hi friends!! hope you all are having a fantastic week.  since summer is here (where i live, anyways!) i thought i would put together a list of some fun & affordable summer dates for you!  i've found that i tend to explore where i live more in the summer since the weather is nicer and there are usually tons of fun community events going on.  so here are five of my favorite summer things to do.  and dont worry, you don't need a man to enjoy these activities - grab a group of girlfriends for just as much (if not more) fun!

1. baseball game!  i love baseball! and to me, there's no better way to spend a summer night than at the game.  many stadiums have very reasonable tickets, some even offer standing room only tickets, which won't cost you an arm and a leg.  most stadiums allow you to bring in your own food, so pack snacks and bring sandwiches with you to cut down on food cost at the game!  

2. concerts in the park!  my city holds community concerts in local parks and at the beach throughout the summer.  the concerts are free and always a fun time.  bring appetizers and wine and enjoy some live music as the sun sets.  

3. farmers markets!  stroll through your local famers market on the weekend and sample all the fresh fruit and locally grown goodies the vendors are selling.  pick up some munchies and have a picnic after you've checked out all the booths.  

4. take a hike! if you live in an area with hiking trails nearby, why not throw on your cutest work out clothes and break a sweat together?  the hike doesn't have to be grueling, just a fun and easy way to enjoy the outdoors and hopefully some breathtaking views.

5. hit the drive in!  check to see if your town (or one nearby) has a drive in movie theater.  drive ins are typically much cheaper than going to the movie theaters.  pop your own popcorn and pack an ice chest full of drinks to enjoy while you watch the movie.  plus, you don't have to worry about pda if you and your man wanna sneak in a little make out sesh in your car mid movie.

another quick tip: check out the community events page in your local paper.  there could be tons of events going on in your city or neighboring cities that you'd never know about if you don't check out the paper or the internet.  summer is the perfect time to get out, explore and indulge in your city!!

travel // top 5 cheapest vacation spots in the usa

I've said this before, and I'll say it again, with summer here I've got a bad case of the travel bug.  Maybe it's because when I was growing up my family and I used to take a big vacation every summer.  Since my parents are teachers (retired now) they always had the summers off just like my brother and I did.  We used to take long road trips in our RV and camp all over the western US.  I have so many awesome memories of those trips and can't wait to someday make memories with my own children.  But for now, I'm going to enjoy being able to take awesome vacations with my friends.

One little problem though, my bank account.  Living on a college girls' budget is a pain in the ass.  I keep dreaming of places I'd like to visit but can't seem to fit it in my budget.  But never fear, I have found a list of the top 5 cheapest vacation spots in the US and you bet I intent to try and work in a vacation using these tips the next time I plan something.

Sometimes when planning a vacation, you might know when you want to go, but you don't know exactly where you want to go. Here are the five best cheap vacation spots in the U.S. for travelers to check out and explore by Kristin Oliveri (via).

Florida

Without a doubt, for a sun filled vacation spot, Florida is the way to go. There are many great hot spots to visit in Florida like Miami, Palm Beach or Orlando. During off-peak times, you can get extremely cheap hotels in Orlando and discounted tickets to Disney World. Most of the beaches in Florida are free so there won't be any added expense there. Check out some museums or walking tours that are relatively inexpensive. There's no way you can beat a whole state with coast to coast beaches.

The Carolinas

North and South Carolina have so much to offer those who are looking for a cheap vacation getaway. Stop by Myrtle Beach in South Carolina for beautiful beaches, kayaking, boating and surfing. Charleston is just around the corner, if you are looking for a bustling southern city. North Carolina is perfect if you want to relax and golf in the Outer Banks. Check out Asheville if you prefer the mountains.

Las Vegas

Now you might be thinking you have to be a high roller to enjoy Vegas, but that certainly isn't the case these days. There is a plethora of hotels that can be occupied for less than $150 a night. Cheap eats aren't hard to come by either. Most casinos are filled with food courts, small sandwich and salad places and, of course, buffets. You'll certainly get the most value out of the buffets. As for sightseeing, strap on some comfortable shoes and go from casino to casino seeing what each has to offer. Pop into the MGM Grand to see the lions or the Venetian to take a gondola ride.

The Grand Canyon

If you like to camp and check out the world's wonders, then the Grand Canyon is for you. This is a perfect place to sign up for a bike trip, caravan, or group tour. You can also tack it on to visiting Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon. You'll have to book a flight to Las Vegas and then rent a car to get you to the Grand Canyon. If you do book a tour, it might include free transportation to and from the airport.

South Padre Island, Texas

If you steer clear from this vacation spot during spring break, you've got it made. Take your pick of moderately priced hotels and motels. There are plenty of affordable restaurants, bars and movie theaters to entertain you on the trip. For the adventurous, there are many cost effective water sport rental shops that can offer equipment and book tours for deep sea fishing, diving and dolphin watching.

So next time you are thinking about a little vacation in the good 'ol USA and wanna try to cut back on expenses check out one of these 5 hot spots.  And be sure to let me know about it so I can oogle and drool over vacation and pictures!

Cheers to happy traveling!