Kailee Cavaliere

Honeymoon Part 3: Amalfi Coast

Buon giorno, Italy!

Leading off: From Paris, we flew EasyJet to Naples International Airport.

Touching down: We landed around 12:30pm, stood in line for a cab, and drove to our hotel. The city does not offer ride sharing options. They are fairly old school in that regard.

Hotel Piazza Bellini

Pro: The hotel was close to many of the popular attractions. They offered breakfast, air conditioning, and a beautiful courtyard.

Con: We stayed there one night, so it’s hard to say. The room was a bit smaller and good for folks who aren’t planning to spend a lot of time at the hotel.

Hotel Villa delle Palme

Pro: This hotel owner is so kind and helpful. Additionally, they offer breakfast every morning, balcony views of the water, and air conditioning (which you absolutely will need in warmer months!)

Con: This hotel is toward the top of the hill, so like most places you’ll have to walk a lot of stairs. Plus, I’m not sure there was an elevator/lift.

Day 1:

While the Amalfi Coast was the end goal, we couldn’t leave without first exploring Naples. The area is especially significant for Rob, because this is where his grandparents and ancestors are from. Once we checked into our hotel, we headed out for lunch. There was one and only place we wanted to go.

Sorbillo Pizza

Naples is known for being the birthplace of pizza— and Sobrillo claims to be the original creator. With that kind of reputation, there is naturally a bigger crowd. However, they cram as many guests as possible into the two floor restaurant and turn tables over quickly. While waiting, we were asked to stay outside until their table was ready (because I mean they really use all of the space inside for tables.) Despite the number of people waiting, we were in within 20 minutes.

Once we ordered, the pizza didn’t take much longer than our original wait time outside (which must be the key to turning over tables rapidly). We ordered a traditional margarita and one with pesto. Each pizza was large, but the crust was quite thin. So, we had no trouble finishing every bite.

I Rei Di Napoli

Similarly to London and Paris, Italy was uncharacteristically hot. So, after walking around the city, we stopped for a drink at I Rei Di Napoli. This restaurant overlooks the Gulf of Naples, which made it the perfect place to relax before resuming our walk.

We had no agenda for our time in Naples, so we really spent most of the day enjoying the sites and scenes. The only other plans we had was dinner. For the life of me, I cannot remember, nor can I find where we ate. It was just off the water, down an alley on a small piazza.

Day 2:

Pompeii

After eating a quick breakfast at the hotel, we loaded our luggage into a black car that we hired for the day. We used MondoGuide, which took us from Naples to Positano with a stop in Pompeii. The company also offers guided tours inside Pompeii and to the top of Mount Vesuvius. However, we had done our research and knew what we wanted to see. This was especially nice since we had time constraints and Pompeii is massive.

Walking around the historic grounds was surreal. While many of the building and structures have been destroyed, there is still enough standing to transport you back to ancient times. Again, we spent most of our time walking around, marveling at the architecture.

Hotel Restaurant

When we arrived in Positano, it was lunch time and we were hungry! Luckily, our hotel had its own restaurant– as do most of the hotels. Since we were in the land of lemons, I had to try the lemon and pesto ricotta shells and lemon sorbet. Rob had a pesto pasta that was equally as tasty.

Caffe Positano

For dinner, we kept the lemon theme going and enjoyed lemon leaf cheese and limoncello cake. Caffe Positano was recommended to us numerous times, and now I understand why. Both the food and view were so nice that we wish we could have gone back for another meal.

Travel tip: Make reservations for each dinner. During peak season, you could be waiting a long time without one, especially because it the Italian way to not rush guests.
Also, keep in mind that locals and tourist like to eat later (about 7pm on.) If you like to eat early, you have a much better chance of getting in to the restaurant of your choice.

Day 3:

Lemon Tour

Ok, so when I say the Amalfi Coast is known for their lemons, it is because they have acres and acres of lemon groves. Most lemon farms have been owned, operated, and passed down from generation to generation.

In the city of Amalfi, which is a quick drive or ferry ride from Positano, there is a full lemon experience. This family offers tours and cooking classes at their estate. We took the tour, which included samples of their actual lemons, candied lemons, fresh made lemonade and limoncello. Everything was delicious! Even the lemon by itself was sweet and juicy.

For the tour, they will meet you in town on their cute little lemon cart and together you will trek up to their farm. The lemon trees are all situated on the hillside, spanning as far at the eye can see. Altogether, the tour and samplings lasted a few hours. At the end, you will have an opportunity to buy your own limoncello.

Tour tip: While they take you up on a cart, you will be asked to walk back to into town. It will take about 10 minutes for the average walker. However, this may not be recommend for those who struggle with hills and uneven pathways.

La Taverna del Duca

Since we had to walk back into town, we decided to stop for some lunch. Another solid meal of pizza and (lemon) pasta.

Franco’s Bar

After spending some time walking around Amalfi, we took a tour bus back to Positano. Throughout the 45 min. drive, the bus’s sound system would point out notable spots along the way, like the small town of Fuore, where Rob’s ancestors are actually from.

When we arrived back into town, we stopped in for a drink at Franco’s Bar. If you did any other kind of research before your trip, this bar probably came up. Essentially, it’s a small but gorgeous patio that overlooks the water and the rest of Positano. To get a “front row” seat, you have to get there when they open. Well, actually before they open, as we would later learn.

We came for the experience, so we didn’t care where we sat. However, we were lucky to even get a seat in general. The place was packed. While the drinks were good and unique, you really pay for the view. Each drink averaged around 20 euro.

D’Aiello’s Family Restaurant

This restaurant had great reviews, so we thought we’d give it a shot. Those reviews weren’t lying because it had to have been my favorite meal. The only strange part was we were only one of two groups of people eating there. My guess is it’s because we ate around 6:30, before the dinner rush.

Day 4:

Beach Day

When you’re on the beautiful coastline of Italy, you have to spend at least one day doing nothing. That is exactly what we did.

Travel tip: We walked to Fornillo Beach, where they had chairs and umbrellas available for rent. This was definitely worth the money, because then you could also use the facilities to change and use the restroom.

Lunch at LO Guarracino

On our long walk back to our hotel, we stumbled upon LO Guarracino. This restaurant had actually also been recommended to us. It’s hidden away from most of the hustle and bustle, which gives you a rustic outdoor setting overlooking the water. The food was good, but pricey.

Franco’s Bar

We had time to kill before our dinner reservation, so we headed back to Franco’s to see if we could get a front row seat. We arrived about 15 mins. before they opened and there was already a few people in line. Luckily, we were able to snag the last set of chairs near the front of the balcony.

Don Giovanni

This was another recommended restaurant that had a terrace overlooking the water. Again, we were one of two parties dining at the time we did. In fact, it was the same family we had dinner with the night prior. The sad part is they were more than likely dining at that time because they had young kids. I don’t know what our excuse was.

Day 5:

Capri

For our final day in Italy, we took the ferry to the island of Capri. The island is well known for their grottos, but best known for the Blue Grotto. While the allure of seeing the Blue Grotto was there, we decided to take a boat tour around the island that took us to sites like the White Grotto, Green Grotto, and by the entrance of the Blue Grotto. Ultimately, we were happy with our decision not to go into the grotto because there was an incredibly long wait. Plus, you are only allowed inside for about 15 minutes.

Lunch at Bar Aprea

Following the boat tour, we grabbed lunch on the marina. Again, we enjoyed limoncello. However, this time it was served in a lemon…the size of my head. Did I mention this the land of lemons?

After seeing as much of the island as we could on foot, we headed back to Positano.

Travel tip: Like the rest of the Amalfi Coast, the island of Capri is also comprised of steep steps and cliffs. Most hotels are on the top of the island, so there are shuttles which will take you where you need to go. If you want to cease every opportunity in Capri, I would stay the night.

Le Tre Sorelle Wine Room

When arriving back in Positano, we walked to a wine room for some Italian wine tasting. This was a cool concept where you pay per glass and they literally have the wines on a tap-type system which flows out of a spigot. If you like the wines like we did, you can buy a bottle to take home.

Ristorante Mediterraneo

For our final meal in Positano, we ate dinner at our hotel’s sister restaurant, Ristorante Mediterraneo. We couldn’t have asked for a better way to say goodbye. The meal was wonderful, the view wasn’t too shabby, and the staff were great. However, the cherry on top was the live music.

2020 Update: 30 (Be)for 30

It’s officially been a year since I created a list of 30 things I would like to accomplish before I turn 30. In 365 days, I crossed three items off my list. This means I have 730 days to complete the rest!

Marry my best friend!

Go Whale Watching

Visit the real “UP” House.

Only 27 to go…

Stomp grapes at a winery.
Take more Spanish lessons.
Hike Mt. Rainier
Run a marathon- preferably Boston!
See the northern lights.
Catch fireflies
Spend the night in a tree house.
Write a song.
Throw a surprise party.
Donate my hair to locks of love.
Attend a major sporting event.
Afford to donate my whole paycheck to something/ someone who needs it more.
Paddle board on Lake Havasu.
Visit a Disney park during Christmas.
Visit a Disney park on a Dapper Day.
Help make someone’s dream come true.
Send/ Take my family on a trip.
Go to Comicon, dressed and all.
See at least 2 more Wonders of the World.
Buy a house.
Become a parent.
Learn how to bake my Grammy’s cinnamon rolls.
Host a charity event.
Go on a trip with The Bucket List Family.
Fly in a hot air balloon.
Go bungee-jumping.
See a panda bear in real life.

I wonder what will be next!

2019 Travel Recap

In December of last year, I created a goal of 17 different travel-related bucket list items that I had hoped to accomplish in 12 months. As 2019 comes to close, I am reflecting on the places I was able to cross off my list, and then some!

2019 list

Married in Cancun– This was the first item checked off of my 30 before 30 list too!
Visit Martha’s Vineyard
Go to Oktoberfest in Leavenworth– So similar to Germany.
See the blue grotto in Capri– So, we didn’t get to actually go into the grotto, because it was too busy. But, we did take a boat trip around the island of Capri.
Tour Washington DC– Different from years past, we explored the National Harbor. This area has recently been re-done and is a gorgeous space away from the hustle and bustle of downtown.
Visit Mt. Rainier
Visit Olympic National Park
Go whale watching at Orcas Island– Even in the rain, this was a dream come true!
Visit 2 new sports stadiums– They were State Farm Stadium in Arizona and London Stadium in London.
Girls trip– We spent some time under the desert sky at Under Canvas in Tucson.
Go zip-lining at Whistler
Watch the Red Sox play the Yankees in London– Jolly good time.
Take a cooking class in Paris– Best macarons ever!
Visit Niagara Falls
Go to Disneyland during Christmas
Have high-tea in London– Cheers!
Watch the Seahawks in Arizona– Watch the Seahawks WIN in Arizona!

All in all, 2019 was very successful when it came to travel. Out of 17 items, I was able to check off 11 of bucket list items. In addition, 2019 also presented a lot of unexpected, yet incredible travel opportunities. One (a big one) being Rob and my trip/move across the country from Seattle to Boston. We stopped at some major bucket list places for me like Mount Rushmore, The Field of Dreams and Chicago.

My hope is that 2020 brings you many blessings, both big and small! And remember, adventure is out there!

Miss America in CT: what to do

Welcome to Uncasville (un-cuss-ville), CT! The current home to the long-loved tradition of Miss America. As a former state titleholder and a current Connecticut resident, I hope to provide you with an “inside” guide that helps to enhance your Miss America experience.

Let’s start with Uncasville, specifically the casino and resort. Mohegan Sun is a wonderful casino, where you could stay for the entirety of your trip. If you do, try the locally loved pizza at Frank Pepe’s. Founded in 1925, the thin-crust style pizza is best known for getting its start in a coal fired oven. Or if you are looking for something sweet, the resort also has a Carlo’s Bakery, best known from the hit TLC show Cake Boss.

Now, you could stay at the resort, but you may be doing yourself an injustice. So, if you would like to venture outside the resort here are a few recommendations.

Foxwoods Resort Casino (10 miles away)- Another vibrant casino with popular restaurants and a large outlet mall.

Mystic, CT (15 miles away)- This quintessential ocean town has something for everyone; adorable local shops, fresh seafood, historic monuments, etc.

Olde Mistick Village– home of old-fashioned shops, the aquarium, and good local restaurants.

Downtown Mystic– home of the Mystic Seaport, Mystic Pizza, and local shops.

B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill– A historic landmark opened in 1881 sells seasonal favorites like hot, cold, and hard cider, apple cider, and bread.

Stonington, CT (25 miles away)- A “sea-side stretch of shops, restaurants, classic New England architecture and harbor views.”

Stonington Borough– home of the The Old Lighthouse Museum, Stonington Point and personal favorites like Noah’s, Dog Watch Cafe, and Breakwater.

Check out this great Stonington blog by Shannon Shipman.

Wine & Beer Tasting-

Breweries

Barley Head Brewery in downtown Mystic, CT

Stony Creek in Foxwoods Resort Casino

Wineries

Maugle Sierra Vineyards in Ledyard, CT

John Edwards Winery in North Stonington, CT

Saltwater Farm in Stonington, CT

Stonington Vineyards in Stonington, CT

Preston Ridge Vineyard in Preston, CT

Enjoy your trip! Let me know if you try one of these, or if you come across something new.

Honeymoon Part 2: Paris

Leading off: From London, we flew British Airways from London Heathrow to Charles de Gaulle.

Touching down: From the airport, we took a subway train to the closest station near our hotel. It was about a 10 minute walk from there, so we figured it wasn’t necessary to call a car. However, we did not account for the all dirt pathway park that we would have to travel though. With rolling luggage, we made quite a loud and dusty entrance to Paris.

Hotel La Villa Madame

Pro: The rooms were cozy and homey. Since we were celebrating our honeymoon, they surprised us with champagne and macarons. I can’t say enough good things about our stay. The service, style of the hotel, beds- everything was top notch.

Con: The hotel is in the 6th Arrondissement. The area is incredible, and feels local. However, depending on what you want to do, this may not be the most central hotel.

Day 1:

We arrived at the hotel around 11:30 am and couldn’t check in until 3 pm. However, they were kind enough to store our bags until the room was ready. Since we left London so early and it was now almost lunch time, we headed out to find a nice place to relax and grab a bite.

Cafe Cassette, is one of the many surrounding cafes that was recommended to us by our hotel concierge. The decor was funky, beautiful, and fun, and the food was delicious. If we had more time, we would have gone back for dinner.

Fat Tire Tours

After grabbing some food, we headed out for a city bike tour. We rode past sights like, Alexander III Bridge, Tuileries Gardens, the Louvre, Napoléon’s Tomb, and ended at the Eiffel Tower. Personally, I loved seeing the city this way. As first timers, it gave us a good grip on not only where things were, but also on how far apart each landmark was from one another.

Pro tip: If you plan on doing a city tour of any kind, I highly recommend doing one in the first two days of your trip. Others on our tour waited until the last day, and complained that they had “been there, done that” already.

Le Trait D’Union

After a much needed nap, we tried to get in to a few nearby restaurants for dinner. However, everywhere we went had a long wait, or required a reservation. It was getting to the point where we would have eaten at McDonald’s, if we found one. Somehow, we hangerly stumbled upon Le Trait D’Union. Their outside seating was completely full, but inside was almost empty. We gladly took a seat, and (gracefully) inhaled our meals.

Pro tip: Make dinner reservations! You don’t always have to keep them. But, at least you have something.

Day 2:

Flytographer

While visiting us in Seattle, a friend of mine did a Flytographer photo session. After learning more about the company and the premise, I thought it was a perfect way to commemorate our honeymoon. Use this code for $25 off- http://flytog.co/mQeWBfh

To get these non-crowded shots , we woke up with sun. Not the best idea with jet lag…but the 30 minute shoot was very worth the photos and memories. We shot with Rachael, who is truly a gem. Together, we had a blast, and she made us feel so comfortable.

Cafe Madame

After the shoot (which I believe started at 6 am and ended at 6:30 am), we allowed ourselves to take a short nap and get ready for the day. We stopped in for breakfast at Cafe Madame, which was basically kitty corner to our hotel. The cafe was quaint and cute. But, I am not sure there’s a cafe in Paris that doesn’t match that description.

Disneyland Paris

Then, we headed for the train station, where we would catch the RER A train to Disneyland Paris! After quite a bit of research, we came to the decision that a one day park hopper pass would suffice. Even though I would consider myself a Disney die-hard, we were mostly going for the atmosphere and experience.

After spending the majority of the day there, I think we made the right decision. Rob and I have been to both Disneyland and Disney World, so we focused on rides, sights, and foods that the American parks don’t have. Highlights of our day included; drinking champagne from Disney’s vineyard while still walking around the park, riding Crush’s Coaster, and spending hours just looking through the stores.

Bistrot Chez Remy

However, our favorite part of the day (by far) was dining at Bistort Chez Remy for dinner. This is Remy’s restaurant, the mouse from Ratatouille, meaning the entire aesthetic is set to feel as if you were also the size of a mouse. On top of the immaculate ambiance and attention to detail, the meal was incredible. I HAD to try the ratatouille. If anyone is going to do the recipe right, it’s Chez Remy!

Pro tip: You need to make a reservation! I made one the first day I could, which I believe is two months in advance.

Day 3:

Cook’n With Class

Taking a cooking/baking class in France has been on my bucket list for some time now. So, when I found out I could take a class learning how to make one of my favorite desserts (macarons), I couldn’t sign up fast enough. We took the class through Cook’n With Class. We made four flavors; raspberry, chocolate, salted caramel, and pistachio. One by one, we each took turns stirring the filling and piping the pastry. The entire experience was incredible! The teacher was educational, the others in the group were a good time, and the macarons were some of the best I have ever had — and I have had my fair share.

They also offer other cooking and baking classes.

Exploring on foot

After the cooking class, we took our time walking around the city. Despite it being unseasonably warm in Europe, we headed for Angelina Paris. This world famous cafe is known for their hot chocolate, which is not your typical American winter favorite. This is quite literally melted warm chocolate in a cup, a.k.a. every chocolate lovers dream.

Pro tip: This is a sit down cafe, where wait times can be lengthy. However, there is also a “take-away” side of the cafe, where you can buy drinks and treats to to go.

We then took our decadent drinks just down the block to The Louvre. This was another landmark/stop we heavily discussed. For us, we decided that we didn’t necessarily need to fight the crowds and go inside. Instead, being in front of the prominent pyramid-shaped building was enough. Personally, we thought there was too much else we wanted to see and do.

Our stroll then took us down the Siene River to Notre Dame and Pont des Arts. With artists lining the famed waterway, the walk resembled a dream.

Notre Dame was partially blocked off due to the devastating fire earlier in the year. However, the portion of the building that was visible still looked immaculate. The bridge, better known as the love lock bridge, had also seen recent renovations. The original, which was littered with locks from lovers, was becoming too heavy and unstable. Instead, the wired railings were replaced with Plexiglas. Even with the changes, lovers still found the space to make their mark (see photo below.)

Le Coup Chou

For our final sit-down dinner in Paris, we made reservations at Le Coup Chou. This quaint restaurant was recommended to us because of their true French cuisine. Everything was exquisite- the meal, the staff, the atmosphere…everything!

Fifa World Cup

By luck, we just so happen to be in France during the 2019 Women’s FIFA World Cup. As the host country, the city closed off the Jardin Nelson Mandela to provide a FIFA Fan Experience, where fans (like us) could watch matches. The evening we were there was the semi-final match between the U.S. and England. Tournament sponsors set up concessions and handed out noise makers. It was the next best thing to actually being at the game. The night concluded with the U.S. winning 2-1, advancing them to the finals.

Day 4:

Wine Tour

Our final day was spent on a wine tour just outside of Paris, with Paris Wine Day Tours. We loved our time in the city, but being able to see more of the French countryside was exactly what we needed. We stopped at numerous places including;

–Conse-sur-Loire for farm-fresh cheese. Or, maybe not so fresh seeing how it has aged for some time? Regardless, it was a delicious experience.

–Pouilly-Fume for our first wine tasting of the day. We stopped at a local winery, which was surrounded by vineyards as far as the eye could see.

Pro tip: The French do no visit wineries to taste wine, like we do in America. Instead, they will either already know what they like, or go to a tasting room. The only way to get a local tasting experience is through a tour like this.

–La Cote Des Monts Damnes for lunch and our second wine tastings. We were treated to a lovely lunch, served by the family who owned the business. The inviting restaurant, tucked away in the picturesque town has been in the family for generations.

–Sancerre for a town tour and final wine tasting. During this stop, the group (which was only another couple, my husband, and me) walked all throughout the town, truly taking in the sights. This little town, which is perched on a hill, offers breathtaking views of the French landscape. Again, something out of a picture and a dream.

Our final tasting was at a local wine shop, which also sold an abundance of witch memorabilia. Apparently, the locals believe that witches are a sign of good luck.

–Château de la Bussiere was our final stop of the day. Originally built in the 17th century, this castle is still owned by descendants of the family who acquired it in 1814. Out of all of the castles I have toured, this was one of the most…unique. The entire interior paid homage to fish and fishing. I’m not talking Nemo or Dory either. I mean pre-historic and ancient kind of things. It was weird, but also educational. Fisherman would probably love it.

Picnic at the Eiffel Tower

There was only one real way to conclude our wonderful trip to France. We took cheese and wine that we had purchased earlier in the day and headed toward the Eiffel Tower. Amongst a gaggle of others who had the same idea, we found a spot on the Champ de Mars to watch the sunset and toast to a near-perfect trip to Paris.

Au revoir! Next stop: Italy!

Honeymoon Part 1: London

When planning our honeymoon, London was admittedly not the first place that came to mind. However, when the opportunity to see the Red Sox play the Yankees in London presented itself, we jumped at it. We then leaped head first into planning a two week trip to Europe. London, which we had only visited for less than 48 hours before this, was our first stop.

Leading off: We flew non-stop from Seattle to London, using Norwegian air. We left at 1PM on a Wednesday and arrived in London (Gatwick) at 7AM.

Pro tip: If you take a similar flight, be prepared to be sluggish and out of it. Most hotels will not allow you to check in until the time stated on your confirmation. The time difference can hit hard!

Touching down: We powered through and took the Thameslink train from the airport to Blackfriars, which was then about a ten minute walk to our hotel. When we arrived at our hotel just before 9AM, they gave us the good news and the bad news. The bad news was they did not have a room ready for us. The good news was that we only needed to kill 3 hours, instead of the original 5 we thought. They were kind enough to keep our bags for free.

Ibis London Blackfriars

Pro: In the heart of a less touristy area, so there is a more of a local vibe. Breakfast included.

Con: Standard hotel, not the most picturesque for honeymooners.

Day 1:

The Breakfast Club

Our first stop of the day was at The Breakfast Club for…breakfast! Although it was now well after the work day typically begins for us Americans, the restaurant was quite crowded. In addition, it isn’t a very big space to begin with. We snuck our way into two bar seats and ordered coffee number one. I had a classic eggs benny, while Rob tried The Club Burrito. Both were delicious. Plus the vibe is really fun.

Borough Market/ Bankside

When we were done with the meal, we still had quite a bit of time to kill, so we began to explore. We went on the hunt for coffee number two, and ended up in Borough Market. Later, we found out that the market is a popular tourist/ local attraction. Being from Seattle, this market resembled a more spread out version of Pike Place with local fruits, vegetables, fish, cheeses, and more! Lots more.

From there, we began walking down random streets to see what else this neighborhood had to offer. We ended up at yet another coffee shop, The Gentlemen Baristas, where we were able to kick our feet up before heading back to the hotel to officially check in. This two story coffee shop had a lot of seating, where you can choose between a lovely little patio outside in the sun, or inside by the window to people watch.

Following coffee number three, we checked into our room. Admittedly, we then proceeded to nap…hard, only waking up to make our tea time.

Sketch

The ever-popular Sketch tea room is known for its eclectic vibe and uniqueness. The decor and ambiance was just as fun, quirky, and beautiful as photos make it look. In addition to tea, we were served a wide variety of finger sandwiches and confections. Although each serving was small, together they made for a pretty mighty meal. By the end of our time there, we were both stuffed.

Pro tip: Come hungry to tea. Each time I have done high tea, I have been offered additional sandwiches and a snack(s) to go.

Also, how could we talk about Sketch without talking about their loos…egg-loos to be exact. A stark contrast from the pink velvet room where the tea is served, the white wall bathroom is full of individual toilets and finished off with a rainbow tile ceiling. On the outside, the individual loos resemble eggs, hence the name egg-loo. On the inside, they mimic nicer versions of portable toilets. Overall, the whole experience was unlike anything I’ve ever seen or done.

Pro tip: You definitely pay are paying for the experience. So, first make sure you are up for trying new flavors, because some of their foods are just as posh as their decor. A bonus for me was trying caviar for the first time!

Despite the overly decorated inside, the street-side facade is quite unassuming. Had we not made reservations, we would not have picked it out from the hustle and bustle of the nearby in Piccadilly Circus. We walked through what felt like a true circus of motorbikes, cars, and people, near the National Portrait Gallery, and across the Golden Jubilee Bridges to get back to our hotel.

Once we were ready for more food, we walked across the street to The Prince William Henry for a true English pub type of dinner.

Day 2:

Coppa Club

We went from egg-loos on day 1 to igloos on day 2. For breakfast, we enjoyed our meal from a clear surf-shack igloo at Coppa Club Tower Bridge. They update the decor according to the season, so surfer vibes made it feel like summer. It helped bring the beach to the middle of the city.

Pro tip: Make a reservation. I booked a few months in advance and breakfast was the only time available.

The food was good, the view was better, but the juice and smoothie might have been the best.

Our hotel was just across the river from the restaurant, so we chose to walk back past the Tower Bridge of London, over the Tower Bridge, and through Southwark.

Westminster Walk (PDF)

After a quick pit stop at the hotel, we continued to walk. We followed Rick Steves’ Westminster walk fairly closely, which took us by the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Ministry of Defense, and ended in Trafalgar Square.

In the midst of the walk, we found the Sherlock Holmes Pub on the map. Leave it up to this bar to be nestled down a few back streets. When we got there, I was surprised to see how busy it was during the middle of the day. Obviously other folks also thought it would be a nice pit stop on a beautiful day. What made it even better was the pub staff did not care if guests took drinks (in glass) outside to enjoy the sunshine.

Fun fact: the clock tower is not actually called Big Ben, but instead Elizabeth Tower. Big Ben is the name for the several ton bell that rings inside the clock tower.

Milk Train

Once we hit Trafalgar Square, we spent a good portion of our time meandering through shops and stopping to admire the government buildings. Our final stop before heading back to freshen up for the evening was Milk Train. This is not only an ice cream lover’s dream, but also an Instagrammer’s dream. Being a big fan of both, I had to try their ice cream cone with all of the toppings and a cloud of cotton candy. Between the stickiness of the cotton candy and the melting ice cream, it was a lot to handle at once. But, oh so worth it!

Peggy Porschen Cake

Later that evening, we stopped in at a restaurant called The Boot and Flogger for dinner. Before we knew it, it was once again time for dessert. As if we hadn’t had enough sweetness for one day, we stopped by the ever popular and pink Peggy Porschen Cakes. They were about to close, so we had to take our treat to go. But, we found a bench near the confectionery shop and enjoyed our goodies. I snacked on a seasonal fruit tart, while Rob had a slice of raspberry cake. To top it off, we split a jam stuffed cookie. Everything was delicious!

Harrods

A short walk away from the cake shop is the world famous department store, Harrods. During our last trip, we hadn’t made a point to stop in. So, this time we made sure to do just that. We paid especially close attention to the gift shop. Honestly, that was all we really needed to see because that was the only place we really spent any money.

Day 3

Our last day in London was all about baseball. As mentioned, the first-ever MLB London Series was our true reason for returning to London when we did. Although the game wasn’t until later that evening, we had quite a bit we wanted to get done before the first pitch.

After eating breakfast at our hotel, we headed toward London Stadium. This is not only where the game was being played, but also the only place (that we knew of at the time) that sold official London Series merchandise. We found everything we needed (and probably much more) at the pop-up store and set out to find stop number two.

Truman Brewery

Fortunately, Truman Brewery was within walking distance of the field. Unfortunately, it was definitely not the same Truman Brewery that was hosting the MLB fan fest. Once we realized it was the wrong (very wrong) part of town, we jumped in an Uber.

Eventually, we did make it to the correct place, which was known for this event as London Yards. Since it’s days as a brewery, the building has been gutted and is now used for special events. For London Yards, there was baseball inspired VR games, batting cages, and food & beverage vendors. Plus, this was the second place we found a smaller merchandise store.

Cereal Killer Cafe

When I realized what neighborhood the actual London Yards was in, I immediately looked to see how close the building was to Cereal Killer Cafe. This cereal-inspired shop originally caught me eye on Instagram, and luckily it was less than five minutes away from Truman Brewery. As the name suggests, this restaurant sells cereal all day. But, not just any old box of cereal. Instead, they serve specialty cereals with flavored milk. For example, I had Unicorn Poop, which is “a glittery rainbow of fruity cereal and marshmallows with blue bubblegum milk.” Which, if you haven’t gathered by this point, I love my sweets. So, this hit the spot.

In addition to the crazy cereals, they also have wacky decor. Being a 90’s baby, I was immediately transported back to my childhood with the old cereal boxes, cereal toys, 90’s TV character wallpaper, and VHS tapes displayed throughout the place. Plus you’ll feel right at “home” if you are seated in the back. Your chair will be a twin size bed.

London Series

With this being the first-ever MLB game played in England, we arrived just after the gates opened to take in as much as possible. It was such a unique experience, that I wrote another blog dedicated just to my takeaways.

I still get chills thinking about listening to all of the English spectators loudly and proudly singing their national anthem. Or, when I think about the fact that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were there for the first pitch. Personally, I hope this is something that is able to sustain itself for years to come.

And just like that, our time in London had come to an end!

Bonus: A short video of our time there.

Washington Bucket List

After living in Washington State for the majority of my life, I have found just how diverse this state is. From the ocean to the desert, there is so much to do. Even after 20+ years, I haven’t even done half of this items, but they are definitely on my list.

* denotes those that I’ve done.

Climb Mt. Rainier.

Pick apples.

*Frolic through the tulip/ daffodils.

Roam through lavender fields.

Trek through the only rainforest in the contiguous United States.

*And then dip your toes in the Pacific Ocean.

*Experience whales in the wild.

*Watch a GU basketball game.

Take a seaplane around the sound.

*Drive Ste. Route 11, Chuckanut Dr.

Walk/run Bloomsday.

*Go wine tasting in Walla Walla, Tri-Cities, or Woodinville.

Stomp Grapes at a winery.

Relax at Suncadia Resort

Glamp in a yurt at Cave B.

*See a concert at the Gorge.

*Visit Leavenworth for Oktoberfest.

*AND the Christmas Lighting Festival.

Do the Puyallup at the State Fair.

*Take a ferry…

*Preferably to the San Juan Islands.

TULIPS IN MT. VERNON
RELAXING IN OCEAN SHORES
WHALE WATCHING
TAYLOR SHELLFISH ON CHUCKANUT DR.
WINE TASTING IN WOODENVILLE
CHRISTMAS LIGHTING FESTIVAL
OKTOBERFEST IN LEAVENWORTH
ROCHE HARBOR, SAN JUAN ISLAND

Seattle edition

*Sip coffee from the original Starbucks

*Drink a flight of coffee from the Starbucks Reserve Roastery.

*Ride the Great Wheel.

*Take flight on Wings over Washington.

*Watch for flying fish at Pike Place.

*Stick gum to the gum wall.

Soak in the magic of Chihuly blown glass.

*Say hello to the Fremont Troll.

*Walk through the Cherry Blossoms at University of Washington.

ROASTARY RESERVE
VIEW FROM THE GREAT WHEEL
WINGS OVER WASHINGTON
GUM WALL
CHERRY BLOSSOMS AT UW
ORIGINAL STARBUCKS
CATCHING FISH AT PIKE PLACE MARKET

Sports edition

*Eat your way through a Mariners game.

*Put your scarf up at a Sounders game.

*Get LOUD at a Seahawks game.

Watch the WBNA Champions.

Play Chambers Bay Golf Course.

See hydroplanes soar at Water Follies or Seafair.

FIRST SEAHAWKS GAME
GARLIC FRIES AT T-MOBILE PARK

A Wedding #DunnDifferently

Wedding For A Cause

Welcome to our wedding #DunnDifferently! New to this story? Let me explain. First, for those of you who don’t know me personally, the name is just a play on my maiden name, Dunn. As you can imagine, this name has played a large part in other campaigns, like #GetterDunn.

Now that we are all on the same page, this is how this idea all came about. Before we were even engaged, Rob and I knew how much of a financial burden a wedding could be. So, we started to consider ways to make it more affordable. However, after pondering on it a little more, we wanted to take it one step further. If we are going to spend this money, we thought, we might as well try and put the money toward something good, a greater cause. So, once we finally decided on when and where to get married, we dove a little deeper into researching companies that gave back. Here is what we found;

Note: If you work in the wedding industry, this could be a great opportunity to break into an almost non-existent niche!

Tina Phillips– As if our videographer wasn’t bomb already, she also has a heart of gold. In fact, she began her journey in film because of her work in Haiti. Bèl Zèv, meaning “beautiful art” in Haitian Creole, inspired the name of her company. She now continues to donate to the villages she worked with.

“It was [Haiti] that I made my first video, I had never edited or filmed anything before, and it is still my most favorite video to date. This beautiful place changed me, and it is from this incredible experience in my life that Bèl Zèv Films was born.”

Registry– This is something that all The Knot users should look into! When linking your registry(s) to your website through The Knot, you can choose an organization to donate to. When guests buy gifts directly from your wedding website, The Knot will donate to your selected organization.

“Select your favorite charity from 100+ organizations. Give back for FREE — it’s a no-brainer.”

Project 7– Each of our guests got a welcome bag which included Rob and my favorite snacks, sunglasses, and this delicious gum. Project 7 was gracious enough to provide us with the Sparkling Mimosa gum for our big day. The company’s name comes from the seven causes they support; environment, hunger, clean water, homelessness, health, education, and peace. Aside from gum, they also sell gummies and candy-covered chewies.

“Little purchases when added up, can pull many people together and make life changing impacts every day of the week.”

Bride

Brides For A Cause– This bridal salon is unique in the sense that they not only re-sell gently worn gowns, but they also donate a portion of their proceeds to support women in a myriad of capacities; self-esteem, workforce, education, military, cancer, and heart disease. Currently, they have locations in Portland, OR, Seattle, WA and Tacoma, WA.

“About 90% of our net income goes to directly to helping other charities. Since 2012, we’ve collected over 10,000 wedding dresses and have given over $700,000 (and counting!) to charity! In 2018, we gave away a record-breaking $175,000 for the year!”

Saved By The Dress– This is an online boutique, which sells women’s clothings for everyday wear. They, too, donate a portion of their proceeds, but their focus is on children in need. The donations help provide clean water, combat human trafficking, support hunger relief, and provide education.I found the perfect dress to wear for our rehearsal dinner.

“Together, we can enrich the lives of others by providing education, nourishment, empowerment, and Protection to children and their communities that need our help the most.”

TOMS– The OG of the one for one rules. If you don’t know, for every pair of shoes sold, TOMS donates a pair of shoes to a child in need. These sandals (seen above) added as the perfect party sandal for the reception.

“What began as a simple idea has evolved into a powerful business model that helps address need and advance health, education and economic opportunity for children and their communities around the world.”

Vagabond Denim– This hand-crafted denim jacket was the cherry on top of my ensemble. The unique colorful textile is sourced fair-trade, and stitched onto the back of a vintage/ thrifted jean jacket. Plus, the company donates a portion of their proceeds to feeding hungry children in Honduras.

“Just know that as you purchase items from Vagabond Denim, 20% of proceeds go to I was Hungry. We believe that it is important to practice the kindness you wish you see in the world.”

Groom/ Groomsmen

Knotty Tie Co.– When looking for the groomsmen’s ensembles, I knew we would have a difficult time finding a) the colors we wanted and b) a company that believed in social impact. Knotty Tie Co. was so easy and fun to work with.

The best part about them, however, is that the company was built “to create employment opportunities for resettling refugees based upon their existing skills.” You can read more about their employee’s stories here.

“By creating opportunities for arriving refugees to work in their trade, and in a supportive work environment with flexible schedules, fair wages and generous benefits, we’re removing barriers for them and their families to become economically self-sufficient and culturally assimilated.”

Sexy Socks– The pineapple socks not only matched our wedding colors, but also coincided with the tropical setting we were in. The fun-patterned South African made socks provide a pair of socks to school children in South Africa.

“That is what Sexy Socks is all about – warm toes all round.”

Bridesmaids

Alex and Ani: Charity By Design– Since moving to the East Coast, I have fallen in love with Alex and Ani. When researching bridesmaids gifts, I found their Charity By Design and was sold.

Furthermore, they partnered with organizations that were near and dear to almost all of my bridesmaids and mother/ mother-in-law’s heart. For example, they had a crown charm bracelet that donated to Girls On The Run, which was my sorority’s philanthropy. They also had a lotus flower charm, that (very ironically) benefited the hospital in Rhode Island where my husband was born.

“We are a humanitarian company. Spreading POSITIVITY around the world through collaboration, determination, and inspiration.”

The Shine Project– I found these beautiful necklaces (seen above) at a local boutique (Purpose), and was able to order the appropriate letters online. When running into a snafu online, their customer service team was so helpful and quick to respond. The reason they caught my eye is because the company supports first generation college students and each piece of jewelry is packaged and signed by the student it supports.

Ivory Ella– I wanted to give my bridesmaids a pajama set or robe that gave back, but again couldn’t find anything. When I can across Ivory Ella, I found these t-shirt dresses that also double as swimsuit cover ups. They only came in two colors, which just so happen to be pretty dang close to our wedding colors.

“Ivory Ella has committed to donating a minimum of 10% of our profits and thanks to the avid support and engagement of our loyal community, Ivory Ella has been able to donate over $1.7 million over the past four years.”

Bachelorette Party

Keep Nature Wild– This Arizona based company caught my eye a few years ago, when it started to sell creative original clothing. When we started to discuss whether we wanted to do bachelorette shirts, the idea of baseball hats came up (since I collect them.) I circled back to Keep Nature wild because they donate their proceeds to nature clean up. I knew they sold t-shirts, but I was pleased to find that they did in fact sell baseball hats too. The Pine to Desert hat ended up being perfect for us, seeing as we came from the Washington pines to celebrate in the Arizona desert.

“We physically pick up one pound of trash for every product sold. Since 2016, we’ve enlisted tens of thousands of volunteers to help keep this promise and our collective goal is to remove 1,000,000 lbs. of trash by 2023.”

One Hope Wine– Who doesn’t love some good bubbles, a sparkly bottle, and a good cause. One Hope Wines combines all three. They are most well-known for their glitter bottle champagne, but they sell an array of whites, reds and champagnes (Among my recommendations is the peach champagne!).

Aside from taste and aesthetic, the causes are what takes this company to the next level. On each bottle, the cause in which it benefits is stamped on the front of the bottle. They’re major causes include children, animals, education, global, health, veterans, and women.

“Our One Hope is to bring together a community that makes the world better through memorable wine and experiences.”

What I Learned Planning A Destination Wedding

It’s officially been a month since we’ve said our vows! Time is flying and I wish we could go back and do it all over again. Reflecting on that day, I realized just how lucky we were to have been surrounded by such wonderful people and in such a beautiful place. I’m not sure we would have done a single thing differently. However, there are a few things I wish I would have known while planning. Here are the five things I learned planning a destination wedding;

You can invite more people. When Rob and I debated having a local wedding, I truly was struggling to decide who might have to be left off the invite list. (I’ve always been a “everyone’s welcome” kind of person.) But, with a destination wedding, you can send as many invites as you’d like because…

You’ll more than likely have a smaller, sometimes much smaller, group of people show up. For us, we invited just over 200 people and we had 44 guests at the wedding. Now, I knew that we would have a small number when we booked the resort. In fact, it ended up being a perfect amount of people! But, what got to me was the lack of communication or even effort from some really close friends/family. I totally understood why folks couldn’t come! We were asking a lot of them. But, some invitees didn’t even blink an eye before saying they couldn’t come…or didn’t RSVP at all. Just be aware that some people may unintentionally disappoint you.

You may have to put on the wedding planner hat for a while. Depending on your destination, you may have to be the one to stay on top of details (see #4). One of the largest tasks was asking people to RSVP, so we could give the resort a final headcount. I had assumed that those guests who hadn’t RSVP’d weren’t coming, but you know what they say about assuming…In regards to the destination piece, I knew I wouldn’t see a lot of things come into fruition until we were there, so spreadsheets of details are imperative.

Remember & respect the culture you are working with. As someone who has visited Mexico several times, I was aware that sometimes their timetables did not line up with that of us Americans. In addition, I knew that details and over communication were going to be my best friend. Especially, since the resort was in a different time zone than me. This understanding was essential for not only the planning process, but also for not losing my mind. Constant communication and reiteration helped to alleviate some major errors that could have occurred, and allowed for my experience working with the resort to remain pleasant.

Things will be out of your control. Weather, good food, dancing…all are things that are out of your hands no matter where you are. But, with a destination wedding, we hadn’t actually seen the outside venue until we arrived at the resort, tried the food until the night of our wedding, or heard the DJ until he started playing music for the reception. All in all, everything turned out great. But, just know that in some aspects you may be going in a bit blind. With those areas, you may have to trust that the resort (who does this all the time) works with top-notch vendors. One thing I will say about the food is we were staying at an all-inclusive resort, so we knew that if the guests weren’t satisfied with the food, they could order room service or get food from another restaurant. That may not always be ideal, but this way everyone wins! In terms of weather, it was supposed to rain on the day of our wedding (but turned out to be perfect weather) and the resort had a ballroom designated for us just in case.

*Bonus. Everything will be absolutely perfect because you are marrying your best friend!

5 Reasons to Consider Arizona for your Bachelor/ette

When I first got engaged, I immediately knew that I wanted to have my bachelorette party in Arizona. Because my parents now live down there and having visited numerous times, I knew that it would be the perfect spot for my bride tribe. Here’s why…

1. First and foremost, Arizona is gorgeous.

If you want those #Instagrammable moments, Arizona will be happy to oblige. Take, for example, that Arizona is home to one of the Natural Wonders of the World. The Grand Canyon, while further away from larger cities could make for a perfect glamping party. If you’re there, you will also have to check out Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.

If you want to be closer to a larger city, but also have a desire to experience the natural beauty of the state 48, then Sedona is for you. Sedona’s breathtaking red rocks are only a two hour drive from Phoenix. For the hikers, Sedona is also home to the infamous Devil’s Bridge.

However, Phoenix and Scottsdale are by far the most popular for such events. They are a mix of vibrant colors, modern elegance, and a dash of the Wild West. Some of the most beautiful places around are Desert Botanical Garden, Camelback Mountain, and Old Town Scottsdale.

2. The weather is (almost) always in your favor.

The beauty of Arizona is it is the way it is, because of the dryer climate and warmer temperatures almost all year round. Of course, you can’t always guess what the weather is going to be like, especially in the winter months and monsoon season (mid-July through mid- August). But, if you do a little more research and you play your cards rights, Arizona will most likely welcome you with warm arms. From my experience, I would recommend going between March-May or September-October.

We went in October, and on the first day of my bachelorette party, it poured during the day! Even after all of the visits to see my parents, this was one of maybe two or three times I had seen it rain. Then, the following day was beautiful, bright and 80 degrees.

3. There’s always something to do;

No matter if you want to spend time inside or outside, there is an activity for you and your crew. Of course there are the typical bachelor/ette activities like going golfing, sitting or swimming at the pool, and testing your luck at the casino. But, Arizona also offers unique experiences like hiking in the gorgeous desert, catching a spring training game, and going back in time at the O.K. Corral.

As mentioned before, Devil’s Bridge and Camelback are among the most popular hikes in Arizona. I am not much of a hiker, but I do know there are plenty for hikers at any level.

If golf is more your thing than check out one of the many, many golf courses. Among some of our favorites are TPC Scottsdale and True North. One of my favorite things that we did during my bachelorette party was take a couple swings at Top Golf. You don’t have to be a golfer to have fun. Each bay is covered from the elements and waiters come a round serving food and drinks.

4. More for your money

I can’t speak to all of the popular bachelorette destinations, but from what I’ve experienced Arizona can be on the less expensive side of things. I’ve been to Las Vegas, I’ve done the pool parties, and I’ve tried going to the clubs. I can think of numerous times I have gone to the super trendy spots in Las Vegas and California, only to pay an absurd amount for a single drink. Most anything you want to do in these places, you can experience in Arizona at a better price point.

Although I had accommodations taken care of, the ease of renting an Airbnb, buying your own food and drinks (for under $10 each), and sitting near the private pool does sound rather enticing. With so many snow birds (folks who return for the cooler months of the year), you are bound to find a great place to stay.

5. Bound to have a good time

With universities like Arizona State and University of Arizona, it’ no question that this state knows how to party. For a guaranteed good time, check out Mill Avenue in Tempe over to Old Town Scottsdale. During my bachelorette party in Arizona, we checked out Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row. I have now been there two different times, and each time has been a completely different experience. One night was country and line dancing, while the other was a live DJ and dance music. Both a great time, with two different crowds. That entire street of Gilbert is lively and up-and-coming.

But, even if you’re not looking for a crazy night out, the nightlife in Arizona is still fun. Many restaurants not only offer good food, but also have fun upbeat vibes. During the warmer months (about March-October from what I’ve experienced), you might be able to sit outside and listen to live music. One of my favorite Arizona spots is San Tan Flat. This family-friendly joint offers live music and dancing. To boot, they have one of the best house margaritas I’ve ever had.

Woman Meets World: Guam

Best known for her work as Traveling Petite Girl, Jojo is a photographer, videographer and world traveler. While she was born in Guam and spent time in Manila, she also spent an integral part of her life living in San Francisco, CA. Jojo, who lives in Guam once again, was kind enough to lend us her global perceptive. Here is what she had to say about living on the island of Guam.

What is the hardest part about living on Guam?

Jojo: Living on Guam is actually amazing. Everything I love is nearby and. It’s an island paradise and so I have a beach bag ready in the trunk of my car for spontaneous beach trips because it’s only 10 minutes away. But if there had to be a hard part, it would be Guam’s accessibility through air travel. We’re an island 210 square miles big, literally located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean so accessibility is a little bit more difficult compared to, let’s say, flying to Narita Airport in Tokyo, Japan. So it costs a little more to fly in and out of Guam. Is it worth it? Definitely. That’s what makes Guam paradise– nature is abundant, food is fresh, everyday is a perfect to spend outdoors, and the people are amazing because we’re all about that island hospitality. “Don’t be a stranger!” everyone says.

Jojo Aquino_Traveling Petite Girl_2 — Photo by Traveling Petite Girl

What do you miss most about the US?

Jojo: Trader Joe’s, Amazon Prime, and accessible travel to Europe, Mexico, and Canada.

What is the biggest misconception about Guam?

Jojo: It’s not an island with fishing villages. It’s not as rural as you think.

What is the one thing you wish people knew about Guam?

Jojo: I wish they actually knew Guam. When I tell people I live in Guam, the first thing they say is, “Guam? Where is that? I’ve never heard of Guam.”

What stereotypes have you encountered about the US, while living in Guam?

Jojo: From what I’ve encountered, people think the US is filled with highways and traffic because of how far everything is. Guam is a small island so it doesn’t take long to get to where we want to go. Another stereotype they think is that the US is mostly white people and is not diverse. And for some people, their only experience of people from the US is based on their interactions with military (we have a strong military presence here) and how loud & pushy they can be which is another stereotype in itself.

Jojo Aquino_Traveling Petite Girl_1 — Photo by Traveling Petite Girl

What is the biggest lesson you have learned while living in Guam?

Jojo: One thing I was able to let go of immediately is to relax and take things slow. I used to live in San Francisco and it felt like a rat race, (which has its pros and cons) and in Guam, the pace is much slower but that means I get to choose my pace every single day. I can choose to hustle hard on a Friday and take it easy on a Monday. Unlike living in San Francisco, I don’t feel the need join the rat race because everyone else is doing it. And because I learned that, I don’t feel the need to take things slow because I live in Guam too.
How has this experience changed your perspective on the world?

Jojo: It’s definitely made me much more open-minded and empathetic towards others. And it’s also grown my trust towards humanity. Plus, the limits of where I can live around the world have been pushed even further. I think more people should live in a country completely different from their own, leave their comfort zone, and stretch themselves. And also to experience meeting someone of a different culture and find out that you’re both the same.

30 (be)for 30

A few years back I fell in love with ESPN’s series 30 for 30. If you’re unfamiliar with the show, it is a series of sports stories that have taken place within the first 30 years of ESPN’s existence. Then, last year a friend of mine mentioned that she had made a list of things that she wanted to accomplish before her 30th birthday. Thirty seems to be such a grand milestone in life, so it had me thinking about my first 30 years. When the time comes, I’d like to have an idea of how these 30 years will have impacted my story. Will I have done things that I have dreamt of? There’s only one way to find out. Universe & friends- here are 30 things I hope to accomplish before I turn 30.

Marry my best friend!
Stomp grapes at a winery.
Take more Spanish lessons.
Hike Mt. Rainier- Also seen on my 2019 Bucket List.
Run a marathon- preferably Boston!
See the northern lights.
Catch fireflies- I saw a single firefly in Italy and cried…
Spend the night in a tree house.
Write a song.
Throw a surprise party- Who/what will it be for?
Donate my hair to locks of love.
Attend a major sporting event- fingers crossed for the Olympics.
Afford to donate my whole paycheck to something/ someone who needs it more.
Paddle board on Lake Havasu.
Go whale watching.
Visit the real “UP” House- Adventure is out there!
Visit a Disney park during Christmas.
Visit a Disney park on a Dapper Day- Because one Disney goal is not enough.
Help make someone’s dream come true.
Send/ Take my family on a trip- to start scratching away at everything I owe them.
Go to Comicon, dressed and all.
See at least 2 more Wonders of the World- natural or man-made! I won’t be picky.
Buy a house.
Become a parent.
Learn how to bake my Grammy’s cinnamon rolls- This one I really wish I would have done a long time ago, because I know they’ll never be the same without her. Take advantage of the time you are given!
Host a charity event.
Go on a trip with The Bucket List Family.
Fly in a hot air balloon.
Go bungee-jumping- can’t believe I just said that.
See a panda bear in real life.

I have a little bit of time, so let’s see how I do! What do you want to accomplish before your next birthday?