summer to do list

Summer is officially here — though if you ask anyone around here, we've been sweating it out in 90+ degree temps for weeks now — and with it comes our bucket lists of everything we want to do before the snow comes again. I mentioned last year that even after a year in Des Moines, there's still so much that I haven't done or seen in this city, and the same is true this year.

Of course, I was able to venture out and find some new things to do in the last 12 months (exhibit a and exhibit b), but this year I want to keep adding to the list. Some of my goals are Des Moines-specific, but many of them can be done wherever you live.

1. Rent bikes to ride by the river.

2. Take a tour of the botanical gardens.

3. Go on a hiking trip.

4. Join an outdoor pop-up yoga event.

5. (Try to) learn how to golf. ;)

6. Plant my own succulent garden.

7. Picnic at a winery.

8. Read a classic novel.

9. Make a fun summer cocktail treat.

What's on your bucket list this summer? Would you try any of these things? I'd love to know!

P.S. here's to new adventures and my travel guide to Des Moines

Fall bucket list

Are you tired of reading about fall on my blog yet? I hope not, because this is only the beginning ;) With the first official day of fall being tomorrow, I wanted to share some of my goals for the new season. And what better way to do that than with another bucket list?

I have to be honest: a couple of these are extensions of things from my summer bucket list that just didn't get done, but better late than never right? And most of them are new fall things, like picking apples and wearing a couple's Halloween costume (that one was Adam's idea ;).

September has been a blur already — I can't believe it's almost over! I've only crossed one item off this list so far (tailgating, of course!), but hopefully in the next couple months we'll get many more accomplished!

On another note, you might have noticed that I haven't been posting on Mondays for a few weeks now. I've been doing some re-evaluating, and with all that I have going on between work, blogging and life in general, I decided the best thing for me — and my sanity — right now is to take my posting down to four days a week instead of five. This gives me a little more time to spend on curating better content, and it allows me to enjoy more of my weekends — and more time to cross things off my bucket list! :)

What is on your fall bucket list this year? 

P.S. my summer bucket list and fresh starts of fall

That time I went to Comic Con

In my attempt to make this summer my best one yet, I went to my first Comic Con last weekend. But before I get into that, let’s talk about the perks of being a journalist. A few weeks ago I had the amazing opportunity to interview four celebrities and write a story about Wizard World Comic Con Des Moines. I have never been interested in the whole comic thing, although I do tend to fangirl a little bit about the Avengers and I love the nerdy-ness that is Big Bang Theory. Aside from that, I’ve never seen Star Wars (insert shocked reactions here) and I’ve never so much as touched a comic book. But I was really excited to write this story.

My summer bucket list

Even though I've lived in Iowa my whole life and in Des Moines for a year, there are still so many things I haven't done here. People always say there is nothing to do in Iowa — I used to be one of those people — but the truth is, if you look for it, you can always find something happening somewhere. And that is why I've resolved to make this summer my best yet: trying new things, meeting new people and just making memories. Here are a few things that are on my summer bucket list:

1. Zoo Brew at Blank Park Zoo. Booze plus animals — what's not to love?

2. Eat at a food truck. I've never done this! Is food better on wheels? I'm going to find out!

3. Walk on the High Trestle Trail Bridge. Because architecturally pleasing bridges are what Instagram is all about.

4. Rent a paddleboat at Grays Lake. The best chance I have at recreating any scene from 10 Things I Hate About You.

5. Go to the Hot Air Balloon Classic. Where else am I going to see a sky filled with giant balloons?

6. Ride bikes downtown. The best place to re-learn a childhood skill is a high-traffic area with lots of people, amiright?

7. Hike at Ledges State Park. Hiking in Iowa? It really can be done!

I'd love to know...what's on your bucket list this summer?

P.S. small town vs. city living, 10 patios in Des Moines and best happy hour specials in Des Moines