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
Happy Tuesday and an early happy Fourth of July! The Fourth is one of my favorite summer activities. Not only is it a day for seeing family, eating delicious food, and being outside in the sun, but it’s a day to celebrate our country!
This past week has been such a whirlwind filled with so many wonderful moments and memories that I loved making.
Let’s recap!
On Wednesday to Friday my best friend, Bailey, from college came to visit. This was one of the first times a college friend came to visit me, since I live further away from school. During her visit, we did so many things.
Look who’s here!!!
We started the mini vacay with a drive around my hometown and the happy hour by the bay.
Beautiful weather for her visit!
We then headed to the beach to listen to live music at sunset. After the live music we headed to get some ice cream before heading back to my house for a cook out. We relaxed for the rest of the night and caught up.
Sun setting at the beach
We got up bright and early on Thursday morning and headed out for a morning run. It was great to get a workout in, to start the day.
Hello Morning Run!
We then came back to my house and got ready for a day out in the sun. We got lunch at Sara’s, an iconic diner in my hometown.
Introducing her to Sara’s!
We then went kayaking, which was my first time going out, but so much fun!
After spending time on the water, we went to the beach, we tanned, relaxed, went in the water and even took a nap.
ALL the beach vibes!Beach vibes
After spending all day out in the sun, we went back to my house and relaxed. I just started watching Outlander and am obsessed!
We ate dinner and then went out for the night, which was so much fun!
The bay at night
We eased into Friday by going for a hike and then coming back for breakfast before she had to head back to Pittsburgh.
Hiking before she had to head back to Pittsburgh
I am so thankful for our friendship and her visit. It was so good to be a tourist in my own hometown. We are already planning our next adventure! Much love Bailey!
Thanks for a great visit!!!
After she left on Friday, I quickly had to switch gears since I was going away for the weekend with my high school Madeline to visit our friend Ryan in Buffalo!
REUNITED
We left early Saturday morning and made the journey up to Buffalo.
Buffalo bound
Once we arrived in New York, Ryan gave us a tour of Buffalo, from his college, Canisius, to downtown Buffalo and the canal side. It was so nice to get a look into his world.
Checking out his school
We went to the Terrace for lunch, the food was delicious, and the view was even better.
Lunch with my favorite high school palsBeautiful view
After walking around the city, we relaxed until we went out to dinner at Duff’s and had some of their famous wings. They didn’t disappoint. We hung out and played some games before calling it a night.
Did someone say Buffalo Chicken Wings?!
Before, Madeline and I left Buffalo we got brunch at Pano’s, a delicious place that was in downtown Buffalo. It was delicious and so filling.
I love these people
I was so glad to have made the trip to Buffalo and spend some quality time with my high school friends.
Thanks for being some of my best friends!
These past few days have truly reminded me how lucky I am to have such good, fun, and supportive friends. From high school to college, we all get by with a little help from our friends!
