A FUN LIFE LIST PROJECT!

Right now I am working on a LIFE LIST goal I've been wanting to do for YEARS....actually watch all the Oscar Nominated films before the Academy Awards. This is shaping up to be one of my favorite projects, it's like a scavenger hunt trying to track all of these movies down, there was one that was down right terrible and a waste of my life but it is interesting to watch these movies that I wouldn't typically be interesting in renting i.e. Star Trek Into Darkness. Also I hadn't been to the movies in nearly 4 years and I forgot how much I enjoyed it. There's a few I plan to just see by myself and a few that I will see with my international students so it's an easy goal to do with others too! I have 45 more movies to see in 32 days...I might have to sneak out to the show tonight!

There are several other things that I'm working on at the moment like home improvements, weight loss and perfecting my teeth I post updates, daily photos and which Oscar nom I'm watching that day on The Ultimate Life List facebook's page so if you haven't already please LIKE The Ultimate Life List on facebook by clicking here.

LIFE LIST: KANSAS CITY BOTANIC GARDEN

Where: Kansas City Botanic Garden

When: June 2013

OBVIOUSLY this was my favorite. I heart BUFFALO!

Cost: $10

Why this is on my list: As I mentioned, Kansas City is not very 'touristy' so I had to dig to find things to do...however the things that I did find to do were very unique and interesting. I always enjoy botanic gardens and always try to find one when I'm traveling but I had no idea that this one was hosting a large nature themed LEGO exhibit which made it so much more fun to me and my 2 year old.

Something I'd recommend? It's definitely a great day out if you live in the area!

Will I go again? If I find myself in Kansas City again and the Powell Gardens are holding another exhibit, then yes. But even if we do go back this was about an hour away from where we were staying so I would probably only make the drive to see a new exhibit. When we go out of town we always drive which is a lot to ask of a toddler so I try to limit the drive time after we reach our destination.

Related Posts:

1. Legoland
2. T-Rex Cafe
3. Tour a Brewery
4. Top of the Gateway Arch
5. See the Gateway Arch
6. 30 Adventures 

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10 places to take your kiddos during this COLD winter

It's colder than heck outside so taking advantage of the opportunity to play in the snow is out of the question particularly with the smaller kids but that doesn't mean the fun has to stop! Here is a list of some great INDOOR play areas in the tri-county area, several have multiple locations. My girlfriend asked me the other day if I knew of a good place to host children's birthday parties...I said I wasn't sure, then as I looked at this list I had already made I realized that most of these facilities have birthday party packages too! So keep them in mind this frigid winter I've included the links to each website for you to check the hours and prices.

1. Jungle Java
2. Pump it Up
3. Tiny Town Play Lounge
4. Airtime Trampoline
5. Castaway Play
6. Cranbrook Institute of Science 
7. Tea Party Castle
8. Rochester Play
9. Busy Bodies 
10. Chuck E. Cheese's 

LIFE LIST: VOLUNTEER

When: I started last January 2013 and I'm still doing it!

Where: In the nursery at my church.

Why this is on my list? I have always wanted to volunteer and have tried many, many times over the years. I was unsuccessful for a myriad of reasons; either they didn't need me, I wasn't 'qualified', or they just never responded to my inquiry...back in 2008 when the economy really took a nosedive in Michigan I couldn't find a job so I thought that would be a good time to become a Big Sister....they said they had no need for me. So, the economy in Michigan was actually so bad that I couldn't even get a job that paid nothing. Last year I chose the nursery at my church so it could be something I could do without spending time away from my daughter...and they accepted

Something I'd recommend? Certainly, below I created a list of possible places to volunteer both locally and globally. Obviously, wherever you volunteer you will feel fulfilled, it's very rewarding and volunteers are always appreciated.

1.Churches
2. Zoos
3. Women's Shelters
4. Hospitals
5. Museums
6. Big Brother/Big Sister
7. Habitat for Humanity 
8. United Nations
9. World Wildlife Fund
10. UNESCO

Will I continue with it? I will, right now I'm working a lot and feeling a little overwhelmed so I'm going to cut back for a few months but I do intend to volunteer there indefinitely. Before I had a child, I remember driving past daycare facilities and thinking 'you couldn't pay me enough to work at a daycare.' I often find myself shaking my head thinking about the person I was before I was before I had my child....they say 'people don't change' uh, yea they do. Now, I not only LOVE working with the kids but I do for free, I drive a long distance to get there and I've got to get up early on Sundays but I genuinely enjoy it, those kids are so stinkin' cute!

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The Ultimate Life List

My list needed some attention, so here it is in one comprehensive long list...'my' Ultimate Life List the first chunk is things I want to do and the second block in pink are things I've already done.

1. Meet a President
2. Take the Polar Plunge
3. Cage dive with sharks
4. Plan an Event for The Wounded Warrior Project
5. Snowboard
6. Dog Sled
7. Start a Fire Without Matches
8. Stay at the Ritz in Paris
9. Go to Antarctica
10. Own a months' worth of Michigan themed clothing
11. Finally get my CPL
12. Get my book published
13. Wear a Trench Coat and Heels and Nothing Else in Public
14. Take my Daughter to Santa's Village in Finland 
15. Ride in a Submarine 
16. Attend the Lederhosen Festival in Austria 
17. Go to Mardi Gras
18. Open a Champagne Bottle With a Knife 
19. Walk Across Hot Coals
20. Travel From Russia to China on The Trans Siberian Railway 
21. Take Archery Lessons
22. Go Zorbing 
23. Walk Along the Great Wall
24. Take a Tour of The White House 
25. Spend the 4th of July in D.C. 
26. Take a Glass Blowing Class
27. Wear an Abaya in the Middle East 
28. Zip Line 
29. Storm Chase in Tornado Alley 
30. Take a Bagpiping Lesson in Scotland 
31. Ride a Segway 
32. Indoor Skydive
33. Parasail
34. Chop Wood
35. Earn a second B.A. in German
36. Become a certified translator in German
37. Get a job with the U.S. Government 
38. Volunteer at a Veteran's Hospital 
39. Join the Daughter's of the American Revolution 
40. Stay on a Working Ranch
41. Stay at the Taj Lake Palace in India 
42. Be in a Flash Mob
43. Sleep in an Ice Hotel
44. Ski
45. White House Easter Egg Roll
46. Ride an Ostrich 
47. Be buried in a Veteran's Cemetery
48. Join a shooting league 
49. Dive in The Great Barrier Reef
50. Tutor French 
51. Make an Ice Sculpture 
52. Rent a Horse
53. Have High Tea at the Ritz in England 
54. Go Horse Back Riding in all 50 States
55. Carry a Concealed Weapon 
56. Go up in the Skyview Globe in Sweden 
57. Get a 14K Gold Facial 
58. Ride in a Reindeer Drawn Sleigh in Finland
59. 30 Days of Michigan Inspired Clothing
60. Ride a Horse on the Beach
61. Go Horse Back Riding on a Glacier in Alaska
62. Go to the Top of Chimney Rock 
63. Read 1 Book About Each U.S. President 
64. Ride in a Helicopter
65. See the Lost City of Petra 
66. Take a Sailing Cruise
67. Get a Snake Massage in Israel
68. Take a Sea Plane Tour
69. See Cirque du Soleil 
70. Have Boudoir Photos Taken 
71. Cattle Drive With Double Rafter Cattle Drive
72. Run Across the Golden Gate Bridge 
73. Buy a Fur Coat 
74. Go on a Lobster Boat Tour
75. Surf 
76. Swim With Sea Lions in the Bahamas 
77. Swim With dolphins
78. Become SCUBA Certified 
79. Stay at the Igloo Village in Finland
80. Wear a Drindl in Germany
81. Buy a Giant Amethyst Geode  
82. Get a Geisha Facial
83. Spend July 4th in D.C. 
84. Stand Under Niagra Falls
85. Drink from Das Boot in Germany 
86. See Neuschwanstein Castle 
87. Be on a Game Show
88. Volunteer With the UN
89. Learn 50 Words/Phrases in Aramaic 
90. Take a Hebrew Class
91. Be a Bee Keeper for a Day
92. See the Karst Mountains in China
93. See wulingyuan scenic area in China 
94. Visit a Buffalo Farm 
95. Ride the Atomium in Belgium
96. Become a Better Poker Player
97. Become Better at Billiards 
98. Oktoberfest in Germany 
99. See the Terra Cotta Warriors 
100. Swim With Crocodiles in Australia 
101. Walk Along Giant's Causeway in Ireland 
102. Mud Walk in the Netherlands 
103. Kizi Pogost in Russia 
104. Experience Weightless Flight (cloud 9)
105. Ice Fish 
106. Attend a Live Taping of a Talk Show
107. Reach my Life Goal Weight
108. Trapeze!
109. Spend a Night in an Aquarium 
110. Take a Few Ice Skating Lessons
111. Walk Around the SkyWalk at the Grand Canyon 
112. Learn How to Make Balloon Animals 
113. Go Glamping
114. Drive on the Autobahn 
115. Cooking Classes
116. Stand Underneath Niagra Falls
117. Attend a Flamenco Workshop
118. Own a Hot Tub
119. See a Baob Tree
120. Ride a Beer Bicycle in Germany 
121. 60 Mile Breast Cancer Walk
122. Have my Daughter's Name Tattooed on me
123. Go to The Kentucky Derby 
124. Go to T.I.G.E.R.S. South Carolina 
125. Donate my Hair to Locks of Love
126. See San Francisco by Trolley  
127. White Water Raft 
128. Have a Flamenco Dress Made in Spain 
129. Go to SeaWorld 
130. Hold a Baby Panda Bear in Chengdu 
131. Stunning Flower Gardens at my House
132. Hand Painted Mural in my House
133. Opera Singing Lessons 
134. Ride a Funicular 
135. Plan a Family Reunion 
136. Learn to Fence
137. Ride on a Yacht 
138. Eat Alligator Meat 
139. See Big Ben in England 
140. Make a Quilt From my Daughter's Baby Clothes
141. Take at Least 1 Fencing Class
142. Be In a Commercial 
143. Ride a Mule Inside the Grand Canyon
144. Watch a Khmer Dance in Cambodia 
145. Go to a Horse Race
146. Visit All 7 Continents 
147. Stained Glass Windows
148. See a Show at the Moulin Rouge 
149. Swim With Manatees in Crystal River Florida 
150. Have a Chalkboard Wall in my House
151. Bobsled in Switzerland 
152. Have a Wall With all my Life Listing Pictures
153. Buy an Ice Sculpture 
154. Mud Bath
155. Mud Wrestle 
156. Climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge 
157. See Wild Kangaroos in Australia 
158. Sleep in a Cave
159. Go to Confession 
160. Send an Anonymous Letter
161. Send a Secret to P.S. 
162. Go to a Zydeco Bar
163. Rent a Houseboat
164. Kiss the Blarney Stone 
165. Take an Elephant Safari in India 
166. See the Liberty Bell
167. Get a boob job
168. Ice Fish
169. Have a Perfect Credit Score
170. Take a Covered Bridges Tour 
171. Visit the Pineapple Farm in Hawaii
172. Pay Cash for a New Car 
173. Renew our Vows in Vegas
174. Have a Security System and Emergency Back Up Plan
175. Donate to Doctors Without Borders 
176. Donate to St Jude
177. Eat at a SPAM Restaurant in Hawaii
178. Hold a Lemur 
179. Buy a Large Globe 
180. Hire a Bagpiper for Something
181. Paint my Face for a Sports Game
182. Grow Pumpkins 
183. Take a Flamenco Lesson in Spain 
184. See a Flamenco Show in Spain 
185.  Ride a Tandem Bicycle
186. Visit a Flower Farm 
187. Watch Sufi Dancers in India 
188. Paddle/Swim with Orcas 
189. Have a Dress Made 
190. Eat Rattlesnake in Texas
191. Sydney Opera House 
192. Pick Apples
193. Get a Cocktail at a Swim Up Bar
194. See the Highland Cows in Scotland 
195. Pick Oranges in Florida
196. Pick Peaches in Georgia 
197. Go to The Lobster Festival in Maine 
198. Go on a Mission Trip 
199. Ride a Snow Machine in Alaska 
200. Retake a Childhood Photo at Wall Drug
201. Watch 100 French films
202. Take a Roman Bath in England 
203. Tithe 10% for a Whole Year
204. Swim 
205. Create a Panic Room
206. Join the Red Hat Society 
207. See the Forbidden City in China
208. Join the PTA
209. Horse Ski in Switzerland 
210. Watch 100 Documentaries 
211. Visit a Traditional Beer Hall in Austria 
212. Volunteer With Habitat for Humanity 
213. Be able to play 25 songs on my violin 
214. Learn to Play the Cello 
215. Go on a Splash Tour in the Netherlands 
216. Swim with Whale Sharks at Nigaloo Reef 
217. Try Puffin in Iceland
218. Stonehenge 
219. Become Debt Free
220. Ride a Camel to the Pyramids in Egypt 
221. Become a Foster Parent 
222. Llama Trek in the Smokey Mountains 
223. Stay at the Elephant Sanctuary in Arkansas 
224. See the Lipizzaner Stallions in Austria 
225. Take a Pottery Class
226. See a Bull Fight in Spain 
227. Angkor Vat Cambodia 
228. See the Taj Mahal 
229. Hold a Tiger Cub
230. Hold a Lion Cub 
231. Galapagos Island 
232. Wear Fake Eyelashes
233. Attend an Islamic Service
234. Visit the Sea Horse Farm in Hawaii
235. Stay at Dolly's Cabins in the Smokies
236. Eat in a Revolving Restaurant 
237. Get a Bird
238. Surprise my Daughter With a Bunny on Easter
239. Buy a Bottle of Cristal 
240. Lactation Consultant 
241. Get Up Close With a Gorilla 
242. Create a Living Revocable Trust
243. See the Christo Statue in Brazil
244. Hold a Koala Bear 
245. Attend a Service at a Synagogue 
246. Go to a Hindu Temple 
247. Snorkel in Jelly Fish Lake 
248. Have an Interaction With a Beluga Whale at Shedd Aquarium 
249. Sheer a Sheep
250. Take 1 Tennis Lesson 
251. See a Rodeo Out West
252. Give up Solids for Lent 
253. Drive Around the USA in a Rented RV
254. Go to the Top of the Statue of Liberty
255. Visit All 50 States 
256. Try Caribou in Alaska
257. 25 Christmas Themed Outfits 
258. Dye my Hair Brown
259. Go Snow Tubing 
260. See a Toucan in the Wild 
261. Get a Henna Tattoo
262. See the Pinnacles Desert in Australia 
263. Actually Watch All the Oscar Nominees 
264. Go on a Date Wearing our Wedding Clothing 
265. Buy and Wear a Hat with Feathers
266. Churchill Canada Polar Bears Tour 
267. Stay at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island
268. Gamble at a Casino in Las Vegas 
269. Watch a Sumo Wrestling Match 
270. Husky Safari in Finland 
271. Video Tape my Grandpa's Stories 
272. Make a Scrapbook
273. See the Giant Buddha in China 
274. Ride in a Karaoke Taxi
275. Dance with my Step-Dad's Flamenco Group
276. Go to a Drive in Movie 
277. Night Dive With Manta Rays in Hawaii
278. Work on a Project With UNESCO
279. Dine at the Top of the Space Needle 
280. Easter Island 
281. Pick Cotton 
282. See St Basil in Russia 
283. Buy a Sari in India
284. Run with the Bulls
285. Take a Horse Drawn Sleigh Ride in the Snow (gentlegiants.com)
286. Pick Grapes
287. Purchase a Large Amount of Butterflies for an Occasion 
288. Go Christmas Caroling 
289. Sleep at a Sloth Rescue in Costa Rica 
290. Willis Tower
291. Acknowledge my Perfect Attendance in 5th Grade on an Application
292. Wear a Fun Wig 
293. Own a Peacock
294. Learn a Square Dance 
295. Pig Out on Fat Tuesday
296. Spend Thanksgiving in Plymouth Massachusetts
297. Covered Wagon Tour (wagonswestwyo.com)
298. Ride an Icelandic Horse...in Iceland 
299. Take a Native American Indian Tour 
300. Ride the Aquarium Elevator in Berlin
301. Go to The Newseum in D.C. 
302. Have Dinner in the Sky in Belgium
303. Jump a Horse
304. Eat at Ninja New York
305. Drive Across the Millau Viaduct Bridge in France
306. See a Ballet in Russia 
307. Write Something on the Black Lava in Hawaii
308. Float in the Dead Sea 
309. See a Cactus in the Desert 
310. Learn the 'Single Ladies' Dance
311. Walk the Walking Roller-coaster in Germany 
312. Take an Airboat Tour 
313. Take a College Class With my Husband
314. Take a Dance Class With my Husband 
315. Swim with Humpback Whales
316. Cage Dive with Hammer Head Sharks
317. Ride a Longhorn Bull Down the Street in Texas
318. Hitachi Sea Side Park in Japan
319. Stand in 'Garden Tomb' Where Jesus Was resurrected 
320. Go Inside the Mendenhall Ice Caves in Alaska 
321. Walk Through a Bamboo Forrest 
322. See the Tianzi Mountains in China
323. Actually Know Everything on the Voting Ballet 
324. Attend a Service at Notre Dame in Paris 
325. Donkey Trek in The Swiss Alps 
326. Train Exotic Animals in Oklahoma 
327. Surprise Someone with a Puppy (again)
328. Maple Sugaring 
329. Stay at a Working Farm 
330. Sign up for the Mrs. Michigan Pageant 
331. Take Another English Literature Class
332. Attend a Pow Pow
333. Visit Anne Franks' House 
334. Take a Picture With a Guard at Buckingham Palace
335. Join the 300 Club
336. Get a Personalized License Plate 
337. Lounge in the Blue Lagoon in Iceland
338. Ride in a Cable Car 
339. Walk Through Antelope Canyon in Arizona 
340. Eat at a Waterfall Restaurant in the Philippines 
341. Buy an Insanely Expensive Mattress
342. Walk on the Salt Flats 
343. Take the Sound of Music Tour in Austria 
344. Maccu Piccu 
345. See Noah's Arc
346. See Belly Dancers in Egypt 
347. Go Inside an Ice Cave in Austria 
348. Live to See a Female President in the USA
349. Cook Everyday for 1 Year
350. Tour Buckingham Palace 
351. Recycle All my Garbage 
352. Buy a Green Grapes Costume 
353. Watch a Live Birth....Preferably an Animal
354. Put a Prayer in the Western Wall in Israel 
355. Have my Favorite Songs in One Place
356. Buy an Entire Set of Cutco Knives 
357. See the Dazu Rock Carvings in China 
358. Climb to Taktsang in Bhutan 
359. Ride a Recumbent Bicycle 
360. Attend Church Every Sunday for 1 Year
361. Wadi Kharrar 
362. Spend the Night in a Castle 
363. Guest Ranch
364. Gullfoss in Iceland 
365. Wear a Bikini in Public 
366. La Segrada Familia 
367. Buy a Wet Suit
368. Ride in a Tuk Tuk
369. Finally Buy the $200 'Le Bon Usage' French Dictionary 
370. Eat Icelandic Sheep 
371. See a Real Geisha 
372. Visit Swarovski Crystal World in Austria 
373. See The Great Sphinx 
374. See The Great Pyramids 
375. Try Kangaroo Steak in Australia 
376. Review Hotels
377. See the Northern Lights 
378. Ride a Totora Boat in Peru
379. Buy a Cigar Store Indian 
380. Ballet Clothing
381. Hike Through Arches National Park in Utah 
382. Drink a Cocktail out of a Fruit
383. See a Glacier 
384. Giraffe Manor in Kenya 
385. See Uluru in Australia 
386. Fissure Snorkel in Iceland

1. Watch a Cage Fight 
2. Krav Maga
3. Tour The Pentagon
4. Pass the Level 1 Krav Maga test
5. Shoot a Handgun
6. Shoot Sporting Clays 
7. See the Mona Lisa
8. Spend a Day at Versailles 
9. See the Bank Jesse James Robbed
10. Stay at the Hyatt at the Arch Hotel
11. Spend Christmas Day at The Tomb of The Unknown Soldier 
12. Sneak into a Stranger's Wedding 
13. Eat at Cinderella's Castle
14. See the Kansas City Public Library
15. Eat at a Restaurant featured on the Food Network
16. Get my Braces Off
17. See My Daughter Dance With Prince Charming
18. An Onstage Flamenco Performance 
19. Fly First Class to Paris
20. Skydive 
21. Go to Punxatawney for Groundhog Day
22. Go to the Top of The Arc de Triomph 
23. Skinny Dip 
24. Take a Flying Lesson 
25. Write and Submit my Book Proposal 
26. Swim With Sea Turtles 
27. Visit a Gospel Church 
28. Go to Shipshewana 
29. Mt Rushmore
30. Go to the Top of the Eiffel Tower 
31. Find my Giant Lobster 
32. Visit the Louvre 
33. Visit L.L. Bean in the Middle of the Night 
34. Ride a Trolley 
35. Learn to Play the Violin 
36. Swedish Massage 
37. Go to Sesame Place 
38. Sesame Place Halloween Spooktacular 
39. See an Active Volcano 
40. Get a Black Eye
41. Translate a Book Into Another Language 
42. Oil Paint
43. Snorkel 
44. Ice Skate in Rockefeller Center 
45. Play With Baby Bears 
46. Millennium Park in Chicago 
47. Surprise Visit Someone in Another State
48. Fly in a Surprise Visitor 
49. Take an Amish Horse and Buggy Ride 
50. Dye my Hair Red
51. See the Shoe House
52. Buy a House
53. Donate Blood
54. Take Dressage Lessons
55. Polynesian Dance Class
56. Perform in a Hula Dance Show
57. Ride a Train
58. Meet my Soul Mate
59. Visit an Alpaca farm 
60. Wait to Discover the Sex of our Baby
61. Earn my Associate's Degree 
62. Eurobungy 
63. Earn my B.A. in French Language and Literature 
64. Hire Cinderella 
65. Become a Certified French Translator 
66. Rescue a Kitten
67. Take a Castle Tour in Loire Valley 
68. Drive Down the Curviest Street in the World 
69. Stay at the Kona Village Resort
70. See Cloudgate
71. Walk 5 Miles/Day for 50 Days
72. Study College Level Russian
73. Study College Level Arabic
74. See The Akaka Falls
75. Get a Physical
76. Get a Cocktail to-go
77. Experience Pregnancy 
78. See an Active Volcano 
79. Visit Savannah 
80. Stay in a Bed and Breakfast 
81. Stay at The Animal Kingdom Lodge
82. Feed a Giraffe
83. Give a Gag Gift at a Wedding 
84. Eat at Paula Dean's Restaurant 
85. See the Giant Redwoods in California 
86. Take a Boat Ride in Central Park 
87. Hold an Alligator
88. See Wormsloe Plantation 
89. Have Surgery 
90. See The Blue Man Group Live
91. Buy a Pair of Gucci Shoes on 5th Ave
92. Take a Ride in a Pedicab
93. Hot Air Balloon Ride
94. Dance on Top of a Bar in NYC
95. Dance on Stage at a Concert 
96. Meet Someone Famous 
97. Go to the Top of the Washington Monument 
98. Go on a Mystery Dinner Train Ride 
99. Eat at Cheers in Boston 
100. Meet the Naked Cowboy in NYC
101. Hold a Monkey 
102. See The Changing of The Guard in D.C.
103. Go to the Opera
104. Ride in a Limo
105. Go to a Luau in Hawaii
106. Become CPR Certified 
107. Legoland
108. Disney World 
109. Top of the Gateway Arch
110. Stay at the Hotel Hershey
111. Get Engaged Under the Eiffel Tower
112. Drive Through Safari 
113. Translate Professionally 
114. Learn How to Crochet
115. Drive Around an Entire Island 
116. Hula Outfit
117. Buy a Flamenco Dress
118. Flamenco Shawl
119. Stand Barefoot in the Black Sand Beach 
120. Hot Stone Massage 
121. Facial
122. Manicure/Pedicure 
123. Give Birth
124. Have Something Waxed
125. Have Something Pierced 
126. Go to Cedar Point 
127. Ride a Jet Ski
128. Milk a Cow
129. Drink Dom Perignon 
130. Genealogy of my mom's family
131. Own a Dodge Charger 
132. Sleep in the nude
133. Gain Recognition for The Best Hugger Award
134. Be a Bridesmaid 
135. Get Braces
136. Get a Funny Tattoo
137. Get Matching Tattoos
138. See a Psychic
139. Get Acupuncture 
140. Sing in a Band
141. Plant 100 Trees
142. Have my Portrait Painted
143. Have my Portrait Painted Along the Seine in Paris
144. Swedish Massage 
145. Kansas City Botanic Garden
146. Own a Piece of History 
147. Work With Horses 
148. Start a LIFE LIST Blog
149. Tour a Brewery 
150. Do Wedding Flowers Out of my House
151. Take a Spinning Class
152. Aerobics 
153. Buy a Nice Camera 
154. Juice
155. Buy Meat From a Butcher 
156. Become a Mother
157. Have a daughter 
158. Breastfeed
159. Donate my Breast Milk
160. Become a Floral Designer 
161. Work at a Horse Stable 
162. Have a housekeeper
163. Make a blanket
164. Shop at Tiffany's on 5th Avenue 
165. Fancy Photo Shoot 
166. Eat Kobe Beef
167. Go to the Movies Alone
168. Go to the Top of the Empire State Building 
169. Get an iphone 
170. Volunteer
171. T Rex Cafe 
172. Good Furniture 
173. Eat Black Truffles 
174. Grow Sunflowers
175. Stand in the Southern Most Tip of The USA
176. Paint a Coconut and Mail it
177. Watch Square Dancers 
178. Buy a Flat Screen
179. Buy a Pair of Gucci Shoes on 5th Ave
180. Buy a Versace Top in Paris 
181. Medieval Times
182. Buy Cast Iron Pans 
183. Have my Make Up Professionally Done 
184. Apologize to those I've hurt
185. Go Fishing 
186. Be A Part Of A Flashmob
187. Put a Boa Around My Neck
188. Swim With Sting Rays
189. BYOB Painting
190. Watch All The Oscar Nominated Films Before The Academy Awards
191. Go On A Cruise To The Bahamas

LIFE LIST: T-REX CAFE

When: June 2013

Where: T REX CAFE in Kansas City Kansas

Why this is on my list? I took my daughter on a day of LIFE LISTING fun, we went to Legoland, the Kansas City Aquarium, a train themed restaurant, a crayola restaurant and then I thought if we had time we'd go to this T REX CAFE for dinner...what I didn't realize was that it was in Kansas. As I crossed over the state line into Kansas from Missouri I was thinking how cool this was because it was a new state for me, I was also thinking about the fact that there was not 1 person who even knew I was in Kansas at this point. The T REX CAFE is a sister restaurant to the Rainforest Cafe which we love for the ambiance so to find a dinosaur themed restaurant...this was a no brainer.

Something I'd recommend? This was indisputably the coolest restaurant I've ever been to. I loved everything about it. Every flawless centimeter was in either the Jurassic, Mesozoic or Ice Age motif including the titles of the meals and drinks. I live for places like this! Anything fun, over the top and wild has my full attention and enthusiasm. This place was a million times better than I had hoped it would be, I thought the Rainforest Cafe did a good job with its animatronic jungle creatures and decor-the T-REX CAFE blew them out of the water. I certainly recommend a visit though there are only 2 locations that I am aware of, the other is in Downtown Disney World in Florida.

Will I go again? Are dinosaurs extinct? Of course I'll go again, we were going to go to the one in Disney but there was a really long wait. What I loved about Kansas City was that even though it is not a huge vacation destination we found some of the most unique things to do there. I was a great trip.

The Bathroom..that's hysterical.

For a very small fee you could go inside the play-totally worth it!

2 of my favorite things in 1 place...dinosaurs and huge amethyst  geodes! I was in heaven.  

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What's the most unique restaurant you've been to?

50 life list ideas

These are all experiences that I think everyone should have at least once in their lifetime. The items on this list are attainable to anyone regardless of gender or adult age and are affordable. The following list of 50 life list ideas are all things that I have done and all right here in my home state of Michigan. Though this list is not exclusive to Michiganders, in fact, these are things you could pretty much do wherever you live with the exception of Deleware, I assume you can't do any of these things in there because there is absolutely nothing to do in Deleware. So if you want to start a LIFE LIST but don't know where to begin, begin right in your home state!

1. Skydive
2. Ride a Motorcycle
3. Hot Air Balloon
4. Ride a Horse
5. Surprise Someone
6. Hot Stone Massage
7. Ice Skate
8. Fly First Class
9. Volunteer
10. Buy a Puppy
11. Rescue a Kitten
12. Acupuncture
13. Take a Flying Lesson
14. See a Psychic
15. Go Tubing Down a River
16. Sing Karaoke
17. Shoot a Handgun
18. Shoot Sporting Clays
19. Ride a Jet Ski
20. Take a Self Defense Class
21. Go Camping
22. Go to a Casino
23. Crash a Wedding
24. Go to the Opera
25. Meet Someone Famous
26. Learn How to Make a Flower Arrangement
27. Graduate From College
28. Learn a New Language
29. Get a Tattoo
30. Plant 100 Trees
31. Get a Manicure/Pedicure 
32. Get a Facial
33. Paint a Picture
34. Crochet a Scarf
35. Fish
36. Learn to Play a Musical Instrument (violin)
37. Go to an Inflatable Bounce House 
38. Plant a Garden
39. Go on a Blind Date
40. Donate Blood
41. Milk a Cow
42. Go Skinny Dipping 
43. See a Drive In Movie
44. Hula Dance
45. Learn to Flamenco Dance
46. Take a Spinning Class
47. Take a Mystery Dinner Train Ride
48. Become CPR Certified
49. Fall in Love
50. Drink Dom Perignon

If you have any inquiries about any of the above LIFE LIST experiences please email me at Allisonslifelist@gmail.com

Like The Ultimate Life List on facebook to see daily photos and updates. 

Which of these experiences have you had? Will you do any of these things this year?

LIFE LIST:GROW SUNFLOWERS

“There are not too many fables about mans misuse of sunflower seeds”  Richard Brautigan 
Where: Originally I planted these in my back yard but my dad didn't realize they were there and mowed over them. He was trying to be nice doing us a favor when we were out of town, I didn't say anything about it but I had been watching them grow for about 6 weeks and was a little bummed, but I decided even though according to the instructions, it was a little late in the season (late June) I'd try replanting anyhow and this is what they looked like by the middle of August!

When: I planted these in June and they bloomed in August.

Cost: Less than $5

Why this is on my list: I just like sunflowers. I love passing a large field of bloomed sunflowers and always knew that when I had a house one day I wanted to plant my own.

That's one happy little bee right there.

Something I'd recommend? Yes, in fact, I read this article in Time Magazine after mine had bloomed about the possibility of the Bumble Bee going extinct and it made me feel so fulfilled about my contribution to their food supply. "One thing we can all do to help is by planting bee friendly flowers in backyard gardens and keeping them free of pesticides." Not only do I recommend planting sunflowers but I'd like to encourage you to plant just a few seeds each year in an effort to help save the Honeybee!! Honeybees were all over my sunflowers, so it's a win-win, they get to eat organic pollen and you have the pleasure of watching these enormously beautiful flowers grow right in your yard.

Will I do it again? Absolutely. Not only is it a fun thing to do with my daughter, they are beautiful to look at but now that I know what I know about bees I will plant more this year just for them! Some people like to feed the birds...I'm gonna feed the bees. The annual value of the Honeybee to agricultural farming is over $15 billion and unfortunately they are dying off in extreme numbers most likely due to the large amounts of pesticides used on our foods today. Without the Honeybee we will start to see our fruit and vegetable supply diminish rapidly, and there are some foods like almonds which are completely dependent on Honeybee pollination. Hannah Nordhaus wrote a book called The Beekeepers Lament and  says that "Honeybees are the glue that holds our agricultural system together". So, who's with me?

“The sunflower is mine, in a way” Vincent Van Gogh 

If you have pictures of sunflowers you have grown please post them to The Ultimate Life List's facebook page!

Have you grown sunflowers? 
Will you this year to help save the Honeybee?

15 awesome finds at one of Michigan's finest small businesses

Several years ago I found this unique small business in one of my favorite towns in Michigan. Over time I've become close with the lovely family who owns The Birdfeeder/Bonnie and Clyde in Clarkston. They like to offer their customers a large variety of locally made and Mitten inspired products. About 2 years ago I decided to start a blog for the Michigan Enthusiast but have not found the time, recently one of the owners of this family run business mentioned they were looking for someone to blog about their store. Without hesitation I accepted the job...it was not necessarily offered to me...but I accepted none the less.

This family owned store has blossomed over the past 22 years into 3 different, yet combined shops; there's the boutique called Bonnie and Clyde where you can find the latest trends in clothes, jewelry, shoes, belts, scarves...etc. The Birdfeeder is where you can find every thing you need to take care of the wild birds in your yard but also is where you can find home decor items, Michigan made products and gifts. Then they also have The Clarkston Flower Shoppe with a group of very talented designers who love to think outside of the box to create unforgettable floral arrangements.  It's basically all things that I love in one spot. In fact, if I owned a business it would be very similar to this one, so I am very excited about my new opportunity to write about this store that is totally Ultimate Michigander worthy. Though this charming boutique has no shortage of Michigan made treasures you can also find all sorts of other unique goodies...

1. It's so cold in the D koozie from Detroit Apparel Factory out of Clarkston $4

2. Pillow printed on front and back $20.99

3. Women's Made in Detroit sweatshirt $58 company owned by Kid Rock

4.  Unique decorative plant holder $99.99

5. Granite coasters, set of 4 $32.50

6. Lake Art photo album, can be personalized $72.99

7. Assorted winter hats, shown above $38  

8. Made in Detroit fidel cap, multiple colors $25

9. Lionblood tee, created by NFL Detroit Lion's Wide Receiver Nate Burleson, $31

10. Kiss me I'm from Michigan women's tee $28.50

11. Hand carved by a local artist, styles and prices vary.

12. Creative floral designs available. Above shown-arrangement with military statue $225

13. A large variety of custom made signs, styles/sizes/prices vary.

14. Gizaun indoor/outdoor artwork. Styles/sizes/prices vary. Above shown $88

15. Bottle lamps, styles/prices vary.

All of the above items are available at The Birdfeeder/Bonnie and Clyde located on Main Street in Downtown Clarkston, Michigan @ 7150 North Main Street, Clarkston Mi. 248.625.9007.

Disclaimer: Prices are based per item. Most of the above items are made or printed in Michigan. Information printed above is relevant only as of January 2014. 

LIKE the Ultimate Life List on facebook to see more Michigan motivated lists.

Click HERE to view my list of 15 Great Gifts For Your Favorite Michigander which I am so proud to say was printed on the front page of The Oakland Press the week before Christmas.

For any further information about this store or The Ultimate Life List you can email me at Allisonslifelist@gmail.com

What are your favorite Michigan products and/or businesses?