I have so much to be thankful for

I just wanted to stop in really fast to say Happy Thanksgiving to everyone out there, and to share a list of 5 things that I am thankful for.

I am thankful...

//  to be able to spend this day with mine and my husband's family, and start new traditions with our little one

//  for some of the best friends a girl could ever ask for

//  to have the best husband in the whole world, who loves me even at my worst and is my biggest fan and strength when I need it most

//  for my daughter's sweet cuddles and kisses every day

//  that I found this amazing blogging community.  It has given me an amazing outlet to express myself and I have "met" so many wonderful people

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with family, food, and laughter.  Don't get too crazy with the Black Friday shopping ;-)

25+ Tall Girl Problems

I always see the lists of problems for short girls (or as my best friend says, "vertically challenged") and while I can see the frustrations; I've never seen a list for the tall girls like myself.  So I decided to make a list of the things that drive me super crazy about being tall.

//  All of the cute dresses that would be an appropriate length for other people, barely cover your butt.

//  You can't dry your clothes because you are afraid they will shorten/shrink

//  One size fits all??  Lies!

//  You have to buy all tops/dresses in a size bigger just so it reaches below your navel.  And then it's super baggy because you are also thin.  Boo!

//  The "awkward lean/knee bend" you have to do in photos so everyone is in the picture

//  Painting your toenails is a struggle because they are so far away

//  No adorable rompers unless you enjoy cameltoe

//  Long-sleeve shirts don't even make it to your wrist

//  Having to wear undershirts with everything

//  Not wanting to wear heels because you would be taller than your husband and look like a giant next to your girlfriends

//  Having to slow down when walking with your shorter friends because one of your strides is 3 of theirs

//  Boob-to-face hugs.  Always awkward..

//  You have bad posture from trying to appear shorter than you actually are

//  Not being able to cross your legs under a desk

//  Bathroom stalls that you can see over while standing, so you end up with really awkward eye contact...

//  Stretching and hitting your hands on the ceiling fan....yep, it's happened

//  Baths.  There is no way possible to cover your knees and chest at the same time!

//  Everyone says: "You must be really good at basketball".  Actually no, I'm not...but I'm REALLY good at soccer, so come here and let me kick you in the head.

//  The backache you get from stooping down to do dishes

//  Not being able to lay straight on your bed so your feet hang over, making them fair game for the monsters to get them.  True story

//  Trying to wash your hair when the shower head is lower than you

//  Trying to find a maxi dress that actually touches the ground

//  Cramped theater/airplane seats.  Do anyone's legs actually fit comfortably?

//  Yes, the weather is in fact the same "up here".  Thank you for asking

//  Not being able to swap clothes with friends

//  All shorts are "short shorts"

//  You hit your head on your friend's chandelier/light fixture ALL THE TIME

//  The hairdresser has to stand on a stool to cut your hair, even after lowering your chair as much as she could.  Don't judge me!  She was just under 5 foot tall!

Are there any other tall ladies out there?!  Did I miss any??

My 10 favorite angsty girl songs from the 90's

Man, it was really hard to narrow this list down to just 10!  There were so many good ones from the 90's!  I have every single one of these on my ipod! haha!  I can't get enough of them.  Sometimes you just have to listen to angry girl music.  Here are my favorites:

1.  Alanis Morissette - "You Oughta Know" (1995)

2.  Natalie Imbruglia - "Torn" (1997)

3.  No Doubt - "Don't Speak" (1995)

4.  No Doubt - "Just a Girl" (1995)

5.  Meredith Brooks - "Bitch" (1997)

6.  Lisa Leob - "Stay" (1995)

7.  Tracy Chapman - "Give Me One Reason" (1995)

8.  Fiona Apple - "Shadowboxer" (1996)

9.  Sheryl Crow - "If It Makes You Happy" (1996)

10.  Jewel - "You Were Meant For Me" (1995)

What were some of your favorites from the 90's?  Who was your favorite "angry" female artist?

5 Movies that make me ugly cry

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1. Up - I've never had a movie completely break my heart within the first couple minutes of the movie before.  Every time he looked at her empty chair I teared up.  So heartbreaking!

2. Armageddon- When Harry tells Grace that he won't be coming back and she has to say goodbye.  

3. My Girl- "Where are his glasses?  He can't see without his glasses!"  Terrible big ugly tears!

4. Rent- When Collin's goes up to say goodbye to Angel and sings the "I'll Cover You Reprise".  Ugghhh...again, big fat LOUD ugly tears.  I'm not the type that cries at much but this gets me sobbing every single time.  I tear up even thinking about it.

5. The Fox and the Hound - Yeah ok, I'm a sissy, but when she has to say goodbye to her little fox and releases him into the wild I cry like a baby.  Yep, my little kid heart was broken

I still haven't seen some of the most popular tearjerkers like: A Fault in Our Stars, Stepmom, A Walk to Remember, etc.  I avoid movies that talk about cancer.  I've lost too many loved ones to cancer so it hits me really hard when I have to watch it in a movie. 

What are some movies that always make you cry?

20 ways to make him feel special

1. Write him a love note and hide it somewhere he will find it (wallet, computer, briefcase, etc.)
2. Surprise him with a gift. It doesn't have to be something expensive, it could be something that you made for him yourself, or just his favorite drink/snack!
3. Compliment him. - Do you think he has killer eyes? Or do his strong arms make you melt??  Tell him!  You aren't the only one that loves compliments
4. Give him guilt-free time with his friends or to work on his hobbies
5. Lighten his load.  Is there anything you can do to help him out?  Clean out the garage, organize his desk, wash his car, etc.
6. Dress up for him for no reason.  After being with someone for a long time one of the major perks is that you don't always have to look your best, but sometimes we take it a bit too far maybe?  Get all dolled up for him like you would for your first date!
7. Encourage him and support his dreams
8. Make his favorite food.  My grandma believes that the quickest way to a man's heart is his stomach.... and she was married for over 50 years to the same man.  She might know what she's talking about!
9. Praise him in front of his family and friends.  Who doesn't like being bragged about?
10. Kiss him as soon as he comes in the door and every morning before he leaves
11. Play songs that are special to you as a couple from when you were dating
12. Plan a fun day for just the two of you.  Nothing makes a man more crazy then the indecision of figuring out something to do, especially when our response is usually " I don't care".  Instead of making him figure it out plan something you know he will love.  Is your guy an outdoorsy man?  Rent some bikes or go for a hike.  Is he a sports man??  Take him to see a sports game.
13. Give him a massage after a hard day
14. Sit on his lap.  Sometimes guy's like a good snuggle too!
15. Hold his hand.  This one may seem silly, but when you reach over and take his hand it is a great way to connect even if you aren't talking
16. Give him ALL of your attention.  Put down your computer/phone while he's talking to you and actually look him in the eyes.  Listen to what he has to say without interrupting.  
17. Choose the sexy pajamas over the comfy flannels jammys sometimes.
18. Flirt with him in public.  It shows him that you are just as crazy about him as you always have been
19. Bring him breakfast in bed.  Come on, you know he's done it for you.  Return the favor!
20. Have supper going so the house smells great when he walks in.

What are some ways that you make your man/woman feel special??

BLOGTOBER | Updated Fall Bucket List

Okay so here's the thing.....   I already actually posted my Fall Bucket list in September BUT I thought I would check off the things that I have already done to show you that I'm making progress!

That's not too bad so far, right?!  I've still got quite a few things I want to do.

We just went to the pumpkin patch yesterday, and it was SO COLD!  I had this whole eventful day planned, where we would go through the corn maze, let Paige ride a pony, and eat all of the amazing treats that they had at the farm.  Unfortunately that didn't get to happen.  Not only was it really cold but when we got to the pumpkin patch it POURED down ice cold rain.  Not a good time!  BUT we did get to ride the hay ride and pick out a couple pumpkins, so it wasn't all bad, I guess.

Have you picked out your pumpkins yet?  Is it already freezing where you are??

September at a glance

September was a crazy busy month for me.  There was so much going on that I still feel like I'm catching up.  Do you ever feel like that??

First I showed you how to make a DIY Wedding Card Album

I introduced you to a few more of my Style Icons:  Olivia Wilde, Kate Beckinsale, and Miranda Kerr

I told you a little bit about were I was from, Pittsburgh

And I shared my Fall Bucket List

It was definitely a busy month!  But it doesn't look like it's going to be slowing down anytime soon because I've already got a lot of things planned for October.  So excited!

Blog-tember Challenge - DAY 24

What are some things you want to do this Fall?

Blog-tember Challenge - DAY 21

Hello again to everyone from the link up, and of course even to the ones not participating!  I've been having so much fun with this challenge and meeting new bloggers!  I love reading how everyone else "answers" the blogging prompts from Brave Love.  Today's writing prompt is to share what we love about Fall.

• Pumpkin flavored everything! Yummm
• Cozy sweaters
• Fall fashion - I love the layered look and this is definitely the season for it!
• Bonfires
• Carving pumpkins
• Walking on crunchy leaves
• The changing colors of the leaves
• Apple cider
• Apple picking
• Hayrides
• Corn mazes
• Caramel Apples
• It's snuggling weather
• Football season!
• Haunted houses
• Halloween
• Cute boots
• I don't have to shave my legs as often (hey, I'm honest!!)
• Trips to the pumpkin patch
• Apple dumplings
• Hot chocolate with marshmallow fluff on top!
• They play Hocus Pocus ALL THE TIME
• Homemade chili
• Thanksgiving dinner 

What are you looking forward to this Fall??

10 Signs that he may not be "the one"

We have all had our share of nightmare dates and "why did I even like that guy" moments.  They usually aren't funny at all at the time, but looking back...sometimes you  have to laugh and say "what was I thinking?!".  I think you are finally able to laugh about it once you meet the right guy.

So if you are trying to figure out if the guy you are dating is the one for you or not, read some of my helpful clues (from my own personal experiences) and if any of them fit, RUN, run as fast as your legs will take you!!

1.  He only calls at 2am and just wants to come over to "cuddle". Riiiight...
2.  Not only did he forget your birthday but his intentions on showing up to your birthday party was actually to dump you....for your friend
3.  He tells a mutual friend that he wouldn't mind hooking up with your sister because she is so hot.
4.  He slept with your friend -  duh!
5.  He wants to keep the relationship a secret for a while.  Let me tell you a secret..what he actually means is let's not tell people at all because I want to keep my options open
6.  He tells you that you need to "start dressing nicer and looking prettier"
7.  For your big date he takes you to McDonald's and later has you smuggle a drink and candy in your purse to the DOLLAR theater.  True story
8.  He informs you that the only reason any of your guy friends talk to you is because they want to "bang" you.
9.  He brings you to one of his friend's parties and then disappears after an hour.  You later find him passed out drunk on the couch and have no way home.
10.  He disappears during school break and wants to pick up right where you left off when school starts back up.

Yeah, I dated some winners didn't I ladies?!?! haha!

But in the end, all of these nightmare experiences make me cherish my relationship with my husband even more now.  All of the jerks that I dated did teach me what not to put up with and how exactly I do want to be treated so I guess in that sense I don't regret them.  They were learning experiences!

What are some of your worst date stories??

My Workout Playlist

Recently I have decided that I need to start working out again, not to lose weight but to get back into shape and tone up some areas.  I feel like I have been stuck in a funk lately and exercising always helps me feel better.  Whenever I exercise I have to have some good and/or motivational music to listen to, so I thought I would share my list with you just in case you needed some inspiration too!  Just as a warning, I listen to a HUGE variety of music so it's kind of all over the place....and I'm kind of an 80s rock junkie. haha!!  Here are my absolute favorites in no particular order:

Cage the Elephant - "Aint no rest for the wicked"

Neon Trees - "Animal" & "Everybody Talks"

Joan Jett - "I Love Rock n Roll"

Twisted Sister - "We're Not Gonna Take It"

Queen - "Another One Bites the Dust"

Michael Jackson - "Don't Stop til You Get Enough"

Imagine Dragons - "Demons" & "Radioactive"

Baby Bash - "Cyclone"

Awolnation - "Sail"

Muse - "Uprising"

P.O.D. - "Boom"

Finger Eleven - "Paralyzer"

Poison - "Talk Dirty to Me"

AC/DC - "You Shook Me All Night Long"

Lady Gaga- "Applause" & "Born This Way"

Kelly Clarkson - "What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger)"

Duffy - "Mercy"

Eminem - "Lose Yourself"

The Killers - "Mr. Brightside"

Van Halen - "Panama"

Black Eyed Peas - "Let's Get It Started"

Nelly - "Hot In Here"

Christina Aguilara - "Fighter"

Survivor - "Eye of the Tiger"

Nelly - "E.I"

Gwen Stefani - "Hollaback Girl"

Outcast - "Hey Ya"

Robin Thicke - "Blurred Lines"

Bon Jovi - "It's My Life"

Pink - "So What"

Salt-n-Pepa - "Push It"

Ram Jam - "Black Betty"

One Republic - "Counting Stars"

Beyonce - "Crazy In Love"

Paramore - "Misery Business" & "Still Into You"

The Offspring - "Bad Habit"

Red Hot Chili Peppers - "Give It Away" & "Suck My Kiss"

Jason Derulo - "The Other Side"

Katy Perry - "Roar"

Sara Bareilles - "Brave"

Do you have some of the same things on your playlist??  Or do you have any suggestions that I should add??  I would love to hear them!!

My life from A to Z

A- Art has always been a huge passion of mine.  I love to create
B- I have never been much of a "Breakfast food" person.
C- I have a Cat named "Momma's Boy" aka "Handsome"
D- My Daughter's name is Paige and she is almost a year and a half old
E- I'm one of those crazy people that actually enjoy Exercising
F- I have a HUGE Fear of needles
G- My hubby and I went to Cozumel and the Grand Cayman Islands on our honeymoon
H- My Husband's name is Chris and he's pretty much the best guy ever
I- My first crush ever was Indiana Jones.  True story
J- My favorite piece of Jewelry is my wedding ring
K- I'm convinced that my daughter's Kisses have a magical de-stressing power
L- We Laugh all day long in this house.  It's what we do.
M- I was lucky enough to Marry my best friend 4 years ago
N- Number of siblings I have: 7.  Yeah, I'm one of 8!  Craziness
O- I wish I was more of an Optimist.
P- Purple is my favorite color
Q- I enjoy my Quiet time.  After the baby falls asleep, I sit in silence for a while to unwind
R- My all time favorite movie ever is Robin Hood: Men In Tights.  Judge away....still love it!
S- Strawberries are my "happy food"
T- I have 3 Tattoos. A moon and star on my shoulder blade, clover on my wrist, and stars on my hips
U- I like to feel Useful.  I'm not one of those people that can sit back and let people do things for me.  I like to help
V- When I was little, I always thought I wanted to be a Veterinarian, but then I realized I couldn't handle seeing animals in pain.
W- I am a huge Worrier.  I have made up scenarios in my head that I worry about that are never going to happen.  No wonder my hair is already turning gray....yeesh
X-  I've only had one X-ray for a broken bone, but a ton on my teeth
Y- I say Yes way too often.  I need to learn how to tell people no.
Z-  I have mixed feelings about Zoos.  I get excited to see animals and love that they are safe and fed, but I sad that they can't run more.

35 Blog Post Ideas

Who out there hasn't been completely stuck when it comes to writing a post sometimes?  I still do it even though I have a notebook full of ideas.  Sometimes it just takes getting started..

I decided to share some of the blog post ideas that I had scribbled down.  Some of them I have used and some I haven't.....yet.  Check them out and let me know what you think!!  Also, if you use one of the ideas, comment below with the link.  I would love to check it out!

1. "Worst Date" Story
2. How I met my boyfriend, husband, significant other
3. What's on your bookshelf
4. 10 Songs you'll never get sick of
5. The story about your tattoos
6. Ultimate dream vacation
7. A confession post
8. Mom things you thought you would never say
9. TV show obsessions
10. Throwback Thursday
11. Shopping finds
12. Your Bucket list
13. "Best of" post
14. Your pet peeves
15. Tell us what we should do in your hometown if we were to visit
16. Pin-spiration outfit or craft
17. What's in my purse? 
18. Home tour
19. Your bad habits
20. Your 5 favorite things right now
21. Anti-bucket list (things you would NEVER do)
22. My day in photos (take a photo every hour from wake to sleep)
23. Best/Worst Movies list
24. Review a book/movie
25. Link to news article with your opinion
26. Who would play you in a movie version of your life?
27. Thank you note to random things (coffee, chocolate, etc)
28. Your workout playlist
29. Write a tutorial on something that you know a lot about
30. Date ideas
31. Your biggest fears
32. Your first kiss story
33. How do you balance life and blogging?
34. What's the bravest thing you've ever done?
35. Your guilty pleasures

Who would play you in the movie version of your life??

Have you ever been watching a movie and wondered, if there was a movie about my life who would play me??  I have, and it's not like I have an overly exciting life or anything...maybe I just have a crazy imagination

ME- Mila Kunis
We don't really look alike but we seem like we have very similar personalities (from her movies).  In a lot of her movies she is sort of the tomboyish girly girl, if that makes any sense.  She has a sarcastic sense of humor and isn't afraid to make fun of herself.

MY HUSBAND - Jason Statham
Because, why not?!  I mean, look at him!  But seriously, I have always thought that my hubby resembles him.  He doesn't have the sexy accent though.....but he can fake it!  In all of his movies he has a walk like he means business and so does my husband, Chris.  They both also know martial arts!

MY MOM - Goldie Hawn
Not only does my mom already sort of resemble her but she LOVES her.  My mom has a bubbly, goofy personality when you get to know her....and she's also very found of the "bling". haha!  My mom is always complimented on her smile and that's one of the things that Goldie Hawn is known for!

MY BFF - Zooey Deschanel
My best friend Nikki, is a lot like Zooey Deschanel from The New Girl.  When she gets nervous and/or drinks a little too much, she can not get herself to stop talking.  She rambles and talks so fast that you can barely understand her. lol. She's always optimistic and friendly, and is super gorgeous but doesn't know it or act like it.  Besides, who would not want to be friends with Zooey Deschanel?!?!

Do you look like any celebrities??  Who do you think would be cast in a movie about your life?

Packing for vacation with an 18 month old & a giveaway!!

via

Next week we are taking our first weekend vacation with our daughter who is a year and a half old.  We are going to my family reunion (which just so happens to be near the beach) for 4 days and 3 nights.  I like to be over-prepared so I've been working on this list for a couple months just to make sure I have everything we need.  

I'm not really sure how well the 7 hour car ride is going to go with our VERY active little one, but my guess is that she will be screaming like crazy after the first hour... I hope I'm wrong.  We bought her a couple new toys to give her throughout the car ride just to keep her busy.

MOST IMPORTANT ITEMS:

* Money/Debit Card
* Photo I.D.
* Cell Phones and chargers
* Camera and accessories
* Hotel reservation info
* Prescription medicines

BABY STUFF:

* Small toys and/or books
* Sippy cups
* Diaper and baby wipes
* Pack n Play - for bedtime
* Favorite toy- her stuffed owl
* Travel stroller
* 2 bathing suits
* 6 outfits (just in case)
* 3 sets of pajamas
* 2 pairs of shoes/sandals
* Blanket
* Swim diapers
* Diaper cream
* Diaper bag

FIRST AID AND PERSONAL CARE:

* Sunblock- (for adults and baby)
* Tylenol/Aleve (for adults and baby)
* Bug spray
* Benedryl
* Travel size dish soap (for washing slobbery sippy cups)
* Toothbrushes and toothpaste
* Deodorant
* Shampoo/Conditioner and body wash
* Razor and shaving cream
* Hand sanitizer
* Face/Body lotion
* Snacks- lots of 'em!
* Hairbrush
* Insect repellent
* Daily Vitamin
* 3 Beach towels
* Plastic bags (for soiled or wet clothing)

FOR MYSELF:

*Beach bag/purse
* 2 pairs of sandals
* 1 closed-toe pair of shoes (just in case we go to an amusement park)
* 1 beach cover-up dress
* 2 bathing suits
* 3 tank tops
* 2 shorts
* 3 night clothes
* Undergarments
* Makeup
* Jacket (for when the sun goes down)
* Sunglasses

We are also bringing a small cooler with drinks and fruit.

I can't really include a list of my hubby's things he packed because he is the typical male.  He goes into the bedroom, grabs random stuff, and he's good to go. haha!  Men!

Did I leave anything out??  What would you bring on a trip with a little one?

I am also co-hosting a giveaway over at So Much Sunshine for an $80 gift card to Target! Who doesn't love Target....besides my bank account.  To enter use the rafflecopter below:

Taylor - TMPhotography //Julie - JM Artwork // Erin - South to Southwest // Kasi - Birch Juice Blog

Anne -Love The Here and Now // Sarah Christine - Sarah Christine Style // Brittany - Blissfully Britt // Erica - So Much Sunshine

a Rafflecopter giveaway

15 Tips for better sleep

Who out there has trouble getting to sleep??  I had really bad insomnia issues for over 10 years and I did a lot of researching to try to find ways to get myself to fall asleep and stay asleep without the use of prescription drugs or over the counter medicine.  I have been doing so much better, so I wanted to share some of the things that help me just in case there are any people out there having the same problems I was.

1. Keep a regular sleep schedule- try to go to bed and wake up around the same time every day
2. Limit beverage consumption before bed- otherwise you are going to wake up running to the bathroom to pee every couple hours
3. Exercise regularly- if your body hasn't exerted enough energy than it's harder to relax
4. Keep the room cool enough- somewhere between 65-72 degrees is best
5. Avoid caffeine for 6 hours before you plan to go to bed
6. Do not leave your tv or radio on- try to keep the room as quiet as possible
7. Take a warm shower- the warm water helps to soothe your muscles
8. Avoid taking naps for longer than 30 minutes during the day
9. Don't oversleep on the weekends- I know it can be tempting because it's the weekend and it's time to relax but it WILL throw off your schedule
10. Go to bed in comfortable clothes (or none at all, if you prefer)- Sure that nighty is really cute, but sleeping in it isn't the comfiest thing in the world, is it?
11. Don't go to bed on an empty stomach, but also don't go to bed with an over-stuffed stomach
12. Invest in a comfortable mattress, soft sheets, and a comfortable pillow
13. Keep your room dark- your body is programmed to see light and automatically start to wake up
14. Don't use computer, ipad, cellphone, whatever for 90 minutes before bedtime.  The light stimulates your mind and keeps you awake
15. Keep animals off of the bed- I know they are sooo cute and you feel bad, but every move they make during the night could potentially wake you up too and that's no good

If you think the reason that you aren't sleeping is more stress or anxiety related, I have a few more tips for you. Since my insomnia was almost entirely due to my anxiety issues, I also do a few more things before bed almost every night.  I make myself some hot no-caffeine herbal tea. I also use a soft lavender/vanilla scent in the room because it has been known for calming effects.  I force myself to clear my mind of all of the garbage rolling around in there (this is the hardest one!).  Then I focus on my breathing techniques, which is also really great for calming stress and anxiety.

10 Fun Summer Date Ideas

My husband and I absolutely LOVE summertime and warm weather.  We are very outdoorsy people, so I thought I would share our list of things that we want to do this summer.

1. Picnic in the park-  Go for a nice walk in the park and bring a basket for a nice lunch date.
2. Mini golf- Have fun and flirty time and place bets on who will have the best score at the end.  Loser buys the ice cream!
3. Bonfire- Sometimes summer nights can get a little chilly, so gather around a nice warm fire and roast some marshmallows.  Maybe even start a marshmallow fight!
4. Back yard BBQ- What's better than firing up the grill and inviting over some friends for a cookout.  Throw in some cards or a drinking game and that's even better.
5. Check out the stars-  Lay out a nice blanket, maybe even pop open a bottle of champagne, and try to find constellations together
6. Go biking/skating- Nothing is better than going out and being active together.  Just soaking in the sun and getting a nice workout at the same time.
7. Boating- You could spend a nice lazy day in the river, bring a few fishing poles and see who gets the bigger catch, or if you're feeling adventurous you could try some tubing or water skiing.
8. Drive-in theater- It's a nice classic date with a summertime twist.  You can bring as many snacks as you want and no one will yell at you for talking during the movie!
9. Go to an amusement park/water park-  Who wouldn't want to ride some roller coasters or fly down one of those speed waterslides?! 
10. Food festival-  Have fun trying new foods together, and seriously who doesn't LOVE to eat!?

What are some things that you want to do this summer?? 

My Summer Bucket List

Last year Paige was still too young to do a lot of things so I spent most of my summer indoors. This year now that she is a little older (15 months) and able to move around, I am really excited to go out and do a bunch of things.  I've started a list of things that I want to do while the weather is nice.

1. Drive in movie- Because, why not?!  I think it would be a lot of fun, and it's something I haven't done since I was a little girl.  Last movie I saw at the drive-in was Jurassic Park...yeah, it's been that long!
2. Trip to the zoo -  I think it would be really fun to see the look on my daughter's face when she sees all of the big "kee cats".  She LOVES animals.
3. Hiking-  I'm a very big outdoorsy girl, so I love hiking trails...or making our own.  My husband and I hike near the state park and go rock climbing.
4. Watch fireworks-  I missed them last year because Paige was still so young and needed to go to bed.  This year it will be past her bedtime but maybe if we are out with people she won't be terrible.  Wishful thinking maybe??  She loves lights so I think she will enjoy seeing them.
5. Hang out by the pool- So, last year I was only in a pool once....for 10 minutes.  Yeah...I reeeally need to find a pool. Paige loves bathtime so she should like that too!
6. Go to a food festival- I LOVE to eat!  I should seriously be 300lbs.  I like the food festivals because they set up stands with food from all around the world so you get to try all kinds of new things.  But who am I kidding, I always go for the pierogies, halushki, and bourbon chicken. Mmmmm!!
7. Go to an amusement park-  I haven't been to the local amusement park (Kennywood) in 3 years!  That's craziness!  I want to ride some roller coasters and feel the wind in my hair and scream until I lose my voice.  Okay maybe not the second part...
8. Be a beach bum-  I also haven't been to the beach in a couple years.  I used to go every year of my life, but sometimes life just gets in the way.  BUT this year I already have a hotel booked!  We are going for a long weekend at the end of July, since I have to be out that way for a family reunion anyway.  This will be Paige's first time at the beach.  She may hate it because she hates when things stick to your hands and thats all sand does...All. Day. Long.
9. Have a bon fire-  Nothing says summer like roasting up some marshmallows and keeping warm by the fire.  And of course SMORES!  I like to make Sm-oreos.  A roasted marshmallow between an oreo...so sweet!
10. Play in the sprinkler-  Because every once and a while you have to act like an 8 year old.  Also,  I have a kid so I can use her as an excuse. haha!!