Summer Bucket List: Ride the Gatekeeper

Saturday, Nathan and I left early in the morning to Sandusky, Ohio for a fun-filled day at Cedar Point. It is an amusement park on the shores of Lake Erie. Nathan and I have been going to Cedar Point every summer since we were kids. It is almost like a family tradition in Ohio. We look forward to it every year. 

This year brought a lot of excitement with a new roller coaster, The Gatekeeper, "the tallest, fastest, and longest winged roller coaster in the world." As soon as we entered the park, despite rain, we headed for the Gatekeeper. When we arrived at the gate, the employee said to us it would be a 4 hour wait. Nathan and I looked at each other and shrugged it off as we kept walking by. 

The rain hindered any ride from being open or running, except for the Gatekeeper. They had only one train running for the first hour and a half, but as the storm passed by, they added two more trains! It only took 2.5 hours and freezing in my soaking wet clothes to ride, but it was absolutely worth it. I enjoyed the new roller coaster and think it is a great addition to the Cedar Point coaster family. I wonder what the next ride will be...

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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? 

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? 

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? 

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.

Family: Meet Sam and Sophia!

Part of my summer is being spent babysitting the two orneriest little girls I know, my sisters, Sam and Sophia.  So meet the people behind the chaos and good times to be had this summer!

1. What is your favorite color?

Sam: pausing to think..."I'll just say baby blue. I like baby blue"
Sophia: "Pink, blue, red."

2. What is your favorite thing to do when mom and dad aren't home?

Sam: "Turn the music up loud."
Sophia: "The things we aren't allowed to do!"

3. Who is your favorite sibling?

Sam: "You because you're an awesome babysitter and mac-n-cheese maker!"
Sophia: "Courtney because you are awesome at everything (Sam- She's not good at making hot dogs!)"

4. What is your favorite activity?

Sam: "to play with my little sister."
Sophia: "to snuggle with the cat."

5. What do you want to be when you grow up? (took them a lot of time to answer)

Sam: "a dancer and go to college."
Sophia: "I want to be......on Shake it up. I want to make money."

6. Describe yourself in 3 words?

Sam: "Three different words?" "I am a reader, smart, and funny."
Sophia: "ok...so...I am pretty, a cat-lover, and I love my momma!"

7. What makes you unique?

Sam: "I am the opposite of a flashlight. I don't burn out. You didn't know it, but yea I'm like Shakespeare."
Sophia: "My heart never runs out of love."

8. If you were a superhero, what super power would you have?

Sam: "Can I have two powers?" "I would want to fly and be able to walk through walls so when we're playing tag you can trick people and walk right through the wall."
Sophia: "I would have the power to blend into everything so like when the enemy comes they won't know that I'm on the wall so I grab 'em!"

9. Favorite accessory?

Sam: "My wallet full of money." me- "You don't have a wallet full of money." Sam- "I have a wallet."
Sophia: "...my pink cowgirl boots."

10. Hidden talent?

Sam: "writing music and finding notes on the piano."
Sophia: "I can break dance."

11. Tell me something about the other sister.

Sam: "Sophia is funny and eats a lot of fruit snacks."
Sophia: "Sam is the smartest, lovable sister. I love her. I just don't tell her."

12. Favorite joke?

Sam: "What's a bank that doesn't hold any money? A snow bank."
Sophia: "What's in common with a pig and ink? They both go in pens."

Some days can be crazy hectic, but there is never a dull moment with these two around. Stay tuned to check out some of things we hope to accomplish on our summer bucket list. Have a great weekend!

, Sam, and Sophia

Summer Bucket List: Sock Bubbles

I want my two younger sisters to have a great summer.  On Pinterest, I was able to find many creative activities to keep them occupied! A cute pin with a funny title caught my eye, Sock Bubbles. I know my sisters really enjoy playing with bubbles so I thought it would be perfect for them! As much fun as we had, we recommend you try it for yourself! It is simple, fast, and a great time in the summer sun!

Supplies: 

1 Plastic bottle
1 old sock
1 rubber band
scissors
A pan with dish soap and water

How to: 

1. Cut off the bottom of the water bottle

2. Cover the bottom of the bottle with the sock. Pull it tightly across and secure it with a rubber band

3. Dip the sock-bottom into the pan with soap and water

4. Blow into the bottle from the top 

5. Have fun!

"They were really cool! It was easy to make." -Sam

"They are way more fun than regular bubbles" -Sophia

We really enjoyed this activity and had a good laugh! What are some summer activities you really enjoy? 

Summer Bucket List: Drive-in

Yes, one activity on my bucket list is accomplished (and we did it on the first day of summer)! Last night, Nathan and I headed to the Springmill drive-in movie to see Monster's University and Iron Man 3. Disclaimer: If you do not like the outdoors (such as fresh air, bugs, etc.), getting comfortable in your cars' seats, or staying up late, the drive-in movie is not for you.

Both, Nathan and I, work at the local discount theater. One of our perks is going to the movies for FREE so we are hard pressed to pay for a movie, but we make an exception for the drive-in. Each ticket was only $6 (for those of you who do pay for movie tickets that saves you about $4/a ticket at the theater).

We picked up some treats on our way!

The drive-in is not what it used to be in it's hay day as the hot spot on a Friday and Saturday night. You rarely see a convertible or teenagers in leather jackets ready to duke it out.  On the other hand, you will find mini-vans packed with a seemingly endless amount of kids and snack foods and people enjoying the company of their families.

I love the drive-in movie because:

• I can snuggle close to my honey and not run into the dumb armrests like at the movie theater.
• I can wear my pajamas and take off my shoes.
• I (mostly Nathan) can talk during the movie and not get yelled at. 
• The concessions are cheap.
• I can see shooting stars (I spotted 3!)
• The cool night breeze that passes through the car windows is perfect.

 Monster's University was supposed to start at 9:35, but it did not start until 10:05 due to people arriving late. We had seen Iron Man 3 before so we did not stay as it was getting really late. We enjoyed our movie and each others' company. On to the next activity! 

Summer 2013 Bucket list

Find life experiences and swallow them whole. Travel. Meet many people. Go down some dead ends and explore dark alleys. Try everything. Exhaust yourself in the glorious pursuit of life.

 — |Lawrence K. Fish|

Summer is the time to kick back, an ice-cold Diet Coke, and soak up the sun. Although I do enjoy the sun bronzing my always-pale skin, I want to do a little more than lay out in the backyard. I have divided my summer 2013 bucket list into the four most important aspects of my life. I look forward to sharing my adventures with you!

Family 

-Build a bike-wash
-Make rock candy
-Decorate the entire sidewalk in chalk
-Science Day
-Commit Random Acts of Kindness
-Make summer treats
-Sock bubbles

Boyfriend

-A day trip to Lake Erie
-Zoo
-Drive-in Movie
-Learn how to shoot a gun
-Stay up late and watch the stars
-Ride the Gate Keeper
-Go to a Farmer's Market
-Indian's game

Professional

-Find at least two interview outfits

-Become a news junkie

-Create an organizational planner

-Re-work my resume

-Develop a daily make-up regimen 

Just for Fun

-Learn how to play the ukulele and attend ukulele club weekly

-Sew a skirt

-Train for a 5k (The Color Run on September 21)

-Spain day- non-alcoholic sangria, tortilla espanola, etc. 

-Read at least 5 books on my reading list 

-Decorate a cooler 

Do you have any plans you are looking forward to this summer? What are some things you would like to accomplish?