22 things to do when you have nothing to do

{i shared my nook on #thedarlingdetails this week on instagram– come join the community!}

as a i new mom of only about seven weeks, when i do have a few moments of ‘me time,’ my head races with ideas of what to do… sometimes i do the dishes, sometimes i throw in a load of laundry, i pick up and read one of the baby books i have around the house, i write in his baby book, i blog, make a cup of coffee, i shower/brush my teeth {my top two goals for each day- literally. haha} or if i am really lucky- i close my eyes, too. 


if it happens where you have a day off or some spare time and you aren’t sure what to do, here are some things you can do to either benefit yourself or to have a little fun: 

1. schedule your month
2. plan out your weekly goals
3. take a walk
4. plant something
5. eat outside
6. decorate a room 
7. get film developed 
8. go out for ice cream 
9. make lemonade 
10. organize/clean something 
11. pray the rosary
12. go to the library
13. send a card
14.  meal plan 
15. edit photos
16. paint your nails
17. dance in the kitchen 
18. explore pandora
19. visit a flea market
20. serve in the community 
21. make a friend dinner
22. buy fresh flowers 


cooing and snuggles in the morning

a few more photos from my cozy nook – my working space in our home 
parks’ baby book was given to us by a super cute and thoughtful friend and it’s just so precious
i hope to share more about how to purchase 
 {i am trying to find it online} 
and my process soon- i am also making him a project life book 
{which i started last summer}
this is ‘the new me’ … with no shower and no make-up 
{and the happiest heart i have ever had}
wearing baby parks in my hope carried wrap 
and trying to get as much done as possible! 🙂 
rookie mistake: brush your teeth before putting baby in the wrap! 
the thing i have learned about being a new mom more than anything… 
you truly learn new tricks and lessons every single day. 
i just love being a boy mom already 
it’s such a special bond.
friends told me this over and over 
but it’s so true. 
lastly, i love plain white subway tiles … especially this look in a bathroom from Kate la Vie.
what do you love to do when you have some downtime? 
stop in tomorrow for the winner of my latest giveaway! 
over 600 entries – thank you to all who entered

come say hi – instagram . facebook . twitter . bloglovin 

Comments (37)

  • Astleigh H.

    March 3, 2016 at 5:16 pm

    No shower and no make-up is my mom uniform these days! I love all of your ideas for what to do in your spare time (when you can sneak it in!). As soon as Greer is down for a nap I find myself wondering what the heck to do, even though my to-do list is a mile long; it's like my brain shuts off! 🙂

    1. nelle monaco

      March 4, 2016 at 8:50 pm

      Yes!! And I am embracing the no makeup thing… So not me! 🙂 I love Greer girl! Thanks for the love

  • Unknown

    March 3, 2016 at 5:19 pm

    That's a nice list. I also like to keep one for those moments when I just don't have much energy left. 🙂

    1. nelle monaco

      March 4, 2016 at 8:51 pm

      Haha agree! And thank you:) so glad you enjoyed

  • Unknown

    March 3, 2016 at 5:54 pm

    Such a great list!! I'm a huge planner so I love to plan out my week and/or month. I also love getting outside and taking a walk or going for a hike or something. It's always nice to step away from my MacBook.

    1. nelle monaco

      March 4, 2016 at 8:51 pm

      So nice!! And I am all about planning things out- it gives me so much peace of mind!

  • Unknown

    March 3, 2016 at 5:59 pm

    Oh, your baby pictures are so sweet! Love these.
    And, I like your list of things to do! I love to get out my calendar and make plans… maybe because my daughter got me the calendar from Lilly Pulitzer!
    Found your post today on Party at My Place.
    Hope you and baby have a sweet day~
    Melanie

    1. nelle monaco

      March 4, 2016 at 8:52 pm

      Awe, such a sweet gift! I love her agendas! Thank you for the kind words!!!

  • Julie – Happy, Frugal Mama

    March 3, 2016 at 6:36 pm

    I've never been a huge make-up wearer but in the 4 years since my daughter was born and I've become a SAHM, I pretty much have to throw out mostly unused make-up since it goes bad before I use it more than a few times.

    With a blog, Etsy shop, house we are renovating, busy family hobbies, a preschooler, and another baby on the way, I rarely find myself without something to do. But when I do, reading a book. A fiction book. A just for fun book! Can you tell I miss having time to read? 😉 #ShineBlogHop

    1. nelle monaco

      March 4, 2016 at 8:53 pm

      Haha I can totally see that! I love makeup- this is so different for me! I never leave the house without It but am embracing my new look! Thank you for the love and I totally get it! A book is a great choice:)

  • Kristin DiCristofano

    March 3, 2016 at 6:46 pm

    I love this list! My favorite things to do in my spare time are go on walks, scrapbook, and read. But as a working mom it seems my time is filled to the brim with laundry and cleaning 🙂

    1. nelle monaco

      March 4, 2016 at 8:54 pm

      Thank you! So glad you enjoyed and I love your choices 🙂 have a great weekend

  • Anonymous

    March 3, 2016 at 9:28 pm

    Too cute! Great ideas!

    1. nelle monaco

      March 4, 2016 at 8:55 pm

      Thank you so much! Enjoy your day

  • Unknown

    March 4, 2016 at 1:30 am

    Lovely post, Nelle. Congrats on your adventure so far. No shower and make up will be the norm for a few weeks, but trust me: you'll feel like "yourself" soon enough.
    I love your suggestions. I pretty much did the same when my daughter was first born, though sleep was always on my agenda, but never got done. Thanks so much for sharing this sweet tale with us on #SHINEbloghop. Lovely to have you participate this week!

    1. nelle monaco

      March 4, 2016 at 8:56 pm

      Welcome and thanks so much! It's amazing how a shower can make you feel so much more like yourself!! 🙂 I really appreciate your kind words and enjoy your day

  • Laurie S

    March 4, 2016 at 2:18 am

    Great ideas, even for non-moms! Sometimes I have the energy to whip out a few lists or tasks, other times I just decide to do some deep breathing. Found you via Grammie Time's Party at my Place linkup. Look forward to exploring your blog more.

    1. nelle monaco

      March 4, 2016 at 8:57 pm

      Deep breathing is always a good idea 🙂 thank you for the love!!

  • Bri @ All Thats Glittered

    March 4, 2016 at 2:51 am

    I love that you included buy fresh flowers! Great list!

    1. nelle monaco

      March 4, 2016 at 8:58 pm

      Thank you 🙂 and they are one of my favorite parts about life!!! Enjoy your weekend

  • Anonymous

    March 4, 2016 at 1:52 pm

    I love all these pictures!

    1. nelle monaco

      March 4, 2016 at 8:59 pm

      Thank you so much!!

  • ksturwold

    March 4, 2016 at 3:52 pm

    Nelle, it was so good talking to you yesterday! I just had to comment on your blog, because, dang new mama, you look SIMPLY amazing!! Love and miss you so much!

    1. nelle monaco

      March 4, 2016 at 9:02 pm

      awe- I love you! Thank you- this means the world to me!!! Hope to see you soon and miss you. Thank you for the continuous love for simply love. You're simply the BEST. xo

  • Amy Jones

    March 4, 2016 at 6:26 pm

    love your list even though now is hard for me to have nothing to do i find your suggestions amazing and really helpful for having a more balanced lifestyle

    1. nelle monaco

      March 4, 2016 at 9:00 pm

      Thank you so much and I totally get it!! Wishing you balance and peace – have a great weekend!! 🙂

  • Adaleta

    March 4, 2016 at 11:04 pm

    I love this post because sometimes I do get bored, but I don't know what else to do BESIDES read other blogs! xx adaatude.com

  • Unknown

    March 5, 2016 at 1:41 am

    What a fun post! Enjoy every moment of mommy time with that cutie! He will grow up way to fast…trust me on that one! I love the subway tiles arrangement…have not seen them done that way before. Happy to be your neighbor at the Linkup at Grammie Time.

    1. nelle monaco

      March 10, 2016 at 5:41 pm

      thank you so much! 🙂 and me, too- love the arrangement! i am enjoying every second with him <3 thanks for the love

  • Michelle

    March 5, 2016 at 7:34 pm

    Do you know which one is my fav – "dance in the kitchen." Most days we hardly ever get out of the kitchen, so to do nothing but dance or even dance while doing something brings cheer and joy to one's heart. Love this post. Simple things to lighten our days. Thanks for sharing this week.

    1. nelle monaco

      March 10, 2016 at 5:42 pm

      🙂 thank you so much and i think that is one of my favorites, too! hope you are well, michelle! have a great day and thank you again

  • LynSire

    March 7, 2016 at 2:46 am

    I like this list! I like editing photos, and going out for ice cream.

    1. nelle monaco

      March 10, 2016 at 5:42 pm

      i love to edit photos too! and ice cream is calling my name- esp. with the warmer weather lately!!

  • Holly @ Coordinator of Chaos

    March 9, 2016 at 4:13 am

    Such a fun list! Yes, as moms we don't have much down time but it's important to take a little time here and there for ourselves! Thank you for sharing at Waiting on…Wednesday! Hope you'll join us again tomorrow!

    1. nelle monaco

      March 10, 2016 at 5:42 pm

      thank you so much!! 🙂

  • Olivia

    March 9, 2016 at 7:16 pm

    Thank you for sharing your fun list of ideas with us at Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop. Usually I'm tapped out by the time it's "free time". I usually unwind with catching up reading blogs or perusing magazines rather than trying to do anything that requires concentration.

    Olivia, co-hostess
    Reinvented Collection

    1. nelle monaco

      March 10, 2016 at 5:43 pm

      you re so welcome and thank you for stopping in! hope you're well

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