We’re officially halfway through the month, which means it’s time for a little reading check-in! I always like doing these mid-month updates because they give me a chance to pause, look at what I’ve actually read so far, and think about what I still want to pick up before the month ends.
If you’re anything like me, sometimes the reading plans we make at the beginning of the month… don’t exactly go as planned. And that’s okay! Reading should always feel fun, not stressful.
So here’s a quick look at how my reading month is going so far.
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The Book I Finished This Month
So far this month I’ve finished one book, which honestly isn’t as many as I originally hoped to read — but it’s still a start!
Quick thoughts:
I actually picked this book up on a whim while I was in Chicago last summer and I am so glad I did. The book was entertaining from beginning to end and I cannot wait for the second book to come out this summer. Definitely adding these to my list as books I would re-read.
Even if I don’t get through a huge stack of books in a month, I always try to remind myself that one good book is better than rushing through several just to hit a number.
So far this one is:
Interesting. I am not sure how I feel about the book. I love a good mystery, especially when it's based on true stories. But I think I'm getting caught up because there is a lot of history lessons in the beginning of the book. I believe I will be more into the story once I make it past the background of the story and into the murder.
Sometimes I find that the middle of the month is when my reading really starts to pick up, especially once I get into the rhythm of a book I’m enjoying.
My Reading Mood Right Now
Lately my reading mood has been leaning toward:
Books that are lighthearted and make me laugh
Books that hold my attention
Books that don't take the story too seriously.
I go through phases where I want something super fast-paced, and other times I just want a cozy story I can slowly settle into at night. Right now I’m definitely in a mood read kind of reading phase.
What I Hope to Read Before the End of the Month
Even though the first half of the month was a little slower reading-wise, there are still several books I’m hoping to get to before the month ends.
Her freedom or her heart…in forty-eight hours, she'll lose one forever
When a brutal betrayal leaves Nell heartbroken and alone, she makes a desperate wish for love, recklessly offering anything in exchange.
Her plea is heard by Enver, an immortal as wicked as he is beautiful. He sweeps Nell away to his castle that seems to exist out of time and presents her with a bargain: escape his labyrinth within forty-eight hours or surrender to eternity as his lover.
Nell vows to conquer the labyrinth, despite the dangerous attraction she feels for its monstrous ruler. But every stolen moment with him leaves her craving more. And every step deeper into the castle reveals hidden truths about herself…and the curse that holds Enver captive.
Torn between her desire for love and the dark being incapable of loving her, Nell faces an impossible choice. And her time is running out.
Joan Goodwin has been obsessed with the stars for as long as she can remember. Thoughtful and reserved, Joan is content with her life as a professor of physics and astronomy at Rice University and as aunt to her precocious niece, Frances. That is, until she comes across an advertisement seeking the first women scientists to join NASA’s space shuttle program. Suddenly, Joan burns to be one of the few people to go to space.
Selected from a pool of thousands of applicants in the summer of 1980, Joan begins training at Houston’s Johnson Space Center, alongside an exceptional group of fellow candidates: Top Gun pilot Hank Redmond and scientist John Griffin, who are kind and easygoing even when the stakes are highest; mission specialist Lydia Danes, who has worked too hard to play nice; warmhearted Donna Fitzgerald, who is navigating her own secrets; and Vanessa Ford, the magnetic and mysterious aeronautical engineer, who can fix any engine and fly any plane.
As the new astronauts become unlikely friends and prepare for their first flights, Joan finds a passion and a love she never imagined. In this new light, Joan begins to question everything she thinks she knows about her place in the observable universe.
Then, in December of 1984, on mission STS-LR9, it all changes in an instant.
Fast-paced, thrilling, and emotional, Atmosphere is Taylor Jenkins Reid at her best: transporting readers to iconic times and places, creating complex protagonists, and telling a passionate and soaring story about the transformative power of love—this time among the stars.
We’ll see how many of these I actually get to — I’m trying to be a little more flexible with my reading instead of putting too much pressure on myself.
Final Thoughts
Even though this hasn’t been my most productive reading month so far, I’m still excited about the books I have lined up next.
Sometimes reading seasons ebb and flow, and I’ve learned that that’s completely normal. The most important thing is still enjoying the books when I do get the chance to sit down and read.
I’m hoping the second half of the month brings a few more cozy reading nights!
I’d love to know:
What’s the best book you’ve read so far this month?
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.
Hello and happy Saturday friends! There’s something about the shift into spring that always makes me want to freshen up my home. After months of cozy winter decor, I’m usually ready for lighter colors, fresh flowers, and anything that makes my space feel a little brighter.
The good news is you don’t have to spend a ton of money to make your home feel ready for spring. A few simple DIY projects can completely change the vibe of a room, and most of them can be made with items you might already have at home.
Today I’m sharing a few easy, budget-friendly DIY spring decor ideas that you can try this season.
This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!
1. Painted Mason Jar Flower Vases
One of the easiest ways to bring spring into your home is with flowers, and I love using mason jars as simple vases.
Start by painting the outside of the jars in soft spring colors like pastel pink, sage green, light blue, or cream. Once the paint dries, you can add twine or ribbon around the rim for a little extra detail.
Arrange the flowers around one side of the wreath for a more modern, asymmetrical look. I personally love using things like greenery, daisies and pastels for a spring feel.
Hang it on:
Your front door
A wall hook inside your home
Above a mantel or shelf
I made this one for Christmas a few years back and really loved it: Wreath Idea
3. Decorative Spring Tray
If you have a coffee table, kitchen island, or entry table, a styled tray is such an easy way to add seasonal decor.
Start with a tray you already own and add a few spring-themed items like:
The key is layering different textures and heights so it feels cozy but not cluttered. How cute is this mug?? Definitely adding it to my wish list.
4. Pressed Flower Wall Art
This DIY is simple but looks beautiful and delicate for spring.
You’ll need:
Fresh flowers or greenery
Heavy books for pressing
A simple picture frame
Place the flowers between pieces of parchment paper inside a book and let them press for about a week. Once dried, arrange them inside a frame for a piece of natural art.
This works especially well with:
Daisies
Baby’s breath
Ferns
Wildflowers
5. Spring Candle Jars
If you already have empty candle jars lying around, don’t throw them away!
Clean them out and repurpose them as:
Mini planters
Tea light holders
Small containers for flowers or greenery
You can decorate them with paint, ribbon, or even simple labels to match your spring decor style.
Final Thoughts
Decorating for spring doesn’t have to mean buying a whole new set of decorations. Sometimes the most charming pieces are the ones you make yourself.
These DIY projects are simple, budget-friendly, and easy to customize depending on your style. Plus, they’re a fun way to spend an afternoon getting your home ready for the new season.
If you try any of these ideas, I’d love to know which one is your favorite!
✨ Before you go:
What’s your favorite way to decorate for spring? Let me know in the comments!
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.
Hello and happy Friday friends! It's Friday the 13th! Did you do anything to celebrate today? We don't do much for days like today, but I know some out there celebrate. For today's post, I wanted to share my first quarterly update of my 36 goals for my 36th year of life. I'm pretty excited with the progress I've made so far!
MY GOALS
1. Run a 5k.
I am running a 5k this weekend! I'll let you know how it goes. I haven't run in almost 9 years so I think it's about time I add a 5k back on my list of things that I'd like to do. I really enjoyed running when I did it years ago so it's time I add it back to my routine.
Update: I ran a 5k last August with my friend Caroline! To be totally honest, it was not quite the best experience but I am happy to share that I finished and it made me want to start training again. I'm debating signing up for another one this fall and doing another one.
2. Pay off my student loans.
As of today, I only owe $506.46. I had two loans remaining and paid off one of them since May, so I am down to my last loan. I need to pay about $100 a month to get these taken care of by the end to 2025. I'm anticipating I will complete this goal prior to my birthday next year.
Update: My student loans are 100% paid off as of January 2026! Check that off the list of things I no longer have to worry about.
3. Inventory my library.
My goal is to get all of my books on the shelves and make a listing of the books I own, what I've read and what I still need to read. Besides a few books I recently purchased, all of my books have been moved into my library and so far I have added about 30 books to my inventory. I have to finish my inventory then I'll be set.
Update: This is probably half way done so I imagine I will be able to get it done in time for my birthday.
4. Finish ONE crochet or knit project for myself.
This one is going to carry over from last year, but I really do want to finish at least one project that I started for myself. I've got a few options so I will be focusing on one of them and finishing them. I'll be sure to share once I get it done!
Update: Honestly... I ended up picking a brand new project for myself, but I am over half way done with it. Once I get that done, I'll post a full update on that one.
Update: I started and finished a cardigan for myself and I did not like it. HA. So I ended up giving it away, but I had every intent of keeping the sweater until I got it done.
5. Purge my closet.
Over the last few years I have been slowly getting more and more clothing (which is 100% okay) but it's time I make deliberate time to go through said clothing and do a purge. I'd really like to get my closet down to a more functional closed where I don't have a bunch of clothes that I never wear. I'd also like to get a routine of putting away winter clothes so the closet doesn't feel so full.
Update: Between Christmas and New Years I spent so much time on my closet getting rid of a bunch of things. I think I got rid of 1/2 my pants and 1/2 of my hanging items.
6. Grow my Facebook deals group.
I currently have 359 members in my Facebook Group and I would really like to hit 500 between now and my next birthday. I have been averaging about 100 new members a year which is great and I'm so thankful for them all, but I'd like to hit 500 so I can sign up for other affiliate programs. If you'd like to join the group, check out: https://www.facebook.com/groups/shopwithmejackabee.
Update: Group is at 367 members so I am slowly getting there! I had a rough few months getting deals posted but I am only 133 members shy of my 500 goals.
Update 2.0: As of today's posting I am at 395 members so I'm getting there! I am planning to run a giveaway in my group in April to see if I can push myself over that goal of 500 members.
7. Post 3-4 videos on YouTube a month.
I verrrryyyy recently started my YouTube channel where I focus on all things books. My plan right now is to post one video a week for the next year. I am also planning to host weekly reading and productivity sprints too to help me focus on reading or whatever else I need to get done. As of today, I have videos planned through July and can start filming whenever. I'm excited! Check out Read with Me Jackabee: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadwithMeJackabee
Update: I have not been posting videos all summer. I had content planned for the whole summer but honestly just did not feel great about recording videos. So I made the executive decision to hold off on recording content until I felt a bit better about it all. My plan is to pick back up in September and see how I feel about it then.
Update: This one will not be accomplished and I am okay with that. As I mentioned in my last update, I just wasn't feeling it over the summer and that carried into Fall 2025. I have been working on some videos but recording/editing just is not my passion.
8. Read 52 books.
As of this post, I have finished a total of 47 books. I have no doubt I will finish the goal by my birthday next year. I also posted an update to my 25 in 25 reading challenge. Check out more details about the challenge over here: 25 in 25 reading challenge hosted by Bri at Four Paws and a Book. To see my update post, click on the image below.
9. Make the quilt from Justin.
I am re-adding this to the list because the quilt was such a wonderful gift from Justin. And given that I actually have a space where the quilt will be very useful (it's a book themed quilt) it seems only appropriate I finally make it.
Update: Have not started the quilt, but still have it on my radar. I think this will be another one of those projects that I have to schedule time for because it can be very time consuming.
10. Use the paddle board at least one time this summer.
I got a paddle board from Justin a few Christmases ago and I only was able to use it one time last year. My goal is to get it out at least one time this summer and go for a quick spin around a local lake with my friend.
July 20, 2025 - Took the paddle board out with my friend Trista and got thoroughly burnt, but it was glorious. We're trying to get out one more time this summer before the weather gets cold.
If you don't know what Pewabic is - it's a local tile making company that has tiles all around the metro Detroit area. The tile are all hand made and are so beautiful so I'd love to take a glazing class and make a tile of my own to have in our home.
August 2025 - Went in August last year with some girlfriends and glazed tiles. It was so much fun and I kind of want to go back again. Maybe I'll add that for my 37th year on this planet.
12. Work on my flexibility.
One thing I have been noticing as I am aging is that my back is often sore. Partly because I sit a lot for my job, but also because I do not do things to actively move/stretch my body. I would like to be very deliberate in working on my flexibility. One way I plan do do this is to dedicate 15 minutes a day for an entire month to stretching my body. Right now the plan is to do this for the month of July, but if I miss a day, I have to start over. So no matter what, I am doing 15 minutes of flexibility/yoga a day for 31 days in a row. I may even try a 30 day challenge from Yoga with Adrienne.
Update: I did 14 days of this challenge in July and a week in August, but haven't completed a full month. I will be picking a month later this year to do the challenge when I don't feel so busy that it hurts.
Update 3/2026: This still is not going well. BUT I still have April where I could do it every day so I will work on that for next month.
13. Establish a nightly "shut down" routine.
One are that I struggle with a lot is the day-to-day maintenance of our house. So I'd like to create and follow a nightly shut down routine for the house to help alleviate some of the stresses that come with not tidying up after ourselves on a regular basis. I'm hoping Justin will help me with this too to create something we can both easily do.
Update: I have started brainstorming things that I'd like to do every day (like a load of laundry, empty/load the dishwasher and pick up clutter). I'm thinking it would be good to implement this starting in the new year as a 2026 goal. I'll keep you posted.
Update: I have put something together to help me keep myself on track for cleaning/daily routine. I created the below image so I can check things off daily/weekly. Feel free to use it for yourself too if you want!
14. Start reading all of Agatha Christie's books.
Growing up, I really loved reading Agatha Christie's books and I'd really like to re-read them all again. My goal for this year will be to read all of her Hercule Poirot books. From what I can tell, there are a total of 38 of those books so I would like to read all of them before my next birthday.
Update: So far I have purchased six of the books of the 38. It's proving a bit hard to find the versions I want, but I am sure I'll be able to get them from my local library if needed and wanted to just get them read.
Here's what I have so far:
Murder on the Orient Express
Murder in Mesopotamia
Dumb Witness
Death on the Nile
Evil Under the sun
Hallowe'en Party
My plan is to start reading/listening to them all this fall because they feel very fall-esque. I'll let you know as I start reading through them.
Update: I have not read a single Agatha Christie book, but I have added a few more books to my collection. I definitely won't be finishing 38 books in the next 8 weeks, but I am happy with starting my collection.
15. Plan another trip just mom and I We also have something scheduled for September, but that's a trip we do annually for a ladies retreat with her church.
My mom is retiring this year and I'd like to do a little getaway for her and I to celebrate her bit accomplishment. We do have some budgetary restrictions, but I am planning to do a little something for her and I.
July 2025 - Mom and I went on a mini overnight trip to Kalamazoo, MI. It wasn't a huge trip or anything crazy, but it was fun to get away for the evening and spend some time together.
16. Finish the 90% done projects in the house I have not started on these projects and honestly, the last one may not get done before fall/winter hits. It's been so hot outside I just didn't see the point in investing a lot of time/money in the deck. Maybe once it cools off this fall I'll be able to get more done out there, but for now that project is on hold.
Patch hole in pantry room ceiling
Paint arch in mudroom white - this is the only beige thing in our house and it's still driving me insane.
Hang lights on deck and plant flowers in planters.
Update: I have not done these yet; however, I have them on my list to get done as part of my Spring cleaning so they will likely get completed before my birthday.
17. Do a big hair cut/change to my hair. For the last year and a half, I have been growing out my natural hair because I had no idea what color my hair actually was. Turns out, it's a pretty grey/brown combo and I'm to the point where I am debating cutting off all the rest of the dyed parts of my hair and going super short. Below is some inspiration I have in mind for a hair cut - though I do not want bangs one bit.
Update: Guess what I did? I cut about 6" off my hair and I am so glad I did it! I am so close to having completely dye-free hair and I am so excited.
19. Finally use my sourdough starter. I have had a sourdough starter for a few years and have not done anything but maintain it. This will be the year that I finally make something with said starter.
Update: My sourdough starter is very dormant so I will need to prioritize revitalizing it then finding some recipes for Justin and I to try for bread since we both want to make bread at home.
Update: My sourdough starter is in the process of being revived right now and will be used to make something before my birthday. I am determined.
20. Monthly date nights with Justin.
Lately it feels like we both have just been so busy that I would really like to be intentional with time together. Whether that's just watching a movie at home or going out to try something new/fun, I would like to be deliberate in dating my hubby.
May 2025 - saw Lilo & Stitch in theatres
June 2025 - date night at home watching a movie
July 2025 - saw How to Train Your Dragon in theatres and the new Superman movie
21. Create a BookTube Book Club. I saw this awesome idea where a fellow BookTuber created a book club where she has people on her channel once a month to do sprints and other fun activities while also focusing on a book. I would really like to start something like this and I am hoping that she would be okay with me creating something similar to her - of course, I would give her the credit if I did.
Update:
I officially started a book club that will start October 2025! The official name of the book club is The Craft and Crime Book Club and the theme will be mystery/thriller and I will try to post optional crafts based on the books that we read. And I am excited because my YouTube friend, Dana Ella, was okay with me doing a book club too. I'm going to try and set it up so that our streams don't overlap at all.
If you want to join in or follow along, check out my newly created Instagram. Just click on the image below and it will take you directly there.
22. Create a TBR Jar or something similar.
As I mentioned above, I'd really like to organize and catalog all of my books. As part of that process, I would really like to create a TBR jar so that when I am trying to pick a new book to read I can just randomly pick from the jar. I'll be sure to share what I come up with once I do it.
23. Give 5 "just because" gifts.
I have been seeing this trend around and I think it's so fun. Instead of waiting to give someone a gift on a special occasion, I'd like to get people things and give to them just because I thought of them when I saw it. My goal will be to do that 5 times this year.
July 2025 -
1. Gifted some anklets to a friend that mentioned she wanted more as hers were getting a little threadbare.
2. Got a friend some Frenchie themed straw toppers for her cups.
24. Schedule family photos with both our families. We're hitting the point that it's becoming important to have family photos regularly. I would like to schedule two sessions for photos with both my family and Justin's family so that we can have some more up-to-date photos together.
Update: We did family photos with his family in October and my family in November. They turned out so fantastic and I am so glad we did them.
25. Convert our wedding video to digital. When we got married in 2011, there wasn't a whole lot of options in regards to videography so we had the church record our wedding on a VHS - yes you read that right, VHS. My goal is to have that converted to a digital file so we can actually watch our wedding ceremony.
Update: I have made progress on this one - I found a site that does this and all I need to do is package up the tape and send it over to them to convert for me. I am planning to make a digital copy and thumb drive in case my system ever crashes.
Update: I found a company and started the process but never got them where they needed to go. I will be restarting the process again here shortly to get it done by my birthday.
26. Read 3-5 classic or banned books (some fall under both). So far I have purchased two banned/classic books to read: The Color Purple and Crime and Punishment. I tried to pick a few different genres to challenge myself a bit. These will be added to my TBR list later this year/early next year.
Update: I read Wuthering Heights so that counts as one of my classics. I still will need to read two more books to meet this requirement which is feasible.
27. Organize the basement to make it a living space. Justin really wants to move his office down to the basement because his office tends to get very warm in the summertime (his office is the furthest from our furnace). We started last week working on reorganizing the basement so that he could start migrating down there but it will take us some time to get there.
Update: We had a few major appliance issues this summer which delayed our plans to update the basement. This is another thing where I am going to have to schedule this into my time to be able to complete it before my next birthday.
28. Send 10 handwritten notes. I really love sending mail to people, so I would like to make it a point to send 10 handwritten notes to people just because I can - this will not include birthday cards, Christmas cards or thank you cards.
Update: I have sent a total of 2 hand-written notes so far this year. I'm a little bit "behind schedule" but it will be easy to finish by my birthday next year.
29. Collaborate with another BookTube creator. I see a lot of creators on YouTube work together on all kinds of fun things and I think it would be so fun to collaborate with another YouTuber on something. I'm thinking a readathon or something like that, but I haven't decided yet. My goal is to finalize that by end of July 2025.
July 2025 - Joined another BookTube friend for their Thrills and Chills Book Club. Attended two streams with them (July 1 & July 23)
30. Save up one full months salary. After Justin was laid of late last year, we realized that we need to get serious about our finances. While it would not be enough to sustain us long-term, I would like to save up one full month of my salary so at the very least if something happened to my job, I would be able to get myself through the next month. Ideally, I'd like this to be cash so I just have it on me in case of emergency.
Update: I am debating whether this should be pre-tax/deductions or take home. Given everything we've had going on, this has been delayed a bit. I'd much rather pay off a few loans than focus on this so I'm thinking early next year.
Update: This one will be put on hold. We're hitting our debt pretty hard so I am thinking that it would be better for us to not put money into savings when we could be tackling debt.
31. Start planning our next big vacation. Financially, we are not in the position to take a big vacation this year, but I would really like to get something in the works for us to go somewhere (whether it's a new location or one we've been before).
Update: We don't have anything officially planned; however, Justin mentioned wanting to go somewhere big for his birthday next year so I am aiming to plan something fun around then.
32. Plan and blog every day for one month. I really do enjoy writing blog posts, so I'd like to dedicate one month to blog posts (including weekends). I have a few ideas I'm playing with for July so maybe I'll be able to finish it then.
Update: So far in August I have posted every day and have a plan to post every day this month. If I am successful, I can cross this one off early in my year.
Update: If you've been hanging out this month then you will have noticed I've posted every day so far this month and have plans for the rest of March. I am so excited with what I've been writing and hope you've been enjoying it!
33. Leave 100% tip at a restaurant. I have been seeing this a lot as I am going through ideas for my goals list and I think this is so cool. To be able to go to a restaurant (or even order food to be delivered) and tip someone exactly the same as what I paid for my food would be so fun.
Update: I don't think I ever did 100% tip during the holidays; however, I am crossing this one off because I've more than doubled the average tip on several occasions will at restaurants or ordering in.
Update: I honestly don't know if I completed this challenge, but I read 70 books in 2025, so I imagine that I hit all the categories at some point.
35. Handmake one gift for each friend/family member this year. Whether that's a birthday gift or Christmas gift, I'd like to make a gift for everyone. I'm thinking I may even be able to utilize my recent pottery classes to make little gifts for everyone.
Update: I reached out to a few friends to determine if we are exchanging gifts this year and a lot of people declined exchanging so I'm not sure I will be making handmade gifts for everyone this year. I think for the people that I am exchanging with, I will plan to make them something but otherwise this goal may be eliminated/replaced.
36. Wake up one hour earlier every day for one month and use that time for me. My sleep schedule has been all over the place and I feel like I could really benefit from building a better sleep routine. My goal is to spend one month getting up one hour earlier every day to do something that is just for me - whether that's journaling, reading, exercising or just enjoying a cup of coffee in peace.
Update: I am going to pick a month later this year to do this one. I really want to make a plan for each day I get up early and how I want to use that time. Whether it's reading, exercising, journaling, etc.
Update: Definitely did not do this one yet, but I still have the entire month of April so I will plan to get up earlier that month and either workout or do flexibility work.
Okay so that is my most recent update on my 36 for 36. I feel very good about my progress so far and look forward to seeing what the next quarter brings. Come back in a few months to see my progress at that point.
If you have any goals you're working towards, let me know! I'd love to be an accountability partner or even just have a friend to talk with while we do our goals.
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.
There’s something about evenings that just feel a little magical to me. After a long day of work, errands, and everything else life throws my way, I really look forward to slowing things down and settling into a cozy routine. It’s my way of telling my brain and body that the busy part of the day is over and it’s time to relax.
I’m definitely someone who needs a wind-down routine to feel calm before bed. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate or time-consuming — just a few small rituals that help me transition into a slower, cozier mindset.
Today I thought I’d share what my current cozy evening routine looks like. Of course it changes depending on the season or how busy life is, but these are the little things I’ve been loving lately.
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Starting the Wind Down
My evening routine usually starts around 10:30 PM once I’ve finished work, dinner, evening activities and any other things I needed to get done around the house. I try to shift the mood in the house from “daytime busy” to “evening cozy.”
Sometimes this means switching the laundry to the dryer or folding clothes that need to be put away, or something as simple as just picking out my outfit for the next day so that I can relax without staring at a to-do list in my surroundings.
This small reset helps me mentally close out the day.
Doing my skin care routine
One of my favorite evening rituals is taking time to do my skin care routine for my face. I feel like I hit this point where I needed to start doing something every day to help my skin. This includes putting on my headband and wrist guards (because I hate water running down my arms), washing, toning, moisturizing and eye cream.
There’s just something about the process that feels calming — letting the water warm up, grabbing a clean towel and letting the steam fill up the room.
Because I have such sensitive skin, I have to use specific skin care and have put together a fun little list of everything I use in the evenings:
It’s a small thing, but it signals that the busy part of the day is over.
Lighting a Candle
Once the sun starts going down, I love switching off the bright overhead lights and lighting a candle instead. It instantly makes the room feel calmer and more relaxing.
Right now I’m loving the Pineapple Lemonade candle from Threshold at Target. Unfortunately, they don't have the candle right now but you can check out other ones here: Threshold Candles, which makes the whole space smell like summer and warm weather.
Candles are one of my favorite easy ways to make an evening feel intentional and cozy.
Reading Before Bed
If you know me at all, you probably know that reading is a big part of my evening routine.
I usually try to read for about 30 minutes before bed. It helps me disconnect from screens and settle my mind before trying to sleep. When reading in bed I will either use my reading light or read with my Kindle depending on what book is on my current list.
This is honestly one of my favorite parts of the whole evening.
Putting the Phone Away
One thing I’ve been trying to be more intentional about lately is putting my phone away earlier at night.
Instead of scrolling endlessly, I try to set my phone down around at the time I start getting ready to go to bed around 10:30 and focus on quieter activities like reading, journaling, or just relaxing.
It doesn’t always happen perfectly, but when I do it, I definitely notice that I sleep better and feel calmer. And I tend to fall asleep quicker.
Heading to Bed
Once I start feeling sleepy, I’ll do a few quick bedtime things like brushing my teeth, taking my evening medicine and feeing the kitties.
Then it’s time to crawl into bed and wind down for the night.
There’s something really comforting about ending the day with a routine that feels calm and predictable.
Final Thoughts
My evening routine isn’t fancy or complicated, but it’s something I genuinely look forward to every day. These little cozy rituals help me slow down, relax, and create a peaceful end to the day.
And honestly, that makes such a difference.
I’d love to know — what does your evening routine look like? Do you have any cozy rituals that help you wind down at night?
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.
If you’ve been around here for a while, you probably know that I love a good planner moment. There’s just something about starting the week with a fresh page, a cup of coffee, and a clear idea of what’s ahead that makes life feel a little more manageable.
I’m definitely not someone who has a perfectly color-coded schedule every single week (I wish!), but over time I’ve found a system that works really well for me. Today I’m sharing a peek at how I organize my week, along with a few of my favorite planner tools and little tricks that keep everything running smoothly.
My Weekly Planning Routine
Every week, usually on Sunday, hubby and I sit down and map out what the next few days will look like. I like to make it a little ritual — grabbing a cozy drink, snuggling with a blanket and slippers and taking 15–20 minutes to get organized.
Here’s what my weekly planning session usually looks like:
Check my calendar
I start by reviewing my digital calendar to see what appointments, events, or deadlines I already have scheduled for the week.
Check the weather for the week Because we live in Michigan, the weather is always inconsistent so we make it a point to check the weather for the week that way we have a general idea of what to expect. Especially if the weather is going to be rough and we could potentially lose power.
Plan menu for the week Once we've reviewed the schedule and weather for the week, we typically will work to get our menu planned out. We've been working really hard to focus on cooking at home and saving some money because we ordered out SO much last year. So far this month we've been doing good cooking at home and it's exciting.
Add in extra tasks
Since I spend time working on things like blog posts and other content, I like to assign specific days for those tasks so they actually get done. If I have other tasks that need to get done - errands, returns, etc. I will also add those in where I can.
Review budget for the week
Finally, I make it a point to walk through the budget for the week. This helps me keep track of everything from a money perspective and keeps me on track as I plan groceries and other shopping throughout the week.
Once everything is written down, I already feel more prepared for the week ahead.
My Favorite Planning Tools
Over the years I’ve tried a lot of different planning systems, and these are a few of my current favorites.
My Planner
Right now I’m using an embroidered journal from Rifle Paper Co. that I really like. As someone who is left-handed, I feel like journals are always something for which I am very picky. What I like about this one is the fact that it has nice and thick paper, lays flat and is just so cute.
Some things I always look for in a planner are:
Weekly spreads
Space for notes
Enough room for daily tasks
A layout that isn’t too overwhelming
Sticky Notes (My Secret Weapon)
I’m a big fan of sticky notes because they make planning so much more flexible.
I usually use them for things like:
Tasks that might move to another day
Brain dumps when I have too many ideas at once
Quick reminders
Plus, it’s very satisfying to peel them off once something is done.
Digital Apps I Use
While I love paper planning, I do keep some things digital for convenience.
A few apps I use regularly include:
Google Calendar for appointments and events
Notes Appfor quick lists
For me, the best system is a mix of both digital and paper.
Planner Tricks That Help Me Stay Organized
Over time I’ve picked up a few little habits that make planning a lot easier.
1. Keep a Running To-Do List
Instead of trying to remember everything, I keep a running list in my notebook and on my notes app on my phone where I can jot things down as they come to mind.
2. Plan Less Than You Think You Can Do
One of the biggest mistakes I used to make was overloading my schedule. Now I try to leave breathing room so I don’t feel overwhelmed.
3. Use Theme Days
Sometimes I dedicate certain days to specific types of tasks, like:
Chores/Errands: If there is a specific chore that I need to accomplish or errand I need to do that week I'll make a note of it so that I can make sure it gets done that week.
Content creation: I am trying to focus on content creation and management so I have been adding dedicated time to my week to work on that as well.
This helps me stay focused instead of constantly switching between different things.
4. Reset Midweek
If my week starts to go off track (which happens often), I take a few minutes to reassess and adjust my plans. Planning isn’t about being perfect — it’s about staying flexible.
Final Thoughts
Planning my week doesn’t mean everything goes perfectly — life always finds ways to surprise us. But having a system in place helps me stay a little more organized and a lot less stressed.
And honestly, there’s nothing better than the feeling of checking something off your list.
If you’re someone who loves planners too, I’d love to know:
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.
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA SETS ALL-TIME TOURING BROADWAY RECORD AT DETROIT OPERA HOUSE
Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA has made Detroit theatrical history by setting a new record for the highest-grossing touring week ever at the Detroit Opera House. The record was set during the second week of its triumphant 2-week engagement this February, surpassing the previous record set by Wicked in 2015.
“We are thrilled by the overwhelming response from Detroit audiences,” said ATG Detroit’s General Manager, James Kuhl. “Breaking the long-standing record shows the passion this city has for Broadway and to the timeless appeal of The Phantom of the Opera.”
The Detroit engagement of the new PHANTOMNorth American Tour featured Maria Björnson’s brilliant original design and is based on the celebrated direction of Harold Prince, with musical staging and choreography by Gillian Lynne.
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is widely considered one of the world’s most beautiful and spectacular musicals. Since 1986, it has played to over 160 million people in 205 cities, 58 territories and 21 languages. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s romantic, haunting and soaring score includes “The Music of the Night,” “All I Ask of You,” “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again,” “Masquerade” and the iconic title song. It tells the tale of a disfigured musical genius known only as ‘The Phantom’ who haunts the depths of the Paris Opera House. Mesmerized by the talents and beauty of a young soprano, Christine, The Phantom lures her as his protégé and falls fiercely in love with her. Unaware of Christine’s love for Raoul, The Phantom’s obsession sets the scene for a dramatic turn of events where jealousy, madness, and passions collide.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, originally produced by Cameron Mackintosh and The Really Useful Theatre Company Limited, has become one of the most successful shows in the world. The original London stage production is now the second longest-running musical ever. It opened on Broadway on January 26, 1988, directed by Harold Prince. It won seven 1988 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and reigned as the longest-running show in Broadway history since January 9, 2006, when it surpassed Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS, also produced by Cameron Mackintosh. The New York production played a staggering nearly 13,981 performances, been seen by 20 million people and grossed over $1.4 billion. After an unprecedented 35 record-breaking years, the Broadway production played its final performance on April 16, 2023.
There have been three U.S. National Tours based on the original Broadway production. The First National Tour played Los Angeles and San Francisco for a combined total run of almost 10 years, playing 3,902 performances to 6.6 million people. The Second National Tour had an 8.5-year run playing 3,364 performances to 7.5 million people. The Third National Tour had an 18-year run, playing 7,284 performances to 16.7 million people. The three U.S. national tours played 216 engagements in 77 cities for an unprecedented total of 36.5 years and over 14,500 performances to 31 million people – making it the most successful and longest-running touring show in U.S. history.
The new PHANTOMNorth American Tour is produced by Cameron Mackintosh and LW Entertainment.
The next show ATG Detroit will present at the Detroit Opera House is Disney’s The Lion King March 12 – April 5.
ATG Entertainment is a world leader in live entertainment whose portfolio of venues includes historic theatres, modern live music arenas, studio theatres, cinemas and conference spaces. ATG Entertainment owns, operates, or programs 72 of the world’s most iconic venues across the UK, the US and Continental Europe, each year entertaining over 18 million audience members. Through its in-house Production companies and working closely with third-party top producers and promoters ATG presents over 15,000 live performances every year.
For more information on ATG Detroit, subscriptions, group sales and more, please visit us.atgtickets.com
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.
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