NOW EXPERIENCING:5 steps to have the smoothest weekend, every weekend
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5 steps to have the smoothest weekend, every weekend


Read time 7 Mins

Posted 29 Mar 2024

By
Alexandra Whiting


Spoiler: it starts with a touch of weekday prep.

Feel like you’re living for the weekends, only to have them eaten up by life admin and to-dos? We’re all about making every weekend the best weekend – you deserve it, after all – so we have a plan to make that happen: optimise that precious Saturday and Sunday downtime with a few midweek hacks. Some strategic errands, texts and chores slotted between work commutes and yoga classes, lunch breaks and tutorials, and your weekends will feel long, fun and, most importantly, free. Here’s how.
Monday money checkIt’s a new week, and we are responsible adults, so before we start planning the weekend to come, check the bank balance. Got a bit to play with? Or need to be a bit more lowkey this weekend? Not that lowkey means boring – just sushi and yuzu cocktails at home rather than at Nobu, or a less expensive prosecco rather than Champagne, or movie night in the backyard rather than at the cinema. Establish your budget and then you can start making plans that won’t accidentally leave you short for rent.
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Tuesday calendar syncWith the budget set, you know what you’re up for, so it’s time to find out who else is in. Now, this doesn’t mean you have to set in stone a time and place – you can play it a bit cooler than that. There’s room for some spontaneity in your new, weekend-optimised life. But there’s nothing worse than a missed opportunity, like finding out too late (usually on Stories) that your mate was five umbrellas away from you at the beach. When you’re trying to pull off a streak of ace weekends, it pays to have a rough idea of your crew’s plans: who’s in town, who’s free, who’s up for a pizza and wine party. Then you can slot in any of your friend to-dos for times your usuals are booked: that IG friend you’ve been hoping to convert into an IRL friend who might want to check out that new wine bar with you; your friend with a new dog or baby who will definitely want to go for a 7am walk. You might even have room in the calendar for a date with that commute cutie you’ve been locking eyes with at the bus stop.
Wednesday Dan’s run

We may be biased, but we see this as more of a treat than a chore. Moving your drinks shop to midweek rather than the weekend, probably en route to a party or dinner, means you won’t be rushed and can have a little more time to browse, get suggestions from the in-store experts, and buy something you’ll really enjoy. With your plans set, you’ll also be able to buy the right drinks so nothing is wasted and everything matches the vibe perfectly. A Vodka Cruiser Vanilla Coke for your BFF Sunday arvo hang and Vanderpump Rules repeat screening. New, topical, flavourful and satisfying – the show and the drink! 

Crowd-pleasers like Oakridge Over The Shoulder Pinot Noir (light, dry, juicy) or Don Julio Blanco Tequila (clean and sharp on the rocks, downright opulent in a Marg) for after-dinner D&Ms. Zoncello Limoncello Spritz or Hard Rated Alcoholic Lemon for a zesty weekend away – both are such easy drinking, day to night, which is exactly what you want on a mini holiday.

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Thursday night tidy and tanFor those who partake, Thursday night has long been fake-tan night. You check your outfits for the weekend, and wash your hair (before tan, obvs) and may we suggest your house tidy so you can finish work on Friday and slide straight into the weekend without having to think about vacuuming in the morning. Don’t make this a deep clean, and don’t get side-tracked sorting your cupboards – this is a maintenance clean: clutter away, floors, surfaces, windows and mirrors, sinks, shower and toilets. You, and your space, are ready for the weekend to begin.
Friday morning grocery order (for Sunday delivery)With the weekend so close you can almost taste it, there is just one thing left to do so you can fully sink into that freedom: your grocery shop. Sunday is the best grocery day, produce is good and you can do your usual meal prep, but it’s also the busiest and can take a big chunk out of the day, so instead, do the mental work early. Buy your week’s grocery shop online on Friday (between emails) and book for a Sunday morning delivery. Then try not to feel smug when orange juice and raisin toast turns up right on cue at 8am. Can you say genius?