Image via Messy Nessy
So, when I originally started writing this post last week, I had no idea I was about to get engaged! Now, today’s topic takes on even more meaning!
Life has been flying by so fast lately, that I can barely even stop to acknowledge how fast it’s actually moving! (And now it’s only about to get faster.)
I’m sure you feel the same way, right? (I mean, when are we not feeling like this?)
In an effort to actually slow things down every so often, I thought it would be nice to give myself five “little goals” this month. It’s always the little things that make life special and help us live in the moment, right? What do you think–do you want to join in my little challenge, too?
Here’s what my “five things” list looks like:
Take a bath
I never take baths. But why? I love baths. (At least, I think I still do?) But honestly, I don’t think I’ve taken one since college! I have a perfectly functioning bathtub and I even have some random bath bombs laying around. A bath with a glass of wine and Carla Bruni playing in the background–soooo lovely. Why haven’t I thought of this sooner?
Learn something new
It’s my dream to sign up for French lessons before we go to Paris. Although these are expensive and I’m not quite sure this is going to happen, I’d still like to make it a goal to try and learn French for a few hours per week. I recently purchased a French phrase book, and I’ve been loving the Duolingo app! Languages are so fascinating to me, and I forgot how much I loved them. The idea of sitting down for an hour on a weekend morning sipping coffee and learning French has me totally geeking out.
Invest in a really classic wardrobe staple
I’m really conflicted with my wardrobe right now–I just did a giant closet purge and now I’m kind of left with pretty much nothing, which is on one hand, very freeing, but on the other–kind of overwhelming. I’m really trying to focus on curating a closet that I absolutely love, filled with versatile staples, vs random pieces that make me roll my eyes and scream, “WHY did I buy you!?”
Cook a brand new recipe
I cook a lot, but I don’t often try out a brand new, from scratch recipe. I’m talking about something that takes some time, effort, and lot’s of love to make. There’s nothing that makes me more relaxed than cooking. (Unless I’m trying to do 5 things at once and I’m burning the garlic. Burn the garlic, the rest of your food is toast.) In all seriousness, I’d love to try out homemade fried chicken or this strip steak recipe with lemony yogurt and radishes.
Post up in a bookstore
I love book stores. They’re so calming, quiet, and full of nooks to cozy up and dive into a good book. Chicago has ton’s of really charming book stores–at least once this month, I’d like to take an hour or two to just browse and read with nowhere else to be and nobody else to talk to.
What are your five things for this month?
Great post Jess! I took a conversational French class through the adult education center (it wasn’t very expensive at all) although I was terrified going to my first class! ha. But I really liked it once I got going. One of the girls in my class turned me on to an app called News is Slow French. They literally read the day’s news really slowly to you in French. It’s a great way to get used to hearing the language versus reading it. I put it on while I’m at the gym. 🙂
Thank you so much for the awesome tips, Caitlin! I am going to look into both of those! What a great idea, news in slow french! I’m downloading it as we speak!!
I think my Dad and Patrick used Duolingo before they went to Paris this year! I just texted them to confirm, though. It helped Dad so much! He says “HI, W.A.!”
Also, love this list. I need to bleach my tub like crazy and then take a bath this coming month. Decompress!
Kelly | Kelly in the City
HAHAHAHAHA
These are all such great ideas! I always try to make monthly goals like this, because otherwise, when will these fun things get done? I love the posting up in a bookstore idea. When I was younger I used to love to do that, and it’s been years!
xo,
Catherine
http://www.classiccatherine.com
I love all of these things! I’m with you on the cooking. I buy cookbooks and then end up never making anything from them – I seriously need to be better about that!
Congrats on your engagement! So exciting and happy 🙂
The perfect list! I love the Duolingo app too!
xo Kylie
http://www.dressinsparkles.com
Love the bookstore idea. I used to do that when I lived in Denver on the regular, and it was so insanely relaxing. Love these ideas! Love you!
I’d love if you shared your wardrobe staples as you purchase them! I really want to purge out my closet because I think it will be freeing as you mentioned but at the same time I’m paranoid that I’ll need that random dress I haven’t worn in two years for something! It would be great to see what you started with and what investment pieces you’re adding to it!