Life with Me, Jackabee

My Cozy Spring Bucket List 🌸

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Hello and happy Tuesday friends! Michigan finally had the most wonderful warm weather yesterday and suddenly I have the urge to open the windows, tidy up the house, and spend more time outside.

Spring always feels like a fresh start. The weather warms up, the days get longer, and suddenly everything feels a little lighter.

If you’re looking for simple ways to enjoy the season, here are 25 cozy spring bucket list ideas to help you slow down and enjoy the little moments.

Whether it’s fresh flowers in the kitchen, reading outside, or visiting a local market, these small activities can make spring feel extra special.

☀️ Simple Outdoor Spring Activities

Visit a local farmers market
Take a long walk at a park or nature trail
Watch the sunset somewhere scenic
Take photos of blooming spring flowers
Plan a spontaneous day trip
Have breakfast outside one morning
Visit a new coffee shop and sit outside

🌷 Cozy At-Home Spring Ideas

Buy fresh flowers for your kitchen table
Open the windows and do a mini home refresh
Light a new spring candle scent
Declutter one small area of your home
Rearrange or style your bookshelf
Swap winter blankets for lighter ones
Refresh your home décor for the season

☕ Slow Living Spring Moments

Read a book outside on a sunny day
Enjoy a slow morning with coffee or tea
Try a new iced coffee recipe at home
Spend an afternoon journaling
Take a social media break for the day
Create a cozy reading nook

🌼 Fun Spring Things to Try

Start a small herb garden
Try a new spring recipe
Host a brunch or coffee date with friends
Start a new book series
Treat yourself to a solo coffee date

Spring doesn’t have to be packed with big plans to feel meaningful. Sometimes the best moments are the simple ones — sunshine through the windows, fresh flowers on the table, and a quiet afternoon with a good book.

What would you add to your spring bucket list this year?

I love making seasonal bucket lists because they remind me to slow down and actually enjoy the little moments instead of letting the season fly by.

Spring doesn’t have to be full of big plans to feel special. Sometimes it’s just fresh flowers on the table, a good book, and a warm afternoon with the windows open.

If you’re feeling inspired, this is your sign to make your own spring bucket list. It can be as simple or as ambitious as you want — the goal is just to create things to look forward to.

What’s one thing you’d add to your spring bucket list this year?

Have a wonderful day,
Jackie
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Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above may be affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

Mid-March Home Refresh

Monday, March 9, 2026

Hello and happy Monday friends! I hope you had the most wonderful weekend and your week is off to a great start! My weekend was crazy, but also so much fun between book clubs and birthday parties.

There’s something about the middle of March that always makes me want to refresh my space a little. The excitement of the new year has worn off, but spring hasn’t fully arrived yet. It’s that in-between moment where a small change around the house can make everything feel brighter, cozier, and a little more put together.

The good news is you don’t need a big budget or a full weekend makeover to give your home a refresh. Sometimes the smallest changes can make the biggest difference. Here are a few easy, budget-friendly ways I like to give my space a little mid-March reset.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only share products I genuinely love or would recommend. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Start with a Quick Declutter

Before I add anything new, I like to take a few minutes to tidy up the spaces I see the most. A quick declutter instantly makes everything feel fresher.

Some easy places to start:

Coffee tables
Nightstands
Kitchen counters
Entryway tables

I usually take everything off the surface, wipe it down, and only put back the items I truly want there. It’s amazing how much calmer a room can feel when surfaces aren’t crowded. If I find that the space just isn't working for me, I will take a few items away and swap them out for other items to see what feels right. Or, if I feel like I don't want to take away, I'll get a tray or something to put everything on so it contains everything to one space. The best part is a tray can add a pop of color or a texture to your space.

Here are a few cute tray options that would work for this (to shop just click the image):

Give Your Coffee Table a Mini Makeover

Your coffee table is one of the easiest places to create a cozy little focal point.

I like to keep it simple with just a few items that feel intentional. A small tray can make everything look more organized and styled without trying too hard.

Some easy coffee table combinations:

A candle + a small stack of books
A tray with coasters + a small plant
A decorative bowl + a seasonal item

Right now my coffee table has:

A wooden tray filled with a book, coasters, a box of Kleenex and the tv remotes. If I want to switch it up for the season, I will add a few themed items that apply to that month or that season to liven up the space. I also will switch out a candle from time-to-time; however, I have to be careful with candles because I have cats and they're drawn to flames.

Swap Out Small Decor

You don’t need to redecorate an entire room to make it feel different. Swapping a few small items can instantly shift the vibe.

A few easy swaps for this time of year:

Switch darker winter candles for lighter or floral scents
Replace heavy blankets with lighter throws
Change out pillow covers
Add fresh or faux flowers

Here's a few ideas you could use to add some spring-y vibes to your space:

Throw a cream (or light) colored blanket on your chair or couch. Here's a cute option that is not only soft, but also add texture.

Add a floral pillow with fun colors to add some fun to the space:

Add florals to the space to add some freshness and variety:

These little seasonal updates make a space feel refreshed without spending much money.

Update a Wall (Without a Full Redesign)

Walls are another great place for a simple refresh. And the best part is you don’t need to buy new art to make it happen.

A few easy ideas:

Move artwork from another room
Create a small gallery wall with prints you already have
Add a framed printable
Hang a decorative mirror

You can also lean frames on shelves or mantels instead of hanging them, which makes it easy to switch things up later.

Bring in a Little Bit of Spring

Even though it might still feel like winter outside, bringing a little spring into your home can really lift your mood.

A few easy ways to do that:

A vase with fresh flowers from the grocery store
A bowl of lemons or oranges in the kitchen
Opening the windows on a warmer day
Adding lighter textures and colors

It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Sometimes the smallest seasonal touches are the ones that make a space feel the most welcoming.

Final Thoughts

A mid-March home refresh doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Sometimes just moving things around, clearing surfaces, and adding a few thoughtful touches can make your space feel brand new again.

I love doing these little resets throughout the year because they help me appreciate the home I already have.

If you’re doing a mid-March refresh too, I’d love to know:
What’s one small change you’ve made in your home lately that made a big difference?

2026 , Holidays

Celebrating International Women’s Day at Home

Sunday, March 8, 2026

Hello and happy International Women's Day to all my ladies out there. Every year when International Women’s Day rolls around, I like to take a little time to pause and celebrate the women who inspire me. Sometimes that looks like supporting women-owned businesses, sometimes it’s reading a book by a female author I admire, and sometimes it’s just taking a quiet moment to reflect on the incredible women in my life.

While there are lots of events and celebrations happening around the world, I personally love finding small ways to celebrate right at home. It feels cozy, intentional, and honestly a little more meaningful.

Today I’m sharing a few simple ways I like to celebrate International Women’s Day from home. Feel free to use these ideas as inspiration and make them your own!

Start the Day with a Quiet Morning Ritual

One of my favorite ways to mark any meaningful day is by starting the morning slowly. Instead of rushing into the day, I like to take a few minutes to create a calm little ritual.

For me, this might look like:

Making a cozy cup of coffee or tea
Sitting somewhere comfortable with a book
Taking a moment to think about the women who have influenced my life

Sometimes I’ll even text a few friends or family members just to tell them how much I appreciate them. It’s a small gesture, but it always feels really special.

You could also use this time for journaling or reflection. A few prompts you might enjoy:

Who are the women that have shaped who I am today?
What female creators or leaders inspire me right now?
How can I support other women this year?

Read a Book by a Woman Author

One of the easiest ways to celebrate International Women’s Day is by picking up a book written by a woman.

There are so many incredible female authors out there writing everything from powerful memoirs to cozy fiction. I love using this day as an excuse to finally start a book that’s been sitting on my TBR pile.

Some types of books you might consider:

A novel by a favorite female author
A memoir by an inspiring woman
A nonfiction book about women in history
A cozy romance written by a woman

Right now I’m reading:
Arcana Academy by Elise Kova

Some of my favorite books by women include:

If you’re a reader like me, this is honestly one of the most enjoyable ways to celebrate the day.

Support Women-Owned Businesses

Another thing I love doing on International Women’s Day is intentionally supporting women-owned businesses.

This could be something small like ordering a coffee from a local café run by women, or purchasing something online from a woman-owned shop.

A few ways you can do this:

Buy a book from a female author
Purchase skincare, candles, or stationery from a women-owned brand
Support artists and creators online
Leave a positive review for a small business you love

Some women-owned brands I enjoy:

Even small purchases can make a big difference when you’re supporting independent creators.

Create a Cozy Evening Celebration

To wrap up the day, I love creating a cozy evening moment at home. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate — just something that feels relaxing and intentional.

Some ideas:

Watch a movie directed by or starring incredible women
Cook or order your favorite comfort meal
Light a candle and spend time reading
Have a mini self-care night

If you want to make it extra fun, you could even invite a few friends over for a small girls’ night. Think cozy snacks, comfy clothes, and lots of good conversation.

A Reminder Worth Celebrating

International Women’s Day is about celebrating achievements, recognizing progress, and continuing to support one another.

But I also think it’s a lovely excuse to slow down and appreciate the women who make our lives brighter every day — friends, family members, authors, creators, leaders, and so many others.

However you choose to celebrate, I hope you take a moment today to recognize the strength, creativity, and kindness of the women around you.

And if you’re reading this: you’re part of that celebration too.

Happy International Women’s Day. 💐

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase through my links, at no additional cost to you. I only share books, products, and brands that I genuinely enjoy or think you might love as well. Thank you for supporting my blog and the content I create!

2026 , Recipe Roundup

Quick & Cozy Breakfast Ideas

Saturday, March 7, 2026

Hello and happy Saturday friends! I hope your weekend is off to a great start and you have some fun things on the schedule today.

There’s something about a cozy breakfast that just makes the whole day feel a little better. Even on busy mornings, I love taking a few minutes to make something that feels comforting and a little bit indulgent. It doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming — sometimes the simplest breakfasts end up being the most satisfying.

Today I’m sharing a few quick and cozy breakfast ideas that are easy to make but still feel like a treat. These are perfect for slow mornings, work-from-home days, or even when you just want to romanticize your weekday routine a little bit.

Quick and Cozy Breakfast Ideas

1. Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole from Eighteen25

I absolutely love this breakfast and the best part is it's easy to make ahead and refrigerate or freeze for the week. AND, you can switch up the experience by changing what additives you put with the casserole. Don't like sausage? Exchange it for bacon. Want more veggies in your died? Add them in the mix.

Check out the full recipe here: Sausage Hashbrown Casserole from Eighteen25

Why I love it: It’s quick, filling, and feels like a cozy little breakfast moment without much effort.

2. Easy Bacon Egg Breakfast Burritos from Hilary Recipes

Don't want have to think of meals for the week? Then this one is for you. Make a bunch of these ahead and throw in the freezer so that when you don't have time to think about breakfast, you can pop one into the microwave and be on your merry way.

Check out the full recipe here: Hilary Recipes

Why I love it:

It takes just a few minutes to put together but can make a bunch so you don't have to think. Plus, they freeze wonderfully.

3. Sheet Pan Pancakes by Belly Full

If you’re someone who prefers a breakfast that’s quick but still cozy and satisfying, this one is such a good option. Plus, you just throw it all in one pan and bake away so you don't have as much mess. The best part? It's completely customizable - just add whatever topping you'd want and go.

Check out the full recipe here: Belly Full

Why I love it:
It’s simple, customizable, and perfect for larger groups or for a few people (if you use a smaller pan). Plus, if you add protein to the mix it adds and easy way to get protein in your day.

Creating a Cozy Breakfast Moment
For me, breakfast isn’t just about the food — it’s also about creating a small cozy moment before the day gets busy. A few little things that make it feel extra special:

Using a favorite mug for coffee or tea
Lighting a candle while I eat
Sitting down to read a few pages of a book
Putting on some calm music or a comfort show

Even just five or ten quiet minutes in the morning can make such a difference.

What are your favorite cozy breakfast ideas? I’m always looking for new things to try, so feel free to share in the comments!

2026 , Books

Books I Read in January and February

Friday, March 6, 2026

Hello and happy Friday friends! I can’t believe we’re already a couple of months into 2026! Time really flies, but I managed to sneak in some reading during January and February. I love starting the year with a fresh stack of books—it feels like setting a cozy, inspiring tone for the months ahead.

This post is a little roundup of all the books I’ve read so far. Some had me laughing out loud, some tugged at my heart, and others completely surprised me. I’m sharing my quick thoughts on each one, and of course, I’d love to hear what you’ve been reading too! I'm not sure if you're like me, but I tend to start the year off slowly when reading - not sure if it's the weather or what but I feel like I tend to hibernate more during the first few months of the year.

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them—at no extra cost to you! 📚💛 I only share books I genuinely love or think you might enjoy, and your support helps me keep this blog running and my TBR ever-growing.

🌟 January Reads

Priest - Sierra Simone
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Mood: Dark romance, forbidden love, taboo romance

Quick thoughts: Overall, I enjoyed the story. It's not something that I would normally have picked up for myself, but because it was for a book club I decided to partake. I appreciate that Sierra Simone focused on the fact that Father Tyler did not just give into temptation and struggled with his desires.

Favorite part: I love a book that gives us the internal monologue of characters, and this one did not disappoint.

Would I recommend it? If you are comfortable reading about a priest's struggle with lust, then I think it's worth the read

Buy the Book: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Dating After the End of the World - Jeneva Rose
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Mood: Exciting, suspenseful, funny

Quick thoughts: If you like zombie stories, then this book is 100% for you. The story goes fast and gets right into the apocalypse which makes it exciting from the very beginning.

Favorite part: I really enjoyed how sarcastic the main characters were. I really appreciate when characters tell full truths and don't hold back and they did not in this book.

Would I recommend it? If you don't mind a little bit of gore and chaos, then I would recommend this book to you. It's different for Jeneva Rose and was a fun story.

Buy the Book: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

🌸 February Reads

All the Colors of the Dark – Chris Whitaker
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Mood: Suspenseful, overwhelming, though-provoking

Quick thoughts: This is the second time I’ve read this book, and I loved it just as much – if not more- the second time I read the book. I think this will quickly be a book that I read every year because I love it so much.

Favorite part: I can’t say too much without giving anything away, but my favorite character is Sammy. If you’ve read the book, then you know why.

Would I recommend it? I don’t have anything else to say that you should read this immediately. It’s so good.

Buy the Book: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Hear My Heart by Tay Mo’Nae
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Mood: Sweet, taboo, cozy

Quick thoughts: This was not my absolute favorite romance that I’ve read recently, but I enjoyed the story and really appreciate the deaf representation. And some of the scenes were great.

Favorite part: I enjoyed how she found a family of her own when her fiancé was out of commission. I appreciate that people around her worked to accommodate her disability and acknowledged her when she was struggling.

Would I recommend it? If you want a book that his disability and bipoc representation, then I would say yes.

Buy the Book: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

📚 Books I started

If you’ve been around for a while, then you know that I tend to read a bunch of books simultaneously and the last few months were no exception. Here are a few books I started during the last few months:

Reflections on the First Two Months

Looking back at my reading so far, I notice a few trends in my choices. Maybe I’m drawn to mysteries and romances right now, or maybe I just needed a few comforting reads to start the year. Either way, it’s been so fun seeing what I gravitate toward when the world is still waking up in January and February.

A few books I know I’ll be recommending to friends right away are All the Colors of the Dark and Dungeon Crawler Carl, while others I might keep in my “re-read someday” pile. And honestly, some… well, let’s just say they won’t be making it to my favorite list—but that’s okay! Not every book has to be a five-star experience. 😅

One of my favorite parts about reading is that it’s such a personal journey. Sometimes a book can perfectly capture a feeling you’ve been carrying around, or it can transport you to a completely new world. Either way, there’s always something to take away—and that’s what keeps me coming back to my TBR (to-be-read) pile, no matter how big it gets.

I’d love to hear what you’ve been reading so far this year! Any books that completely surprised you, made you laugh, or even just gave you a little comfort when you needed it? Drop your recommendations in the comments—I’m always looking for my next page-turner. 📚💛

Here’s to a year full of amazing stories, cozy reading nooks, and plenty of time spent lost in pages.

Have a wonderful day,
Jackie
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above may be affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

2026 , Spring

How I'm Prepping for Spring Cleaning this Spring

Thursday, March 5, 2026

Hello and happy Thursday friends! I don't know about you, but when the weather gets warm in Michigan I just get the urge to clean. There’s just something about a little bit of warmth that makes me want to open the windows, light a fresh candle, and reset my entire life. 😂 The sunshine starts peeking through again, and suddenly I can see the dust.

If you’re anything like me, spring cleaning can feel overwhelming… but it doesn’t have to be. Over the years, I’ve learned that keeping it simple (and realistic!) makes all the difference. So today I’m sharing my easy, low-stress approach to organizing and decluttering for spring — plus some checklists you can use as a starting point.

Let’s make our homes feel fresh without burning ourselves out 💛

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my links — at no extra cost to you. I only share products I genuinely love and use in my own home. Thank you so much for supporting my blog! ✨

Step 1: Start With a Plan (Not a Panic)

Before I touch a single drawer, I like to:

Walk through each room
Make a short list of “problem areas”
Decide what actually needs attention this month

Instead of saying “I’m deep cleaning the whole house,” I break it down into small zones.

For example:

Week 1: Kitchen
Week 2: Bedroom + Closet
Week 3: Bathroom
Week 4: Living Areas
Week 5 and beyond: Other less accessed living spaces like the basement and the garage

You can adjust this based on your schedule, but having a loose plan makes everything feel so much more manageable. Or if you have an area that you want to focus more heavily on, maybe give yourself a few weeks on that area instead of just the one week.

Step 2: My Go-To Decluttering Method

When I’m decluttering, I keep it simple with three categories:

Keep
Donate
Toss/Recycle

If I haven’t used it, worn it, or thought about it in the last year… it’s probably time to let it go. (I say this lovingly as someone who used to keep everything “just in case.”)

If I do not have a box handy to use for donations, I'll either use a clothing hamper or clear tote to organize everything as I go. If you're detailed like I am, I will even put a label on each one so that I don't accidentally put something in the wrong bin.

A few questions I ask myself:

Do I actually use this?
Would I buy this again today?
Does this add value to my daily life?

If I am not 100% certain I am ready to part with something, I will make a note for myself to check back in about six months and if I haven't used or needed that item in six months, it's likely time to say goodbye. Obviously, sentimental and heirloom items do not fall in this category. Those will be organized and stored until they can be passed down.

March Spring Cleaning Checklist

To help make the Spring Cleaning process easier, I created a little checklist you can use to keep track of things for yourself this Spring. To download the file and print it off, all you have to do is click the image below and you'll be taken to my Google drive to download a copy for yourself.

Easy Strategies That Make It Feel Less Overwhelming

Here are a few things that help me actually stick to spring cleaning:

1. Set a Timer

I’ll set a 20–30 minute timer and focus on just one space. When the timer goes off, I’m done. No spiraling into reorganizing my entire existence. To help myself from getting distracted on my phone, I have used little timers from Amazon that make it so I'm not watching my phone.

2. Clean While Listening to Something Cozy

This is when I put on:

An audiobook
A comfort show in the background
A podcast

Depending on how much time I have, I will pick what I listen to based on that. If I have only an hour or so, I'll grab a podcast that is about that long and clean/organize until the episode ends. If I am just going with no end time, I'll either do music or listen to my latest audiobook. It makes it feel less like a chore and more like productive self-care.

3. Don’t Aim for Perfection

My home doesn’t need to look like a magazine spread. It just needs to feel peaceful and functional. That mindset shift has been huge for me. I feel like once I released myself from the need for perfection, I was able to really enjoy my space. Plus, I have been finding that the less I have in my house that I don't need, the less overwhelmed that I feel.

The Real Goal of Spring Cleaning

For me, spring cleaning isn’t about having a perfectly aesthetic house. It’s about creating a space that feels calm, fresh, and ready for a new season.

March feels like a reset button — and cleaning is part of that reset.

Even if you just clear off one counter or donate one bag of clothes, that still counts. Progress > perfection.

If you’re doing spring cleaning this month, tell me:

What room are you tackling first?
What’s the hardest area for you to declutter?
Are you team “all in one weekend” or “little by little”?

Let’s motivate each other 🌷✨

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