25 Things Before 25 – My Bucket List

A BUCKET LIST

For some reason, I woke up with this post title in my head the other day. It might be because I’ve been thinking quite a bit about my life recently and how its not as full of adventures as I’d have loved it to be. Living with parents who can be a bit strict with time has been limiting but I’m hoping to find ways around this.

Turning twenty two last year, it hit me how quickly time flies and how the lost time really can’t be recovered once gone. Its like John Green said “One day, you’re 17 and you’re planning for someday. And then quietly without you ever knowing, someday is today. And then someday is yesterday. And this is your life”
So I decided to put together a little ’25
before 25’ list with a few goals for the next three years. I’m not the best at keeping to ‘bucket lists’ and sometimes I sort of just let life happen to me but these seem somewhat achievable, so I’ll try to be intentional about keeping them and hopefully this post will act as a propellant as well.

Let’s Dig In.

1. Go on a road trip and visit at least five other Nigerian states : I’m looking at Bauchi, Calabar, Jos, Ibadan and Abuja. This wanderlust I have needs to be fed, starting with my own country.
Update : Visited Abuja here

2. Visit another African country : Hello Tanzania (zanzibarrrr)!

3. Finally own/wear a bikini : I know this has to happen eventually.
Update : Does a bikini top count? Done did that here!

4. Volunteer.
This is something I’ve always wanted to do. Just volunteer for a worthy cause and be a part of making something happen.

5. Get to a point where I’m comfortable with public speaking :
You all already know my struggle from this post.

6. Attend more music concerts / comedy shows. : Can you believe I haven’t attended any ever? It should be pretty fun to see some of my favourite artistes perform live.

7. Join the FitFam Life. : I’m so unfit and I keep procrastinating this.

8. Donate to charity. : Celebrate either vals day or my birthday at a charity.

9. Learn to swim.

10. Finally have my make up on fleek. : Because its 2016 and it seems I’m the only girl who doesn’t know how to draw her brows. Lol. I’ve been seriously considering doing the zaron ‘personal makeup’ training thing just so I can be able to fix myself up a bit when I have some events to attend.

11. Live on my own. : or just away from my parents. : If I plan to achieve any of these, this one is really key. Lol


12. Get a tattoo : An inconspicous one though, someplace I alone can see it. I might end up chickening out of this one but its something I’ve always wanted.

13. Up my cooking game. : Learn to cook a “wide” variety of meals.

14. Earning passive income from selling my services.

15. Build the Cassie Daves Brand to a point where I can earn a living from it a.k.a Have my own thriving brand

16. Finish writing at least one of my books.

17. Have an account balance that doesn’t make me want to cry whenever I check it.


18. Improve on my photography and get myself a new camera.


19. Be more adventurous.


20. Improve my knowledge of geography. : I literally don’t know anything about countries and places.


21. Have a small tribe of female friends.
Well, I can’t force this one but I’m hoping it happens


22. Learn graphic design and how to code.

23. Actually celebrate my birthday.
I’ve never really had a proper celebration and I think it will be nice to have a few friends together and basically have a good time.


24. Take a dance class. : Majorly for the fun of it. I’ve always loved dancing and dance movies. At some point, I even wanted to be a dancer but right now I suck. It would be fun to take some dance classes – I’m not sure on what type of dance yet though

25. Be a better christian. : This one doesn’t even need to be done before 25, I need to seriously work on this one asap. I always start reading my bible but end up slacking.
Tips anyone?

Making this list turned out to be not as hard as I expected. I was going to add ‘get married’ but though sometimes I think I want to get married right now, other times I’m not so sure if I want to do that without experiencing some things as a single lady first. Let’s see how it goes though.

All in all, I really just want to keep growing, broadening my scope, exploring my creative side and finding ways to make myself a better person.

*I’m wearing a cape jumpsuit from the brand “VR by Mobos” and I took these pictures behind the scenes at their campaign shoot which I modelled in. Out of all the outfits I wore, this was by far my favourite and I really wish I could leave with it *sigh*.

Anyways, now back to you!

Do you have a bucket list?
I’d love to hear a few things that are on your bucket list! What do you hope to accomplish by your next birthday milestone?
Shareee!
And let’s connect.

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P.S : I’m giving away some natural hair products in my instagram! Go check it out for an opportunity to win : @cassiedaves

Author: Cassie Daves

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  • When you come to Ibadan (if it's this year tho), give me a holla. Currently "serving my country" there and it's fun. What I want to do before 25 is travel out for my Masters program. Really pray this happens. Wish you the best Cassie..

    • Ah oshey! Let me go and write your name down as ibadan contact.
      Aww, I pray it also works out for you. This house job thing that I haven't done is holding me back so much that I can't even plan any education goals right now.
      Thanks Babe!

    • Hello Cassie Daves!
      Going through your bucket list and I just couldn’t help laughing. Why?? Because it was like you were writing my own bucket list. Swimming, programming, being a better Christian, dance class (I’m a sucker for this thanks to my girlfriend but I suck at it.lol), have an account balance that doesn’t make me cry😂, live on my own, all of it. I hope you’ve ticked off on most of these.
      Thanks for sharing. Good to know there are like minded peeps out there. Would love to be in touch.

  • These are all great bucket list items! Good luck with ticking them off! I smiled as I went through cos I've done 15 of them on your list… But then again, I'm way past 25…

    I can help with cooking a variety and learning to swim though. At least I can say I'm great at those 🙂

  • Funny how I want to do most of what you listed too. And masters oooo!! Chei, I thought growing up would be easy; i'm just 22 and I feel so lost already.
    Ps; I really wish you got to keep the jumpsuit***tears*** it did look good on you. I could also help with the brow tutorial… Click on name to read a few tips about it on my blog.

  • I think the first step to most of this goals is living away from home, from there you can cut this list in half.
    You can come visit me in calabar (if they let you)
    And on the volunteer/charity thing, my friends and I give back with something called 'TheCharity' every year and we would love you to be part of it.

    • I know it is oh! Most of these things would have been done yet tey if not for that.
      But heyyyy, now I have a calabar contact ^_^
      I might just show face there one day soon

      How do I apply for the charity thing?

  • I remember how excited I was when I learned to swim. I'm totally with you on traveling Nigeria. Too many beautiful places waiting to be seen. I recently visited Ogun, I wrote about it on my blog. Yes to building your brand and other goals!

  • This is great and I pray it would work out for you. Errmm that birthday celebration has to be this year ooo, and I am totally with you on learning more about geography, I'm so clueless Lol. Please don't rush marriage, you need to enjoy your single life especially if you finally move out of the house, not that its from your father's house to your husband's house. So be sure I would be reminding you about this list as time goes on hehehe.
    wumituase.wordpress.com

    • Lool ! Why must it be this year ehn?
      But yes, that's the same thing I've been saying oh – I also don't really want to jump from my house to husband's house but is it not if I find the husband first of all? 😂😂

  • This bucket list is like you stole it from my brain. Especially that female friends tribe. Funny thing is most people think I am the very outgoing type. I wanna do all these and more. And I feel like time is running out. Cant believe I'll be 22 this year. All in all…great post. Told you I will leave comments.

    • Hey Oyinda, thank youuu for showing face and leaving your foot print to show for it a.ka comments.
      Don't worry, I think there is still time. It really never gets too late to do things you want – especially easy things like these

  • This is such a great list actually, and I can relate with a lot of them, and it's never too late. I started taking swimming lessons last year. Volunteering is really fulfilling. Do it. I can send you a few places to check out. Bikini? I had one even before I knew (learnt) how to swim. There's something about a bikini. (Now I just have to get those Abs). Knowledge of geography -Most Nigerians are in the same shoes. I'm planning a game night with friends based around African countries and capitals and currency etc. You can try that. Dance class? Lol. Sorry i can't epp you there. Fleek eyebrows? Don't worry I don't know how to draw mine as well. Funny how my blog post today talks about it being overrated. I think I'll actually message you privately. Lol!

  • Wonderful list, i'm turning 22 this year and before 25, i'd love to have a 2nd degree, go outside Nigeria, have my own apartment ( so easy to say, because female child…sigh)

  • I don't know how to draw my eyebrows too. When I do my makeup, I just leave the eyebrows. I stopped shaping them last July because I found threading too painful. I said if I let them grow, I may not need to draw them.

    I turn 22 in less than 3 weeks and I don't have a bucket list. One of my major goals before July should be mastering setting a budget and following it closely.

  • We actually share similar ideas on your bucket list. I also want to get a tattoo and celebrate my birthday in the nearest future. I'll also like to visit Enugu Chimamada description of the state just gives me life, i'll like to share my own description someday too

  • Hello kindred spirit! So many similar goals, though I've already done 12 out of your listed 25 but since I'm already 25, guess I'll have to push some of mine to 30, lol
    I'm so with you on learning how to do proper make up this year, I'm always so lazy to make an effort even when other ppl offer to do it for me, all I need is my foundation or powder and lipstick and I'm all done.
    Becoming a beauty queen at 17, living, working and earning something for myself away from home home for a while even before getting to 18, I actually thought I was gonna become a multimillionaire before I hit 20, lol look at me now �� Med school has taken most of those years but I still believe it's never too late for anything so I'll keep dreaming! FYI I'm so calling you whenever I'm in Lagos ��
    Modavracha | Fashion and Lifestyle Blog

  • I really want to start leaving on my own. Sadly, I'm not even earning any money. I believe the first step to achieving these goals is earning an amount you'll be comfy with. Road trips bore me, but I like new places.

    Thestreethaute.WordPress.Com

  • I am 22 already and can relate with your list which includes actually celebrating my birthday,having female support system as the ones I have in school are getting distant sort of. I also want to have my brand by 25 of which I have a photoshoot already in my mind for that 25th birthday. I wanna be able to lift people aka inspire and motivate hence my public speaking game has to be tight, account balance,makeup (pls share details of the zaron class) Inshort summary I just need God(better christian). Pls if you ever get a new camera,dash me yours I would gladly accept. You should also consider selling an ebook or programme on blogging,it would rock even though I think I have given up on blogging.

    Amazing pictures

    N.B I love you Cassie😍

  • What a lovely post, I have achieved most of this, basically because am 24. I started living away from home when I clocked 18. Most of this you will achieve, they take a little time and remember Rome wasn't built in a day. I work and live in lagos. Will Holla at you oneday for a girls' night out. Cheers!

  • That bank account that makes people cry…lol! You have very practical goals, unlike some people. I won't be surprised if you knock this out before your 24th birthday! 🙂

  • Hi Cassie! You ahould remember I write alot. They're quite a number of these I have on as well and they're reeeally great. To start with, it's good you have them written down. It's one thing to have things floating around in your mind and head as desires, goals and values. The experience gets realer, deeper, more meaningful when you put in down;or so I believe. Sharing it again has a measure of importance. (For me, I felt this pride as I read, I felt inspired and re-inspired. On some of the things you wrote, for the first time, I'm like, aha! Someone gets this too; it's not some crazy idea(the "leaving on your own" goal for instance). When you have people that take things a bit further than just reading and being blessed by your posts, or even friends/family off screen, they can hold you accountable; you know, ask "how far" every now and then. They could be aware of opportunities and call you write(intentional) away. They could encourage, laugh at you or charge you up when it's just the write time.
    Hold on to them and still believe them possible AGAINST ALL ODDS. Nothing can turn these things into impossibilities(not even time) except you yield to that.Above all, entrust it ALL to God's hands. I won't even begin to expound on that but yes, trust me. I've learned that He is interested, concerned, in charge of ALL of us. Not just the ""big"" things like where to work, who to get married to, but even about your goal as learning more geography. Ride on! Btw, this jumpsuit??? How did you let it even be removed from your body?��
    https://becauseibelieveblog.com/

  • Awesome Awesome Post!!!!!! I love it….I have gained inspiration on stuffs to add to my own bucket list. I have a bucket list and I am always crossing stuff off it and adding new stuff to it. I went rock climbing at Olumo Rock and also went to Culinary School to improve my cooking game (You can check out my reviews on eattechtravel.wordpress.com).

    Goodluck with your bucket list and have fun while crossing stuff off it.

  • Cassie, it would be lovely to have you both at calabar and ibadan, Calabar is usually always fun during the festive period however I cant say much about ibadan, I'm currently schooling here it's a bit disappointing though. Is it safe to say that 99.9 percent of your bucket wish is also my list? Expect for the tattoo part.

  • 17 cracked me up real good! This has inspired me to do a 25 list as well, thank You. I'm signing up for no.21,and if you are ready, I belong to this fab female group,"Virtues", where we genuinely and conciously learn and share about God and His word. So if you are interested, let me know!Have a wonderful weekend!
    http://www.kikasaysblog.wordpress.com

  • I have given up on owning my own home, well unless I leave Lagos.
    Touring Nigeria is also part of mine, I am thinking Ibadan, Cross River.
    Visit Jamaica and drink coconut water while rocking yellow, red and green and calling people bomboclat at the slightest provocation.
    Be a better blogger, I know I can be better.
    Be financially free (I am tired of worrying about money tbh)
    Afford treats for myself, like the Asa concert coming to Lagos.
    Start my vlog or voice blog
    Put myself out ther.
    Be more intentional in my self development.
    For you Cassie, you can volunteer at Edu-Aid as a phonics trainer, a mentor, arts and craft teacher, mathematics teacher for one hour, once a week.

  • So tips for the Bible reading. I used to struggle with it too.

    Join an accountability group. Like you guys would study the word together (probably like a whatsapp group) and just generally encourage each other.

    Worked for me. I love your list. Inspired by Desolate (Mako) I wrote mine but didn't give myself enough time so I plan on rewriting it. Would probably put it up as a blog post.

    http://www.miralabelle.com

  • 3 would probably go along with 9,I remember it from a previous post of yours and as for 4;hey! You ARE a doctor, no you are a medical doctor… That's gotta mean something especially in this part of the world, 5 hopefully would happen over time by itself or at least you would find a way around it, a way that works for you… Some people actually kind of enjoy the adrenaline rush that comes with being a bit nervous. I think 19 is the major reason for this whole post. Someone's gat to say you have not done bad… Actually you have done great and I'm in awe of all you have achieved at 22, you are an inspiration… Literally everything you do inspires especially in the conditions you have managed to pull them off. God bless you. I actually have annual lists, I try to keep them very achievable and I am on the right track although I tend to get discouraged sometimes or lackadaisical at other times… But I'll keep you in mind more often.

  • 9, 11, 13, 21, 23.

    I need to learn how to swim, seriously! I cooked more when I lived on my own (in college). Living with my parents now makes me lazy to cook (not an excuse).

    One thing I'm working on this year is intentionally staying in touch with my friends. I do hate when people claim to be busy (like, sending a text doesn't take 5 minutes). In keeping in touch with friends, I hope they do the same. I like making new friends, but it's not always easy.

  • Hi Cassie, strong inspirational post up there, it's something I have been battling with,now I have a full idea of what am building myself to be,moreover it's my birthday on Friday, 15th and am clocking 25, lol so my bucket list has automatically SWITCHED to "30 before 30"..wish includes lots of strong self-esteem booster items(i wish to share) but all the same, big ups Cassie, I really can relate with your blog.. #teamsoBUILT

  • Hi, first time commenting on your blog but I really love your work.
    For the post I too have a list of things I want to do before 25, it kinda has most of what yours have like the swimming, I love photography and would love to learn about it, I am a lover of art and a fashion designer but am yet to take on it professionally I think my biggest challenge is time. I wouldn't want to say capital because I know if I have the time I can work towards getting it. I currently stay in port harcourt cos i work 8-5 I dont really have time to practicalize my passion so i just have a lot of designs waiting to be made. I guess we are about same age as I was 22 last year and would be 23 two Saturdays from now but I also think that if you are away from home you would be able to achieve most of your set goals as long as you don't have an 8-5 job. Please keep up the good work and I hope to meet you someday as I would love to work with you.

  • I really loved your blog and the topic.I'm also ticking off things I wanna do before 25. I'm only left with one year. I'm turning 24 on 18/May. I'm not so good at cooking but I can surely do the local cuisine very well. I'm very good at swimming. And I've visited at least four regions in my country Uganda. I've also been to nearby Kenya and I'm going back again but this time going to visit three islands namely; Mombasa, Malindi and Lamu.Hope you'll love it in Zanzibar… Beautiful photos too. You're inspiring me to start a blog too and very soon.

  • I seriously did your list. The bank accounts own really hits me, I really need to start planning early . I plan to leave home when I'm around 20,right now I'm 15 and sometimes feel I haven't done so much for my age. The thing about your list is 12 and 25 don't go hand in hand… Lol.. That's for sure. Then again I love the fact that you made a bucket list

  • This made me smile because it's almost similar to mine and am turning 22 this year. I just graduated from Uni and I find myself so much in a hurry to carve out a life separate from my parents. I think it finally hit me that am all grown up. I also want to learn to cook better and like you I would if I could bring myself to join my mum in the kitchen more but am on it now. Wish me luck and good luck with ticking off your list. Blessed be.

  • This is my first time commenting on your blog,i stumbled on it yesterday via instagram and i must say you are a pretty big deal plus your vibes is super cool. I have quite a number of bucket list I need to tick of too,am an adventurous person by nature (Sagittarius) and my first goal is Zanzibar, Seychelles, morrocco,cape town and Duban in Africa for a start before the broader Atlas axis.Right now am glue to your blog after cupcake and cashmere, you are literally my like minds,full of depth in and out. Keep soaring the world deserve to know you. Xoxo

  • Girl!! the first two are so me! I thought I was the only one that had those ambitions! I want to do more than 5 states afterall there are more than 30 states in Nigeria! This inspired me

  • Hello, Cassie. I am Roseanne and I just turned 20 but I feel old already.. I feel as though there is so much I want to but I just haven’t brought myself to do them.. It was nice reading this article.. Thanks..

  • Hi Cassie,

    I just stumbled on you blog. And the 25 before 25 list is amazing. If you haven’t done any volunteer job, you can try Lagos Food Bank Initiative. Check them out on Instagram. You will love being a part of it.
    I love adventures and hoping to do more adventurous things before year end.
    Enjoy