Kathy Hamilton Spring has finally sprung! The leaves on the tree outside my window are desperately trying to bloom. So I thought today would be the perfect day to share my spring bucket list and goals update with you.
Can you believe that a quarter of the year has already flown by? In some ways, it feels like it’s only been second but then January 1st already feels like it’s in the dim, distant past! Still, now that Spring has arrived I can’t wait to get out in the fresh air more and shake off the winter blues.
A little goals update
I thought that since we’re a quarter of the way through the year it was the perfect opportunity to share how I’m getting on with my 2018 plans and goals. It’s funny because when I initially thought of writing this post I did a little inward grimace at the idea of sharing my progress with you. Then, when I actually started to look at all the things I’ve achieves and ticked off my goals list I was excited to see how much I’ve actually achieved. I love it when that happens, don’t you?
Just as a quick refresh my goals were:
- Read what I love/Love what I read
- Join a book club
- Get my driver’s license
- Sign up for a language class
- Be better with food choices
- Create a budget and stick to it
- Visit new places
- Love where I live
And I’m happy to report I have made progress with all of them! I have already been on quite a few trips this year, including a big one to Berlin. Thinking about what I’m eating and reducing waste/ plastic usage is also going well (I even switched to using glass Tupperware and I can’t recommend it enough). I took a Spanish class and loved it. And the big one: I finally arranged my driving theory test! Eek, that’s the first step towards getting my driver’s license. So wish me luck!
There’s still a lot of things I want to make progress with, in terms of my goals. But I feel like I’m at a good point with a lot of them so far. I still need to work on creating and actually sticking to a budget though!
Overall, I am really happy with my progress so far and I’m so glad I took a moment to look at how much I have achieved already this year. Sometimes it can be hard to see the wood for the trees but writing this post was the perfect opportunity to take stock. How about you? Have you stuck to your new year goals or are they a distant memory by now?
Spring Bucket List
Since it’s never a bad time to plan some fun things, I also thought it would be nice to share a spring bucket list with you. I don’t know about you, but I am so ready to wave goodbye to long dark days and terrible weather. Although, since I live in Belfast I can probably still count on some bad weather in Spring too! I’ve actually never created a proper “Spring Bucket List” before. But I had so much fun making this one I might make it a new tradition.
Since I live in a place where good weather is never guaranteed I have tried to pack this Spring Bucket List with good rainy day activities too. Being stuck inside all day can be the perfect opportunity to finally tackle that Pinterest craft you’ve been planning to make. Or maybe it’s the right time to dust of that recipe book and whip up a new confection?
Of course, since this is a Spring Bucket List, and I have every intention of enjoying any scrap of good weather that comes my way, there’s also a load of outdoor activities too. Don’t be daunted by the first one, there’s plenty of less strenuous ideas on here too! Feel free to save a copy of my spring bucket list if you want to join in too.
1. Climb a mountain
Dust off your hiking boots and tackle a good climb. Luckily for me, there’s a baby mountain (okay a big hill) at the top of my road.
2. Eat some new food
Try a new type of cuisine. Or a new fruit/vegetable you’ve never heard of.
3. Grow flowers
If you don’t have a garden (like me!) then no worries. A miniature plant pot garden will be perfect too.
4. Go on a bike ride
In Belfast, we have rentable bikes that are positioned all over the city. I am definitely going to take advantage of these this spring
5. Create a playlist
I’ve already crossed this one off my list! You can check out my ‘Relaxing Weekend’ playlist on Spotify here.
6. Visit a farmers market
Because who doesn’t love wandering around a nice market looking for the freshest produce around?
7. Listen to live music
Warmer weather means live music outside! Check your local area for gigs and enjoy some good live music.
8. Visit a new place
This doesn’t have to be a new city or country. Anywhere that you’ve been meaning to visit counts. Mine is Mount Stewart, a stately home nearby.
9. Learn a skill
Been meaning to learn to crochet? Or maybe you want to start running? Spring is the perfect time to learn a new skill
10. Visit the beach
Warm weather always = the beach. I love spending time near the sea and as soon as the weather warms up, that’s where I’m sure to be.
11. Find blossom on trees
Spring means beautiful blossom. Havoc for my hayfever, beautiful on my Instagram feed!
12. Read outside
There’s nothing better than reading in the fresh air. So grab your book, and a drink and find somewhere to read outside!
13. Plant an indoor herb garden
The perfect way to bring some greenery into your home and get delicious herbs to eat as a bonus.
14. Try 5 recipes from one recipe book
Dust off that recipe book you promised you’d use all the time and pick 5 recipes to try. Bonus points if they use lots of the same ingredients.
15. Take a road trip
It can be a day trip (maybe to the beach!) or even a weekend away.
16. Make a craft from Pinterest
You know you’ve got some DIYs saved on Pinterest you’ve been meaning to make for ages!
17. Visit a museum
Inject a bit of culture into your life and visit a museum or gallery. There’s always something new to learn there
18. Have an unplugged weekend
Switch off the phone. Unplug the laptop. Try to have a weekend that’s uninterrupted by technology.
19. Host a games night
This might be perfect for your unplugged weekend. Invite your friends over and dig out the board games for some good old-fashioned fun.
20. Walk more
Think about your journeys. Can you plan ahead and walk there instead?
What’s on your Spring Bucket List?
What does your list of favourite things to do in Spring look like? Is there anything you’d add to this one? I’d love to know what your spring plans are!
