We made it to 50 degrees today and it put me in the best mood. 8 days into spring and it still feels like winter, but rain instead of snow and humidity in the air is reassuring that it will be here soon. (Or, we’ll just jump to summer, that’s always a possibility.) The older I get the more spring has become my favorite season. It’s not as fast or busy or occupied as summer, and it’s an encouraging season that reminds you of what’s to come, and subsequently that everything does come to an end. Lately, that extra light in the evening and the sunny, lively mornings have been making all the difference.
For me, this season is all about spending time outside every way I can. And although life gets busy and things get away from us, every year there are a things I say I’ll do, and new places I want to go, but they seem to get away from me. I’ve listed out a few of those things I’m really looking forward to as the weather starts to warm up.
Dine at The Lakefront Restaurant – After passing the old Theater on the Lake for years, and seeing it empty – then under construction – I’m stoked that it’s finally done. The photos of just the bar alone look gorgeous! It’s nestled at Fullerton and Lake Shore Drive, right along the path. Perfect for mid-bike ride beers. Or any warm summer evening that you want to spend outside.
Furnish my Balcony – The best part of my new apartment is the little balcony that comes with it. I was already going crazy in Target’s outdoor furniture department. Do I want an outdoor rug? Two chairs and table to work on is a must! A mini charcoal grill? Or would I rather have plants and an herb garden? I want the space to be it’s own “room,” as I’m sure I’m practically live there, should the weather ever warm up.
Learn A Little Italian and Greek – Is this foolish? Not sure! I don’t retain much but given the fact that this will the first time I’m going to both countries, I would like to learn a few words (e.g. “Thank you, please, bathroom” etc.). TBD on if I’ll actually pick anything up. There’s got to be a podcast for this right?
Buy a Straw Bag – I’ve been obsessed with all of the straw bags out right now. I’m a crossbody fan and there are so many cute and functional options in stores right now. I love this one, this one and this boxy option. Also, a great handbag option, too.
Grow a Few Herbs – Whether that’s in a box garden on my balcony, or in small pots on my window sill, the hot western sun that my windows face will hopefully help my green thumb. I love fresh herbs but pass on using them regularly because I think they can be a bit pricey. No shame if I’m only paying for seeds, though!
Play Tennis – My friend and I talk about this all the time, and considered looking into getting a coach. We both played in high school, but there’s no telling what those skills look like now! Ha! I’m literally a 5-miute walk from courts. Not sure when the nets will go up, but I’ll definitely.
Stock Up on Lots of Rosé – I’ve realized my cart doesn’t get much use. Probably because I don’t drink any of the alcohol on it. This season, I want to stock up on alllll the pretty bottles of rosé that look as good as they taste. It’ll make for a pretty cart and will also actually get used (i.e. drank, lol). Some of my favorite are included in this post.
Go for an Early Morning Weekday Run – I’ve said I was going to do this since I moved to the city. I always thought it would be so easy to wake up early and run when the lake is steps away and you can watch the sun come up. It should be that easy, but I’ve always found an excuse. One of these days we’ll hit 60 degrees and I’m hoping that’ll motivate me.
Hang A Piece of Art On My Wall – Yes, this is real. I explained it a bit more in this post, but as you can tell by the balcony mention, I’m insanely indecisive when it comes to anything with interior decor. I’m embarrassed to say I didn’t hang one thing in my last studio, and I’m making sure this doesn’t happen here. In need of lots of command hooks as piece of mind!
Chalk on the Sidewalk with My Nieces – What do you call chalking? I think when we were kids we said we want to “play chalk?” No clue! My nieces love to color the sidewalk and so do I. I’m pretty sure I give them chalk in every Easter basket? Maybe it’s because I like it! It makes me feel like a kid and just like a color book, it’s oddly therapeutic and relaxing. Best part, it washes right away with the rain.
I’d love to know how you’re planning on enjoying this season. And while we can certainly hope to cross a few things off our list, sometimes the best enjoyment is found in the unexpected moments that were never on the list to begin with. Come on Chicago weather, we ready!