Welcome, baby Ayden!

Welcome, 8 pound, 20.5 inch, baby Ayden. Today, my sister, Caitey, went into labor at 3 a.m. and delivered him around 1:45 p.m. I could not be more excited to be an aunt to this precious baby boy. 

Fun fact: July 31 is also Sophia's birthday. She was pretty excited that her and Ayden share birthdays. 

Summer Bucket List: Young Professional Clothing Haul

please excuse the wrinkles, I was too excited to iron or wash them before the outfits were photographed.

This fall semester, I am stepping into the professional world as an intern. I am very excited for this experience and look forward to what the fall has in store for me. But before I can step into the office space, I need to revamp my jeans and t-shirt wardrobe in exchange for a well put together, professional style. With school starting in just over two weeks, my grandma and I headed out to Kohl's to find just what I needed.

My grandma was a great help picking out great deals and flattering pieces. I was able to snatch up 12 pieces with a 15% off coupon, clearance rack steals, and an extra 15% off employee discount for $181.75.

When buying new clothes, it is a good idea to clear out old clothes. I took a large tote of clothes to Plato's Closet to sell. While waiting for my clothes to be checked, I found two additional pieces. I made $10 from the clothes I sold and earned 10% off that day on the two items I bought. I am very happy with my purchases and my new young professional wardrobe.

14 items under $200

Kohls
Candies pink Peplum Blazer
2 Sonoma Everyday Tees (grey and white)
Lauren Conrad Polka-Dot Blouse
Apt. 9 Geometric Roll-Tab Peasant Henley
2 Apt. 9 modern fit, straight leg capris (I am 5'3''. I wear the capris as pants.)
Dark wash Dockers pants
2 Sonoma dresses (plum and chambray)
Daisy Fuentes Sheered Shift dress
Apt. 9 Kensington black wedges

total: $181.75

Plato's Closet
Forever 21 tan blazer
BCX plum dress

total: $11.58 (after 10% off and selling $10 worth of clothing)

Do you have any must have pieces for a young professional wardrobe? 

My Spanish Family Vacation {Travel Tuesday}

Last spring, I studied abroad in Seville, Spain. Lucky for me, I had the sweetest host parents ever. They, Carmen and Miguel, took great care of my roommate, Kate, and I. In the beginning, I was terrified to talk to them and they certainly knew that. They know only a few words of English such as fish, good night, and how are you. The first night, my host mom said good night in English to me to help ease me. Eventually, I took the time to speak to them in Spanish and more and more I came to know them very well. I still communicate with them and plan to visit them as soon as possible.

Carmen and Miguel have a second house in Sanlucar de la Barrameda. Carmen was born and raised in the coastal city. The weekend before I headed home to America, my host parents took me there. Carmen and Miguel took me on a tour around the city, to meet their friends, eat paella and tapas, and to see the Mediterranean Sea. It was a quaint wine town with incredibly kind people, tasty tapas, and beautiful views. I felt like it was a family vacation, my Spanish family vacation. I appreciate everything they did for me and the memories we made together. I love them dearly and miss them regularly.

What to Wear to an Amusement Park

Cedar Point Outfit by cfraley featuring round sunglasses

Tomorrow, Nathan and I have a day off together to spend the day in Sandusky, Ohio at "America's Rockin' Roller Coast", Cedar Point. This amusement park is an essential summer location for thrill seekers all over the country. Cedar Point has some of the fastest and most innovative coasters in the world. 

I have already been to Cedar Point once this summer, but I am going again to wait in line for hours, fry in the sun, and ride roller coasters with Nathan. And, oh yea, I am going to check off ride the Gatekeeper on my Summer Bucket List. We leave early tomorrow morning and will not be back until late that night. So what do you wear to stand in line all day out in the sun? These are my suggestions:

Comfy Clothes 

It would not be a good day, if you are uncomfortable in what you are wearing. In order to stay cool, I wear a tank top with a pair of shorts. 

Sneakers 

Take care of your feet! Amusement parks are humongous. Walking all day from coaster to coaster can put a lot of stress on your feet. It would be bummer to have to cut your day short because your feet hurt. I strongly advise avoiding flip flops or sandals. I know tennis shoes are not the cutest with a summer outfit, but Keds and Vans can be! 

Accessories

I keep my accessories simple: earrings and a watch. Earrings are always a must no matter what I am doing. I wear studs at the amusement park because I am afraid dangles would fall out on a ride. Along with pretty earrings, I accessorize with a watch to keep track of time. 

Sunglasses 

Squinting in the sun gives me a headache. I always bring a pair of sunglasses or a baseball cap. If you bring sunglasses, have a strap so you do not have to take them off to ride a roller coaster. If I wear a baseball cap, I slip it onto my wrist to ride coasters. I do not like to put my stuff in the rides' bins.

Don't forget to protect your skin with sunscreen and stay hydrated. 

What do you wear to an amusement park? Do you have any favorite amusement parks or roller coasters? 

Blog Bucket List

(please excuse the work clothes and squinty eyes.)

Blogging is truly a learning process. I did not think blogging would be very complicated, and it's not, as long as you have the desire to learn. Most of the time I find myself googling how-to's or avidly reading tips from veteran bloggers. Although, sometimes I may have more questions or cannot quite figure something out. Fortunately, I have a blog friend in real life to help me sort through blogging ventures. Her name is Lisa at Améliorer la Vie.

Lisa has been blogging longer than I have; she is more knowledgeable about the blog world. Whenever we are together, we constantly talk about blogging. We are able to share in the progress and successes that each of our blogs are making. We swap tips and ideas on graphic design, gift swaps, sponsors, content, link ups, blog hops, etc. (I did not even know what a link up or a blog hop was until Lisa told me about it).

Over the past month, we have shared and come up with many ideas. One day, Lisa suggested we make a blog bucket list together. Goals are a great way to provide focus and direction for your blog. We encourage you to make one for yourself. Need inspiration? Check out our blog bucket list below. 

*gain 20 followers is a personal number

Have any other ideas? Please share them with us! As new bloggers, we are always looking for ideas, suggestions, and guidance.

Your Creative Responsibility {Linking Up with The Circle}

1. What does creativity mean to you?

Creativity is not just a way of thinking, but a way of feeling and being. It is where you can freely express yourself. It is where you are truly inspired by things that you love, in order to create new ideas and original thoughts. I believe everyone has a different sense of creativity and a special way of being creative. Creativity adds purpose and passion to life. Be creative; be yourself.

2. How do you stay creative? Who do you draw inspiration from? 

I am constantly inspired by the world around me. I always say I could sit on a bench in Central Park all day and people watch. People are incredibly dynamic and powerful. They say so much without even saying a word. My creativity stirs from observing first and creating second. Here are a few other places that I draw inspiration from:
-A good conversation -Travel -Reading books, newspapers, blogs,  magazines, etc. -Ted talks -Running -Watching movies -Pinterest -A powerful quote

3. What is a creative part of you that you don't share much on your blog (i.e. a talent, hobby, activity, passion, etc.).

I have not been blogging for very long, but, as of yet, I have not shared that I am very organized. You could say organization is a hobby or an activity, maybe even a talent, but it is how I keep my crazy life together. I am an avid list maker and note taker. I keep with me at all times a binder filled with calenders, to-do lists, projects, college information, workouts,....pretty much my entire life. I try to be creative with my organization from cute calenders, pretty pens, to colorful divider tabs. 

I am so glad to have done a link up and look forward to doing another one in the future. I also encourage you to do link ups as a way to meet other bloggers and spice up your content.  If you would like to do this July Link Up with The Circle, click on this link.

July Cara Box Reveal

My blog friend, Lisa, at Améliorer la Vie introduced me to a blogger networking opportunity called, cara box exchange through Wifessionals. Each month, people who want to participate sign-up at wifessionals. Kaitlyn, creator of cara box exchange, pairs together bloggers and non-bloggers alike. Throughout the month, you connect with your partners via email. Based on the theme of the month, July being Nautical, you send a $15 gift to your assigned partner. You send a box to one blogger and receive a box from another. The cara box exchange is a way to meet other bloggers, find encouragement, be creative, and have fun.

I was partnered with Jenn at This Little Piggy's Life and Ashley at Rainstorms and Love Notes. I had a really great time getting to know each one of them. I created a box for Ashley, while Jenn made one for me. At first, finding nautical themed items was very difficult, but, after a few store references, I found some great items. I cannot wait for Ashley to receive her box! Yesterday, the mail lady dropped off my box from Jenn. I was so surprised and immediately tore open the box in my excitement. Below is what Jenn sent in my July cara box.

• An encouraging letter
• Basket with seashells and 4 ocean scented candles
• Sinful Colors nail polish in "All Mighty" 
• Model sailboat 
• 2 anchor printouts with nautical quotes: "A smooth sea never made for a skillful sailor" and "refuse to sink"

Thank you, Jenn, for my cara box! If you are interested in doing a cara box exchange, check out Wifessionals' blog here for more information.

Summer Bucket List: Cool Treats

With the heat index reaching over 100 you do not want to use your oven to bake a delicious treat. I found a No Bake Reese's Cup Cheesecake recipe on Pinterest. It was a fun, simple treat that required no baking. Try it out for yourself and steer clear of the summer heat!

Ingredients:

1 box of No Bake Cheesecake 

12 Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

12 muffin holders

1 muffin pan

 Directions: 

1. Mix the No Bake Cheesecake- Follow the directions on the box
2. Place the muffin holders in the pan
3. Unwrap Reese's Cups and place one in each spot
4. Divide the No Bake Cheesecake mix evenly, over top each Reese's Cup
5. Place them in the refrigerator  
6. Let the No Bake Reese's Cup Cheesecakes chill for 1-2 hours 
7. Enjoy

Do you have any favorite No Bake recipes? 

Summer Bucket list: Run a 5k (preparation)

Last summer, I felt that all I was doing was working to save money for Spain. I spiced up my summer by making it my goal to run a 5k. Knowing it would be a challenge for a non-runner, I found a training program called Couch to 5k. Over a course of 9 weeks, I prepared for a local race; which led to a 3rd place finish in my age division.

This summer, I have decided to do it again with Couch to 5k. As of right now, I am completing week 6 and looking forward to finishing the program! Below, I have my running essentials that have kept me fresh, healthy, and ready to run.

5k Training Essentials

5k essentials by cfraley featuring nike sportswear

• Tennis shoes. I am an avid Nike fan for running shoes. A comfy pair of tennis shoes can make a world of difference during and after your run. Take care of your feet. 
• Running shorts. I love Nike running shorts; however, if you get chub rub when you run I recommend capris. 
• Wick-away t-shirt. It is made of breathable fabric to help keep you cool. 
• Sports bra. Hold those girls up. You do not want them bouncing along with you.
• Wick-away socks. They help keep your feet dry to avoid blisters.
• Sunglasses with a strap. You can avoid squinting in the sun and your sunglasses from sliding down your sweaty nose. You do not want to keep pushing your glasses up your nose. 
• Ipod. Keep your mind off running by jamming to your favorite tunes.

Do you have any products you cannot run or train without? 

West Virginia: Wild and Wonderful

After a few days of recouping, I can write about our family vacation! My family and I stayed in the mountains of Oak Hill, West Virginia at ACE Adventure Resort. We have been visiting ACE for the past 6 years with each year bringing new, heart-pounding adventures.

ACE offers a variety of outdoor activities for people of all ages. Our week at ACE was action-packed, including Zip line canopy tour, ATV tour, Heritage hike, Evening rappel, Whitewater rafting, and Horseback riding. Check out a few of our favorite things from the week:

1. Usually, we stay in a cabin, but this year's cabin was a little different. The cabin was huge; we had a finished basement! I even had a king size bed. We were like kids on Christmas running from room to room checking everything out. 
2. ACE is known for its whitewater rafting trips down the New River Gorge. Every year, we take a trip down the river. This year was a little different with high waters due to a lot of rain the previous week. We love navigating the rapids and look forward to it every year! 
3. If we weren't eating or sleeping between activities, we were playing at the lake. We, especially, loved blobbing each other sky high. 
4. This was the first year we went on a hike. Our guide took us on Long Point Trail to a breathtaking view of the New River Bridge, 800ft above the gorge.  
5. ACE has 9 zip lines from cliff to cliff in the mountains. One of them gives you an incredible view of the New River Gorge. Check out the video of our favorite zip below!

-Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all-

After a week of running wild through the mountains of West Virginia, it was time to head home. We look forward to coming back next year. My sister and I have already decided to try out paddle boarding next year! If you are an outdoorsy, adventurous person, or family, I recommend checking out ACE for your next vacation!

Are you headed anywhere this summer for vacation? Or have you already traveled somewhere this summer? 

Summer Vacation 2013

Be back in a week! Off to West Virginia for some fun in the sun, white water rafting, rappelling, zip lining, horseback riding and more! Looking forward to a week with my family! Can't wait to tell you all about it!

Until then, I will leave you with my favorite picture from Spain.....

Sunsets are a few of my favorite things, especially over the Triana Bridge in Sevilla, Spain.

'Merica

I have definitely found a greater appreciation for America since my trip to Spain. You really do not know what you have until you do not have it for four months (i.e. fast food, parking spaces, carpet, refillable drinks, etc.). I am thankful to live in this country and to enjoy the many opportunities we have here.

On a more serious note, thank you to the men and women that serve and protect our country. I hope the rain holds off and you can enjoy the parades, festivals, and fireworks! Have fun, be safe!

Weekend Snapshot

Friday

I was babysitting the girls when they came to me with the idea of having a tea party. Of course, I agreed to this brilliant idea! We made snacks (popcorn, fruit snacks, cheese, and crackers) and caramel truffle tea. Just as we headed outside, it started to sprinkle and thunder. But we did not let the rain bring down the party and enjoyed our tea inside. The day concluded with a delicious dinner at Nathan's house and a gorgeous sunset! 

Saturday

 Saturday was the craziest day we have had in a while with many events, parties, and errands to run. It started off on an interesting note at 7:30a.m. when Sam got a hairbrush stuck in her hair! We joked that she would be the only racer with a hairbrush hanging outside of her helmet at the North Central Ohio Soap Box Derby race, but we were able to remove it before we arrived.

 While Sam was racing her car down the hill, Sophia and I rode the carousal. After an afternoon of racing, we celebrated with cold treats at Sweet Treats Down Memory Lane. They have 24 soft-serve flavors! The German chocolate cake and peanut butter flavors blew my mind! 

As soon as I got home from the race, I had to head over to my sister, Catey's, baby shower! It started off quite dramatically when the top of the cake slid off and crashed. My mom, who was already having heart palpitations because of the party, could not handle one more thing. So grandma sped over to Walmart, bought every cake supply in stock, and saved the cake!  Despite the cake disaster, the party was a blast and we are looking forward to seeing baby Ayden very soon! 

Sunday

After a week of rain, we saw the sun for an entire day! That afternoon, we headed over to my cousin, Chloe's, graduation party. Nathan and I enjoyed playing corn hole, especially, because we dominated. Congratulations, Chloe!

This weekend was a little insane, but it was filled with many laughs and wonderful people! I would not have had it any other way.