What I Love: July 2012

1.  Boat Rides

There is nothing better than an afternoon on a boat with friends.  I liked it so much, I am doing it again in August.

2.  Glaceau Vitamin Water Zero Squeezed Lemonade

Zero calories and not too sweet.  Perfect for after a long bike ride.

3.  Starbucks' Hibiscus Refresher

Those peeps at Starbucks know a lot about marketing.  One free taste and I was hooked!  It contains some caffeine, but not anything compared to a cup of java.  I have replaced my afternoon coffee with this drink.

4.  Godiva Banana Split Truffle

The banana split truffle is one of Godiva's summer ice cream flavors.  It is melt in your mouth magic.  BONUS:  If you sign up for the Godiva Rewards Club, you can have your own truffle for FREE.

5.  Couch Time

It has taken me a very long time to be completely fine with "couch time."  Yes, there are a million and one things to do on my to-do list, BUT I NEED COUCH TIME.  Zoning out on the couch is not something that needs justification.  Sometimes you need it and you should take it.

6. Sally Kristen Ride, First Woman in Space

In grade school, (I think it was third grade) there was a specific lesson plan about biographies and autobiographies.  Each student was assigned to write a "mini-biography" about someone he/she admired.  I wanted to write my mini-biography on an "important woman."  I picked Sally Ride because of my fondness for her middle name and my fascination with space.  I was heartbroken to learn that she passed away on July 23, 2012, from pancreatic cancer.  Thank you Ms. Ride for teaching young girls that there are no limits - not even the sky.

7. Soulard

Soulard is an historically French neighborhood in St. Louis, Missouri.  The Farmers' Market and the little shops are so fun and full of so much character.  I love taking a stroll through the streets of Soulard to enjoy the architecture and landscaping.  There are so many great restaurants (all with fantastic patios) if you grow hungry during your adventure.  My favorite is McGurk's Irish Pub and Garden.

8.   Fresh baked bread

I bake banana bread anywhere between 2-3 times per month.  Of course, banana bread dough doesn't have to be kneaded or rise - piece-of cake, right?  Well, a friend brought over fresh baked French white bread at the beginning of July and OMG it was AMAZING.  I couldn't stop thinking about it.  Really, for nearly one month I have thought about this bread.  Well, I don't have time to make fresh bread each week and after talking to her, I found out that she doesn't either!  She uses a bread machine!!!  Well, I bit the bullet and I ordered a bread machine (the exact same one as my friend).  I am super pumped to start baking!

9.  Champagne Grapes

I am always "window shopping" at Whole Foods.  There are so many different fruits and vegetables - some of which I never knew existed.  Well, of course, I know that champagne is made from grapes, but I didn't realize that the grapes were SO GOOD.  They are small, black seedless grapes and they are so sweet it makes you feel like you are eating candy!

10.  Wet Ones Wipes

I keep a travel pouch of these wipes in my handbag at all times.  They are so handy!  Saved the day a couple of times in July!

Summer Fun-Do List: Mid-Summer Update

1.  I'm On A Boat  DONE

On the Fourth of July, I found myself enjoying the Chicago skyline from the Chicago River.  AND I am scheduled for another boat ride in August!  Stay tuned for my review of both boat rental companies.

2.  Roy Lichtenstein:  A Retrospective

It closes September 3, 2012.  YIKES.  

3.  Bike Ride to the Botanical Garden  DONE

It was a looong ride, but it was worth it!  My husband and I started out early (me on my new bike) and took our time getting there.  It was so relaxing.  We reached the gardens and decided that we were too hungry to wait until we got back from our ride to eat.  It turned out to be a great choice because the food at the gardens was fantastic.  After we ate, we walked around the rose garden and got back on our bikes to head home.  TIP:  The gardens have PLENTY of bike parking.

4.  Early Evening Concerts in Millennium Park  DONE

So far, I have attended two concerts and both were fantastic.  TIP:  Get there EARLY and claim your spot.

5.  Navy Pier Fireworks on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

I visited Navy Pier, but it wasn't on a Wednesday or a Saturday . . . 

6.  Jazzin' at the Shedd

Well, there aren't very many available dates left and I think I let my membership expire :(

7.  Genghis Khan: The Field Museum

Another deadline of September 3 . . . MUST VISIT SOON.

8.  Patio Time  In Progress

It was so HOT for so long.  I am trying to enjoy the patio when it is cool in the mornings and the evenings.  This weekend I logged some SERIOUS patio time.  It looks like the weather is cooling off and I am going to take advantage of every opportunity to get out there!

9.  Pedicures with my Husband

I have him convinced!  Now, I just need to schedule the appointment!

10.  Day at the Pool  Progress . . .

So far this summer, I have spent 2 hours on a lazy river and another 3 hours floating in a pool - I am taking opportunities where I can get them!  I am not giving up the goal of an ENTIRE DAY by the pool.