May is one of our favorite months here at Team CS, and not just because it’s Camille’s birthday. The month is full of reasons to celebrate (hello, Cinco de Mayo, pool parties, and lots of picnics!). Wherever you are, it seems like May is the month when things really start to warm up (and stay warm). Spring is in full swing, and the promised summer is on the horizon. We have a feeling this is going to be a good month, but if you’re wondering what to do in May, don’t worry — we’ve got you.
There’s plenty of inspiration to be found in the coming month. Flowers are blooming, the sun stays longer, and the energy is positive and bright. So bask in the good vibes and check out 11 fun ideas for things to do in May, (complete with margarita recipes). Get ready to welcome the month with open arms.
Featured image of Michelle Nash.
Find the perfect gift for mom.
Mother’s Day is coming (May 8!) And while we have it all Bookmarked brunch recipes, finding the perfect gift that represents your love poses a bit of a challenge. Luckily, we’ve rounded up 22 of our favorite gifts that are thoughtful and affordable ($50 or less!). Candles, the most comfortable slippers, the best vegan chocolate, and more. Diving in.
Hike your heart.
Hiking in the winter is absolutely a treat, and there is certainly nothing better than finding yourself among the changing leaves in the fall. But there’s something about stepping outside when the temperatures finally allow and soaking up all the beautiful views from spring to summer. Pick a few hikes you’d like to try in your local area, call a friend, and make an appointment for a weekend or after-work walk.
Stream today’s best documentaries.
We know, we know — the colder months are when we should be watching all of our favorite shows and movies, giving way to more time outdoors in the summer. But, and stay with us here, what if there was a guide to new, inspiring and must-see documentaries that you must see, right at your fingertips? Good news: absolutely yes. We’ve rounded up the only mind-blowing, mind-blowing movies to stream right now—right here.
Find your new favorite summer drink.
When the sun is just right and the temperature is above 80 degrees, you can definitely catch me on the patio with an Aperol spritz in hand. It’s my drink of the season and it’s refreshing. But I’m always open to changing things up and there’s no better way to welcome summer than with these recipes for Strawberry Rose Sangria and easiest love. They are fruity, rich, and just the thing to serve at any outdoor gathering you host.
Looking for unexpected beautiful moments.
This is more of an intention than a thing to do, but nonetheless something that we fully recommend. With so many flowers in bloom and in season, there are endless opportunities to find moments that inspire you and leave you in awe. Start a walk or an afternoon of exploration, looking for small vignettes of natural beauty, beautifully composed. A trio of such perfectly positioned trees or a group of gardenia trees are lush, abundant and complete. Whatever you find, whatever you seek, take a moment to be present to enjoy the natural wonder it has to offer.
Cook your way Salad Freak.
Recipe developer and food stylist Jess Damuck calls herself the “Bob Ross of salads” (that description alone made me a sale). Her new cookbook, Salad Freak Includes over 100 recipes, showcasing all manner of creative and brilliant ways to serve vegetables and fruits on a plate. A lot of attention is paid to taste and texture, and the results are meals that are colorful and beautiful works of art. From the Citrus Breakfast Salad to the Caesar Salad Pizza Salad (!!!), Salad Freak is a deep dive into the wonderful world of fresh ingredients and the bounty and beauty found in bright and satisfying meals.
Perfect for an outdoor workday lunch.
Talking about our salad… lemon Feta Salad with White Beans To be exactly something we wanted to sip between midday and 2pm. It was hearty, creamy and just salty enough thanks to the feta chunks strewn all over. The whole thing can be put together in minutes — and consumed even faster. (Psst… if a classic lunchtime sammie is more your speed, The New York Times Cooking you covered with perfect tuna sandwich—With a crispy twist.)
Shop for sustainable swimwear.
Ready for a summer swim? Alike. The good news is that there are many brands that design and develop eco-friendly clothes that are ideal for any adventure. Our favorites? Collective girlfriends just released a new line of sustainably produced, sports swimwear that we just can’t get enough of (this top!) and CUUP, creators of everyone’s favorite lingerie, have turned their beautiful designs into swimwear. Oh, and don’t forget Everlane — their works may be minimalist, but there’s a lot of style.
Update your skin care routine for the summer.
You’re probably already married to your 12-step skincare routine, but transitioning into a new season is the perfect time to change up a few products you’ve tried and true. While summer means minimal makeup and the glowing skin we all crave, skin problems are still there. So whether you need to step up your exfoliation game or re-learn your retinol approachCheck out our skin-approved summer skincare guide this.
Learn how to make the best cheesecake — without breaking the bank.
Is there anything more dramatic or celebratory than a cheese plate with fruits, nuts, and vegetables (with a variety of cheeses, of course)? Answer: definitely not. Cheeseboards are the perfect centerpiece for any spring gathering or summer soirée. While they’re usually intended for appetizers, there’s nothing stopping you from packing a full panel of tasty and delicious ingredients. Include a cheese board on your next dinner party menu? Equip yourself with secret step by step for a budget-friendly masterpiece.
Check out our roundup of The best margarita recipes in the worldand see how we serve a prickly pear margarita for one party inside a hidden hacienda.
This post was originally published on May 2, 2019 and has since been updated.
