15 Summer Adventure Ideas That Anyone Can Do

I tell my dog, Jack, we are going on an adventure when we go on a road trip. In December I told myself I was going on an adventure when I flew solo to Colorado. An adventure is different for everyone, and it doesn’t have to be the event of the year. Sometimes doing something different might be enough of an adventure for you. Maybe you’re the type of person that considers an adventure to be something that excites you or maybe even scares you. No matter what your definition of adventure is, there is something out there for you. 
With Covid-19 disrupting our lives, my adventures have taken a different turn and I have found myself spending even more time in nature than I was before. I’ve been making a personal summer adventure list that has helped me step away from old habits and challenge myself to have some fun. No matter what the adventure is, just getting out and doing something makes a difference. 
Today I wanted to share with you 15 adventure ideas that anyone can do. If you have anything you’d like to add to this list, please feel free to leave a comment! I am always looking for new ideas.

15 Adventure Ideas That Anyone Can Do

1. Try standup paddleboarding 
Paddleboarding is a great way to get out and explore. I love discovering secluded bays and hidden coves when I am out SUPing. 
Pro Tip: Pack a lunch, and stop for a picnic.
2. Go for a hike
Hiking is my absolute favorite way to spend the day. I love discovering new (to me) trails.
Pro Tip: I use the All Trails app to help me discover new trails no matter where I am.
3. Get up early and go watch the sunrise
Don’t get me wrong, sunsets are absolutely amazing and I will always be chasing them. However, there is just something about getting up early and hiking or driving somewhere to catch the sunrise.
4. Take a spontaneous road trip
I love road trips, but I have never just hoped in the car last minute and went for a trip and that is something I really want to do this summer. 
5. Go camping
From tents and hammocks to RV’s when it comes to camping the possibilities are endless. 
Pro Tip: Look for a campground that has plenty of hiking trails or is near the water. 
6. Build a den in the woods or on the beach
I love stumbling upon teepees that are made out of pieces of wood while I am out on a hike or walking along the beach. These dens are so much fun and make a perfect place to just sit in and become one with nature. I have never built my own, but this summer it is on my list to create one.
7. Rent a kayak
Exploring the river in your local town is a great way to take a mini-adventure. I have never been kayaking before and it’s high on my list of things to try out this summer.
Pro Tip: Some parks rent kayaks which offer a great opportunity for you to see the park from a different view. 
8. Have a bonfire on the beach
First, make sure you’re actually allowed to have a bonfire on the beach. I think it would be so relaxing to look out over the water while you have a crackling fire in front of you and a sky filled with stars. 
9. Give fishing a try
Fishing just looks like it would be such a relaxing way to spend time on the shoreline or in a boat. I would love to take fly fishing lessons.
Pro Tip: There are lots of charter fishing opportunities, that will allow you to eat what you catch. 
10. Have a seafood boil
Fresh crab, clams, lobster, and shrimp boiled in a flavorful broth with potatoes and corn. Yum! My goal is to have a Fourth of July seafood boil.
11. Paddle a canoe
Summertime is the perfect opportunity to get out on the water for adventures. Canoeing always looks like it would be a more relaxing way to get out for a water adventure.
12. Sleep in a log cabin
Alright Hallmark channel watching ladies, you’ve seen all the movies about log cabins in the woods. I have personally never stayed in one before, and would absolutely love to spend the weekend in one. 
13. Take a hot air balloon ride
Take yourself to new heights and see what the world looks like from a birds-eye view. I know typically you think of couples on hot air balloon rides, but it doesn’t need to be that way. I actually want to go on one by myself. 
Pro Tip: If riding in a hot air balloon is not your thing, many states have hot air balloon festivals that may be more your speed.
14. Fly a kite
Kites have come along way since I was a kid, and now they have so many fun varieties. Flying a kite allows you to spend a relaxing day outdoors.

15. Try a new food
I have never been one to try out new foods and about three years ago that all changed. I actually fell in love with giving new foods a try. If you’ve never tried out new foods before, I highly recommend giving it a try. Maybe it’s something as simple as grabbing some Thai food or giving sushi a try. Or a little bit more extravagant like frog legs or escargot. This summer I really want to give raw oysters a try.

2 Hearts Coming to Theater near you in September

When was the last time you saw a movie in a theater? I haven\’t been to a movie in a theater at all this year, and typically I go at least once a month. It\’s crazy to think that I haven\’t stepped foot in one at all this year. The exciting news is that movies are finally getting theater release dates again. If you\’re like me, you may not be ready to step foot into a theater at this moment. However, in a couple months I think I will be ready. Especially for 2 Hearts, I mean who couldn\’t use a romantic drama in their life right now?

Freestyle Releasing has set a September 11 date for the romantic drama, 2 Hearts and I cannot wait! The movie will feature Jacob Elordi (that hunky guy from The Kissing Booth on Netflix), Tiera Skovbye (Riverdale), Adan Canto (Designated Survivor, Narcos), and Radha Mitchell (Man on Fire).

About 2 Hearts
For two couples the future unfolds in different decades and different places, but a hidden connection will bring them together in a way no one could have predicted. Based on an inspirational true story, 2 Hearts is a romantic journey that celebrates life, love and generosity of spirit, and challenges audiences to believe miracles are possible.

Charismatic young Australian actor Jacob Elordi (“Euphoria,” “The Kissing Booth”) plays Chris, a college freshman whose love for a spirited classmate played by Tiera Skovbye (“Riverdale,” “Once Upon a Time”) helps him find the purpose he has been searching for. In another place and time, Adan Canto (“Designated Survivor,” “Narcos”) plays Cuban exile Jorge, who falls for well-traveled flight attendant Leslie, played by Radha Mitchell (“Man on Fire,” “The Shack”). Though they were never meant to meet, fate has something entirely unexpected in store for both couples that dramatically changes the course of their lives.

Social Handles:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2HeartstheFilm/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2heartsthefilm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/2heartsthefilm
Website: www.2heartsthefilm.com

Dune Ventures: 10 Ways to Take Control of Your Finances

[this is a sponsored post]

Maybe you\’re stuck in a perpetual cycle of debt, or maybe you earn too little to maintain your standard of living, perhaps you\’re trying to save money to buy a home. No matter what your goal is these 13 tips will help you take control of your finances, and hopefully help you reach the goal that you desire.

1. Read books about personal finance
One tip that I learned when I was very young from a very wealthy man, was read books about finance. You can learn how to build an investment portfolio, how to manage money, and more. The internet is great, but books are better.

2. Start budgeting
The easiest way to change your finances is to budget. If you don\’t have a budget, then you are probably spending money where you shouldn\’t be spending money. Create a plan for how you want to spend your money each month. Begin by writing down your income and all your expenses, subtract the expenses from the income to determine spending. If you spend more than you made, you need to fix your budget by cutting out unnecessary expenses.

3. Cancel cable
Canceling cable is a great way to save a substantial amount of money each month. There are plenty of streaming options and if you share them with friends you can save money there as well.

4. Stop eating out
Challenge yourself to not eat out for a month and see how much money you have. I was eating out a couple times a week with friends, and then Covid-19 hit, and I stopped. The amount of money I was able to save was insane. If you\’re in the office bring a bagged lunch to work with you instead of eating out.
Pro Tip: Splurge occasionally at a nice restaurant. 

5. Pay with cash
Stop using your credit cards and pay with cash only. This will help you make sure that you\’re staying on budget and not going over.

6. Grocery shop on your own
Make a list of the meals you\’re going to make and go to the store with cash to buy them. Using a delivery service will cost you extra money, and remember we are trying to save money here.

7. Start an emergency fund
You never know when you\’re going to need a little extra cash for something. Always make sure you have an emergency fund of at least 1000 dollars.

8. Pay off your debt
Work on getting your debt paid off as quickly as possible. List your current debts, credit card, student loan, car loan…etc. Paying the minimum amount will not get you out of debt you need to go over that amount in order to make a dent in your debt.

9. Create a financial plan
You have a budget, but now you need a plan for the future. If you don\’t feel like this is something you can figure out on your own companies like Dune Ventures can help you figure out what steps you need to take.

10. Seek additional sources of income
If you\’re not making enough money, maybe it is time for you to look for new opportunities that will help you generate more income. If you\’re sticking to the budget, not spending money on things you don\’t need and you\’re still having issues making ends meet, maybe it\’s time to look for a higher-paying job or getting a second job.

The 5 Best Michigan Summer Adventures

Michigan is an active and outdoor state, although I feel like people sometimes forget that. Michigan is home to three major things that a lot of states do not have: water, forests, and outdoor sports. With so much to do, you may be thinking that activities will break the bank, and that is definitely not the case.

Looking to get out on the water? Michigan is a giant peninsula. Whether it\’s a river, lake, or one of the Great Lakes, no matter where you are in the state you are never more than six miles from a body of water. Did I mention, no matter where you are in the state you are never more than 85 miles from one of the Great Lakes?

Are you more of the adventure time that likes to be where the wifi is weak? Then Michigan\’s forests will be perfect for you. With over 53 percent of Michigan is covered in forests you\’re sure to find endless trails, camping, biking, and adventures.

Maybe you\’re more of the outdoor enthusiast if that\’s the case Michigan is still the place for you! When it comes to outdoor sports in the summertime, Michigan is your place to be. From kayaking and mountain biking to jet skis and off-roading you\’re sure to find the perfect adventure.

The 5 best Michigan summer activities

1. Climb Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes
Located in Empire, Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes not only offer an amazing workout but a gorgeous view as well. Sleeping Bear Dunes was even voted \’Most Beautiful Place in America\’ and for good reason. The climb is something anyone can achieve you just have to try. From the top of the dunes, you will see beautiful landscapes and the waves of Lake Michigan welcoming you. The best part of climbing the dunes, running or rolling back down them. You just can\’t be afraid to get a little sand in your pants, I mean it\’ll come out…eventually.


2. Kayak out to Turnip Rock
Located at the tip of the thumb you will find Port Austin, Michigan. Port Austin is home to one of Michigan\’s greatest wonders, Turnip Rock. The shallow waters surround Turnip Rock make it only accessible by kayak. The trip consists of a 7 mile out-and-back trip via the Point aux Barques trail located on Lake Huron. Since the water is shallow you\’re able to leave your kayak and get up close and personal with Turnip Rock for some amazing pictures.


3. Bike around Mackinac Island

Take a ferry boat over to Mackinac Island and rent a bike when you arrive. The M-185 Perimeter Tour is an 8-mile state highway that loops around Macinac Island\’s shoreline. The best part, it\’ll only be bikers, walkers and the occasional horse-drawn buggy since cars are not allowed on the Island. From start to finish you will find yourself on a flat and smooth asphalt road that places you between the forest and the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron offering gorgeous views along the way. If you ride a leisurely pace it will take you about 1.5 hours, this includes a little bit of time for photo opportunities, which I highly recommend that you take.


4. Kayak the Pictured Rocks

If you\’re looking for a picture-perfect Michigan adventure, the Pictured Rocks are your place to be. Lake Superior has some of the clearest waters and is my favorite Great Lake to go and visit. Tucked away in Michigan\’s Upper Peninsula Lake Superior offers plenty of hidden gems, like Pictured Rocks. One of the best ways to explore pictured rocks is by heading up to Munising. You can either go on a guided boat tour or rent a kayak to explore Lake Superior\’s Pictured Rocks National Shoreline. Discover the magnificent arches and rock formations and you get up close and personal with Bridalveil Falls, Kissing Rock, Lovers Leap Arch, Caves of the Bloody Chiefs, Indian Head, Battleship Row, Chapel Rock and the sea caves of Pictured Rocks.

5. Visit Black Rocks
Located in Marquette, Michigan and tucked away in Presque Isle Park, you will find what is known by the locals as \”Black Rocks\” these cliffs range anywhere from 20-35 feet high. Black Rocks are best known for cliff jumping, where you plunge into the freezing depths of Lake Superior. Once you take the plunge into the waters of Lake Superior the only way to get back up to the rocks is to either free climb the cliffs from the water or to swim to a nearby beach. You don\’t need to jump off of Black Rocks to get the most out of the area, just wander around and take in all the natural beauty. 

Five Things

 [Peonies are in full bloom]

Quarantine week 13 is complete. Today marks day 91 of quarantine/self-isolation. Restaurants were allowed to open here this past Monday at 50 percent capacity, and stores were allowed to open as well. Next week hair salons can open back up. To be honest, I am just not ready to eat in a restaurant yet or go to the salon. I am not sure when I will be ready to travel, but I am trying to get back into things. Have you gone to restaurants, stores, or on any trips?

This week the weather was hot and disgusting, so Jack and I spent a lot of time inside. I have been avoiding the trails because the ticks are so bad, and I am not about to mess around with that. Here is a look at some of my favorite things from this week.

 [Lunch dates with my mum in the backyard]
 [Jack and I have been channeling the same color vibes]
 [Michigan temperatures got insane and it\’s only the beginning of June!]
[Lemonade slushie in the woods]