Summer To Do List

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I’ve seen a few of these summer bucket lists popping up on other blogs and they are full of great ideas! They are also SUPER long and I know that a list of 35 things I want to do this summer just isn’t realistic! But 5? I can do 5 (I think!)

  1. I bought some popsicle molds at World Market and froze lemonade in them to offer friends in our pool. I’d love to try some different popsicles recipes, and I’ll be scrolling through this to find them!
  2. My husband bought me a projector for my birthday last year and I have yet to use it! It’s my goal to set up a blanket and either have a date night or a girls night in my backyard, watching a movie under the night sky.
  3. The NCΒ zoo isn’t terribly far away and I’d love to take the boys there this summer. I think David is getting to an age where he would really enjoy seeing theΒ animals!
  4. The only time I swam for exercise was when I was training for the sprint triathlon I did a few years ago. It’s hard work to get back in swim shape but I simply have no excuse with a pool *literally* in my backyard.
  5. I have yet to find the perfect mexican restaurant in Raleigh. Any suggestions are welcome below! I’ve been to Dos Taquitos, which is good, and also Mez–but I’m looking for a place that leaves me dying to return.

Are there any new things you are hoping to accomplish this summer?

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Kelly says · 06.27.16

Chuys!! It’s tex-mex but sooo good. They have the best ever chile rellenos. Try a swirl Margarita while you’re there too! It was my all time fave while I was living in Austin Tx and I’m so jealous you have a location in NC.

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Julie DeVoe says · 06.27.16

I also love Chuy’s because I love the thin chips and the chicken tortilla soup. But it’s Tex-Mex, so not the same as real, authentic Mexican food. Same for Gonza Tacos y Tequila, which I LOVE and is great for a date, but again, not exactly what you are looking for. I look forward to the recommendations as well!

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Sara says · 06.27.16

Try Centro in Raleigh… Or Dos Peros in Durham!

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Julie says · 06.27.16

The NC Zoo is a blast. I still take my teenage daughters and they love it.

If you’re up for a little driving Totopos in Cary has great Mexican. Centro in downtown Raleigh is also amazing.

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Sarah says · 06.27.16

We are planning on the zoo as well. We like Totopos in Cary and Chuys at North Hills we live in Chapel Hill but both are worth the 30 minute drive.

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Catherine says · 06.27.16

I LOVE homemade popsicles!

My favourite recipe is basically strawberries, basil, water and a teaspoon of maple syrup. The strawberries are in season here in Canada so I will definitely be making a batch tonight!
I also recommend pineapple and coconut milk. So yummy!

Have a great summer, Kate πŸ™‚

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Rachel says · 06.27.16

Try salt&lime on falls of neuse or my favorite, Gonza’s tacos and tequila. There are a few locations and it’s amazing!

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Annie Hudson says · 06.27.16

Centro downtown Raleigh is pretty stinking good, great for a fun date night!
Jose and Sons in down near The Pit in Raleigh and in the same complex as Videri Chocolate (which gives out samples of thier killer treats).
Totopos in Cary has an amazing Black Bean soup and awesome chilaquilles!

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Katie says · 06.27.16

Some of my local favorites…Salt & Lime (Raleigh), Gonza (Raleigh), La Vaquita (Durham), Cosmic Cantina (Durham)

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Carolyn says · 06.27.16

Gonza Tacos is my favorite. Dos Perros is also really good. I wasn’t impressed with Mez.

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Debbie says · 06.27.16

Swimmer hair tips in the future? Even wet hair hairstyles? Maybe you don’t do this second one at all, but I love that I don’t have to blow-dry my hair in the summer. (I’m talking for self-perseveration reasons, as wet hair in 80 degree weather is ok, but wet hair in 20 weather? Hello, hypothermia.) I like letting my hair air-dry in the sun a bit, and then a few twisty buns.

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Kelty says · 06.27.16

Yes! I’d love to hear some hair + swimming guidance. Getting back into swimming myself an I’m trying not to ruin my hair.

We did the zoo in May and had a blast. The kiddos loved it and I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. We got the year membership because someone gave us great advice to only do half the zoo at one time with little kids. We fully enjoyed the African side this time and felt no pressure to stay and do the WHOLE THING while our kids were starting to hit their ending point after lunch. We hope to go back and do the American side later in the year.

We love Xoco on Glenwood Ave, which is run by Dos Taquitos, but downtown. Very tasty, kinda kooky and they send you your chips and salsa on a little train that runs on a track by your table. Our kids think that’s so great!

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Lindsay says · 06.27.16

Centro in downtown Raleigh is amazing. I go there all the time for lunch since I work nearby. I also love Gonza Tacos y Tequila. It’s closer to campus and just phenomenal. I’m from Arizona so I miss “real” Mexican food, but these two places definitely fill that void.

Places that are gross: Torero’s and El Rodeo. No thank you please.

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Mara says · 06.27.16

So smart to have a few little “goals”! πŸ™‚ Otherwise the summer is GONE before you know it!

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Victoria says · 06.27.16

I agree with everyone that said Centro in downtown Raleigh. It is delicious! We also like Salt & Lime in North Raleigh.

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Sarah Chavis says · 06.27.16

When I lived down in Aberdeen, North Carolina there was mexican restaurant called La Poblanita. It was really good. When my in-laws would visit from Maxton, Nc they always wanted to eat there. Adrian and I would get take-out from their about once a week. It’s probably a little bit of a drive for you..but if you’re ever in the area of Southern Pines..Aberdeen or Pinehurst it’s worth checking out. Plus their margaritas are really good! Have a great summer!

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Katherine says · 06.27.16

Totopos!!!

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Dorothy says · 06.27.16

Kate, you’re gonna have to visit us in the Southwest for some good Mexican. πŸ™‚ David never liked it when we lived in Raleigh but he loves it here in AZ. Also, do you guys have your own pool? Lucky. πŸ™‚

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Brooke says · 06.27.16

Not sure where in Raleigh you live but when I was there for college we always went to los tres magueyes in Cary. So good!!

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Katherine says · 06.27.16

Call me crazy, but when we lived in Raleigh I absolutely loved On the Border. It was pretty close to where we lived, the service was always great, and the food was good.

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Lindsey says · 06.27.16

Gonza all the way!

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Aileen says · 06.27.16

Try Gonza’s tacos and tequila on Lead Mine Rd. We go at least once a week. I love this location. The owner is there every night, service is amazing, and the food is so good and different than other Mexican places. The Hillsborough street one is a cool location but the Lead Mine Rd one is the best! We’ll probably see you there if you go at kid hour (5-5:30pm) ha. It’s all families at that time. The queso is good, burrito, Mexican flag, enchilada con mole, el plantanio, and the spicy pepino. So good!

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Heather says · 07.18.16

I love the spicy pepino!

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Laura says · 06.27.16

My favorite Mexican restaurant in Raleigh is Torero’s!

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Morgan says · 06.27.16

Yes! I no longer live there and compare every Mexican restaurant to Toreros. ?

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Mel says · 06.27.16

I’m trying to work out 5x per week again and read one book per week! πŸ™‚

Mel | http://www.thegossipdarling.com

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Diana says · 06.27.16

It would be a little bit of a drive for you, but I personally think it’s worth it. There is a great Mexican restaurant in Smithfield. It’s called San Marcos. It’s easily a 20-25 minute drive from our house, but we go there as often as we can. Plus, it’s right by the outlets, so a perfect excuse to shop too. πŸ™‚

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Stephanie says · 06.27.16

They are building one behind Crabtree mall. It is soooo good!

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Jordan says · 06.27.16

Try Nanataco in Durham. Sooo good.

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Sara W says · 06.27.16

We just bought a new house with a big yard and pool and I want to do an outdoor movie night with the boys and their friends as well! Which projector did you get?

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TRACEE says · 06.27.16

I just made Moscow Mule popsicles and OMG amazing. I highly recommend them! 2 cups of ginger beer + juice of 2 limes + 2 oz of vodka (I used Tito’s) and freeze in a popsicle mold. Totally refreshing and no one needs to know that you’re “drinking” before 5pm πŸ˜‰

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Sophie says · 06.27.16

Some great ideas! I want to try some ice lolly recipes too! Sophie x

stylestarsandsparkle.com

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Megan says · 06.27.16

As others have said, Centro in downtown Raleigh!

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Sarah says · 06.27.16

Centro in Downtown Raleigh and Gringo A Gogo also in Downtown Raleigh are fantastic. Would recommend highly!

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Susan says · 06.27.16

Kate what type of movie projector do you recommend and do you use a sheet or screen????

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Andrea says · 06.27.16

I’ve been pinning lots of Popsicle ideas! I need to head to the store and get some molds!

http://www.thebeautydojo.com

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Kristin S says · 06.27.16

1. Yum! 2. Need a chaperone for girls’ night?!?!?! 3. The NC Zoo is WONDERFUL but might I recommend you wait until fall? It’s really hot there and it’s a ton of walking. There are trams, thankfully, but it’s hot. 4. I dream of being able to swim for exercise. It’s so great as you get older – which you are FAR from “older”. 5. Mex or Tex-Mex? Because, though it’s a chain, Chuy’s is my favorite Tex-Mex in the area. I go there even when I’m in Texas. I get a cup of tortilla soup and go to town on chips and salsa. As for true Mex, I had a favorite but it’s not so great anymore so let me know if you find one!

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Kristin S says · 06.27.16

Oh, and Nana Taco in Durham is my favorite taco spot. I went on Friday and was reminded how much I adore it. Their black beans are to die for and they have Mexican street corn as a side right now…. I’m still dreaming about it.

I’d be glad to take you. πŸ™‚

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Bailey Hay says · 06.27.16

Love this cute list! Could you share it so others could make one??

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sabina says · 06.27.16

wouldn’t steel magnolias make the best girls night outdoor movie???

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Kristin says · 06.27.16

I second Jose and Sons. We’ve been going for years! They have amazing, fresh drinks and great service. Try the queso fundido app or the ceviche. Their mixed grill for two had chicken steak and several of their sides, delicious.

I also really like Dos Perros in Durham. They have taco night every Sunday and Monday with $5 tacos and margaritas.

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Michelle says · 06.27.16

Try Totopos in Cary, and get the nachos. They are the best nachos of my life!

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Courtney says · 06.27.16

The Domestic Geek on YouTube has a ton of Popsicle recipes!

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Kim says · 06.27.16

Love this! I’ve been wanting to try making Popsicles – I don’t think I ever have!

Kim

http://bit.ly/28Yhc6g .. The perfect off the shoulder top!

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Claire says · 06.27.16

Homemade Popsicles are on my summer list too! I’m working my way through the recipes below. So far, the Mojito ones were amazingly good.
https://www.buzzfeed.com/rachelysanders/super-cool-popsicles-to-make-this-summer?utm_term=.lhoRv3eV#.ry1EjklD

Gonza is our favorite Mexican in Raleigh, although we haven’t tried some of the other options.

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Whitney says · 06.27.16

El Senor in Knightdale was my favorite when I lived there.

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Susan says · 06.27.16

Reading more books is on my “Do Less List”

http://a-woman-of-a-certain-age.com

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Kathy says · 06.27.16

Centro and Chubby’s Tacos for the win.

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Kori Robins says · 06.27.16

Try Jose and Sons in Raleigh!!! It’s our absolute favorite.

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Carrie says · 06.27.16

Centro is “The Mexican Restaurant” downtown. They are near Sitti. It’s a small place to so its easy to overlook. They just recently changed their menu, if you go ask them the Luchadora margarita, it’s not on the menu anymore but they make them by request. Trust me on this one. It’s amazing!!!!!

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Sarah says · 06.27.16

I also recommend the Museum of Life and Science in Durham. We visit CH/Durham often and it’s always a stop. It’s become our boys’ favorite! My 2 year old had a BLAST on our last trip in their new treehouse exhibit and man-made, kid friendly creek area. There’s a train, a Dino walk, a petting zoo, and a butterfly garden. Definitely worth a visit!

I haven’t actually tried it myself but my family swears by City Bus which is a taco truck. Not sure if it ever ventures out of Chapel Hill/Carrboro/Durham but sometimes good tacos are worth the journey. ?

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Tess says · 06.28.16

Centro in downtown and Gonza Tacos Y Tequila in North Raleigh#!!

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MB says · 06.28.16

You should try La Cocina in Garner at White Oak Crossing. We go there almost every week!

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Rachel says · 06.28.16

La Ranchirita– they’ve got multiple locations. I’ve only been the one in apex though.
Or Armando’s in apex off the peak way. They have great food & do margarita specials twice a week. It’s ahmazing!

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Brittney says · 06.28.16

My husbands family is obsessed with Torreros, and I really like Totopas!

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Samantha says · 06.28.16

We’ve gotten to travel a good amount, working on marketing my book, and we joined a bowling league. Fun adventures πŸ™‚

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Stephanie Fowler says · 06.28.16

Hi Kate! My husband and I love the food at San Jose over behind Triangle Town Center! It’s definitely worth a try!

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oksana says · 06.29.16

i like these blog and pictures.

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Gretchen says · 06.29.16

Try Fiesta Mexicana in Cary! Extremely fast service, and the food is amazing.

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Sabrina Lych says · 06.29.16

As other readers have suggested, try Centro! I think it’s a bit better than Gonza. My husband and I are having date night at Jose and Sons this weekend – it will be my first time there, excited to try!

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Laura Turner says · 07.01.16

Kate – Nana Tacos in Downtown Durham, is one of our absolute favorite local spots. Always fresh and tasty, with plenty of variety for everyone.

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Carissa says · 07.03.16

Speaking of training, what are the wireless earbuds that you like?

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Wendy Mellen says · 07.17.16

The most flavorful popsicles ever come from a recipe my mother was making in the 60’s. It uses one package of Jello-O gelatin, unsweetened, plus one package of Kool Aid, unsweetened, plus one cup of sugar. Dissolve in 2 cups boiling water, and add 2 cups very cold water. Because of the many flavors available in both Jell-O and Kool Aid, the flavor combinations are endless, although our favorite as kids was always double Cherry. They are relatively low in sugar, since the recipe calls for only one cup, and easily makes 16 popsicles. It’s easiest to pour into molds if you make it in a large plastic pitcher. Back in the 60’s, Mom was making the popsicles in those classic Tupperware popsicle molds, which we still have. My daughter makes the popsicles these days!

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