My Summer 2013 Bucket List

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Life has been extremely busy lately with my return to work. It's an adjustment, that's for sure. Not much time to sleep, have to plan meals ahead of time, cleaning is done after my son goes to sleep, and extra activities are on hold. We are slowly getting adjusted to our new schedule, but I have to organize my time better.

What are some of the things you want to do this summer?

There are so many things I want to do with my family this summer. Actually, there are always a lot of things I want to do, regardless of the season. The sad part is, if I don't write anything down, I seem to forget a lot of them. So this year, I decided to start documenting some of my hopes into bucket lists. Here is my list for the summer months.

1. Camp in my backyard Done!
Yup, in my backyard. I have every intention of going to a camping site as well, but there is just something about camping in my backyard that is very appealing; especially with a young child and having everything close at hand.

2. Dance in the rain Done!
When I say rain, I mean pouring down rain. This one is just for me, because I like to be crazy once in a while, it makes me feel free. I'll be jumping in water puddles too; just so you know.

3. Sleep under the stars Done!
I've always loved to look far into the sky and imagine infinity. Yes, I know it's not possible, but trying to understand something inexplicable amuses me and keeps my brain cells occupied for hours.

4. Roast marshmallows
Because it isn't really summer unless you eat burnt campfire smores.

5. Ride my bike Done!
I haven't been doing much exercise lately. I don't like going to the gym, and enjoying winter sports with a newborn is a bit difficult. So this summer, I bought a bike attachment for my son, sort of like a trolley, and I'm going to get back into shape.

6. Pick fresh berries Done!
We have lots of berries in our backyard including strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and gooseberries. I want my son to grow up knowing where produce comes from other than "the grocery store."

7. Plant a garden Done!
I've been wanting to do this forever. Now that we own a house and a decent sized yard, I just can't wait to plant my own garden. I'll be starting with the basics this year and adding more things next year. There's something about eating my own fruits and vegetables that really appeals to me. Maybe it's the sense of accomplishment, or just the fact that I get to learn how things work. Either way, I want to learn so that I can teach my kids.

8. Fly a kite
My son is probably still too young for this, but I'd like to start a summer tradition. Go to the park, have a picnic, and fly a kite.

9. Make a flower crown
I know... so many flower crowns going around right now, but they are so cute! I want to walk around for an entire day wearing my flower crown.

10. Blow bubbles Done!
This one is more for my son. He doesn't understand the concept of blowing yet, but I'm hoping that before the end of the summer he'll learn. Because popping bubbles is a lot of fun.

11. Go for a picnic
I'm not quite sure why I enjoy picnics so much. Maybe it's the day away from daily responsibilities, or maybe it's just the slower speed of the meal. In any case, we'll be doing a few of these this summer, at home, and at the park.

12. Swim in our pool Done!
What's the point of having a swimming pool if you never swim in it? This summer, I'm making it a point to take a plunge every time the water is warm enough to not instantly freeze. Even if it ruins my hair.

13. Roller skate
For the same reason as biking, except if I roller skate, my husband will have to take care of our son. It would give me some alone time, which would be great. I could hear myself think again. Wouldn't that be nice?

14. Farmer's market Done!
I believe in supporting the local economy. Enough said. Oh, and I might stop by the local farms to pick fresh produce with my little family. Who knows, this might become another summer tradition. (:

15. Go to the zoo Done!
I heard of a few zoos around my area, and I'm really exited to take my son there. He absolutely loves animals. He gets all excited every time he sees a dog or a cat. Imagining his reaction to big animals makes me smile.

16. Walk a lot
I find I spend a lot of time planning and doing chores. So much, that sometimes I forget to sit down and spend quality time with my family. For me, taking walks removes all distractions, clears my mind, and allows me to appreciate my family. So walks... here we come!

17. Wear fancy hats Done!
I absolutely adore big hats; the really elegant ones from old movies. I don't know why we don't wear them anymore. It's good protection against the sun, and they look so pretty. I'm totally going to start an old trend back up.

18. Go to the beach Done!
I'm not quite sure where there are nice beaches around Montreal, but I'm going to find one, and we're going to make sand castles.

19. Movies at the park Done!
This one is more for my husband. Free hot dogs are cool. Especially when a movie comes with it.

OOTD: Spring Time Relaxation

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Last weekend, my husband, son and I met up with the rest of my family at our cabin. Everyone was there except the youngest of my brothers... who I miss a lot by the way. Yes - you. You know who you are. You're annoying, but I love you anyway. I can't wait to see you little brother. I was lucky that my other two siblings were there. We always have so much fun together. I am blessed to have you guys in my life, seriously, I love you more than you know. Each of you.

We didn't do much other than lounge around. It was kind of cold outside and everyone was still sort of on "winter" mode. You know, slow motion. Summer, I. Am. So. Ready. For. You. The warm weather, the ever-so-bright sun that makes you smile inside, camping, vegetating on freshly cut grass... I can't wait. Until then, bring it on, spring!

Anyway, since we were all more or less relaxing, I decided to go with a very comfortable, cozy and spring-time outfit; black cami and long cardigan, floral harem pants and pink scarf. For the shoes, I wore ballet flats with sock, cause you know, it was chilly and my little toes were cold. I don't wear makeup very often, especially when I'm at home or relaxing. So here's me, nature fresh. Imperfections and zits included.

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Outfit

Cardigan: Jacob
Racerback cami: Simons
Ballet flats: Old
Pants: Urban Planet
Pashmina: Le Chateau

Nail Art: Tricolor Pink Geometric

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I've been having a lot of fun trying out different colors on my nails lately. If you read my last nail art post, then you know that up until recently, I only wore nail polish with my grand-mother. I absolutely love the look of decorated nails. Ok, so I'm not very good at it, but practice makes perfect right? So here's my latest nail art, hope you like it! Pst... I originally wanted to call it shattered cotton candy. ;)

Materials

Mod Square by Essie
Muchi, Muchi by Essie
Blanc by Essie
Scotch tape

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Steps

1. Apply two layers of Mod Square nail polish as base coat.

2. Apply tape at an angle over dry base coat and color with Muchi, Muchi nail polish.

Make sure your base coat is very very very dry otherwise it will peal off with the tape. I also suggest getting tape that is not too sticky (not too sure if there's tape especially for nail art).

3. Repeat step two with Blanc nail polish.

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...and voila. Easy and spiffy nail art. Obviously, you can play around with the colors and the angles. I'd love to see what you come up with!

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