Top Five Summer Moments

Happy Friday!  Quick side note- don't forget to enter my giveaway for a free packet of Freekeh!  You can enter by commenting on my lunch ideas post (here) until Sunday!  I'll announce the winner on Monday's post.  Good luck!

Summer is quickly coming to an end, and the Friday Five ladies are going to be discussing different things that they've done.  I had the best summer ever, and have luckily been able to document it all here on my blog!  Today I'll be sharing my favorite posts from the past few months as a way to commemorate the top moments of the summer.  I hope you enjoy!

Penn State Weekend


There is absolutely no place that I love more than Penn State.  Every time I visit campus, I still get butterflies in my stomach and feel like I'm home.  Pair that with seeing two of my favorite people, and you have an amazing weekend! 

Fourth of July Weekend

To be honest, this is a bit of a bittersweet weekend to think about.  The marina that we visited during this trip is the one where the horrible tragedy occurred earlier this week.  Now it's hard to think about all the fun times that we had there and knowing that some of Dan's family lives minutes from that marina, and the news crew has definitely been in my thoughts and prayers this weekend.  Remember to always be thankful for what you have and appreciate every moment of every day!

Philly / NYC Weekend

Dan surprised me with a trip to Philadelphia and New York City for my birthday.  We got to attend two baseball games and explore two great cities.  It was such a fun weekend and a great start to my second quarter century!

Europe Trip

This didn't technically happen in the summer, but I'm still counting it!  This was definitely a highlight of my year so far.  The trip was absolutely incredible, and I was really grateful to visit two amazing friends.  Dan and I got to explore four new cities together and we had the best time!  I wrote a few different posts about this trip, including  a recap of Mallorca, Sweden, Copenhagen, and what to pack.

Races

This summer was full of races- with a total of 4 complete from June to August.  I ran two 5k's (Riverview and Run Around the Square), one 5 miler (Achilles Hope and Possibility), and one half marathon (Biggest Loser)!  

Shows

I haven't talked about TV shows in a Top Friday post in a long time, so it's time to get caught up on what I've been watching recently.  What have you been watching lately?

Young and Hungry

This show is kind of cheesy, but I still love it!  I binge-watched it earlier this year on Netflix, and have been patiently waiting for new episodes to come out.  Luckily, the second season continued last week and I'm loving it!

Bachelor in Paradise

Even though I stopped watching the Bachelorette in the middle of the season, I was really excited for BIP!  This season is absolutely ridiculous and over the top, but the drama is interesting!  What is your opinion of Samantha/Joe/Nick?  That whole situation is a MESS but made for good TV.  Right now, my favorite is Kirk, who just seems like the sweetest guy!

So You Think You Can Dance

I'm so excited that my early favorites (JaJa and Jim) are still in the competition!  Neither of them has landed in the bottom 6 or bottom 4 which is great news.  They continue to blow me away week after week!  I definitely think they have the most talent and greatest personality of any contestant this season.  Seeing them paired up with the All Stars definitely showcases their abilities!

Project Runway

There are a few designers that I'm liking so far from this season, including (of course) Ashley!  Her first design was AMAZING, and I would buy it in a heartbeat:
My other favorites are Swapnil, Laurie, and Candice!  I'm also excited because it was just announced that in November, Project Runway Junior will be starting, and a new season of Project Runway All-Stars will begin in 2016!

 

Songs 

A lot of great albums have come out recently, so today I will be sharing my favorites CDs!  I think there's something for everyone here, and I hope you enjoy!

Melanie Martinez - Cry Baby


Genre : Electropop
Favorite track : Training Wheels

Rob Thomas - The Great Unknown

Genre : Pop, Rock
Favorite track : One Shot

 Dillon Francis - This Mixtape is Fire.

Genre : House, Reggaeton
Favorite track : Pull It

audiomachine - Magnus

Genre : Epic, Classical
Favorite track : Reparation

Hunter Hayes - 21

Genre : Country, Pop
Favorite track : The Trouble With Love 


What are you favorite moments of the summer?
What are your thoughts on TV shows right now?  Anyone else frustrated with this season of Big Brother?
Linking up with Mar, Cynthia and Court 
as well as Heather and Momfessionals!

Comments

  1. LesleyAugust 28, 2015 at 5:58 AM

    My Napa trip didn't happen in the summer season, but I still count it. I work at a university so anything between graduation and the fall semester is summer for me. I still have to work (lucky faculty) but I'm programmed to think of that time as summer.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunAugust 28, 2015 at 9:54 AM

      That's a great point! We went on that trip after Dan's grad school finals were over, so I guess it's technically summer :)

      Delete
  2. SokphalAugust 28, 2015 at 6:42 AM

    I am sucked into anything that the Bachelor franchise puts out! Samantha is just totally manipulative. I am rooting for Jared because he needs to get over Kaitlyn. He seems like a sweet guy. Ashley I. - ugh. She and I could NEVER be friends in real life. This is saying a lot because I get along with most people. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunAugust 28, 2015 at 9:55 AM

      Completely agree with you about the girls! I would love to be friends with Tenley and Ashley S...they both seem fun and sweet! Even if Ashley's a little bit off :)

      Delete
  3. UnknownAugust 28, 2015 at 6:46 AM

    Jeez, there is NO doubt in my mind that you really did have the best summer ever! You have such a positive, thankful attitude. Love it. And as usual, how I comment every single Friday, I'll be downloading at least one of those songs!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunAugust 28, 2015 at 9:55 AM

      I definitely feel lucky so I'm glad I come through as thankful and not spoiled :) Thanks for commenting as always Suzy!

      Delete
  4. JamieAugust 28, 2015 at 6:48 AM

    I did a similar post today - so many fun times this summer, I just can't believe it's almost fall! My boyfriend and I just got into Boardwalk Empire... highly recommend if you haven't seen it! So so good :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunAugust 28, 2015 at 9:56 AM

      Ohh I haven't seen that show at all so I'll have to check it out. Thanks for the suggestion! And yes..why is it nearly September? What the??

      Delete
  5. UnknownAugust 28, 2015 at 6:51 AM

    That's a great pic of you fom the BL half. I only watch one show but I love it so much--Tbe Carbonaro Effect, a hidden camera show with a magician pulling tricks on people. Hilarious!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunAugust 28, 2015 at 9:57 AM

      Thanks! They had some great quality pictures for free! I haven't heard of that show but I love that concept. Impractical Jokers is one of my favorite shows!!

      Delete
  6. Fairytales and FitnessAugust 28, 2015 at 7:51 AM

    Europe would definitely be on the top of my list too. I visited Paris a few yrs ago as well as England and Ireland. Would love to go back and experience all again.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunAugust 28, 2015 at 9:57 AM

      Everytime I leave I want to go back! England and Ireland are definitely on my list :)

      Delete
  7. Kristen @ See You In A PorridgeAugust 28, 2015 at 8:52 AM

    so many fun things this summer! i am so jealous of the places you went, especially Europe. Here's to fall!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunAugust 28, 2015 at 9:58 AM

      It was definitely a summer to remember. You also had an amazing trip to Europe!! I loved hearing your recaps :)

      Delete
  8. Gina DailyAugust 28, 2015 at 11:56 AM

    Project Runway JUNIOR!! Okay, I am so curious about that one! I wonder how young they will be! I watched one Season of Master Chef Junior and it was just so amazing how talented those kids are. I love Rob Thomas so I will have to check out his new album!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunAugust 28, 2015 at 12:10 PM

      I'm excited to see it too! They did a mini series called Project Runway Threads, but I really didn't like it. Each week there were 3 kids and their parents and they all designed one outfit. I hope they do the Junior the same format as the regular series and I would like it a lot more!

      Delete
  9. Lauren | Just a PinchAugust 28, 2015 at 1:28 PM

    I love the song The Great Unknown! I love reflecting on special moments with family and friends - what a good idea! :) My favorite summer moments: europe trip (which was technically in April), my best friend's wedding in Minneapolis, and my Seattle visit! Have a great weekend, Gretchen!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunAugust 31, 2015 at 7:57 PM

      Sounds like you had a fantastic summer! Can't wait to follow your next adventure in a new city :)

      Delete
  10. UnknownAugust 28, 2015 at 2:46 PM

    Such a tragedy this week. So so terrible.....I can't believe how the summer flew on by. So many great moments and as much as I love fall, I am just not ready!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunAugust 31, 2015 at 7:58 PM

      Thanks for stopping by and commenting :) it definitely did fly by for me!

      Delete
  11. Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC August 28, 2015 at 6:27 PM

    i knew bach in paradise would be on your list. oh the drama! i also love it, of course :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. julie WunderAugust 30, 2015 at 5:18 AM

    You've had a great summer! I'm LOVING SYTYCD-- I look forward to it every summer.

    ReplyDelete
  13. julie WunderAugust 30, 2015 at 5:18 AM

    You've had a great summer! I'm LOVING SYTYCD-- I look forward to it every summer.

    ReplyDelete

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