Spending April: A To-Do List for Adventuring Through the Month.

Have the first few days of April treated you nicely? I know we already established that April is my favorite because #birthdaymonth, but I love it for so many other reasons. It feels fresh and new and full of possibilities. Summer is right around the corner, days are longer, and it just feels like a good month, anyone else think so? 
Anyway, a fresh month means a fresh to-do list, so here are some of the things I think you should do with your new month: 

• Watch a sunrise with your coffee and no phone. Okay, you can take a picture with your phone, but then put it away!

• Plan a summer vacation. Whether you can afford to fly somewhere tropical or just take a weekend at home, both can be so fun if you take the time to plan them out!

• Write an April mantra for yourself. Write it down, stick it somewhere you'll see it every day, say it out loud often. It can be as simple as "I can do it." But something encouraging and life-giving!

• Make someone a personalized Easter basket. With their favorite candy!

• Find a smoothie recipe you like. Look, life is all about balance. I want to be good to my body. I also am not giving up pasta or pizza anytime soon. Smoothies help me balance. It's an easy way to fit a bunch of healthy things into your day. If you can find one you like, it makes being healthy a whole lot easier. PS: If you need some suggestions, I'm your girl. 

• Hit up the TJ Maxx candle aisle. The last three candles I've bought have been from there and they're so good! And a lot cheaper than they would be anywhere else, which is a win. 

• Make a vacation guide for your city. If someone was visiting your town, where would you recommend they spend their vacation at? It can be easy to grow immune to all the fun stuff your town has, so sit down and make a list!

• Make a summer reading list. 

• And a summer bucket list. Can you tell I love summer?

• Look at the top three things you complain about the most. Then do one of two things. One, decide to try to change them, if possible. Or two, find something about them to be thankful for, and repeat that to yourself every day. Example: Your job. Is it possible to look for new jobs right now? If so, awesome! Stop complaining, start looking! If it's not a good time for that, tell yourself every day that you're thankful for a paycheck. It can suck to make yourself be thankful for things you don't like, but it's healthy and can greatly change your mood.

• Invest ($10) in an ice roller. The epitome of bougie on a budget. 

• Bake cookies. Or brownies, or whatever treat you like! 

• Do one small thing a day strictly because it makes you happy. More small happy moments in April, please. 

How will you be spending your April?

Spending February: A To-Do List For Adventuring Through Your Month.

HAPPY FEBRUARY! After approximately 284,402 days in January, we have a fresh new month! 
My goal this year is to spend my time. I hope you join me in that this month! We get 28 days that we get to decide how to spend. Of course, I've got some suggestions: 

• Practice gratitude. This month, make a list (in your head or on your phone or in a notebook) of 5 little things from that day you were thankful for. 

• Have a movie night. It's freezing, get cozy. 

• Get yourself a robe. See above. IT IS COZY SEASON.

• Meditate. Just try it! 

• Try a new coffee or tea. I think hot drinks are the easiest way to treat yo'self this time of year. I just ordered this coconut coffee on the recommendation of Kait, and it's the most delicious afternoon treat. 

• Make time to watch at least one sunset a week.

• Plan lunch with a friend. Takes effort, yes. But it's worth it. 

• Mail out Valentine's Day cards. 

• Make chocolate covered somethings. Strawberries? Chips? Up to you. Get crazy. Blame Cupid. 

• Make a list of books you want to read/keep hearing about. Then get on the waitlist for them at the library! 

• Make breakfast for dinner. I made these twice last week. So delicious! 

• Have a "no Netflix" night. Read a book instead. See if you sleep better. 

• Celebrate Galentine's Day. Make our girl Leslie Knope PROUD.

• Celebrate Valentine's Day. 

• Go thrifting. Thanks to the whole Marie Kondo movement, the thrift stores are on fire. 

• Start planning a summer trip. If this polar vortex has you feeling down, start planning a visit to somewhere tropical! 

• Start adding bathing suits to your Amazon wish list. On my list: This one, this one, and this one. 

• Send a thank you card/email/text.

• Make a list of all the tacos in your town. Seriously, all of them. Make 2019 the year of sampling tacos and finding the very best one. 

• Make something with your hands. Cook a meal or make a craft or build a bookshelf. It's satisfying to make something tangible with your own two hands.

• Make homemade muffins. 

• Get some house shoes or fuzzy socks. Again, COZY SEASON.

How will you be spending your February?

Spending December: A To-Do List For Adventuring Through Your Month.

It's the most magical month of the yearrrrrr! And there are 31 days of magic we get to choose how to spend. I have a few ideas of how you should spend them. 
1. Start an Advent calendar / reading plan. Yes, we're a few days late. Yes, you can still do it. 
2. Donate to those in need. There are most likely things in your kitchen that you could donate to a local food pantry and not miss at all, but they could make someone's whole holiday so much better. 
3. Make a playlist of your very favorite Christmas songs. Blast said playlist as often as possible. 
4. Decorate for Christmas! Whether you go all out or get a mini tree from the dollar store, do whatever makes you happy.
5. Watch Elf. Not in the Christmas spirit yet? We can fix that. 
6. Mail someone a Christmas card. Bonus points if it's someone who wouldn't expect one. 
7. Look up festive things happening in your town this month. 
8. Get some holiday coffee. Highly recommend the Archer Farms candy cane and gingerbread flavors, both at Target.
9. Declutter. Especially if you have a kid who will be receiving toys for Christmas. Toss/donate old toys.
10. Give someone a gift in secret. LOVE Secret Santa in real life. 
11. Bake Christmas treats. 
12. Watch your favorite Christmas movie.
13. Watch a Christmas movie you've never seen before. 
14. Go take Santa pics. Take your kid or your pet and then please share these pictures. I have two years of priceless Santa pics with Jack, really hoping for a third funny one. 
15. Get dressed up. There's just something about getting dressed up in December. You can get fancier than normal and it just feels right. 
16. If you live in driving distance of Orlando, go to Grinchmas at Universal! I mean, I personally think it's even worth getting on a plane for. It's my FAVORITE. 
17. Do something that has nothing to do with your to-do list. Take a break and check in with yourself. Don't get so busy doing all the things that you don't enjoy this season. 
18. Have a Christmas dinner party. Whether you invite over the whole neighborhood or just cook your favorite festive things and watch a movie, both are perfect. 
19. Make hot chocolate. Get fancy with it! 
20. What's the one thing that always makes it feel like Christmas to you? Do that one thing. 
21. Make your last-minute Christmas shopping a festive celebration. Last minute shopping used to stress me out to NO END. But the last few years, I've made it into a celebration...Christmas music, peppermint mochas, enjoying all the store's decorations. 
22. Go to a Christmas service. Regardless of your faith, there's something incredibly peaceful about Christmas services. 
23. Go look at Christmas lights. 
24. Celebrate Christmas Eve! My favorite day of the year! 
25. MERRY CHRISTMAS! Make it the best one ever! 
26. Have the MOST lazy day. Yesterday was probably crazy, take a break today! 
27. Spend some time reflecting on 2018. What do you hope to be different in 2019?
28. Write 2018 a letter. 
29. Write 2019 a letter. 
30. Set some goals! Whatcha gonna do with this new year headed your way?
31. Celebrate New Years! 
How will you be spending December?

Spending November: A To-Do List For Adventuring Through The Month.

HAPPY NOVEMBER YOU BEAUTIFUL HUMANS! Howwwww is it November, I don't know. But here we are!  
I love November. And whether you're team ALL THINGS CHRISTMAS AT MIDNIGHT or team MIDNIGHT ON THANKSGIVING AS THE GOOD LORD INTENDED, I think we can all agree November has a special kind of magic. 
Of course, I've got some suggestions for how you should spend your magical November. 

1. Try your hand at NaNoWriMo. If you're a writer of any kind, google this! 
2. Write thankful cards. Everyone loves getting mail. Get into the spirit of the season and send some "I'm thankful for you" notes. It'll make someone's day. 
3. Drink hot apple cider. 'Tis the season! 
4. Get your pumpkin fix. Christmas is coming with its peppermint. Eat allll the pumpkin things while you can!
5. Make those Christmas lists. It's early but do you want to be stressed out over Christmas shopping? No, you do not.
6. VOTE. For the love of goodness. 
7. Have a bonfire. There's seriously something magical about fires in November. Cozy up and make some s'mores! 
8. Get a pumpkin peanut brittle candle from Bath & Body Works. It's the best smelling candle I've had this season! 
9. Make an Autumn in New York radio station. It's magical. Perfect working or cleaning with the windows open music. Also perfect background music for a dinner party. 
10. Invite someone over for dinner. If you are like me, maybe you get a little anxious about having new people over for dinner. Or the thought of cleaning and cooking and entertaining someone exhausts you. I get it. But, last night, I had dinner over at one of my best friends' houses where she made us pumpkin chili for the 3rd Halloween in a row. This Halloween, Jack and her little babe played while we ate. Do you know how I met her? Had her over for dinner when she moved in the neighborhood. I was anxious about it, I was not looking forward to it, but I truly cannot imagine life without her. So hey - have someone over for dinner. 
11. Make pumpkin chili. Speaking of the above, I know it sounds like a weird combo, but it's freaking delicious. 
12. Take some time to reflect on the year. It's almost over! What have you learned? What do you want to do different your next go around? What are you thankful for?
13. Start drinking sleepytime tea to wind down for the night. There's something so cozy about curling up with a warm mug, and it's GOOD to force your brain to slow down before going to bed. 
14. Have a Thanksgiving test-run. Making something new for Thanksgiving this year? Practice it for dinner one night. 1) Less chance of ruining it on actual Thanksgiving and 2) You get to eat a delicious appetizer or meal or dessert TWICE. Winning. 
15. Go find some pretty fall foliage. Take all the pictures for me! 
16. Donate to a food drive or a shelter that offers Thanksgiving food to families in need. Whether you can spare some money or just some extra food, share the wealth this year. You won't miss it, and it will mean the world to someone.    17. Do something outside your comfort zone. Maybe this is trying a new food or going to a movie alone or planning some big adventure. Whatever it is, it's good to leave your comfort zone every now and then. 
18. Have Friendsgiving. This can be as extravagant as an actual Thanksgiving feast or as casual as ordering takeout and eating it in your pajamas with your best friend. Just celebrate those friendships you have to be thankful for!   19. Make a Black Friday list. 
20. Surprise someone. With flowers, with their favorite candy, with a dinner out. Surprises are fun.    21. Have a good, old-fashioned game night. These are always so much fun! 
22. Celebrate Thanksgiving! Here's a gentle reminder that wherever you're celebrating, and whoever you're celebrating with, it's perfect. And here's a less-gentle reminder to not get so caught up in the pinterest-perfect Thanksgiving or wishing you had thanksgiving somewhere else that you miss out on the beautiful day that's in front of you. 
23. Go Black Friday shopping! Whether you're hardcore and map out your whole night, or your like me and just go to Target for fun, HAVE A BLAST! Listen to Christmas music, drink peppermint mochas, enjoy! 
24. Make a note - mental or physical or whatever you have to do - to savor the season. Less stressing, more savoring. 
25. Make the perfect Christmas music playlist. 'TIS THE SEASON LET'S GOOOOO.
26. Take more walks. Breathe in some of that magical air!    27. Make sure you're taking care of yourself. Whatever that looks like. Yoga or meal prep or naps or saying no. It's a busy season, but you need to be at the top of whatever to-do list you've got. 
How will you be spending your November?

Spending October: A To-Do List For Adventuring Through The Month.

HAPPY OCTOBER! The last three months of the year are my favorite...it's the moooooosssssttt wonderful time of the yearrrrrrrr...and it's here! Yay! Here's some ideas for how to spend these magical 31 days.

1. Make a decision to finish the last 90 days of 2018 strong. Because ready or not, here we are.
2. Make a fall "must-do" lists. Listen. The last three months of the year? They fly. So write down the things you really want to do and make them a priority, or they might not (probably will not) happen.
3. If you haven't yet, get some fall candles. It doesn't have to be pumpkin or apple, just anything that makes you feel cozy when you light it. 
4. Get your kid and / or pet a Halloween costume. Animal costumes will never not be funny to me. Jack and Gatsby both got dressed up in their costumes for months after Halloween was over. 
5. Go to Trader Joe's and check out their vast selection of fall stuff. If you don't live near one, it's worth a road trip. They really shine this time of year. So. Much. Pumpkin. 
6. Take your TJ finds on a picnic. Whenever it's cool enough to sit outside for five minutes without sweating (so, not here yet), I immediately think of picnics. There's something so nice about eating outside, no TV or distractions.
7. Make an "Autumn in New York" Station. I recommend this every year because it is just the best. Instant fall mood. 
8. Have friends over for a fire. Make s'mores. It's fall's version of a cookout. 
9. Go to a fair. Nothing says October like cotton candy and corn dogs. 
10. Go to a pumpkin patch. Take all the pictures. 
11. Sneak your pet into a pumpkin patch and take all the pictures. (Preferably in their costume).
12. Make caramel apples. PS: Does anyone know why this got labeled a fall thing? They're delicious!
13. Read a thriller. I read one every October...any recommendations for this month's choice?
14. Carve pumpkins. But don't leave them on the porch in the Florida heat, because they will rot and stain your concrete. Not that I know this, or anything.
15. Bake your favorite fall treats. 
16. Make a list of people you'll be buying Christmas gifts for. Trust me, it's gonna sneak up on you. Put a list in your phone so when you see gifts or have ideas, you can write them down.
17. Take advantage of cooler nights (whenever they come) and open your windows. It's just refreshing and let fresh air in your house. 
18. Get some mums for your front door. They're less than $10 at Home Depot and they brighten up any area.
19. Try a new soup recipe. I could eat soup for every meal any time, but fall makes me want soup allll the time. 
20. Rent a carpet cleaner. This might not seem like an exciting thing, but it totally is (or maybe I'm just getting old). We got a carpet cleaner on super clearance a few months ago, and it is amazing how much cleaner my house feels when I use it. Trust me. Try it.
21. Go to Goodwill. I am constantly amazed by the nice things I find there.
22. Get a coffee frother. I've been using this one and it makes coffee so much better.
23. Go through your summer clothes and sell or donate ones you don't wear. It's freeing to have your closet limited to-wait for it-clothes you actually wear.
24. Have a scary movie night. If you're like me and cannot do scary movies, have a thriller movie night. 
25. Spend more time outside. Going for walks, sitting and drinking coffee, whatever you like. Get more fresh air this month.
26. Get yourself a floppy hat. Or a beanie, or a scarf, or something that feels "fall-ish" and makes you happy when you wear it. 
27. Try this almond toffee coffee. If you need a break from all the pumpkin flavors, this one is delicious.  
28. Take some freakin' breaks. Seriously, we're heading into the busiest and most stressful (if you let it be) season of the year. Take care of yourself.
29. While you're taking a break, watch the sunrise or sunset. Don't forget how beautiful the world we live in is. 
30. Stock up for trick-or-treaters. And yourself, let's be real.
31. Celebrate Halloween! Please send pictures of your pets and kids in their costumes, thank you very much. 
How will you be spending October?

Spending September: A To-Do List For Adventuring Through The Month.

Happy September! September is this perfect little slice of the year where it's still summer, but fall starts creeping in on a daily basis. Pumpkin spice coffee in the morning, sunny pool days in the afternoon. Cutoffs and flipflops, but cozy cardigans on top. I love this part of the year. 
We've got 25 of these glorious days left. Here are some ways I think you should use them:
1. Write out some mantras and manifestations for the month. What do you want out of this month? Write it down and say it out loud!
2. Have a cookout while the weather is still summer weather.
3. And then have a picnic when it starts to cool down. 
4. Write down things you see that you'd like as a gift. 
5. Make a playlist that instantly gets you out of a funk. Also, tell me a few songs that are on that playlist, because I'm currently building one of my own and I need more songs! 
6. Get yourself a pumpkin spice coffee. 'Tis the season. Pro tip: If you don't like PSL's because you think they're too sweet, order yours with half the syrup and an extra shot of espresso. 
7. Get this coffee frother. It's under $7 and will make your fall coffees so much better! 
8. Write down 10 (little) things your thankful for every day. I've started doing this and both 1) harder than you'd think, and 2) a GREAT perspective shifter. 
9. Get a fall-colored cardigan. I do this every year, because every year fall clothes hit the stores and I want them ALLLL. Since that's not an option, I get a fall colored cardigan/jacket/scarf/something of the sort that can go with things I already own. This year, I got this cozy cardigan in the gold color (it's the prettiest, bright mustard color and I love it!)
10. Go for a relaxing walk. Not a burn calories walk, not a talk on the phone walk, just a walk to breathe some fresh air and clear your mind. 
11. DIY a pumpkin spice latte. Save lots of money and possibly find your new favorite drink! 
12. Get some new candles. I hit up the Bath & Body Works sale and my house smells so good! Fresh candles just make everything feel cleaner and cozier.
13. Set a health-related goal. What can you do this month to better your health? Drink more water? Go on a certain amount of walks? Go to bed earlier to get more sleep? Set a goal and do it, then see how much better you feel at the end of the month.
14. Wear something you like, but think you can't pull off. Bright lipstick or a jumpsuit or your hair a certain way. I bet you look great. 
15. Next time you have a success, big or small, make an effort to celebrate it. With a fun dinner, or ice cream, or a full-on party if you want. Congratulate yourself on your successes the same way you would a friend. 
16. Start paying close attention to the things you say "yes" to. Wouldn't it be awesome to head into 2019 feeling confident about knowing when to say yes and when to say no?
17. Next time you have dinner with someone, leave your phone in the car (or in the other room) so you have to actually pay attention to each other. One of my best friends told me that her and her husband do this when they have date night, and their conversations are so much better for it!
18. Clean out your closet. For real this time. Throw things away, sell them, donate them, whatever. If you don't wear it, get it out of there. You'll feel so much better!
19. Watch the sunrise. At least one time this month!
20. Next time you get the urge to go shopping, hit up a thrift store first. Unique finds and less money - it's a win-win!
21. Try to recreate your favorite dinner out. Cocktails, appetizers, desserts, the works! 
22. Make a fall bucket list. The rest of the year flies by, you know this. Write some must-do's down so they take priority on those precious free weekends. 
23. Rewatch a movie you loved but only saw once. There's something about rewatching favorites that is an instant mood-booster. 
24. Try your hardest to have one day this month where you have no plans. If you can't swing a whole day, start with an afternoon. Giving your brain time to take a break is so important! 
25. Get a Zak Tumbler next time you're at Target. Someone stole my Yeti last month (SO SAD) and while this is no Yeti, it does keep your drinks hot or cold for a very long time! Plus, $9.99 for the 30 oz one is a great deal!
How will you be spending your September?

Spending August: A To-Do List For Adventuring Through Your Month.

HAPPY AUGUST!! Are you wishing fall here or wishing for more summer?? I've always been one to wish it was fall as soon as August came, but being in Florida, summer is here for a bit longer. I'm going to enjoy every bit of that!

Team fall or team summer, here are some suggestions on how you should spend your brand new month: 

• Text your friends and ask how they are. I had a pretty awful day yesterday. As I'm writing this, my best friend (who was there for said day) texted me and asked how I was doing. That makes me feel so freaking loved and seen. Do that for your people! 

• Go to the beach. Seriously, just go. You've been saying you will. Summer is winding down, it's happening. Rent a cheap air bnb, leave after work on Friday, and go sit your butt in the sand. You'll feel better.

• Rent a carpet cleaner. This may not sound fun, but there it is AMAZING how much cleaner and more peaceful your house feels with clean carpets. We recently bought this one and I'm obsessed with it. 

• Get your eyebrows tinted. If you fill in your eyebrows, do this. I got mine done (it's only $8!) and haven't touched an eyebrow pencil all week!

• Enjoy an afternoon iced coffee. My favorite: Coffee, ice, coconut milk (the good, thick kind from a can), and cinnamon. Easy peasy. 

• Make grilled pizzas. Food photographer I am not, but look how delicious this looks:

• Watch a comedy. There's a bunch of good comedies on Netflix right now!

• Raid the back to school supplies. No other time of the year will you have such an extensive selection of pens at your disposal. 

• Get a new planner. On that note: Does anyone have suggestions for planners that have a whole page per day? I can't with these planners that give you like two inches to write out your whole day!

• For a week, replace a meal or snack with a smoothie. Not a diet smoothie, a good for you smoothie. Packed with fruits and veggies and lots of goooood calories. I HIGHLY recommend blender bombs. They're changing my life over here. 

• Send a thank you card. Target dollar spot always has the cutest thank you cards. Who doesn't love getting a pretty card in the mail?

• Get an ice roller. Seriously the most refreshing thing to have in the morning! 

• Write down three things you'd like to accomplish before the year is over. Put them somewhere you will see them every day. You have five months, you can do this!

• Buy key lime LaCroix. SO GOOD. How does it taste like cake?!

• Get reusable straws. More and more places are banning plastic straws. These are my favorite, and they make it easier to drink more water during the day!

• Go to the fanciest grocery store in your town. Even just to browse!

• Read (or listen to!) Girl, Wash Your Face. I know I sound like a broken record about this book. But it's truly changed my life, and I want everyone to hear about it!

How will you be spending your August?

Spending June: A To-Do List For Adventuring Through Your Month.

1. Stock up on sunscreen!
2. Get rid of the bathing suits you no longer wear. 
3. Set aside an afternoon (ugh, entire day, if your laundry room looks like mine) and get completely caught up on laundry. Fun? No. Worth it? Yes. 
4. Get some sidewalk chalk. If you have kids in your life, color with them! If you don't, chalk yourself up an instagram pic. 
5. Make a list of your favorite foods you order out. Set a goal to learn how to copycat them at home this summer! 
6. Do the same with your favorite drinks!
7. Make a list of the responsible (aka, not the most fun) things you have to do this summer.  That way you won't lay awake at night wondering what you're forgetting to do. 
8. Set reminders in your phone to encourage your friends. So simple, so meaningful.
9. Next time you're in the drive-thru getting coffee, pay for the order behind you. 
10. Make dinner only using things you bought at a Farmer's Market.
11. For a week, write down every single time you truly feel happy. Read it at the end of the week and look for ways to cultivate that happiness. 
12. Invite someone to go get ice cream. 
13. Buy a cute pitcher to make drinking enough water easier.
14. Get ahead. Whatever stresses you out the most, set aside a few hours and just work on it.
15. Buy yourself some fancy coffee. 
16. Do a social media cleanse. Aka, unfollow anyone that makes you feel bad about yourself. 
17. Read a thriller. I recommend The Wife Between Us!
18. Make whatever your favorite summer treat was when you were a kid. 
19. Track down a drive-in movie theatre in your state. Road trip!
20. Forgive somebody. You don't have to tell them. You don't have to think whatever they did was okay. But let it go, you'll feel so much lighter. 
21. Chase down the ice cream truck. 
22. Make lemonade. Does it get any more summer than that?
23. Go to an outdoor concert. 
24. Ignore your to-do list and spend a day by the pool. 
25. Go to TJ Maxx or Ross and stock up on beach towels. See also: Throw out all your ratty ones!
26. Make BLT's for dinner. These will always make me feel like it's summer! 
27. Have a vacation day. Even if you can't take a vacation this summer, take a vacation day (on a weekend, or a day you already have off, if you need to!) and do vacationy things! 
28. Print out your pictures. Pay homage to the days of getting your summer cameras developed.
29. Try out some new salads. Hot weather and salads just go together. 
30. Make a smoothie. Get your fruits and veggies in while tricking yourself into thinking you're enjoying some sort of summer cocktail 
How will you be spending your June?

Spending Your May: A To-Do List For Adventuring Through The Month.

1. Get outside! Celebrate the (hopefully?) warm weather and start spending more time outside!  
2. Text a friend and let them know you're praying for them. If you're not a praying person, then that you're thinking of them. A quick text can go a long way. 
3. Find some healthy snacks that you like. For me, the summer means constant snacking. Road trips, beach days, pool days, cookouts...snacks, snacks, snacks. I'm always gonna love some pizza and junk food, but it's nice to have a few healthy snacks (that I enjoy) thrown into the rotation. 
4. Deep clean your house. This isn't fun, but you'll feel so much better when it's done. Promise. 
5. Do something creative. Paint, or write a poem, or make a craft. Something that gets your creative mind working!
6. Take a reading break. Outside in the sun, preferably! 
7. Make a running to-do list. Things that you know you need to get to, but aren't super pressing this very day. Having this list helps me not be stressed when random things I need to eventually do pop into my brain - I just add them to the list!  
8. Go to a yard sale. People have yard sales when they have too much stuff, which means sometimes, you can find really amazing things for really amazing prices, simply because they wanna get rid of them!
9. Back up your phone pictures. Most people don't think about doing this until it's too late!
10. Get a hammock. There's nothing like swinging in a hammock while the sun goes down during the summer. 
11. Buy a baseball cap. They're really cute, they keep the sun out of your face, and you don't have to do your hair. Win, win, win.
12. Branch out and find your favorite summer drink. Last summer was the summer I fell in love with LaCroix. This year it's Fiesty Cherry Diet Coke. 
13. Get some cheap sunglasses. You're (probably) going to lose them or break them anyway. 
14. Look up outdoor concerts near you. 
15. Learn how to use a grill. If you already know how to, then try some new recipes on that baby!
16. Throw out old bathing suits that you know you're not going to wear this summer.
17. Go out for breakfast. The more hole-in-the-wall the place, the better.
18. Bake a cake. I can't remember the last time I baked a cake! 
19. Hang up some string lights. An instant whimsical, good mood.
20. Look up happy hours around you. I was great at this in Orlando, but I need to do this here! Lots of places have a big happy hour menu, and who doesn't love a bunch of appetizers for dinner?
21. Use your crockpot more. I know crockpot meals are often thought of as a fall and winter thing, but there's something so nice about not having to cook dinner during the summer...just throw some ingredients in and be done with it!
22. Write down or print off some quotes that inspire you. Put them around your house for mini boosts of inspiration throughout your day.
23. Buy all of the fruit! Summer fruit is the best fruit.
24. Spend a day on the water. By a pool, on a boat, at the beach...any water! 
25. Make an effort to slow down every day. A sunset walk or a bubble bath or a chapter of a good book...just take some deep breaths and enjoy your life at a slower pace for a small fraction of your day.
26. Get this after sun lotion. If you're going to be in the sun at all this summer, you need it. I actually use it every day, whether I'm in the sun or not, because it just smells like vacation and that makes me happy. 
27. Sit outside and just look at the stars. If you live in the city, you might have to drive a bit for this one, but it's worth it. Nothing centers me quite like that. 
28. Make homemade ice cream. A summer staple! 
29. Have a movie night. You know, for those movies that you say you're going to go see in theatres, but never quite make it there. 
30. Next time you have to run errands, grab your favorite coffee beforehand. Makes grocery shopping a little better. 
31. Get a disposable camera and get it developed at the end of summer. No worrying about if you got a good picture or how you should filter it, just snap and be surpised later! 
How will you be spending this month?

Spending April: A To-Do List for Adventuring Through Your Month.

1. Celebrate Easter.
2. Celebrate Easter part two: Hit up the clearance Easter candy. Love you, Starburst jellybeans. Too, too much.
3. Do something kind for someone. What's the first thing that popped into your mind when you read that? Do that.
4. Download an Audiobook. If you don't have audible, click here for a free trial and two free books. I'm currently listening to this one because even when I'm reading, I'm a sucker for reality TV. 
5. Spend a day outside. In a backyard, by a pool, on a beach. If a day is too much for you, then an afternoon, or an hour, or a few minutes on a walk. Just get outside, it's so good for you!
6. Get your eyebrows done. Or your nails. Or get a massage. A small way to treat yo'self, because you deserve it.
7. Think about simple "special occasion" things that you like and try to bring more of those to your everyday. Examples: I love fresh flowers, but I rarely ever buy them unless it's someone's birthday or something. I love eating popcorn at the movies, but I never buy it for my house. Whatever your flowers and popcorn are, bring them into normal life every now and then. 
8. Tell someone they inspire you. So simple, such a big impact.
9. Turn off notifications on your phone. This. Is. Life. Changing. The only notifications I get on my phone now are for texts and calls, everything else I have to check manually. I love it.
10. Clean out your fridge. It's not fun, but neither is going to cook some bacon and realizing it expired four months ago. Talking about a friend, obviously. 
11. Plan a summer trip. A few days to another state, if you have the time and money. An afternoon to a town near you if you don't. Both can be so fun.
12. Watch your favorite movie.
13. Plan a reunion. With out-of-town family or long-distance friends.
14. The fourteenth is my birthday! Eat some cake for me. 
15. Plant something. April showers bring May flowers, and all of that. 
16. Take ten minutes to remove some negative feelings from your life. A few examples: Someone you follow on social media who only makes you upset when you see them, clothes that don't fit and only irritate you when you try them on, etc. 
17. Pick a New Year's Resolution you made and work really hard on it this week. If you didn't make those, just pick a goal you have for yourself and work hard at it for a week.
18. Delete old texts/emails/voicemails from your phone. Clutter is clutter. You'll feel better.
19. What's your least favorite part of the day? Find a way to make it better. Hate mornings? Make them better with your favorite coffee. Afternoons suck for you? Take a later lunch break with a walk and some fresh air. Just try it!
20. Try dessert hummus. I was so skeptical, but it's amazing with strawberries.
21. Pick a no-tv night and read a book instead. 
22. Make a playlist of all your old favorite songs. Jam out. Make teenage you so proud. 
23. Buy new office supplies. My love language.
24. Compliment yourself more. I'm learning a lot that you should be your own friend. 
25. Make breakfast for dinner.
26. Watch more sunrises. And more sunsets. 
27. Go out for ice cream. There's something so nostalgic about this.
28. Speak into a friend with some heartfelt encouragement. We all need that from time to time. 
29. Make an effort to drink more water than you currently drink. Immediate side-effect: Feel better than you currently feel.
30. Get a day pass to a fancy hotel near year. Spend the day ordering nachos by the pool without having to pay to sleep in a bed in your own town. 
How will you be spending your April?

Spending March: A To-Do List For Adventuring Through Your Month.

1. Practice the one minute rule. My goal is to do this for all of March. The general gist of it is that if you come across something that needs to be done that takes less than a minute, you do it right then. 
2. Add a cup of green tea to your day. This is my favorite one. Lots of health benefits, but also it just tastes good! 
3. Eat a meal outside. 
4. Respond to all of your unanswered texts. If it's been too long or you're not gonna answer, delete them. Clutter isn't just messes around the house, it's things like too many unread emails or unanswered messages. 
5. Make a summer reading list. I put this on March's list so that you can go ahead and get on the waiting list for the popular reads at the library, and hopefully get your books in time for summer!
6. Next time your friends want to do something, plan a really fun night in. Order takeout and binge-watch something, cook dinner, drink wine by a fire...some of the best nights I've had with friends have been nights we stayed in. 
7. Make an effort to compliment people out loud. Like something someone wrote? Tell them! Think someone is doing a really good job? Say so!
8. Get some headbands. It's basically summer here, and I rarely do my hair in the summer. It's just too hot and it doesn't last. Headbands to the rescue. I just bought these (all under $4!): 

9. And a hat. See above. This is my favorite. 
10. Go to Sonic. Something about warm weather makes me neeeeed a cherry limeade. And an ocean water. 
11. Try a new brunch place. 
12. Listen to Kasey Musgrave's new album! The queen is back! 
13. Go to a farmer's market in your town. I went to one last Saturday and came away with all sorts of good stuff I never would have found at a brick and mortar store.
14. Go for a walk during the sunrise. This is becoming my favorite way to start the day. 
15. And for a walk during the sunset. The very best way to wind down after a long day. 
16. Plan a day trip somewhere. Can't afford a vacation right now? It's amazing how much adventure you can fit into a single day. 
17. Celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Funny story: 6 years ago I went to a birthday party that just happened to be on St. Patrick's Day, and it was tacos + margaritas. And it just somehow became my rule that celebrating St. Patrick's day means eating tacos. 
18. Get rid of any mugs you don't use. That way when you're checking out at Marshall's and see a mug you realllllly need, you can buy it. 
19. Check in on a friend you haven't heard from in awhile. 
20. Find a protein powder you actually enjoy. I like this one (with peanut butter!) and this one (with almond butter!). 
21. Take a hot bath. Relaxing for a hot second (ha) does wonders for your mental health. 
22. Go out of your way to be kind to someone. Being kind makes you feel good about yourself, period. And I know that shouldn't be your motivation for being kind, but hey, it's a nice side effect. 
23. Go on a photo-spot scavenger hunt of your city. Go find the colorful walls, the 'gram-worthy backgrounds, all the places begging to have their pictures taken!
24. Make a note (a literal one, if you have to!) of the moments you feel the happiest and the moments you feel least happy. What can you do about that? 
25. Make someone an Easter basket. 
26. Buy something fancy at the grocery store. I have no idea why I'll pay $20 for dinner out, but $10 seems expensive to me when I'm grocery shopping. Treat yo'self to something tasty. 
27. Clean out your bathroom cabinets. I did this last night, and two things happened: 1) I threw out stuff there was never a chance of me using again (like half-used pink hair dye, lotion that had turned yellow, etc.), and 2) I found stuff that I have been buying, not realizing I already had it. 
28. Dye Easter eggs. 
29. Make a pitcher of water + fruit at the beginning of the day. Fruity water is just easier to drink and gives me major vacation vibes. 
30. Make someone a playlist. Throw it back to highschool where the highest form of friendship was a burned CD.
31. Start planning a trip to the beach. No summer should end without seeing the ocean - start planning! 
How will you be spending your March?

Spending February: A To-Do List for Adventuring Through the Month.

1. Take a look at those resolutions, whatever form you made them in. How are they going? 
2. Spend the afternoon in a town near you. A 30-minute drive can show you all sorts of new places.  
3. Write down your favorite things that happened in January.
4. Make Superbowl snacks. We're all here for the snacks and the commercials. 
5. Spend 10 minutes deleting emails you no longer need. 
6. Mail some Valentine's Day cards. Why does this stop being a thing in elementary school?
7. Try your hand at copying your favorite drink. Going out for drinks is fun. It's also just dumb expensive. Last summer I had this magical sangria with SORBET floating in it, and I'm going to try to copy that. Stay tuned. 
8. And your favorite meal. Again, going out to eat is fun. But wouldn't it be nice to have the option to eat your favorite thing at home, whenever you wanted?
9. Go somewhere that has live music. 
10. Have at-home fondue for dinner. I feel like this is a very February thing to do.
11. Get a good pink lipstick. This is my favorite pink lipstick ever. It's under $5 and lasts forever. 
12. Make chocolate covered strawberries. This is what February is for. 
13. Celebrate Galentine's Day.
14. In honor of Valentine's Day, watch your favorite romcom. Mine is Crazy Stupid Love. What's yours?
15. Send a love letter. 
16. Go to a consignment shop near you. Yesterday, I got a romper for two dollars. TWO DOLLARS. 
17. Plan a spring break. Again-why does this stop after school? Even if it's just a weekend, plan a fun little spring break for yourself. A girls trip or a beach day or just a day off. 
18. Just enjoy your coffee one morning. Don't jump immediately into emails or to-do lists, but make an effort to slowly enjoy the start of your day. Read a book, or your Bible. Sit outside or curl up under a blanket. Whatever a few slow moments look like to you, do that.
19. Make a "good vibes only" playlist. I have one of these and every time I hear a song that instantly puts me in a good mood, it goes on the list. 
20. Stop by the grocery store on the way home from work and get only fun things. Flowers or tea or cookies or whatever floats your boat. 
21. Treat yo'self to some discounted Valentine's Day candy. 
22. Write down ten things you're thankful for. Actually write them down. Put the list where you can see it for a few days. Life is good, let's remember that. 
23. Take a friend dinner. Swing by Chick-fil-a and drop it off. Such an easy way to make someone's night!
24. Make a library wish list. 
25. Create more peaceful moments. This looks different for everyone. There are days that for me, it just means going for a drive at the end of a crazy day and getting a diet coke while I listen to good music. Maybe it's a walk, or a book, or a bubble bath, or just a few minutes of silence. Whatever peaceful moments look like to you, create more of them this month. 
26. Pay attention to the happy moments this month. Make more of those. 
27. Buy some good sweatpants. I bought these and my life will never be the same. 
28. Get outside more. Fresh air is a magic worker, I tell ya. 
How will you be spending your month?