Our #HTSummerStoryWin is in full swing! The winner will receive a $2,500 travel gift card to spend on the vacay of her dreams AND a feature on the site! Every week, we’re picking four semi finalists whose summer stories have touched us, inspired us or made us LOL. Have you entered?

AshleyAshley from Alliston, Ontario.

SDTC: What do you do for work? For fun?

A: I work at Earl Rowe Provincial Park as an administrative assistant during the summer. When I’m not working I am in University for Psychology. For fun I love the outdoors, fishing, camping, cottaging, swimming, travelling and I love concerts!!

SDTC: If you won the grand prize (a $2,500 travel gift card!!!), where would you go and why?

A: It’s a really hard choice because there is so many places I want to go but I think I’d go to the Bahamas! I’ve wanted to go there ever since I was 5 because in my favourite movie at the time – they went to the Bahamas and I always thought it looks super awesome and would be a great place to relax and take some me-time away from work and university.

SDTC: What’s your favourite way to spend a scorching summer day?

A: I love to spend a hot summer days boating, fishing and swimming.

SDTC: One summer beauty essential you can’t live without is…

A: Definitely my Hawaiian Tropic Tanning Lotion/Sunscreen because all  though I love being tanned, it is really important to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.

SDTC: What trend are you most looking forward to rocking this summer?

A: Dresses! I probably have summer dresses in every colour you can think of, I love them!!

lillyLilly Kavanagh from Edmonton, Alberta

SDTC: What do you do for work? For fun?

L: I am a financial analyst with the provincial government. For fun me and my husband love to travel. Many of our travels have been centered around half marathons and marathons, and cities rich in culture and history. You can also often find me exploring trails around the city with my boxer dog Dexter!

SDTC: If you won the grand prize (a $2,500 travel gift card!!!), where would you go and why?

L: I would use it towards a little getaway to Montreal in September with my husband to celebrate our engagement anniversary and to run the Rock n Roll half marathon. I have never been to Montreal so would love to take in the history and try some of the many great restaurants they have.

SDTC: What’s your favourite way to spend a scorching summer day?

L: Having a BBQ on my deck with family and friends. Drinks, sunshine, great company and great conversations; that’s what it’s all about!

SDTC: One summer beauty essential you can’t live without is…

L: Sunscreen is my absolute summer essential for my face and body since I spend a lot of time outdoors running, walking, hiking, and cycling so my face, arms, knees, and calves get quite a bit of sun.

SDTC: What trend are you most looking forward to rocking this summer?

L: When I’m not sporting my running gear, you can find me rocking florals, paisley prints, and khaki colors.

RadhikaRadhika Khan from Victoria, British Columbia.

SDTC: What do you do for work? For fun?

R: I work at a Beanstream, an electronic credit card processing company, but that is just my day job. I LOVE weddings and have branched out on my own this year with my event planning company, Rad Occasions. There has been a great response so far and I hope to have the whole summer booked next year.

SDTC: If you won the grand prize (a $2,500 travel gift card!!!), where would you go and why?

R: Oh wow, that would be amazing! There are so many places I want to go but I think my hubby and I would go to Australia and New Zealand. We are both movie buffs and would really enjoy seeing where they filmed movies like Lord of the Rings.

SDTC: What’s your favourite way to spend a scorching summer day?

R: My favourite way to spend a hot summer day is with some good friends, delicious food, and sangria. We usually host and my hubby loves to BBQ so it’s a win-win.

SDTC: One summer beauty essential you can’t live without is…

R: My Smashbox primer! It’s this amazing spray that keeps your makeup where it is supposed to be and freshens up wilting flowers and guests!

SDTC: What trend are you most looking forward to rocking this summer?

R: I am hoping to find a fabulous tulle skirt, I have been looking everywhere in the hopes of finding one under $50 as who knows how the long the trend will last!

JulieJulie Anstey from Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia.

SDTC: What do you do for work? For fun?

J: I am a biology student at Saint Mary’s University and work in retail for that little extra cash. For fun I love hanging out with my awesome friends and spending time with my dog, Charlie!

SDTC: If you won the grand prize (a $2,500 travel gift card!!!), where would you go and why?

J: If I won the grand prize I would probably faint! It’s hard to decide on one place to go, as I would love to travel the whole world, but right now I would have to say anywhere in Europe is at the top of my list. It just seems like such a beautiful, interesting and historic part of the world that I wanna explore!

SDTC: What’s your favourite way to spend a scorching summer day?

J: Laying out in the sand at one of Nova Scotia’s gorgeous beaches. There’s nothing better!

SDTC: One summer beauty essential you can’t live without is…

J: I can’t live without my bronzer! Gotta get my summer glow on 😉

SDTC: What trend are you most looking forward to rocking this summer?

J: I’m definitely into the boho trend this summer. The floaty and relaxed festival vibes are perfect for a hot day, and at night you can dress it up easily with some chunky jewelry!

Haven’t entered yet? Get on it, girl! All you gotta do is share your summer plans with us on Twitter by posting a pic and tagging @Shedoesthecity and @HTropic_CA with hashtag #HTSummerStoryWin. GOOD LUCK!