My Top 10 Favorite Springtime Activities

I can't believe spring is here again! I prefer warmer weather, so I always look forward to the spring and summer months.

There are lots of things I like to do in the spring, but there are some things that are my most favorite to do.

In no particular order, here are my top 10 favorite springtime activities:

1. Gardening
   Gardening is one of those activities that is slow, but shows rewards in the end. It helps me focus on the task at hand, instead of anything else that could be going on. It helps me relax, enjoy the moment, and nurture something beautiful.
   
   
2. Long walks
   I haven't been doing much exercising, which I definitely need to change. Walking is probably one of my favorite forms of exercise, particularly when it is warm outside.
   
   
3. Spending some time out on the porch
   If I want to go outside, but don't feel like going anywhere, hanging out on the porch is my favorite spot for relaxing.
   
   
4. Spending some time at a park
   Parks definitely calm me down, especially when I am having a bad day, so I do try and spend some time at a park whenever possible.
   
   
5. Dyeing eggs for Easter
   This is one thing I will never get tired of doing, nor do I think anyone is too old to dye eggs.
   
   
6. Spending time at the local library
   Whenever I go to the library, I can usually find something new that I would enjoy, and something old that I have always loved, whether it's a book, a movie, or music. There are even some great activities and events that happen there, that interest me. You never know what you will find during each visit to the library, and that's what I love about it!
   
   
7. Bike riding
   Bike riding is probably one of my top few favorite forms of exercise. I'm not into playing team sports (I do like to watch baseball and hockey, but I'm just not into playing sports), so anything that I can do by myself is great.
   
   
8. Going thrifting
   Thrifting is probably my favorite form of shopping, as I don't know what I can expect to find each time I go to a thrift store. I usually don't have a mission of what I want to get in mind, which is probably not a good idea, as I might go overboard with purchases! But, I love finding things that would interest me, that I can give a second chance.
   
   
9. Going to the movies
   I haven't been to the movies since the pandemic started, but before then, I would go to the movies often, mostly by myself. I don't mind going by myself, as I love watching movies, and going out to the theater helps me get out of the house for a while, and chases away cabin fever.
   
   
10. Making s'mores
    I love s'mores, so I make these whenever I can. What's not to love about gooey chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers?!

What do you like to do in the springtime?

My Spring 2023 Bucket List

Spring is on the way, which means it's time for my spring bucket list!

I love making bucket lists, especially for each season, and to try and do as many of them as I can. 

With the way things went last year for me, I want to try and focus more on my mental (and physical) health, so I can be in the best possible place I can be, health-wise. I want to do what is best for me, and what I truly enjoy/love doing.

So, in no particular order, here is my 2023 Spring bucket list:

• Play on a playground
• Plant flowers
• Plant veggies
• Fly a kite
• Dye my hair purple
• Go on 2-3 walks a week 
• Create a fairy garden
• Paint on canvas
• Paint my nails
• Dye Easter eggs
• Have a game night
• Buy myself flowers
• Bake cookies or cupcakes 
• Make fruit smoothies
• Get my hair cut
• Go on a picnic
• Go thrifting
• Find a job that I will love (I had to quit my last job because it was causing my anxiety to get really bad)
• Get my bedroom cleaned up
• Redecorate my bedroom
• Create an exercise routine that works for me
• Create a skincare routine that works for me
• Create a haircare routine that works for me
• Improve my cake and cookie decorating skills
• Learn Spanish
• Donate clothes I don't want anymore
• Donate books, CDs, DVDs I don't want anymore 
• Read 2-3 books a month 
• Read the Bible every day
• Pray every day 
• Have 2 self-care/spa days a month
• Knit or crochet at least one item a month 
• Ride my bike 2-3x a week 

Hopefully I can do at least some of these things this spring, and have an enjoyable season.

What do you want to do this spring?

My March 2023 Reading Bucket List (and February Recap)

How is it March already?! The days are going by so fast!!

February was good, for me, in terms of reading. I completely finished reading the Anne of Green Gables graphic novel, The Hobbit, and Madly, Deeply: The Diaries of Alan Rickman.

I was surprised that I was able to read as much as I did, as it usually takes me some time to start something, and then to finish it, as well. But, I am happy with being able to finish 3 books in February.

Now, on to the books that I would like to read this month (in no particular order):

1. The Art of Getting It Wrong: Finding Good in the Misadventures of Life by Stephen Miller
   
   
2. Angels & Demons by Dan Brown (I already have read a few pages in this, but got caught up with reading Madly, Deeply, Anne of Green Gables, and The Hobbit, so this book is going on my March list.)
   
   
3. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
   
   
4. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
   
   
5. Ender's Shadow by Orson Scott Card

So, that is my reading list for this month. Hopefully March goes as well as February did, with reading at least 2 of these books.

I am so glad I decided to get back into reading physical books, especially now that I know I can focus more on what I am reading. I am enjoying it, and am looking forward to all the books I hope to read this year. I do still plan on listening to audiobooks, but I just wanted to include physical books as well.

What do you want to read this month?