NOT a Spring Bucket List!

I dunno, maybe it is?

Hello, friends! The sun is shining, the weather is warming, and the allergies are allergy-ing. Despite the treacherous levels of pollen, I’m very very excited to welcome spring.

I’m usually a proponent of a seasonal bucket list, but I’ve found it to be a little too much pressure recently. Sometimes, it makes me feel like I have to find a way to fit even more things into an already full life and schedule. Instead of being a fun list of ideas to pull from when we’re looking for something fun to do, it often becomes another daunting to-do list.

So, this spring I’m trying something different! Instead of a strict checklist, I’m just taking some time to think about what small activities and moments would make the season joyful. There are no major activities or strict must-dos, just some small joys of spring that I hope to lean into. Without further adieu, I’d love to share them with you :)

Have An Iced Matcha Moment

There’s something about spring that screams “ICED MATCHA LATTE” to me. Maybe it’s the bright green color or the slightly earthy (grassy?) flavor. I’m looking forward to making the perfect iced matcha ASAP and setting aside some time to really enjoy and savor it in peace. Tentatively, I’m thinking on our balcony with my Kindle during naptime. (Join me? My favorite matcha plus a tutorial from @matchamommy on Instagram are the dynamic duo. Cute cup not mandatory, but strongly encouraged.)

Eat More Fresh Produce

Fresh fruit and veggies have their place in the winter (I’m looking at you, sumo citrus), but I can’t get enough fresh produce in the spring and summer. I love looking up what produce is in season every month and trying to incorporate it whenever possible. Right now, I’m dreaming of sitting on a picnic blanket with my daughter and a bowl full of juicy, fresh cut fruit (bonus points if I can get it from the Farmer’s Market).

my dream date. cute.

Open the Windows

Time to get some fresh air in this joint (my house)! I’d really like to start getting into the habit of opening the windows in the morning while making breakfast just to make sure we’re getting some air flowing while the weather is gorg. I always have the best of intentions to do this more often, but unfortunately I am Type A enough to need to assign it a time in my head in order for it to actually happen.

Get a Front Door Flower Basket

The heart wants what the heart wants and my heart wants a hanging basket for the front door. I’ve been wanting to get one for a while to swap out seasonal florals and greenery (in place of a seasonal wreath). Spring feels like the perfect time to actually pull the trigger and make this one happen. If you don’t hear from me for a while, I’m lost in the Hobby Lobby floral section.

thank you, pinterest, for the lovely inspo <3

Display Some Fresh Flowers

Speaking of flowers...let’s get some fresh ones too, yes? I love having fresh flowers in the house anytime of year, but I’m looking forward to grabbing some beauties from Trader Joe’s soon. Cassie inspired me to get some peony tulips in this article and I haven’t stopped thinking about them since. If I don’t get around to getting some beforehand, I’d love to get some for Easter!

Take A Million and Five Walks with Friends

In the warmer months, when I want to hang out with friends, walks are my go-to suggestion when the inevitable “what should we do?” conversation comes up. I looooooove grabbing a coffee and hittin’ a trail with a pal (and maybe a kiddo or two). It’s the perfect way to get in some movement and chat simultaneously. Plus, it’s a great hang out if you’re on a budget. (If you really want to pinch your pennies, I sometimes offer to make lattes at home and bring them along.)

Finally Get a Library Card

Okay fine, this one isn’t super specific to spring. It’s mostly just a to-do item that I’ve been putting off (but at least it’s a fun one!). I’ve been FLYING through audiobooks recently. While I usually listen to them on Spotify, which is included in my plan, I keep running out of hours (and always right when something intense is about to happen ugh). I’d love to start getting audiobooks from the library, along with some kids’ books for my daughter.

If you insist that I make this one specific to spring, I’ll admit that I have dreams of walking to the library with my daughter for a story time while the weather is nice.

PBS kids, rise up!

Sit Outside and Then Sit Outside Some More

I know this sounds incredibly boring and you’re probably screaming “Seriously, Kearstin. Get a life.” But when it’s this beautiful out, sitting outside is just so irresistible. AND there are so many ways to do it and never get bored. If you need some sitting outside formula inspo, I’m your gal.

• Porch + Iced Matcha + Reading Substacks

• Picnic Blanket + Fresh Fruit + Your Family

• Hammock + Coke Zero + Podcast/Audiobook

• Coffee Shop + Vanilla Iced Latte + A Fun Read

• A Park Bench + A Great Playlist + Your Journal

• A Brewery Patio + Parmesan Fries for the Table + Your Bestie

• Backyard After Bedtime + Dessert + Debriefing the Day with Your Husband

• Table at the Farmer’s Market + Lemonade + That Pastry You’ve Been Eyeing

• Ice Cream Shop Patio + Cone in Hand + Zero Rushing

SEE!? I’m not usually one to say “I told you so,” but aren’t you now totally convinced to embrace sitting outside this spring?

Sitting Spot Inspo: Luxemberg Garden with a lil treat (I know, super attainable); the porch with a pal, a mocktail, and a fruit and tajin platter; any restaurant with outdoor seating; a beach with a turkey club; grandpa’s yard :)

Do Things After The Baby Goes to Bed

I know…the bar is on the floor. Thank you for noticing. I’ve really been struggling to do anything post-bedtime this winter besides putting on my favorite pajamas and watching reality TV with a bowl of chocolate chip sprinkled popcorn. I am a strong advocate for letting winter be winter and embracing the hibernation season, but now that it’s coming to a close (and the sun is staying up longer) I’m feeling motivated to keep the day going after our little one goes to bed. Who knows, maybe I’ll do something wild like organize the pantry or workout in the garage. Look out world, here she comes!

Make a Fun Spring Treat

I’ve had my eye on these pistachio cupcakes with strawberry buttercream and feel like spring is the perfect time to make them! I’d also love to try my hand at making some lemon bars. Citrus desserts just feel right this time of year.

There’s something about this time of year that makes everything feel a little more possible, ya know? The longer days, the fresh air, the way even the small things feel new again.

I don’t know what all this spring has in store, but I do know I want to notice it while it’s here. I want to throw open the windows, buy the flowers, say yes to the walks, and finally get a library card gosh darnit!

Here’s to a spring that feels full in the quiet, slow, ordinary ways.

If you need me, I’ll probably be sitting at one of a variety of outdoor locations with one of many beverage options in hand and a book in tow.

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Thank you so very much for reading Among Friends! I’m so grateful you’re here. Feel free to drop a comment below—I love to chat! Tell me what little joy you’re hoping to embrace this spring! Also, if you made it this far and like what you read, would you consider subscribing and heart-ing this post? It helps Substack know that people like my writing, which means the world to me! See you next time!

Previously on Among Friends…