'Tis the Season

This summer there are more than a few things on my to-do list. I am sure that the rest of you feel the same. But here’s a list of the top-ten things that I am actually looking forward to:

10. Weddings! Call me corny or old-fashioned, but nothing says summer like a wedding, especially an outdoor one. I can’t wait to get all dressed up and watch friends make one of the most important promises of their lives. It’s such an honor to be a part of the whole thing! Short on cash and need a great gift? Check out these sentimental favorites sure to test any bride’s mascara.

9. Sun-bathing! There is no better way to celebrate summer than to wear it! I know that the way to a tan is to avoid a burn, so I’ll be wearing sunscreen, as always.

8. Lemonade! Famous summer refreshments abound, but lemonade is a classic drink that takes one back to the carefree days of childhood as soon as it hits your lips. Stir up a glass today by choosing your favorite drink mix or a tried-and-true recipe.

7. Yard Sales! I know what you’re thinking but for the short-of-funds college student a yard sale can mean furniture! I’m talking real furniture: not milk crate coffee tables or inflatable loungers. The only bad part of a yard sale is that you often have to look through loads of junk before hitting a jackpot. Remember to shop early and often. Don’t give up and always think about what you could do with what’s in front of you. Paint and new hardware can really update an old piece.

6. Open Houses! I’ve heard from some friends that these celebrations for graduates are a purely Yankee thing. I hope that’s not the case because the rest of the country is missing out on some serious fun and good eats.

5. Movies! Summer blockbusters are among the most-anticipated entertainment of the year. Check out Experience’s entertainment blog to see what the writers have to say about the latest movies to debut. I myself am excited to see Heath Ledger in his last role as the Joker in The Dark Knight.

4. Fireworks! I’ve seen fireworks all over the world – Athens, Greece; Maui, Hawaii; Niagara Falls, Canada; Chicago, Illinois; Detroit, Michigan; Boston, Massachusetts; the Caribbean - and I’ve learned the trick on how to catch the best show. The key: it’s not where you watch the big lights, but who you’re with.

3. Sleeping In! Better than Saturdays, weekdays when you can hit the snooze button are like little nuggets of gold. Summer lets me do this, occasionally. I hope you are getting the chance too!

2. An Indulgent Read! Most of us are college students or new-graduates, which means that the bulk of our reading material is either assigned or necessary in order to look competent at the next corporate meeting. That’s why this summer, when things are a little slower for me I’m looking forward to catching up on some reading – from my own selection! Check out some of these suggestions.

1. Countdown to Fall! Okay, so it’s not exactly what tops a “normal” person’s list of the perfect summer, but fall is my absolute favorite season. There is something about the autumn chill in the air that makes one of the shorter seasons warm my heart. Fall brings on the countdown to the holidays, as well as a plethora of colors cascading from the sky to blanket the ground. I can’t help but love autumn and remembering that summer ushers it in makes me appreciate the longest days of the year even more.