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! 

Book Review: What Would Audrey Do?

 Be informed, be curious, be engaged in life- that is the difference between a pretty face and a truly beautiful woman. -Pamela Keogh

I was raiding the shelves of the student book store and came upon one full of pink books. As an Audrey Hepburn fan, I immediately picked up the book, What Would Audrey Do? by Pamela Keogh.  Without even reading more than the title, I took it to the register and brought it home. 

This book is slightly like an autobiography and a life-guide. The background about Audrey's life shapes how Audrey would go about making daily life decisions and why. The book shares details about her childhood, family, career, love life, and philanthropic work. It provides Audrey-esque life lessons about love, style, and grace. If you are interested in learning a little more about an iconic woman and how to take on the world like she would, I recommend What Would Audrey Do?

 

If you have a chance to travel, to contribute, to improve someone's life in whatever small (or large) way, to go off to see the world, to ride a Vespa in Rome, or enjoy an ice-cream cone in the Tuileries one bright afternoon...Go- Audrey would encourage us today. -Pamela Keogh

Audrey Hepburn left an unforgettable impression on not only her time, but our society today. Ballet flats, who started that trend? Audrey, she was the first person to take them from the dance studio to the streets. Angelina Jolie was not the first celebrity to give their time and efforts to non-profit organizations. Audrey was a humanitarian before it was cool, spending the last years of her life as the spokesperson for UNICEF. She is an example of where humility, passion, selflessness, and a love for life can take you. 

I do my best. I wish I could do more -Audrey

Is there a person that you admire or aspire to be like? What qualities do they possess that make them a remarkable role model? 

From A to Z

My A-Z to learn a little bit more about me. 

A // Available or Taken?
Taken by the most handsome man I know, Nathan. It has been 2 years and 3 months. He is hard working, kind, and has the sweetest laugh.

B // Book?
Well, I never really have a favorite, but, right now, I am finishing, "What Would Audrey Do?"

C // Cake or pie?
Cake. I like desserts very sweet. The thought of warm, yellow cake with chocolate frosting and a glass of milk makes my mouth water. 

D // Drink of choice?
Hands down, Diet Coke. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. I love my Diet Coke. Signs of a Diet Coke addict

E // Essential item?
My planner. I would probably be a hot mess without my planner that organizes my entire life. 

F // Favorite color?
PINK! I just adore the color pink, any and all shades of it.

G // Greatest hurdle?

Being able to communicate with my host mom and dad in Spain. At first, I was terrified to speak with them in Spanish, but as time went on, I thoroughly enjoyed the conversations and made an effort to talk to them more.

Carmen and Miguel

H // Hobbies?
playing ukulele, reading, writing, using social media, traveling and creating goals.

I // Indulgence?
Spending time with Nathan. We are both very busy people with work, school, and family so seeing each other seems like an indulgence.

J // Job?
Selling one of the most over-priced products in America, popcorn, at the local discount theater.

K // Kids and names?
No kids, but I do have names that I love: Lily Joy and Rowan Michael.

L // Life is incomplete without...?
Laughter, an open mind, and a nap.

M // Music group or singer?
Any acoustic tune has a way with my heart. 

N // Number of siblings?
Too many. I am the oldest of 9! Yes, that was not a typo, oldest of 9 in a blended family! The youngest is 6 and everyone else falls in between. Here are just a few of them:

O // Obsession?
Blue skies: sunshine, clouds, and colorful sunsets 

P // Place?
Cleveland, Ohio
Before I went to college, I didn't know much more about Cleveland than the stereotypes: dirty, stinky, etc. But ever since I have lived 15 minutes away and have had many opportunities to explore downtown, I have loved this up-and-coming city filled with so many opportunities. It is not the grimy, old city it used to be. 

Q // Quote?
"Inspire the woman. Impact the world." -Alpha Gamma Delta

R // Reason to smile?
Everything. I am thankful for the many blessings in my life that keep me smiling.

S // Season?
Fall: the weather isn't too hot or too cold, pumpkin picking, apple cider, colorful leaves, carving pumpkins, dressing up for Halloween, hay rides,.....just everything    

T // Tattoos?
I do not have any, but I wouldn't mind having this........NO8DO. It is the motto of Seville, meaning, "No me ha dejado" (It did not leave me). It means to me the time that I spent in Seville and the unfailing support I felt throughout my time there.

U // Unknown fact?
I received my first and only F in my first semester of college. I thought I wanted to be a music teacher. Failed Solfege.  Found different career path.

V // Vegetables you love?
snow peas, carrots, green beans, corn

W // Worst habit?
Getting on Facebook and wasting my day away. It just sucks me in!

X // X-rays you've had?
My teeth, but other than that I'm not sure. 

Y // Your favorite food?
Tacos, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and eggs.

Z // Zebra stripes or Cheetah print?
Cheetah print in small amounts. One of my favorite scarves is black and white cheetah print.

You can take the A-Z challenge too. Leave me a link in the comments section so I get to know you as well as you got to know me. 

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? 

New Beginnings are a Beautiful Thing

The Triana Bridge in Seville, Spain

Well this is it! The beginning of something new and, fingers crossed, something great!

I have been home in Ohio for almost 3 weeks, kicking off summer 2013. But before that, I was studying abroad in Seville, Spain for four months. It was the most incredible, eye opening, best way to kick off my 20's adventure I have ever been on. It had been my biggest dream for over 6 years. What do you do after accomplishing your biggest dream?

• Option 1: return to your small town in Ohio and be bored to tears, mope about being bored, hang out with your parents, etc.

OR

• Option 2: create other crazily ambitious dreams and work towards accomplishing them

I think I will take option 2 and start it by creating this blog. 

I have learned that each day is what you make it. If it is boring, it is boring because you are making it boring. Put the pizazz and excitement into it. Whether that is by dancing like a loon around your house, doing crafts, going for a run, calling an old friend, curling up with a great book, whatever it is, do it! I plan to use this blog to chronicle my goofy, make-the-most-of-each-day adventures and inspire you to do the same!