originally posted here

[ all images via pinterest ] 

1. Pumpkin patches!  There's something about a pumpkin patch that brings me back to my childhood.  I used to go to the local pumpkin patch every year with my mom, brother and cousin.  We would ride the little rides, pick out pumpkins and take silly pictures on the tractors and hay stacks.  One year, my brother and I were even on the local news in our costumes!  Nothing else really signifies that fall is here than a trip to the pumpkin patch.

2. Apple picking!  There's some great apple picking in Julian, which is only a short drive away from my house, perfect for a day or weekend getaway.  Being able to roam through the orchards and pick apples is so magical.  The smells, colors and scenery make for a great day.  Throw in a fresh baked apple pie from a local bakery and you've got yourself one incredible day. 

3. Corn mazes!  What's funnier than being lost in a corn maze with your friends?  I think that every time I go it takes me longer and longer to make it through the maze.  It's always fun to race your friends to see who can make it through first.  I always hate when I think I'm going the right way and when I turn a corner, BAM!, right into a wall of corn!

4. Bonfires!  Living by the beach, I'm blessed enough to be able to take in bonfires all year long.  I love the crackling of the wood, hot smores, and snuggling up next to the fire.  It doesn't get too cold here in so cal, a bonfire as the sun sets on the beach is a great way to welcome the cooler weather, especially since the tourists have gone home and the beach close to empty.

5. Oktoberfest!  One of my life dreams is to go to Germany's Oktoberfest, but until I can make my dream become a reality I will have to settle for the Oktoberfest celebrations here in cali.  Since I am pretty much obsessed with discovering new beers, Oktoberfest is the perfect place to do that.  Plus, it's fun to be emerged in the traditions of Oktoberfest - from the outfits and songs to food and personalized beer mugs.

6.  Hikes!  I love taking hikes in our local canyons during the fall because the weather is cooler so I'm not sweatin' up a storm the whole time.  I guess I shouldn't really call it a hike, because I'm stopping all the time to take in the sights.  My favorite thing is the changing leaves.  I love all the different colors that a single leaf takes on.  Nature is a beautiful thing.

7.  Wine tasting!  I think fall is the perfect time to go wine tasting.  Temecula is just a short drive away from me and they have tons of great wineries.  The fall weather makes it comfortable to enjoy your wine outside and walk the vineyards with friends.  It's the perfect "Sunday Funday" activity for me and my girlfriends.

What are some of your favorite fall activities?  

a bucket list to end the year

Hey guys, happy Monday!  Can you believe September is already half-way over?  I can't.  I feel like summer just started and now it's already fall.  Don't get me wrong, fall is my favorite season and I wish it could last forever, but I just feel like this year is flying by, and that's so not okay.  I want to be able to enjoy the seasons (or what we have of them here in so cal) and really take advantage of everything they have to offer.  So here you go, my "goodbye 2011" bucket list.

1. Read at least one book each month
2. Go to the movies by myself
3. Visit San Diego once a month
4. Find something free to-do in Orange County twice a month
5. Dates with dad once a month 
6. Meet my weight loss goal
7. Get an "A" in my class
8. Purchase a new camera with the money I'm saving
9. Save 80% of every pay check
10. Go snowboarding at least once
11. Buy my grandparents Christmas gifts that are meaningful
12. Take my parents out to dinner for their birthdays
13. Plan a girls' night with old high school friends
14. Spend time with my cousin 
15. Explore a new part of Orange County once a month
16. Drive around looking at Christmas lights
17. Go to the lighting of the Christmas Tree at the Ritz Carlton
18. Watch the sunset from the pier
19. Bake something from scratch
20. Learn photoshop
21. Go wine tasting
22. Visit at least two breweries in Orange County
23. Try a new sushi roll
24. Find a second job
25. Get bangs

I'm excited to start crossing things off the list; wonder where I should start??  Have you thought about what you want to do before the end of the year?  There's only about 3 months left! 

Link up your bucket lists and let's all end the year with some fun!

Update: Summer Bucket List v.2

via

Hey hey hey!  I can't believe it's already half way through September, where has this month gone?  Although technically it is fall, the weather here is still trying to hold on to summer, death grip style.  This summer was a bit of a whirlwind for me and although it was fun, it was stressful and full of to-do lists.  Which got me thinking of my Summer Bucket List and hoping that I was able to complete most of the things I put on there.  Anything I didn't can roll-over to the fall, right?

As of August 1st, I had crossed off 11 out of 30 things on my list.  Now I'm at 20 out of 30 - not too bad for a crazy productive summer I had.  And some of the things weren't even possible, so I don't feel so bad not getting to cross them off.

Plus, I'm starting a new one for the rest of the year.  A "Goodbye 2011 Bucket List" - everything you want to accomplish before the year is over.  Wanna join?  Start thinking of your bucket list this weekend and I'll have a link up ready on Monday!!

My Summer Bucket List (as of 9/15/11)

1. Host a cocktail and hor d'oeuvres night at my apartment for my girl friends.
2. Meet up with a friend at least once a week for lunch. (reunited with old friends when I moved back home, good times)
3. Find a full time job. (6.7.11 - have 3 jobs which equals a full time job!)  (8.1.11 - no job since I moved home) (as of 8.23 i've been working full time - for target!)
4. Take a summer school class. (enrolled in classes for the fall, to me that counts!)
5. Get back into photography. (& currently saving for a new fancy cam!)
6. Go camping.
7. Go to a Padres game and buy the cheap seats & bring dinner.
8. Day trip to LA.
9. Weekend trip to Santa Barbara.
10. Find a class at the gym I love and never miss it.
11. Go for a bike ride on the beach. (my bikes gone, so walking will have to do!)
12. Clean out my room and get rid of things I don't use / need.
13. Go for a picnic in Balboa Park. (picnic @ a park back home, since I'm not in SD!)
14. Explore the San Diego neighborhoods.
15. Have a movie night full of chick flicks.
16. Learn to cook a new favorite meal.
17. Use my crock pot.
18. Buy a blender and make delicious fresh fruit smoothies.
19. Get a tan.
20. Enjoy being single & minglin'.
21. Visit at least one museum in Balboa Park.
22. See a play or musical.
23. Paint my nails every week. (painted them almost every week)
24. Visit my parents twice a month. (moved home so I see them every day!)
25. Explore a new brewery (or two). (didn't go to a new one, but went to one I hadn't been to in a long time, good enough!)
26. Go see a concert. (Doobie Brothers, Young the Giant)
27. Go to the beach and get in the water.
28. Go line dancing at Incahoots.
29. Take a trip to Laguna Beach with my mom and go to the Sawdust Festival.
30. Visit my family in Redlands and Long Beach for a weekend.


Did you cross off everything on your Summer Bucket List?
What kinds of things would you put on your Goodbye 2011 Bucket List?  
Be ready to link-up on Monday!!