five things Friday: summer goals edition

I'm not usually one for setting seasonal goals, though a few of my blog friends do, and they often make me think I should try it for myself - for some seasons (or just one - ahem, winter) we need to focus on some good/fun stuff so that we're not just wishing the time away, and for some others, they feel so fleeting that I want to make sure to make the most of them.

Summer always gives me that "get it before it's gone" feeling, since warm sunny days aren't around in Michigan nearly as long as one would like. And even though I'm way past the school age of summer breaks, there's something about summer that makes it feel like there should be more fun or relaxation or activities, but then in the busyness of life (I do still have to work + do work travel, after all), the fun stuff doesn't always happen if you aren't intentional about it.

So, no need to go overboard with expectations, but as we head into the unofficial kickoff weekend of summer, here are 5 things I want to make sure to get around to, in my enjoyment of this summer:

1. Try out a new (to us) brewery: there are so many around here, and so many have great outdoor seating. Beer + al fresco = can't be beat. Bonus points if we get to bike there!
2. Plan some bike rides with friends: dual goal of enjoying time on my bike and getting in my 18 in 2018 resolution of at least one friend date per month.
3. Find a great pair of sandals and summer-weight jeans: most sandals seem to only hold up one summer, and I'd love to finally find something longer-lasting and more comfortable/supportive, maybe like these. Also, a nice lightweight cropped jean - much as I love summer weather I miss my usual denim, so I'm on the hunt for something more seasonally appropriate, maybe like these. Any other suggestions?!
4. Take Hendrik on 1-2 special outings per month: while I do still have to work, so he has babysitters/summer camps lined up, my schedule does get a bit lighter in the summer, and so I want to make sure to enjoy some activities in our area that are way more fun in the warm weather, like the Frederik Meijer Gardens children's garden and our local farmer's market story time.
5. Spruce up the front steps: I'm hoping to find some great planters to flank the door and fill them with some colorful flowers (especially since I never plant annuals elsewhere...), and also finally get our historic district plaque hung up.

What are your goals for summer fun? I'd be up for doing a bunch of the things on this bucket list too!

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