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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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? 

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? 

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?