Lovin' Lately no. 22
The Ultimate No-Plans Weekend Itinerary
And just like that, we’ve reached Friday. Hopefully, we’re on the other side of dark, gloomy days, and our collective seasonal depression is packing its bags.
Today's post is a little sprinkle of something different! For starters, it’s extra fun with some playful, interactive bits. Plus, it’s much lighter than my usual Tuesday and Sunday musings—hooray for a little end of the week whimsy!
The Ultimate No-Plans Weekend Itinerary
A guide to making “nothing planned” your best plan yet
While I do enjoy the occasional game night, or spontaneous girls dinner on a Tuesday, for me weekdays are for no evening plans. It’s a school night, after all. Although I thrive on hosting, dinner parties, and all those moments that bring people together, some weekends look a bit different. No plans, no commitments, just a blank slate.
That’s where this guide comes in. For those weekends when the idea of nothing planned feels freeing but a little aimless, where you can enjoy your own company and make the most of your time without feeling drained or overwhelmed.
I’m all about creating little traditions throughout the week, small rituals that make every week feel like it has something special (planned spontaneity). This itinerary is a mix of things I personally love to do and that I always look forward to, and I hope it gives you some fresh ideas for your own self-care weekends. Whether it’s treating yourself to a little homemade indulgence or a solo coffee date ritual, these moments are yours to enjoy!
Friday Night
High-end Grocery Run - Begin your weekend by heading to a high-end grocery store. This is one of my favorite small traditions, reserved for the end of the week when I have time to enjoy it fully. This isn’t your typical fridge-stocking trip. You know that feeling when you spot fun new snacks or unique brands during your usual food shop but tell yourself to stick to the essentials? Have a day where your curiosity and indulgent wants win!
Take your time to browse and discover special treats, whether it’s truffle chips, artisan cheeses with crackers, or sparkling drinks like elderflower kombucha. To make it even more fun, give yourself a mini challenge: Pick three ingredients you’ve never tried or want to try, and turn them into a dish, snack board, or even dessert! It’s a little master chef moment just for you! This simple ritual transforms an ordinary errand into an act of self-care, letting you embrace creativity while indulging in the finer things and bringing a little excitement to the start of your weekend.
Set the Mood - Transform your space into a sanctuary of calm. Think of it as hitting the reset button for your week. My favorites are Jo Malone London’s Wood Sage & Sea Salt Scented Candle for a grounding woody aroma and Voluspa’s Japonica Mokara. The right scent instantly sets the tone, wrapping you in a comforting cocoon. Your space will feel sacred if you make it sacred. Make this the evening to prioritize the best sleep you’ve had all week. Dim the lights, pour yourself a calming drink. Try Sleepy Magnesi-Om, or a chamomile blend. Pair it with a short journaling session and ease into a nighttime ritual that feels almost ceremonial. A night like this hopefully leaves you waking up refreshed and ready for whatever you have planned next!
Journal Prompts:
What energized me, and what drained me?
How did I have fun?
Weekly intentions? What was different about this week from last week?
Power Hour - Let’s end the night with a mini spa session.
Start with a warming body scrub, I love Vanilla Vibezzz - Argan Oil + Sugar Balm Exfoliating Body Balm, it will leave your skin smooth!
Follow up with a face mask like Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask + Moisturizer which feels as decadent as it looks, giving your face a radiant boost.
Seal in the glow with a hydrating body oil, such as Nécessaire’s The Body Oil to leave your skin feeling so soft.
Take this ritual up a notch by adding thoughtful details like giving your hair a dose of TLC with Gisou Honey Gloss Ceramide Therapy Hydrating Hair Mask
Saturday
Coffee Date - Start Saturday with a beverage of your choice outside your usual surroundings. While I’m a firm believer in the beauty of making coffee at home, it’s comforting and part of my daily morning routine, it’s nice to press pause and change it up. Cultivating small traditions is all about elevating the ordinary. By going out for coffee, even occasionally, you keep the ritual from becoming too routine. Whether it’s revisiting a favorite cafe where the barista knows your name or testing out a new spot you’ve had your eye on, it’s an easy way to get up, go out, and start the day outside. Take your time sipping, people-watch, or bring a book!
Niche Mini-Obsession - Afternoons are for curiosity and inspiration. Pick a topic you’ve always been intrigued by but never had the time to explore. Maybe it’s learning the subtle differences between the fruit notes in your favorite wines, learning more about the unique ingredients behind your favorite perfumes, mastering latte art, or learning more about artists and art history. Set up a little “research station”, your laptop, books, a notebook for jotting down ideas to revisit later or next weekend. Not only does this give you a sense of purpose for the day, but it also plants the seeds for new hobbies or interests that might become long-term passions!
Dinner for One (or Two) - Make your Saturday night dinner an experience. Instead of your go-to options, order something a little unexpected, or, if you’re feeling creative, cook a simple dish you’ve been wanting to try from your favorite cookbooks. The key is in the presentation. Plate your meal beautifully on your favorite dishware, complete with linen napkins and cute cutlery. If the weather is nice, consider dining outdoors or by a cozy window with a view. By carving out this time and effort just for yourself (or for you and a loved one), you’re transforming the act of eating into a moment of presence.
Mini Nightcap Bar - Play bartender at home. Set up a mini nightcap station with all the essentials: a selection of beautiful glasses, artisanal chocolates, and your spirit of choice, maybe Japanese whisky or a botanical gin. Not a drinker? No problem. This ritual can be just as fun non-alcoholic options. Brew an iced sleepy tea and add a sprig of fresh rosemary, mint leaves, or even a twist of citrus. There’s also so many fun non-alcoholic options now! The act of assembling this mini bar isn’t just about the drink, it’s about setting the scene, offering a perfect way to close out the day.
Sunday
Sunday Brunch - Imagine a tall stack of fluffy pancakes drizzled with warm maple syrup, whipped cream, and fresh berries for a pop of color. Not a sweet meal person? Make shakshuka, with eggs nestled in tomato sauce, topped with crumbled feta and parsley. Or get creative with your avocado toast, add roasted cherry tomatoes, and chili oil. This isn’t just breakfast; it’s an event. It’s your chance to turn a meal into a morning ritual you’ll look forward to all week.
Farmers Market Adventure - Head to your local farmers market, and let it be a way of meal planning and prepping for the week to come or getting inspiration for flavors for recipes. I love a good-tasting sample, just have a little stroll through the rows, or simply enjoy people-watching and grab a quick snack or pastry. It’s a great way to connect with your food and your community.
Sundaes for Sundays - Sundays deserve a sweet finale, and there’s no better way to treat yourself than with a fun dessert. Grab your favorite pints from the freezer and set up a DIY sundae bar with toppings like crushed cookies, sprinkles, or fresh fruit. Maybe some Sunday baking? Do you have a go-to baked good recipe you want to make (great to pack for morning teas/ afternoon teas)? Or, dive into the world of ice cream pairings.
Weekends don’t always need grand plans or elaborate outings. Sometimes, it’s the smallest rituals you’ve made your own that make your downtime feel fulfilling. A routine without feeling routine, these little traditions bring just the right balance of comfort and joy to even the most uneventful days. Whether it’s your favorite coffee order, a thoughtfully plated meal, or a fun nightcap drink, these moments become anchors in your weekend, adding purpose to rest and recharge. So, even when your calendar is blank, you’re never really without plans; you’ve already created them for yourself!
I made short ribs for date night with my boyfriend, and oh my goodness—they were amazing! I’ve been wanting to try my hand at them for a while, and guess what? They were way easier to make than I expected. Win-win! It seems like silly small talk to talk about the weather, but I swear it’s my high this week. The weather warming up & sunny makes me want to be outside, be more active, and ya girl is *social* this week. had a girlfriend date yesterday, have one today, and a school mom’s dinner tomorrow. Who is she?!
I will not shut up about how much I loved this body oil and I just recently repurchased. Body oils after lotion lock in the hydration, and ones like this aren’t sticky and keep your skin smelling so good all day.
There are two products that I have been using consistantly for the last FIVE YEARS. The first one is this Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum which is a great alternative to Vitamin C if thats not your facial jam. The second is the Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinol Serum. This product has single handidly improved the look of lines, wrinkles, and dark spots, while hydrating and offering anti-aging support. These are my holy grail products. The two I would take on a dessert island.
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