29+ Ideas for Bucket Lists

We are a few weeks into summer and boredom is almost setting in, so now is the time to pull out or start summer bucket lists! They motivate us to go out and do something fun when there seems like there is nothing to do on a hot summer day. No more "I'm sooo bored!" We pulled together and wrote down some of our top things that we wanted to accomplish this summer -- from retro to fun to exhilarating -- let's get this summer started!

Some of the ideas that made it on our Summer Bucket Lists:

- Pull an all-nighter - Skydive (yikes!) - Go to the zoo - Go to a state I’ve never been to - Go to the beach - Buy my dream purse - Take a golf lesson - Take a boxing class - Buy $1 in pennies & place them face up for good luck for others to find - Find a race and enter it - Create and go on a scavenger hunt - Mountain bike (on a mountain) - Make tie-dyed shorts - Perfect “the flirt” - Watch the sunset - Have a picnic - Create something new & different - Have a movie marathon - Read a new book that I would typically pass up - Create a summer songs playlist - Wish on a shooting star - Rock a romper - Actually finish a stick of chapstick - Jump off the high dive - Go to a concert - Find the perfect sunglasses - Compliment 3 people in 1 hour - Roadtrip anywhere - Get a pedicure & try a not-so-me polish - Have a bonfire - Go to a drive-in movie - Play flashlight tag

In our typical fashion, we decided to make it a little more exciting than the predictable notebook list {so blah & boring}. After a short and inexpensive run to Hobby Lobby to pick up popsicle sticks, gold spray paint, white puffy paint, and a mini vase from Target, we got to work. We spray painted both sides of the Popsicle sticks and after letting them dry, started thinking up ideas and writing one on each stick. We let those dry, stuck them in the vase, and voilà: the cutest summer bucket lists on the planet, just sitting bedside as daily inspiration. Whenever boredom hits, just close your eyes, pick a stick, and you've got your day planned!

And yes, we'll be doing some of these. Make sure you're following us on Instagram so you can check our progress!

What's on your summer bucket lists? 

Beach Trip: 30A

It’s finally summer. You know what that means. Vacation, no school, no schedule. Basically heaven. So what's girl to do? You know I love to travel and it was absolutely, definitely, positively time for a beach trip!

So this past weekend I took a beach trip down to Seaside, Florida. I was visiting a friend from when I used to live there, and let me tell you, I had the trip of a lifetime. As I’m writing this I’m just remembering the constant sand between my toes, the worry free days, and salty hair. Everything I took for granted when I lived there! This trip was JUST what I needed, and I’m so thankful that I got to go. I am even starting a “no spending” spree so that I can save up enough money to be able to go back down at the end of summer. Yes, I had so much fun that I’m willing to stop shopping and save EVERYthing just so that I can go back for Beach Trip #2!

If you’ve never been to the panhandle of Florida, or Destin, Panama City or 30A area of Florida (or even if you have) you’re in for a treat. I’m about to share some local hot spots so that when you go visit, you can have as much fun as I did! 30A is basically a beachfront highway that goes straight through about five main “towns.” I put “towns” in quotation marks, because these are all probably smaller than the neighborhood you live in. Let me put it this way... I used to go for family bike rides almost from one end of the highway to the other! OK, it took all day, but it's a fab way to spend the day!!

Rosemary Beach

Shades - bar and grill style, but the perfect family restaurant. the french fries and nachos are to die for.

Summer Kitchen - light and easy lunches and dinners. katie holmes was even recently spotting dinning here.

La Crema - if you’re a chocolate lover you must go here. literally the best cookies and fondue ever. they also have other tapas (like hummus) if you don’t have a sweet tooth. tell the Neals we say "hello!"

Amavida Coffee - morning coffee drinker? this is your place.

The Trading Company - this is the place to buy that Rosemary Beach t-shirt. there are also tons and tons of awesome home goods/accessories here! And yours truly had my 1st real job here - and it was awesome!

Bombora - wishing for a new swim suit or a new pair of glasses? then definitely visit here.

insider tip: the annual easter egg hunt is amazing for little kids, check out the indoor pool, and be on the lookout for outdoor movie nights.

Alys Beach

Calypso Pool - this pool is what i hope heaven will look like. it’s gorgeous, and everything that you dream of when you think of the word “vacation.” there is a restaurant and bar attached that you can go to even if you’re not staying in Alys Beach.

George’s - this restaurant has amazing options, but is more of an adult restaurant - at least in my opinion. it’s super yummy and fresh though!

insider tip: the best place to watch a sunset is upstairs inside the pool area, rent a cabana and feel like you are not even in the USA, & check out the bathrooms (architecture is amazing, even in here.)  there are trails at the back of the resort - and they are open to the public (instagrammable to the max). the cute little bookstore (Fonville Press) has great outdoor seating. Digital Graffiti is a must-do.

Seaside 

The Juice Bar - juices and smoothies and snacks, healthy and delicious, and i used to eat here daily. DAILY. simply the best and our family's favorite place on 30A. tell Jen and Christin we sent you!

Frostbites - if you just need a sugar fix, this is the place to go.

Modica Market - if you’re in need of a quick bite or an appetizer, this is your place! groceries are also sold here, but warning, they’re very expensive (try Publix right down the road).  if you’re a sweet tea lover, then you will fall in love with this place - they literally have the world's best sweet tea.

Pickles - hot dogs, fried pickles, and smiley face french fries. this place is bound to be any kid’s new favorite restaurant.

The Taco Bar - i’m a huge mexican food lover, and this place has my heart. the tacos are super fresh and the salsa is too die for. i have a feeling you’ll be wanting to eat here more than once.

Wendy’s Pearls - all the locals are wearing pearls on leather! it’s the hottest trend on 30A, and it’s definitely a trend you don't want to miss out on. it is pretty pricey, but the jewelry lasts forever. Think boho + classic and you get the idea.

Mercantile - this store has pretty much the cutest items i’ve ever seen. it has a very beach yet artsy feel, and the prices are very reasonable!

Pizza By The Sea : literally the worlds best pizza. worlds. best. pizza. you MUST go here!

Bud & Alley's Rooftop Bar (Tarpon Club) - yep, kids can go upstairs and guess the time the sun will set, even though it's technically a bar. go early.

Perspicasity - hard to say, easy to find something you didn't know you needed.

insider tip: the house filmed in "The Truman Show" is located at 31 Natchez Street. check out the fab Farmer's Market on the weekend! There is always an event here. always. film festivals, flea markets, 4th of July parade... you'll find something for everyone!

Grayton Beach

Hibiscus - when i lived in florida, this was probably my all time favorite breakfast restaurant. i don't like breakfast at all, but at hibiscus wanted everything on the menu! it also functions as a bed & breakfast, so if you’re looking for a place to stay....

Red Bar - i ate here twice while on my weekend trip and i have no complaints. the atmosphere is awesome and there might even be a band playing in the restaurant while you enjoy your meal! best part? no shirt, no shoes, no problem.

Allison Craft Designs - remember those pearls we told you about. they're here too... for a lot less.

insider tip: yes, that just might have been Sheryl Crow who showed up at Red Bar for an impromptu concert. if you have a beach license, you can drive your car on the beach. ditto for dogs, but you need a dog license!

I could go on & on & on, but just check out our favorite website for the area: 30A.com. And be sure to grab a sticker, plop it on your car,  and look like a local after you go home. Or at least feel the beach vibe every time you gaze upon the bright yellow and blue logo - one of the tops in my humble opinion! I'm already dreaming of my next beach trip :)

Where's YOUR favorite beach?? Tell me all about it!!

xox ~chloe

The 1 Simple Secret to Get Shiny Hair

I have a very serious love-hate relationship with my hair. I know I have nice hair, but I only think I have GREAT hair after I get it styled at the hair salon, which made me wonder, "how do I get shiny hair that is bouncy and wavy with no frizz at home?" I feel like hair salons have some secret that they don’t share with us girls - I mean, how do they make my hair look so perfect?

via Marie Claire UK

That being said, I recently bought the book called How To Look Expensive (total must read ladies!) and discovered the hair tip of a lifetime: clear hair gloss. One tip in the book is that if you get clear gloss put in your hair then your hair will be shinier, less frizzy, and you won’t have to wash it as often. I know, sounds too good to be true, and I was shocked that I had never heard about this before. Wouldn’t everyone and their mothers want to have this in their hair?! I guess people wanted hair gloss to be their little hair secret, but I’m nice enough to share what I found with you.

Right after I read about clear hair gloss in the book, I instantly booked an appointment at my salon. I was afraid that it would be outrageously expensive, but guess what? It wasn’t. It was only $15, and no I did not forget a zero on the end! Crazy right? The entire process was about 45 minutes and my hair is literally 100% more manageable, it's an easy way to get shiny hair, and it's softer and less frizzy and just better now!

If you haven’t already started dialing then GO CALL YOUR HAIR SALON! It’s such a simple - and inexpensive - way to get shiny hair!

xox  ~chloe

Mom & Daughter React #1: Kraft Zesty Guy

For our first vlog, Mom & Daughter React, we decided to tackle a really tough social issue... well, not really. We're keeping it light for now. We take a look at the one of the Kraft Zesty Guy commercials. If you know who we are talking about, then you know it was, ahem, such hard work; if you don't, then you absolutely need to watch one (or all) of his commercials. Now. Thank us later.

image via GetMeZesty.com

Here's what we thought when we watched, although after watching it's a bit hard to keep your thoughts from just jumbling up into a mushy mess. *sigh*

What we watched:

What we thought: http://youtu.be/66AsgKOydwQ For more of the Zesty Guy, who has most certainly lost his real name forever, follow him on Twitter (@TheZestyGuy) or send a Zesty Gram to your friends. Oh yeah, he / Kraft went there with his website. You can share them on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Let's hope they keep rolling out those commercials. Zesty Guy, we adore you.

PS - Don't forget to read the comments when you watch the videos on YouTube. We laugh at them almost as much as the videos and think they are just as clever and witty as the ad campaign.

PSS - Who's wants the Zesty Guy to go on tour? Chloe and I are both ready to stand in line for photos. Awkward for a mom and daughter, but we are willing to suffer for beauty... his.

Raspberry Coffee Cake recipe

From our teen chef, Kayla of The Nerdy Chef:  Making this Raspberry Coffee Cake is one of my favorite things to do for my mom on Mother's Day is to cook her breakfast. She loves raspberries, she loves almonds, and she definitely loves chocolate, so this is one of her favorite treats. You can make it for breakfast or brunch then have some later in the day as a snack or dessert because coffee cake is great at any time of day. Plus, this raspberry coffee cake recipe is perfect for just about any occasion; it is colorful, sweet, rich, and just plain delicious.

The base is a light, fluffy vanilla cake, which is studded with melty chocolate and raspberries. You can use either fresh or frozen raspberries, but, since it's not quite raspberry season yet, I used frozen. They can get pretty liquidy, so I toss them in some cornstarch so that they don't turn the whole cake pink. That would be pretty, but I love the contrast between the cream-colored cake, the dark chocolate, and the bright red raspberries. Anyway, I top the whole thing with buttery almond streusel. It's the same streusel that I use in my Peach Crumb Cake, but, instead of cinnamon, I use almond extract and mix in some almonds. They add even more crunchiness and balance out the sweetness of the cake, the bitterness of the chocolate, and the tartness of the raspberries. This cake is a must-have for brunch, dessert, or just a snack because there are so many different textures and delicious layers of flavors.

Makes 1 9" Square, Recipe Adapted from Sally's Baking Addiction

3/4 + 1/3 Cup Sugar 1/3 Cup Dark Brown Sugar 1/2 + 1/8 tsp Salt 1 Stick Butter, Melted 1/2 Stick Butter, Softened 1/8 tsp Almond Extract 1 3/4 Cups Cake Flour 2 Cups Flour 1/2 Cup + 2 T Slivered Almonds 1 Cup Milk 1 tsp Vanilla 2 tsp Baking Powder 1 Egg 3/4 Cup Chocolate Chips 1 Cup Raspberries (Fresh or Frozen & Thawed) 2 T Cornstarch

Whisk together 1/3 cup sugar, brown sugar, 1/8 tsp salt, melted butter, and almond extract. Stir in cake flour and almonds. Chill until cold.

Line a 9" square baking pan with parchment. Heat oven to 350F.

Beat the softened butter and remaining sugar together until fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla.

Whisk the flour, salt, and baking powder together. Fold the flour mixture into the batter in three additions, alternating with the milk in two additions.

Combine the raspberries and cornstarch.

Pour 2/3 of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with half the raspberries and chocolate, then top with the remaining batter. Sprinkle the remaining raspberries and chocolate on top, and top with the streusel.

Bake the coffee cake for 45 minutes or until cooked through.

For more delicious recipes by our Teen Chef, Kayla, check out her blog, The Nerdy Chef!

Raspberry Coffee Cake

Recipe Type: coffee cake

Cuisine: American

Author: popcosmo.com

Coffee cake perfect for any occasion. The base is a light, fluffy vanilla cake, and is studded with melty chocolate and raspberries.

Ingredients

• 3/4 + 1/3 Cup Sugar
• 1/3 Cup Dark Brown Sugar
• 1/2 + 1/8 tsp Salt
• 1 Stick Butter, Melted
• 1/2 Stick Butter, Softened
• 1/8 tsp Almond Extract
• 1 3/4 Cups Cake Flour
• 2 Cups Flour
• 1/2 Cup + 2 T Slivered Almonds
• 1 Cup Milk
• 1 tsp Vanilla
• 2 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 Egg
• 3/4 Cup Chocolate Chips
• 1 Cup Raspberries (Fresh or Frozen & Thawed)
• 2 T Cornstarch

Instructions

1. Whisk together 1/3 cup sugar, brown sugar, 1/8 tsp salt, melted butter, and almond extract. Stir in cake flour and almonds. Chill until cold.
2. Line a 9" square baking pan with parchment. Heat oven to 350F.
3. Beat the softened butter and remaining sugar together until fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla.
4. Whisk the flour, salt, and baking powder together. Fold the flour mixture into the batter in three additions, alternating with the milk in two additions.
5. Combine the raspberries and cornstarch.
6. Pour 2/3 of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with half the raspberries and chocolate, then top with the remaining batter. Sprinkle the remaining raspberries and chocolate on top, and top with the streusel.
7. Bake the coffee cake for 45 minutes or until cooked through.

3.2.1230

Happy early Mother's Day!!

Thank you, thank you!!

Seriously? Are you kidding me? Is that us being featured in a story in the Huffington Post? THE HUFFINGTON POST? Holy Sh Cow! The article is about Pinterest, which is completely, totally and utterly Chloe's expertise, and there are some fantastic tips. To sum up the article: if we can create viral pins, so can you! Chloe is the master pinner and visual designer of Popcosmo... and, because she creates and curates beautiful Pinterest boards, you should be following us on Pinterest, like now! And if you want to know our most popular and viral pins, check out "What You're Loving" on the right and click on the stories to see what people are pinning. But back to the Huffington Post: thank you Jayson DeMers for your fantastic article! Go read it :)

And being in the Huffington Post was the cherry on top of what has already been an enormous chocolate ice cream sundae of a month (and it's only the 3rd day)! We were featured on the cover of Today's Woman Now for our story about Moms and daughters working together. The COVER, y'all! And pages 6 and 32. We didn't know about being cover gals until we saw it... and we were both speechless, which is really and truly rare. And considering it's the shoe issue, I'd say it's the perfect cover for us, haha! Again, thank you Today's Woman and what an honor.

Today was Oaks Day, tomorrow the Kentucky Derby, then my hubbie's birthday... whoa, I think my head needs to stop spinning. May is turning out to be quite a month! Hope your May is just as lovely, just as lively, and just as exciting!

XO ~Kim & Chloe