1. BASIL MEMORIES BERN BASKET // 2. NANTUCKET CISCO BIKE BASKET

3. CARRIE LACE BIKE BASKET

4. CLASSIC CRATE WOOD BIKE BASKET // 5. NANTUCKET SURFSIDE BIKE BASKET

Now that I've been enjoying some summertime bike rides, I've been looking for a cute bike basket to make carrying stuff less of a chore. I've scoured the web for viable options, and here are some of my top 5 choices. My only concern is that they won't properly fit a mountain bike. I think I need to invest in a cute cruiser bike just so I can proudly display one of these beauties!

Which one is your favourite? (p.s Happy 4th of July to my American friends! How are you spending the day?) Learn more »

We can't forget about our little friends this summer! They enjoy the sunshine just as much as you do, unfortunately they can get heated pretty quickly. Why not cool them down with some easy to make frozen treats? Your pup will love you a million times more once he gets his paws on this yummy delicacy. The version I made is also great for cats, because let's face it, they tend to get jealous if I spoil my dog more than them! I'll include another recipe just for dogs at the bottom of this post!

You will need:

Ice cube tray

Can of tuna

Some water

A mixing bowl or Magic Bullet

A ziploc bag

Start by mashing up the tuna in your bowl or stuffing it into your food mixer. Don't drain the tuna water, it helps with the freezing. Add about half a cup of water to the mix.

Then mix up that tuna! I used my Magic Bullet, because really, it's my go-to kitchen appliance and takes 10 seconds. Yum... doesn't that just look delicious?...

Fill your Ziploc bag with the mix and cut a small hole in one end. This helps save you from making a huge mess while filling up the ice cube trays. Fill your trays and place in the freezer for a couple hours.

Let pets lick the bowl.  When they're nice and frozen, you can pop them out and let your pets have a taste! I recommend letting them chew on these on a tile floor or a plate, because I'm pretty sure you don't want tuna bits all over your house. You can store these in a plastic bag in your freezer for up to 6 months, so if you make a bunch you can always have some on hand!

Bear was super excited about this new treat! He snatched it right away from those pesky kitties and gobbled it up! Here an an alternate recipe for your pups only:

32oz. plain low or fat free yogurt
1 ripe banana
2 tbsp peanut butter (natural and salt free is best)
You can also add in other fruits like blueberries or anything that is safe for dogs to eat!
Mix it all together and follow the same steps above!

If you don't want to use yogurt, other freezable bases you can use are chicken broth, beef broth, water (like I did), fruit juices (natural or "no sugar added"), and baby foods (natural/organic fruit or vegetable blends). *make sure nothing has onion in it.

Do you think your pet would love these?! Give it a shot!

Like this? Share it by Pinning! Learn more »

Go for a bike ride
Bikes are not only an added exercise benefit, but they are great on the environment... and also pretty fun!  Hop on and take a ride to wherever it leads you. Summer should be all about getting lost and experiencing new places you might not have been able to find if you traveled by car.

Pull out that green thumb!
Refresh your home with some new plants and flowers. I love adding new pretty blooms to my garden and cleaning up overgrown or messy looking areas. If you don't have an actual garden to tend to, grab some cute pots and whip up a summer inspired arrangement! Don't forget about adding some pops of colour to the inside of your home as well! Flowers are an instant way to brighten up a room.  Grab a vase and get creative with floral combinations. Nothing says "it's summer" like freshly picked flowers on display.

x

Summer-ize those nails!
It's time to pull out those bright colours and splash them on your nails!  All of those shades that just weren't right for fall/winter can now be proudly displayed on your finger tips. Experiment with different application techniques, like this gradient effect I did this weekend with aqua and yellow:

Pick your own strawberries!
Heading to some strawberry patches for the day will take you back to your younger years. You can't help but have a good time filling up your own basket with hand-picked strawberries. If you have kids, this is a great summer activity for the day as well! Just a word of advice... don't wear white!

x

Go to the beach!
This one is pretty much a give-in I think! Especially in places like Canada where we only have a few months of summer per year. Grab your suits, towels, drinks and sunscreen and spend a day in the sun enjoying the open water. Just the thought makes me want to head on over there right now!

 by me

Take a day off
I feel like this one is overlooked often. I'm completely in support of taking a day off from work or other obligations and just having a YOU day. Other things can wait. Summer only comes around once a year ;)

 x

Have a picnic with your lover or a group of friends
Picnics need to happen more often, I think. Find a quiet spot in a park or on the beach and just enjoy your time together. Bring a cute blanket to sit on and pack a basket full of yummy treats and plenty to drink. If you want to add a little entertainment to the mix, try packing a board game, or some magazines if you're hoping for more of a quiet time.

x

Hit up a carnival
I don't know about where you live, but here the carnival only comes once in a blue moon. Take the opportunity to check one out when it comes to your town! They are such a fun way to spend the day and make for some great photo ops! 

 by me

Make yummy drinks
Now's the time to get creative with fruity combinations and plenty of colour! Mix up some summer inspired drinks, and try experimenting with new types.  This Strawberry Watermelon concoction sounds delish, but I might skip the alcohol for a more refreshing day time thirst quench!

Have a bonfire
Maybe it's just the country girl in me, but I love a good bonfire. I like to have them often too. There is no better way to end the night than with cozy clothes, marshmallows, and old fashioned entertainment (i.e. talking and laughing). 

x

{What are your top things to do in the summertime!?}

Learn more »