 last summer so I want to up my books for this summer)
One of the books I read this summer, book review coming soon
No, this didn’t happen, between working full time and spending any free time with family or friends, I was upset this didn’t happen but I am looking forward to reading more once the weather is cooler and I’m inside more.
Finish 30 Rock (I keep starting it but never finish it)
No, I am making my way through 30 Rock but still have another few seasons, I did start and finish The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, which I absolutely loved! From the costumes to the characters, and them drama and the comedy, it was the perfect summer pick me up.
Be outside for 3-4 days a week (whether its swimming, walking, or running)
Going on walks and cutting fresh flowers were a big part of my summer days
Yes! I spent so much time outside especially on my days off or before or after work. I went on a lot of walks, to parks, the beach and zoos. I loved making it a priority to get outside.
Spend 30 minutes outside a day (Eating, reading, doing work, I want more sunshine)
Yes! Every morning before work I would spend some time outside to read, to work, or just for a walk, I loved getting some sunshine before I spend my day inside. I also liked spending time outside after a long day too.
Go someplace new
Yes! I went on a few day trips which were great for the soul. It was good to get away for a breather and go someplace new, and I got to spend time outside which made it better too.
Catch up with college friends (lots of plans have gotten changed due to Coronavirus, so I’m hoping to start rescheduling things)
Yes! I was able to see friends over the summer, outside and socially distanced, but still it was great to see friends face to face instead of just over a screen.
See high school friends (hoping to make more time for friends near and far)
Yes! I was able to see from high school friends for both breakfast and dinner, it was so great to catch up and see friends in person and not over a screen.
Entertain friends at home (I love entertaining so I’m hoping to have more friends over)
Yes! Although, it was different this year, I was still able to entertain and have people over. It was much more limited this summer due to Covid but having people over made me feel like things were a bit more normal.
Wine Tasting (my friends and I have talked about doing this for ages, hoping we can finally make it happen this summer)
No, this didn’t happen, but we are planning to do it in the fall once it works better with people’s schedules and more things are open.
Beach Day
Yes! It was great to spend some by the water on the beach and with not a care in the world.
Dinner by the water (I love living by the water and having dinner by it is so nice)
I didn’t get dinner by the water but I did get lunch and a walk by the water which was perfect and we had beautiful weather too!
Kayaking (I love being on the water in any form)
Morning out kayaking
Yes! My brother and went kayaking one morning and it was great to be on the water and get some one on one time together.
Working out (I want to keep being consistent with it)
Yes! As soon as gyms reopened I was back in the gym five days a week. I can feel myself get stronger each time I am there which is the best feeling.
Pool Day
Yes! I got a handful of pool days this summer with my family and brothers which made me feel like a kid again.
Bonfire
Bonfire Fun
Yes! We had a bonfire at the beginning of the summer and I loved sitting by the fire with some of my favorite people.
Day Trips
Yes! Whether it was going to see family or friends I got many day trips in which worked out great especially with Covid.
Beach day and a day trip
Really take time to slow down ( I took the time during Coronavirus to slow down and I want to continue to do that)
Yes! On mornings before work I was able to relax and take it easy and on my days off I tried to have one busy day with getting things done and one day that was more laid back and relaxed. I want to try to keep this up in the fall too.
Summer restaurants (I have a few favorite seasonal places that I can’t wait to get back to)
Yes! I was able to hit my favorite spots this summer and introduce my friends to them too which was even more special.
Ice Cream shops
Yes! I ate too much ice cream this summer and hit all of my favorite spots. One day I had ice cream twice!
Take advantage of local spots and free activities
Yes! I got to do a lot of my favorite things this summer that were local, especially in these hard times, it’s always great to support local!
Well there you have it! I am so happy with what I accomplished, from local spots, favorite food places and time outside, I couldn’t have asked for
