Happy Wednesday, friends! I’ve been down for the count since last Friday and am finally starting to feel like myself again. I came down with a fever, body aches, chills…ya know, everything one could hope for on a warm, summer-like day (🙃) and honestly haven’t felt that awful in years. I will say though, being sick always makes me appreciate my health so much more once the fog clears. I miss my routine like crazy and am beyond ready to get back to working out/running and daily human interaction – the cabin fever is real!I realize we’re still a few weeks out from the official start to summer, but I was feeling motivated to finish my summer bucket list last night so I went with it!

My bucket lists normally center around a fair amount of weather-related activities, but I like to sprinkle in things that could be done in any season and you’ll actually see a whole lot of that in this one. Not to mention, I don’t see myself having any problem dining al fresco as much as possible or getting out to the playpen for a girls’ day! 

Take a pasta making class – I’m partnering with the team over at Eataly to take a fresh pasta making class with my good friend Monica and we are going to explore the world beyond ravioli, complete with wine pairings! I mean, does it get any better? I think no. Bon appétit!

Throw an ice shot glass at the bell at Federales…and actually hit it – This is one of those “for shits and giggles” type things (you might remember seeing it on my 101 in 1001 list). Not only is it the best time of the year to do it, but a tequila-filled Saturday with my friends sounds like the perfect way to let loose. I’ll just be over here working on my shot until further notice! Pass the limes and salt, please!

Create a yoga retreat of sorts for myself right here in the city – I opened up The 52 Projects Lists book yesterday and flipped to the page that asked me to list out the wildest things I want to try, which is what inspired me to put this on my summer bucket list. I don’t know if I should be ashamed that this is something WiLd~* that I want to try or not, but I really want (read: need) to go on a yoga retreat and completely unplug from social media for an entire weekend. I ended up falling down the rabbit hole of yoga retreats online and when I eventually came up for air, I thought, why not create my own little escape right here in the city? So that’s exactly what I’m going to do (otherwise it could be months until I get myself on an actual retreat and there is no time like the present). My tentative plan is to spend a weekend (Friday night to Sunday night) offline, schedule myself in two yoga classes a day, and get myself to the infrared sauna at Cryobar a time or two. 

Have my aura read with Jessica and Cody – A few weeks ago I woke up and reached for my phone to check in on Instagram (a terrible habit, hence the necessary detox mentioned above) and the first post I saw was a photo of someone who had their aura read and I thought to myself, I want to have that done! Fast forward to later that afternoon when I was leaving work. I usually head north back toward my apartment, but for whatever reason, I decided to head south down Michigan Ave. and loop around toward State to take an extra long walk home since it was so nice outside. When I did that, I noticed this little shop (that I must have passed by a thousand times) for the first time that offers aura readings and that was all the sign I needed to get in there and make it happen.Take a helicopter tour over the city – There are few things I love more than the Chicago skyline or the way Lake Michigan almost looks tropical when the light hits just right. I’ve been dying to take the city in from above and am hoping to cross this off with the team at Chicago Helicopter Experience next month!

Host my girlfriends for a long weekend in the city – I am SOFUCKINGEXCITED for my girlfriends Whitney, Erin, and Tisha to come up for a long weekend in July. I’m one of those people who loves to have something to look forward to (but strive not to wish away the mediocre/in-between days) and this reunion has been a long time coming. I miss my girls and can’t wait to show them the best time while they’re here! 

Sip rosé slushies at Expat over on Green Street in the West Loop – This little patio scene has been on my radar since before I moved to Chicago and I still can’t believe I haven’t made it by yet! I’ve never met a rosé I don’t like (see here for proof) and I’ve heard these are some of the best rosé slushies you’ll find.

Play a round of golf – ….or at least 9 holes 😉 Trying to figure out the hole-to-adult beverage ratio for the mini cooler situation that will most definitely be coming along for the ride – driving the cart is half the fun!

Turn 31 – Not gonna lie, I’m not quite as enthusiastic about turning 31 as I was about turning 30. I’m not sure if it’s the particularly rough winter I had or what, but I just can’t seem to pinpoint it. I’m working hard to snap myself out of that mindset as I know that tomorrow isn’t promised to everyone and growing older isn’t something that everyone gets to do.

So, there you have it!

I have a feeling it’s going to be the best summer yet 🙂 You can take a peek at last year’s list here!

What’s on your summer bucket list?! I’d love to hear! If you’re in Chicago (or planning to visit this summer), making a trip to the Skydeck Ledge is home to one of the best views of the city and a mini thrill, if you’re into that sort of thing. You can enter to win one of two sets of Skydeck Ledge tickets below (quick note: they must be used by Aug. 3, 2018). Good luck 🙂

a Rafflecopter giveaway