Last week I wrote a (fun) post about the things I don’t do. It seemed to be a hit with some of you and rightfully so! I’ve loved reading similar lists from friends and bloggers because it’s interesting to learn more about the things others prioritize, and the things they do not. Imagine how life would be if we all approached it the same way.

So while last week’s post and Things I Don’t Do list left me feeling like I might be on the boring or entitled side (I’m neither of those), I wanted to follow up with a list of Things I Do. Because I do in fact, live a pretty full and colorful life! Here is a list of the things I make time for with some commentary behind each.

1. I handle most of the secretarial duties in our family. 

I once read an article about how women are often the ones who handle secretarial duties in a household, and that those duties are vast. And what do those duties typically include, you ask? Meal planning, remembering to pack school bags and lunches, purchasing and wrapping gifts for that upcoming party, and planning for birthdays and holidays, to name a few. I would say I am definitely the one who takes on these tasks in our family, and proudly so.

2. I always batch-tidy throughout the day.

I think it would be impossible for me to avoid tidying our home throughout any given day, so I’ve embraced my tidy tendencies and call it batch-cleaning instead. This means when I head upstairs to get Ev from a nap, I bring up dirty towels from the kitchen. Before I bring him back downstairs, I start a load of laundry. When I walk past the kitchen I put things on the counter in their right place. When I go to the washroom I make sure toilet paper is stocked. Batch-tidying helps lessen the blow come the weekend when these things usually get done.

3. I pay someone to do my nails. And color my hair once a year.

I have a severe nail biting habit. It’s the WORST. I can stay awake at night in bed and nibble on my nails for hours until they bleed. So I get gel nails put on to help combat the nail biting and also so I can feel good about myself. While I don’t actually enjoy the process of a manicure (sitting still that long drives me nuts), I do find the pros of the aftermath well worth it. And as for the hair coloring, now that I am slowly sprouting gray hairs . . .

4. I love meandering around Target for as long as Ev will let me.

While it pains me to admit I’m part of what I consider to be the middle-class, mid-30’s, mama to little kiddos Instagram stereotype (you know, the one with a Starbucks in hand, strolling Target for the next best decorative knick knack, taking a selfie in the mirror with my kids in the cart), I’m part of it. I’m not usually documenting my time at the store because I move through there in 45 minutes or less, but I DO truly enjoy my time there. We also like to get our non-food items from Target (like trash bags, diapers, cleaning supplies, sundries, etc).

6. I have a hot bath every day. Sometimes two.

There has to be something pretty wild happening at the Bosse home in order for me to miss my morning bath. If I do miss it, I take one in the evening, and if I miss my evening bath in favor of an earlier bedtime, then a morning bath it is! Sometimes Lachlan tries to sneak in with me (although he’s getting a tad old for this!) and sometimes Ev gets handed to me for a quick dip (he hates baths so we do our best to quickly clean him) but most of the time it’s 15 minutes of alone time and when I truly get to feel like I am resting. Fun fact: I am the opposite of a germaphobe. So yeah, I’ll take baths at hotels and it does not gross me out one bit.

7. I love getting fancied up!

While my day to day style is pretty low-key, a reality in part to working from home, having a small baby, and it being winter still here so getting out is rare, I do enjoy getting fancied up when necessary! Curling my hair, putting on more make up than normal, slipping into a fancy top or dress, switching my wallet from diaper bag to purse; when needed I love indulging in adult dress up and feeling a touch more lovely than normal.

10. I always send a hand written thank you.

I’m firmly believe that a handwritten thank you is the proper way to express gratitude for something. While it seems the art of a proper thank you is becoming obsolete, I hope one day soon it makes a strong comeback.

11. I love indulging in true crime documentaries.

For a highly sensitive gal who doesn’t love going to the movies, it’s ironic how much I love a well-done true crime documentary. I think a lot of it has to stem from my journalism background and how much I enjoyed those investigative classes because I’ve seen quite a few long-format docs and ones with some intense (graphic) content. I have a deep appreciation for how much work goes into a thorough documentary; from the research before filming, interviews, sources, editing, and how the story telling can keep a viewer engaged. It’s all very fascinating to me and I love fitting these in on the rare occasion.

12. I often work virtually from a high end coffee shop.

Since we typically don’t drink in our home or when we go out, Andrew and I are big fans of higher-end coffee. He prefers pour overs and French press, and I prefer frothy lattes with velvety homemade almond milk. One of our favorite things to do when we travel is find the best local coffee shops. But when we are home, we have our favorite local coffee shops and often have virtual work dates there together in lieu of date nights out. My love language is quality time so you can guess how much I love sitting side by side with my guy holding a steamy latte!

13. I plan out holidays, trips, and birthdays very far in advance.

I’m always fascinated by ‘last-minute’ types because to me I’ve always been the opposite. I suppose the anxiety-inducing reality of last-minute circumstances has always scared me off of waiting too long to do anything, so I typically do things very far in advance to feel prepared and in control. Some examples? Ordering birthday cakes, getting holiday cards in the mail, planning our family trips, responding to an invitation, and packing for trips. The sooner something can get done and taken care of, the better in my opinion!

15. I love phone conversations. Like the old fashioned kind of calls.

In my Things I Don’t Do post I wrote about my poor texting skills. I am instead, a big advocate for phone conversations and prefer verbally communicating over the pleasantries of texting. I think tone is easier to decipher on the phone, it fits in better with my day (where my hands are usually tied up elsewhere), and it allows for more fruitful connection to blossom. Of course, emails are necessary for paper trails and text messaging is sometimes easier in professional capacities, but if there’s an opportunity for a call, I take it!

16. I buy clothing that requires dry cleaning. 

While most of my day to day clothing is easy to toss in the wash without worry (I rarely separate out colors and darks and only do whites alone when it comes to our bedding or towels), I do have many items that have to be washed professionally. This includes some blazers, blouses, dresses, and pants. If it’s worth having an article of clothing that will make me feel like a million bucks, then I don’t mind having it professionally cared for.

17. I enjoy surprising loved ones and making time for those in need.

Sometimes, work can just wait. And while I’m careful to never ignore a client or commitment deadline, I do know sometimes, a friend, neighbor, or even stranger in need beats out another hour buried in my work. Delivering homemade goods to your new neighbor, pulling over to give a homeless person your socks and some money for food, grabbing a pack of diapers at the store so a friend doesn’t have to run out and grab those herself, sending a ‘Just Because’ note to a colleague, bringing donuts to my husband’s work, picking up L from school earlier than normal to take him somewhere special; these are the types of moments I’ll remember years from now.

18. I have many blocks of time throughout my day where I get really present.

This is a newer to me way of living out my days but it’s helping make a difference with my mindfulness and fear of life slipping by quicker than I’d like. This requires doing nothing except indulging in simple conversation with Andrew, playing, like REALLY playing, carwash with Lachlan, counting the triangles in the carpet in Ev’s room while I nurse him, soaking in the tub without a book or my phone, or just taking in my surroundings and being grateful. It’s a fascinating way to spend time throughout my day as I am normally one to maximize and multitask. This post struck a chord with me and made me realize, what are we REALLY doing with all that saved up time?

What are some of the things YOU do and make time for in your life? What are your priorities and must haves in your schedule? Do any of the above things that I do resonate with you? I’d love to hear more below! Xo