My spring to-do list got far more exciting when I was able to get vaccinated last week! I cannot begin to tell you what a relief it is going into spring knowing that I can see friends and family without doing the quarantine-test-quarantine dance that’s become standard over the past year. Even if I’m not fully protected yet, 80% is feeling pretty good to me and I’m already pumped to make summer travel plans, host dinners with friends, and get out and support DC restaurants in person.
So, what else is on my spring to-do list? It’s an ambitious one — and it feels so good.
My Spring To-Do List
ONE: SPRING CLEAN OUT
I started streamlining my wardrobe this past year with plenty of weekends at home and, while I’m still sorting out what to do with all the work clothes that have sat largely unworn for the past 12 months, I can say that I’ve cleaned A LOT out (check out my Poshmark if you’re in the market for new clothes!). When I switched my closet from fall/winter to spring/summer, everything fit in my cedar trunk — and that’s never been the case. Now, I’ve also moved on to kitchenware, books, framed printers, basically everything. Spring cleaning is serious business this year.
TWO: DIVE INTO GARDENING
You may remember that last year I first started to dip my toe into urban gardening. Well, with a big front yard project underway, I’ve now become a full-fledged gardener. I know seasons and sun requirements and how much water plants need, how to arrange several different types of plants in a planter. Y’all, it’s getting crazy, but it’s like outdoor decorating, right?!
THREE: OPTIMIZE OUR OUTDOOR SPACE
And, as just mentioned, we’ve really been making the most of our outdoor space. I did a huge overhaul on our back deck last fall and I’m so excited to finally use it. We now have both a dining area and lounge chairs, which makes such a huge difference in how we can use the space. Add in the front seating area and I’m living our best outdoor life.
FOUR: MASTER OUTDOOR HOSTING
Of course, with our outdoor space ready to go, I need to start hosting friends! I’ve realized that instead of meeting friends outside, why don’t I have them come over to our little outdoor seating area and put my coffee skills to good use?! Also, of course, I’d love to start having small groups over to take advantage of our new outdoor dining area.
FIVE: READING FOR LEISURE
And, again, the outdoor space. I have a dream that I’ll start being one of those people who wakes up early, makes a cup of coffee, and listens to the birds chirping while reading a book for leisure. We’ll see.
SIX: WALKS AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Typically, I try to go on a short walk at lunch and then a longer one in the evening. Well, today’s low 80s made me realize this may not last much longer into the season. I can’t take the heat. It’s going to be time to bring the morning walk back before too long.
SEVEN: IMPROMPTU OUTDOOR DINING DATES
While we’ve been great about ordering takeout all year, it’s time to get back into dining outside and, hopefully, breaking out of my penchant for living by my planner. I want to make a goal to take a lovely evening to dine outside, even if I didn’t already have it scheduled (and put the to-do list away).
EIGHT: SHOWERS FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY
Not something I’m planning myself but I’ve got a schedule loaded with bridal and baby showers for friends and family. The season has already kicked off and it’s go-go-go with postponed weddings and pandemic babies.
NINE: WEEKEND TRIPS
The weekend trip planning has already commenced now that I’m so close to fully vaccinated! Starting in May, we’ve got so many fun weekend trips planned and I can’t wait to start cranking out travel guides again.
TEN: COOK SEASONALLY
Lastly, of course, I had to include cooking in here. As y’all know, I love buying my groceries locally from the farmer’s market and I’m excited to dive into some new spring recipes. Send your favorites my way!
OUTFIT DETAILS: GRAYSON WHITE BUTTON DOWN (use code HEATHERBIEN for $25 off!) – LEVI’S JEANS – ROTHY’S SQUARE FLATS – L.L. BEAN BOAT AND TOTE
