Ever since I was in middle school, I have made a bucket list filled with adventures, restaurants, little things and big things to check off each summer. This year I wanted to be sure to experience all that I could in Indy. I was scrolling through my iPhone photos the other day and was smiling because of all the fun I have had crossing off my bucket list this year. I have a few things left, but here’s a update on what I’ve been up to this summer.

Make shakshuka.

This is one of my favorite new recipes! The North African-inspired dish has a tomato sauce base with onions, peppers, paprika and cumin. You cook the eggs right in the tomato sauce and serve with crusty bread. Have it for breakfast, lunch or dinner, but don’t forget to snap a picture when it’s garnished with tons of fresh cilantro. Isn’t it stunning?

Walk to the famer’s market every Saturday.

The best way to start a Saturday! Here is my blog post about five reasons I love the farmer’s market. I have been lucky enough to live about a mile away from the Carmel, Indiana farmer’s market this summer and love picking up fresh produce that inspires my meals for the rest of the week.

Take a road trip somewhere.

One Sunday night, my uncle Timmy called to say hello and he said they were pulling in the city of Chicago on a family road trip! It’s a quick three hour drive away from Indy, so I took off the afternoon off work the next day and drove up to meet them in the city. We walked around and went to a Cubs game that night! The spontaneity was the best part and I loved exploring the city with them for the evening.

Then a few weeks later I went to Dallas for a work conference and my friends and I got to fly in early and take a road trip to Waco, Texas. We visited Magnolia Market at the Silos (read my post about it here) and I got the biggest surprise: my dad, step-mom and cousin surprised me for my birthday! Magnolia Market and the Silos Baking Co. were an absolute dream – exactly like it looks on Fixer Upper.

Get my nose pierced with a tiny stud (!!!)

I have been wanting a nose piercing for years and years so I finally decided now was the time to do it! I am obsessed with my little stud and I am so glad I finally did it. My friend Danielle snapped this photo in the moment of the piercing and I think it’s hilarious! It didn’t hurt that bad, it just makes your eyes water like  crazy.

Go to an Indianapolis Indians Game.

My friends Melinda and Sean have a Jeep, so Sean took the top off the car one evening and we cruised downtown to the Indian’s baseball game on a perfect summer night. Hot dogs, beers, good company and gorgeous weather – what a blast!

Try Nicey Treat Popsicles in Broad Ripple.

Nicey has been on my list since I moved to Indy two years ago! Their popsicles, like Mexican paletas, are handmade all-natural ingredients and they have a big rotating list of unique flavors. This avocado one was amazing – creamy and naturally sweet all at once!

Go to an outdoor concert at the Rathskeller.

The Rathskeller is a German beer hall in the heart of downtown. It’s the perfect spot to listen to a live bands on Saturdays, enjoy some German beer and dance with friends. One night, a group of friends and I went to one of their concerts and the weather couldn’t have been more perfect for outdoor music!

Walk down the Monon Trail to Bub’s Cafe for burgers and milkshakes, Soho Cafe & Gallery and Union Brewing Company.

Union Brewing Company is a cool little spot along the monon trail in Carmel. It’s casual with tables and chairs outside, but it feels like the neighborhood spot I would visit over and over again. Soho is a coffee shop right next door and Bub’s is a burger spot right along the path to both of these spots. I loved being able to walk somewhere for coffee, after work beers or ice cream on a summer evening!

Eat pie at Locally Grown Gardens in Broad Ripple.

Indiana sugar cream pie is absolutely my new favorite pie. It’s exactly what it sounds like – creamy, sugary, kind of shortbread cookie dough tasting. It’s luxurious and decadent, but light and summery at the same time. Locally Grown Gardens is one of my favorite spots in Indy now and I would recommend it to anyone!

Here’s what’s left to do…

Get to 3,000 followers on Instagram (Help me out here!)

Check off these restaurants from my list: Public Greens, Festiva and Black Market.

Read Judy Blume’s book In the Unlikely Event.

Catch up with more family and friends on the phone. (Ongoing!)

Celebrate more food holidays. (Any and every opportunity!)

What’s on your summer bucket list? Share with me in the comments below!

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela