May is one of our favorite months here at Team CS, and not just because it’s Camille’s birthday. The month is filled with so many reasons to celebrate (hello, Cinco de Mayo, pool parties, and plenty of dining al fresco!). No matter where you are, it seems that May is the month when things truly start to warm up (and stay warm). Spring is in full swing, and the promise of summer is on the horizon. We have a feeling this month is going to be a good one, but if you’re wondering what to do in May, don’t worry—we’ve got you.

There’s so much inspiration to be found in the month ahead. Flowers are blooming, the sun’s staying up longer, and the energy’s positive and bright. So soak up the good vibes and scroll on for 11 fun ideas for what to do in May, (complete with margarita recipes). Get ready to welcome the month with open arms.

Feature image by Michelle Nash.

Find the perfect present for mom.

Mother’s Day is coming up (May 8th!) and while we have all of our brunch recipes bookmarked, finding the perfect present that represents your love poses a bit more of a challenge. Luckily, we’ve rounded up our favorite 22 gifts that are thoughtful and affordable ($50 and under!). Candles, the comfiest slippers, the yummiest vegan chocolate, and so much more. Dive in.

Hike your heart out.

Winter hiking is totally a thing, and there’s definitely nothing better than finding yourself among the changing leaves in the fall. But there’s something about stepping outside when the temps finally allow it and soaking up all the good, spring-to-summer views. Pick out a few hikes you’d like to try in your local area, call up a friend, and make a date for a weekend or after-work walk.

Stream the best documentaries out now.

We know, we know—the colder months are when we should be binge-watching all our favorite shows and films, making way for plenty of time spent outdoors in summer. But, and stay with us here, what if there was a guide to new, inspiring, and must-watch documentaries that you had to watch, right at your fingertips? Good news: there totally is. We’ve rounded up the most thought-provoking, awe-inspiring films to stream right now—right here.

Find your new favorite summer drink.

When the sun hits just right and the temps are above 80 degrees, you can for sure catch me on a patio with an Aperol spritz in hand. It’s my go-to drink of the season and it’s oh-so-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 Rosé Sangria and the easiest Mint Julep. They’re fruity, herby, and just the thing to serve at any outdoor gathering you host.

Seek out moments of unexpected beauty.

This is more of an intention than a to-do, but something we fully encourage nonetheless. With so much that’s in bloom and in season, there’s an abundance of opportunities to seek out moments that inspire you and leave you in awe. Set out on a walk or an afternoon of exploration, searching for the small vignettes of wonderfully-composed, natural beauty. A trio of trees positioned perfectly so or a grouping of gardenias that are fresh, abundant, and full. Whatever you find, whatever you seek out, spend a little time being present for the natural wonder it offers.

Cook your way through Salad Freak.

Recipe developer and food stylist Jess Damuck is the self-proclaimed “Bob Ross of salads” (that description alone immediately had me sold). Her new cookbooks, Salad Freak comprises more than 100 recipes, showcasing all the many creative and brilliant ways veggies and fruits can be composed on a plate. There’s ample attention given to flavor and texture, and the resulting meals are colorful and stunning works of art. From a Citrus Breakfast Salad to Caesar Salad Pizza Salad (!!!), Salad Freak is a deep-dive into the wonderful world of fresh ingredients and the bounty and beauty to be found in bright and satisfying meals.

Perfect the al fresco workday lunch.

Speaking of salads… our lemony Feta Salad With White Beans is exactly what we want to be munching on between the hours of noon and 2 p.m. It’s hearty, creamy, and just salty enough thanks to the blocks of feta tossed throughout. The whole thing can be thrown together in a matter of minutes—and consumed even faster. (Psst… if a classic lunchtime sammie is more your speed, The New York Times Cooking has you covered with the perfect tuna sandwich—with a crunchy twist.)

Shop sustainable swimwear.

Gearing up for some summer swimming? Same. The good news is that there are plenty of brands designing and developing eco-friendly suits that are ideal for any adventure. Our favorites? Girlfriend Collective just released a new line of sporty, sustainably-made swimwear that we just can’t get enough of (this top!) and CUUP, the creators of everyone’s favorite lingerie, has translated their beautiful designs to swimwear. Oh, and don’t forget Everlane—their pieces may be minimalist, but they pack a whole lot of style.

Update your skincare routine for summer.

Maybe you’re married to your 12-step skincare routine, but the switch to a new season is the perfect time to swap out a few of your tried-and-true products. While summer is synonymous with minimal make-up and the bronzed and bright glow-up we’re all craving, skin woes still remain. So whether you need to step up your exfoliation game or re-vamp your approach to retinol, check out our derm-approved guide to summer skincare here.

Learn to make the most delicious cheeseboard—without breaking the bank.

Is there anything more dramatic or celebratory than a fruit, nut, and veggie-filled cheeseboard (with multiple varietals of cheese, of course)? Answer: definitely not. Cheeseboards are the perfect centerpiece for any spring gathering or summer soirée. While they’re traditionally reserved for appetizers, there’s nothing stopping you from packing a board full of satisfying and savory components. Including a cheeseboard in your next dinner party menu? Equip yourself with our step-by-step secrets for a budget-friendly masterpiece.

Check out our round-up of the best margarita recipes in the world, and see how we served a prickly pear margarita for a party inside a hidden hacienda.

This post was originally published on May 2, 2019 and has since been updated.