40 Things to Do Before I Turn 40

I just had the stark reality hit me that I am indeed turning 40 in 4.5 years - when did I get so old?  There are still so many things that I want to do and see an accomplish.  I have recently been reminded how short life actually is and how you can be fine one day and then your universe can be completely turned upside down the next day.

Leading up to my 25th birthday I had a really hard time tuning "24+1" as I would call it so I made a list of 30 things to do before I turned 30.  Well life got in the way and I met a wonderful man, got married and became a step-mom to 3 awesome kids.  Needless to say this was never completed.  With the youngest graduating in a week it is time that I reincarnate my list and set out to get these completed before December 17th, 2021.

My hopes are to document my adventures and completions here.

1. Take a trip off of North America

2. Go on a cruise

3. Read Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen in its entirety

4. Do something selfless for the planet

5. Try something new

6. Have a heart pumping adventure like skydiving or walking on glass

7. See the Northern Lights

8. Re-learn Spanish (I was fluent at one time I swear!)

9. Become certified in scuba diving

10. Complete an unassisted pull-up

11. Go for High Tea

12. Shower in a Waterfall

13. Go on a road trip throughout the US

14. Visit all 50 states

15. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland

16. Visit Yellowstone National Park

17. Take a hot air balloon ride

18. Ride a Segway

19. Take a train somewhere

20. Go white water rafting

21. Visit a psychic

22.  Ride in a helicopter

23. Attend a murder mystery dinner

24.  Attend an epic festival or event

25. Take a class in something weird

26. Do something I am afraid of

27. Celebrate New Year’s Eve in a foreign city

28. Splurge on a meal at a 3-star Michelin restaurant

29. Volunteer

30. Learn five good cheese and wine pairings.

31. Spend the night on a yacht in the middle of a beautiful body of water

32. Go drink real bubbles in France’s Champagne area

33. Live somewhere that is completely different from my hometown

34. Feel comfortable in my own skin (and maybe possibly a bikini?)

35. Plant succulents (I should be able to keep those alive)

36. Write a letter to myself to read in 10 years

37. Watch the sunset into the ocean with a glass of wine

38. Watch the sunrise over the ocean with a mimosa

39. Attend the Opera

40. Get another tattoo

Mexican Themed Bridal Shower

Hola! My brother got married over the summer and I was tasked with a typical bridesmaid duty of helping to throw the bridal shower.  Allison's sister is still in college and has never been in a wedding let alone thrown a shower so I took charge on this one with help from all of the bridal party of course.

We decided to go with a Mexican theme due to the fact that their wedding was going to be in Mexico and we decided to make it co-ed so it could double as their at home reception/party for everyone who couldn't make the trip to Mexico.

We set up a salsa bar adorned with homemade salsas, a yummy 7 layer dip and tons of chips.

 The bar was a huge hit with two types of sangria and two kegs.  The logo'd cups were a huge hit and an extra favor for everyone to take home.

 We did the fruit on skewers for the sangria so it didn't clog the jar.

The full bar.

A taco bar spread was a great way to feed a large group and all of the prep was done ahead of time.

 Lots of bright colors and a multitude of hot sauces.

Signage is always a must!

The favor table full of Mexican hot chocolate.  

The Mexican blankets and sombreros served as great decor.

 The dessert table was inside to prevent melting and donned pictures of the beautiful couple.

They opened present in the decorated gazebo.

The decorated deck.

The bride and her girls.

I highly suggest doing a Mexican fiesta next time you have to throw a big party.  It was so fun to decorate and pretty cheap to feed a large group.