The ULTIMATE Summer Bucket List – 2015
It is almost officially summer, and what better way to plan for the best time of year than make a bucket list of everything you want to accomplish. I challenge all of you to make a list of some dreams, goals and downright fun things you want to do this summer. Make sure to have lots of active things on your bucket list to keep you outside, moving and staying healthy this summer! Write out YOUR bucket list for 2015 and post it to Instagram or Facebook with the hashtags #UltimateSummer and #SummerGirlFitness!
1. Go Paddle Boarding or Kayaking
Although I have lived in Austin 4 years now, I have still yet to go paddle boarding! I see people out on lake Austin all the time, but for some reason I have not tried it yet. I would really love for my Samoyed dog Giselle to go with me and stand at the front of my paddle board like so many of the “cool dogs” do here in Austin…but I am not sure she would go for it! Last summer I went kayaking and absolutely loved it – what an amazing workout! Definitely great ways to have fun and stay active this summer.
2. Read a Great Book
In college I felt like I never had time to read anything that wasn’t assigned, and even though this summer I am now going back to graduate school to get my Master’s in Counseling – I am determined to not let this stop me from reading some great books this summer. Take a look here at my Summer Reading List for some great summer book ideas >> Reading List!
3. Try a Brand New Workout
City Surf Austin
I have been dying to try some of the new, exciting workout classes here in Austin. One of the main ones on my list is called City Surf. This workout uses surf boards that are on top of an unstable platform that allows you to work balance, along with strength, flexibility and cardio all in one class. I have yet to try it but it looks super fun and I will keep you all posted!
4. Make Homemade Margaritas
Barefoot Contessa: Real Margaritas Recipe
Now I know you are thinking…this is a health and fitness blog…why are margaritas on this list?! : ) BUT I do believe in all things in moderation, and margaritas are just so delicious and can be healthier when made with nothing but fresh squeezed lime juice. It does take forever to squeeze all the limes if you are doing it by hand, but I promise it is worth it! Ina Garten from the Food Network has an incredible recipe. Try it HERE >> Real Margarita Recipe.
5. Take a Morning Run on the Beach and Watch the Sunrise
The beach is my absolute favorite place in the world, and I am determined to get to the beach one way or another this summer! Going for a morning run on the beach and watching the sunrise is so incredibly calming and such a wonderful experience. If you live by the beach or are taking a vacation to one this summer – definitely set your alarm clock early at least one day to check this off your list!
6. Host a Vegan Barbecue
If you saw my previous post the week you know I am starting my 6 -Week Plant Based Diet Challenge this week! In an effort to eat more healthy, I am exploring the world of the plant based diet inspired by the acclaimed documentary – Forks Over Knives. I am cutting out all animal products and processed foods and eating a diet of whole foods, fruit, vegetables and legumes. Read more about my journey here. In this spirit, one of the things on my bucket list this summer is to host a Vegan BBQ where we make a delicious assortment of veggie shish kabobs, grilled pineapple, grilled corn etc – to prove that the all american bbq can be the ultimate healthy meal!
7. See an Outdoor Concert
This is on my bucket list EVERY summer! Outdoor concerts are just the most amazing thing and are always the most fun I have all summer. No matter what type of music you are into, make sure to put one of these on your list for the summer.
8. Horseback Riding with Friends
I love animals, as many of you can guess from the ridiculous amount of pictures I post of my dog, and I am dying to go horseback riding in the Texas hill country. This is definitely a big one on my bucket list this year that I want to check off. Horseback riding is also a great workout – so this activity can be fun and keep you moving this summer.
9. Go to A Water Park
Texas is famous for its waterparks…or so I have heard – but I have yet to go to any of the big ones here. Summer is definitely the perfect time to cool off with a fun day at the watermark, and it is also a great activity to do with family or friends.
10. Run a 5K
Running is not usually my favorite type of exercise, but there are so many fun, themed 5Ks out there that are so much fun. Whether you participate in a Color Run, Mud Run or a charity run, this is a great activity to do with friends and a good way to get involved in your local community.
My church is sponsoring a 5K in July that I am signed up for, and at the end they have an EPIC water balloon fight which, in and of itself is a good enough reason to sign up! All the proceeds support charities locally and overseas so you can to workout, have fun and make a difference in the world – what could be better. If you live in Austin sign up to participate HERE if you are interested >> http://www.caleb5k.com.
Happy Summer Everyone! If you live here in Austin definitely consider signing up for the Caleb 5K and let me know if you are going – I’d love to meet up. : ) What things are on your summer bucket list for 2015?!