I LOVE Self Magazine.  It keeps me motivated, gives me great ideas for updating my workouts, fabulous sex tips, makeup tips, style tips, etc.  I can’t get enough of their “flashes” (tiny little tidbits on how to be happy or fit or beautiful) the happinessflash, beautyflash, fitnessflash, etc. Excellent bathroom reading if you know what I mean.

This month my magazine arrived and Zoey Deschanel is on the cover.  She looks like a breathe of fresh air.  Cute little shoes, adorable dress, blue eyes and a wholesome smile. The sight of her made me feel like we were besties immediately.  So, feeling young and hip myself, because it’s summer, I have a tan, I had just returned from a run, and Zoey and I were now the best of friends, I flipped to the article, “31 days of summer.”  Self asked Zoey, the cutie petutie, to list her 31 favorite things to do in the summer. I couldn’t wait to dig in and get some tips for myself.

Number one, sprawl in the grass for a little bit.  So cute, that sounds lovely. Except for the little bug bites I always end up with after a picnic with the kids. Number two, use baby sunscreen, it smells like summer.  Adorable, but that stuff just reminds me that I have kids.  I prefer my own adult smell, thank you.

Then came this, “I really wish I had a hammock.” Zoey said.  Then this, “I am on a five-year hammock plan, so hopefully as I enter my 30s I can finally achieve this goal.”  On a five year plan to her 30s.  Well isn’t that special.  Apparently Zoey and I don’t actually have much in common.  Apparently she is quite a few years younger than I am.  APPARENTLY I was just fooling myself thinking she was going to help me with her “summer tips”.  Thanks for nothing you, you, you, little girl. Pop out some kids, then call me with your NEW list. She didn’t even mention wine once!

So, I now hate Zoey simply for being in her 20s and reminding me that I am, in fact, NOT. Hate is perhaps a bit strong.  More like I just want to slap that sweet smile off her unwrinkled face. Okay, maybe that’s still a little harsh, but I definitely don’t want to read any more nauseating things that a 20 something wants to do with her summer.

INSTEAD, I want to hear from you gals.  What are ten (I won’t ask for 31 because we slightly older gals are too busy with INCREDIBLY important things like laundry and carpool to come up with that many) things you want to make the time to do this summer.    For example a couple of mine would be skinny dipping, because there is nothing more sensual than nudity and water.  I might even invite my husband to join.  Here’s another.  Me, a beach chair, the ocean, a book and a bottle of chardonnay.  No one I know within 100 yards of me.  Heavenly. 

Here is the skinny, pun intended.  Click on the “contact me” button located at the top of this article.  Send me your Top Ten List of things you dream of doing this summer..  The person with the best list will get a one year subscription to Self Magazine on me and I will post the list on my site.  Can’t wait to hear what you gals have in store.  Get creative, have some fun and help me, help you all, have a great August!  All lists must be in no later than August 7.  The winning list will be posted August 10th.