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!!

my favorite fall activities

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?