Summer To-Do List

Right now, life is pretty good.  Balancing this blog, a life, a full-time job, and all of the other little stuff isn’t always easy.  In fact, if we’re being honest, it’s quite hard.  Without whining or complaining (it’s my choice to do all of this,) I frequently feel overwhelmed, tired, and full-on stressed / anxious.  That said, I had an epiphany the other night when I couldn’t sleep.  I was trying to figure out why I couldn’t sleep and realized that there was nothing in my life that was causing me a disproportionate amount anxiety or stress.  Just regular old insomnia.  There are things here and there causing me stress, but nothing putting me over the ledge.  I’m rambling, and I don’t know if it makes a whole lot of sense, but it’s a good thing.  I sat down and set some goals for the next few months and thought I ‘d share them here… because nothing is truly official until you write it down.

I’d love to know what’s on your pre-Labor Day to-do list!  Please share your own in the comments below… or better yet, write out your own pre-Labor Day list!

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0 Comments

  1. Lesley:

    I absolutely love your to do list and hope you get to do all of it!!! I’ll be waiting to hear more about this teensy-weensy jewelry line!!!

    6.22.12 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      Thanks, Lesley! 🙂 I’m excited to share more!

      6.22.12 Reply
  2. Tara:

    Love number 5 🙂  Good luck!

    6.22.12 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      Thanks Tara – it’s one of my fave goals too because it’s just fun!

      6.22.12 Reply
  3. wonderfulandmarvelous:

    Love this list!! Looking forward to your DIY’s. 🙂
    xo Andrea

    6.22.12 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      Thank you Andrea! xx

      6.22.12 Reply
  4. Pvedesign.com:

    grace – great (pre) labor to do list.  it is going to feel great as you tick off your list.
    diy class in my studio…..please.  i am already lining up students for you!!!
    pve

    6.22.12 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      thanks patricia! That would be so much fun!!

      6.22.12 Reply
  5. Gaby:

    Great list Grace, I’ve been doing my nails more than once a week at home (sadly), and seeing my nails colored and pretty really lifts my mood 😉

    6.22.12 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      It really is such a mood lift – I feel so much better / more in control when my nails are in order!

      6.22.12 Reply
  6. Missleila799:

    love it! love people when they set there goals!

    xo-Leila
    http://keepin-itpretty.blogspot.com/

    6.22.12 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      Thanks, Leila!

      6.22.12 Reply
  7. Samantha:

    Number 7 excites me — i love the jewellery you create in your DIY posts 🙂 xx

    6.22.12 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      thanks Samantha! I’m excited 🙂

      6.24.12 Reply
  8. Mamafashionista:

    Can I borrow numbers 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, 10, and 12 for my to do list? Lol. I hope that you accomplish all of your goals, and then some! 

    6.22.12 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      haha! I hope you do, too!!

      6.24.12 Reply
  9. meghan:

    All of these goals look wonderful. The one that would be the absolute hardest for me is setting concrete times for blogging and social media and not looking at my phone or computer the rest of the time. I am on my computer or phone all the time, so maybe I need to think about doing something like this to. Maybe you could share once you figure out what your times will be?

    6.22.12 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      Thanks Meghan! It’s hard for me, too. I find that if I plan out my weeks well, then I can set aside a few nights (and a few hours on each of those nights.) It’s a little bit random but it definitely helps and then I don’t get so stressed!

      6.24.12 Reply
  10. Emmaeallen:

    I’ll climb a high peak with you at Friends!!! 

    6.22.12 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      YES! I can’t wait!!

      6.24.12 Reply
  11. Alex (Things That Sparkle):

    I made a very similar list. But mine is pre-wedding (sept 22). I like the idea of putting it out there on the blog, maybe it will help me stick to it!

    6.22.12 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      Yeah, definitely helps me having it in a more “public” place!! I want you to share your list!

      6.24.12 Reply
  12. Mackenzie {Design Darling}:

    Love this list and lists in general! You’re so right — it doesn’t count until it’s on paper. Can’t wait to see your jewelry line! I know it will be fabulous 🙂

    6.22.12 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      I know you love a good list, Mackenzie! I LOVE your lists… you are the queen. 🙂

      6.24.12 Reply
  13. Christine @ court and hudson:

    HAHA, I was going to make a summer to-do list as a post as well… then life got in the way. Girl, you know I’m SOO proud of how you balance everything. You do a much better job than most (do you see my radio silence on the blog this week?) and I know it’s hard to sometimes see that when you feel like you’re slowly shrinking by the amount of “to-dos” piling up on you. But trust me, many people out there admire how well you juggle! Me included! : ) 

    6.22.12 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      Aw, thanks lady. YOU are doing an incredible job, too! So excited for our little touch-base meetings… to watch our bigger goals come into fruition! xoxo

      6.24.12 Reply
  14. christin schindewolf:

    i’m really glad you weren’t complaining. and i most definitely need to implement some of these. like the hours one OR like the manicure one. i will make you do the jewelry line! don’t make me hold lulu ransom 🙂 

    6.22.12 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      Oh I would never complain… 😉

      6.24.12 Reply
  15. Sarahjane76:

    i love this list! it reminds me that i need one for myself – it’s long:) can’t wait to see the jewelry line!! xo

    6.22.12 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      I hope you make one! No matter how long it is, it helps having everything out there. 🙂

      6.24.12 Reply
  16. Lisa // Elembee, Etc:

    Great list, can’t wait to see your jewelry! One of the things I want to do this summer is take a calligraphy course.

    6.22.12 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      That’s so cool! I really hope you do it – would love to see the results!!

      6.24.12 Reply
  17. Sara:

    Great summer list!

    6.22.12 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      thank you!

      6.24.12 Reply
  18. Nnenna:

    I love your list! One thing I want to do more off this summer is take advantage of all the cool free things happening in NYC, like movie screenings at Bryant Park, Shakespeare in Central Park, and craft and street fairs in Brooklyn/Manhattan! 🙂

    6.22.12 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      Thanks Nnenna! I love those goals! I need to do the same… we are so excited for the Philharmonic in the park!

      6.24.12 Reply
  19. Meghan:

    I need to do this too!  I love your list and am VERY excited for you that you’re going to try to launch a mini-jewelry business, etc.  I remember you saying at some point on here that it was along term goal of yours.  I get in my own way with things by trying to make them perfect and it sounds like that’s what you’re afraid of BUT – I think you should just do it!  And then tweak along the way.  🙂

    6.22.12 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      thanks love! Exactly – I’ve realized that it is never going to be perfect so I might as well just jump right in and do it!!

      6.24.12 Reply
  20. The Avg Girl Guide:

    Absolutely love this, and it reminds me I need to take a look at my New Year’s resolutions! Think I need a similar list (and we have a lot of the same resolutions!). Can your crafts party be in Florida? 🙂 PS: yay for a jewelry line! 

    6.22.12 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      Yes, it always helps! I need to go back and look at mine!!

      6.24.12 Reply
  21. Gabrielle | Savvy Home:

    This is such a good list! I hope you achieve them all 🙂 X

    6.22.12 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      thanks Gabby!!

      6.24.12 Reply
  22. Amymjacobson:

    sounds like some great goals…and few I should adopt myself!

    6.22.12 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      Thanks, Amy!!

      6.24.12 Reply
  23. Elisabeth:

    Grace – love your blog, but you have got to change your ad setup!  in Safari the ads fall on top of your written content and there is no way to close them!  

    6.22.12 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      Oh weird! Which ad is it happening for, I’ve never received this feedback.

      6.24.12 Reply
  24. Annie Wilbert:

    I am dying to go to Portland! So excited about your jewelry line!!!! And I would love to implement  weekly mani/pedi s as well. xoxo
    Elizabeth
    thenowstylebook

    6.22.12 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      It’s a bit of a luxury and won’t always happen, but I’m going to at least try!! xx

      6.24.12 Reply
  25. Jordan - Queen of LA:

    jewelry line!!?? jewelry line!?!?!?! yes, finally!!! i will be your best customer!

    6.22.12 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      eep! can’t wait. heart you.

      6.24.12 Reply
  26. Nicole:

    so very jelaous that you’re heading out to Portland – such an amazing city! 

    6.22.12 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      I’m really excited to see it!!

      6.24.12 Reply
  27. aliciadirago:

    Awesome list Grace! Don’t be too hard on yourself about trying to make it all happen at one. (Weren’t some of the early  early S+S posts about that?) Of course, I’m guilty of the exact same thing. 

    6.22.12 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      Thanks Alicia – and yes, you are totally right! xx

      6.24.12 Reply
  28. Gotham Polish:

    I’m so glad that I can get Blue Bottle iced coffee on (and under) the High Line now!!!

    6.22.12 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      I know, it’s such a yummy treat!

      6.24.12 Reply
  29. Sarah:

    Great list! If you have any extra time when you’re in Portland, I’m happy to show you around (I live downtown)! 🙂

    The biggest thing on my summer to-do list is to partake in more outdoor activities like hiking, spending time on a friend’s boat, etc. 

    6.22.12 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      I would love to meet up for coffee or a drink while I’m there – would be great to meet in real life!! I love the goal of spending more time outside – I need to do the same!

      6.24.12 Reply
  30. Lisa:

    I love the weekly manicures idea but #7, I can so relate to.

    6.22.12 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      yay 🙂 Are you trying to launch a line, too?

      6.24.12 Reply
  31. Kate {Something Fabulous}:

    These are great goals! You’ve inspired me! x

    Kate {Something Fabulous}
    http://thesomethingfabulous.blogspot.com

    6.22.12 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      Thanks, Kate!!

      6.24.12 Reply
  32. Carrieteal:

    Those are great goals, I like them because they are realistic. I need to sit down and make a list – I think it helps me prioritize.
    Carrie

    6.23.12 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      Thanks Carrie, I hope you do – it’s definitely helped me!!

      6.24.12 Reply
  33. Cassadinegirl1:

    This is so inspiring…you’ve definitely given me some food for thought! We have some similar aspirations. I also want to take my fashion blogging to the next level. Again, you provide some great inspiration…thank you s&s!

    6.23.12 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      I’m glad I could inspire you!! Good luck with taking your blog to the next level!! xx

      6.24.12 Reply
  34. lara / the glossarie.:

    omg a jewelry line?! i’m chomping at the bit in dc!! i cannot wait to watch it unfold 🙂

    6.24.12 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      🙂 thanks for the encouragement, Lara!!

      6.24.12 Reply
  35. Liz - So Much to Smile About:

    This is such a great list! Can’t wait for that jewelry line! 

    6.24.12 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      Thanks, Liz! xox

      6.24.12 Reply
  36. makeup schools:

    Love your DIYs, and this giveaway is so cool!

    6.25.12 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      Giveaway!?

      6.25.12 Reply
  37. Clara Artschwager:

    Yes, lady, you have to start that line!!! xoxo

    6.25.12 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      🙂 thanks lady! xox

      6.25.12 Reply