28 Jun Summer To Do List

Happy Friday friends!

How is has your week gone? I can’t believe June is almost over. Why is it the months you always want to last longer whiz by and the Winter months seem to drag on?? Anyhow, I was inspired by my good friend, Kellyann of This Blonde Shopping Bag, as she did a Bucket List recently.

Summer List

My BIrthday is July 8th, coming up, and my boy pup Gibson is July 7th.. so we will celebrate his 8th Bday and make him some special food that will either involve bacon or chicken.. his two favorites.. or maybe peanut butter.. could I find a recipe with all 3? He would be in Doggy Heaven! There should be a caption here that reads- “Look what she’s done to us this time!”  or “Just wait until your birthday!”

My mom’s 75th birthday is July 31st, so I need to think of something for her she would enjoy going to or something for her garden.

I’ve already spent my Bday $$ on a treadmill for the house that I bought in February. I use the program, iFit in which trainers from all over the world, create programs in various levels and I can choose where and who I would like to train with. I have been to Hawaii on a trail near a volcano, on Viking farmland, in France near the Seine.   It really is more motivating when I train this way. I used to run and jog, but now do more walking. I like to use the incline feature and work on tightening the bum as you know, it can all go  South if you let it! I need to work out at least 30 min 4-5 days a week.

When the weather is nice I do like to go outside to walk, but in these 90+ degree temps, I am more likely to either use the pool for exercise or the treadmill. The goal is to use it 4-5 days a week 30 minutes or so.

Go to a Charlotte Roof Top Bar– Merchant and Trade I love seeing a great view, so I’ve wanted to indulge in some great food and drinks here.

Visit Asheville-I am meeting Jennie and Shelbee, along with some other bloggers in Asheville for 2 days on July 2nd and 3rd.  Hubby and the pups are coming and we are staying at ALoft, a hotel that is dog-friendly! Yea! They actually have astroturf on the 3rd floor and call it a Dog Run. So, if it rains, the pups can still get their exercise! It should be a fun meetup and we are staying just in time for my nervous pup, Truffles to hang with us for the 4th.

If you haven’t read about our excursions to Asheville, you can Here and Here, it is one of our favorite Mountain towns. I just love the local flavor and the artsy style.

Vacation- The Outer Banks. We are staying at a dog-friendly BnB as the lady who owns it breeds Bischons! Excited to hit the waves on my boogie board and just relax. I look forward to being computer free for nearly a week. I look forward to visiting the Wrights Brothers Memorial and checking out the sand dunes at Kitty Hawk.  I also want to try riding a cruiser bike on the bike paths of the Outer Banks. We will see how that goes!

Reading-My mom put me to shame and read this book– in a day when she was here. Supposed to be quite a thriller!

Shop less– as I added a nice selection of dresses and some cute tops to my closet this Spring. I would love to add another dress or two for summer-LOFT and Mango have been my go tos this season!  I like this dress from Loft and this print is adorable, both are $35! This seafoam green dress from Mango has my eye as well.

Try a different Summertime cocktail. My hubby and I enjoy a Ginger Mule from time to time, and I enjoy a fruity taste to my cocktails. I also love refreshing summer drinks and a Cucumber mule or Mojito may be in order. I have pinned some great cocktail recipes I need to make. My mom while visiting, made an authentic Spanish Sangria with me. It was so easy, I have it memorized! So good as well. My niece helped and learned the meaning of the word- “Muddle”

Make a summer salad or vegetarian dish. I just love fresh fruits and veggies in the summer. I have pinned loads of great recipes, so now I need to make them! Check out my Pinterest board here. This Sweet potato, Chic Pea and Quinoa veggie burger recipe sound delish! I don’t eat red meat and prefer fish, so there are a lot of great recipes out there! Here’s one more for you from the website Salt and Lavender, its a Lemongrass Coconut curry soup,

Visit the nearby nursery for Azalea bushes and want a Korean Lilac Bush ( Miss Kim) to plant near the deck.

Summer Concerts– Last year it was Def Leppard and Journey – We may be entertained by the different bands that play at our local vineyards. There are so many great vineyards to choose from, we can have the fun of live music and great wine! Our favorite vineyard here is Raylen Vineyards. 

Fitness-I would like to tone my arms more, so I am using water weights dumbbells in the pool 3  days a week and regular weights 1 day in the house. I use kettlebells and a medicine ball, and also am trying to strengthen my core muscles more in order to help with back pain .

Find the times when the pool is less busy…me and my “glamour pose”

This is the time of year that I buy fresh fruit like it is going out of style at our locally owned Fruit and veggie store. I have been known to eat whole watermelons and cantelope in a few days time… YUM!

It all just goes by too quickly! What are your plans for the Summer Months or are on you Bucket list?