10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Sunday! I'm so grateful for this three-day weekend. It is much needed and so appreciated. We're still soaking up the last weeks of summer and plan to go to the pool. We are also going to celebrate one of my niece's birthday. It'll be fun to spend time with family. 

1. I'm so glad it's September. The 'ber months are here, and I am so excited for fall. Although it's still incredibly hot outside, I've been embracing fall and all things cozy. 

2. John's birthday is coming up, so I've been preparing for it. I can't wait to celebrate his day with the kids. We'll also probably go out for dinner and maybe a movie. 

3. Devouring: The Galactic Brownie Cake bundltets from Nothing Bundt Cakes.

4. I'm getting back into meal planning, and it feels so good to use the ingredients we have in our fridge. Recently, we've tried to be creative with what we have before we go to the grocery store, and it's been fun coming up with ideas and altering recipes so we don't waste food.

5. On repeat: Headlock by Imogen Heap

6. Raphael and I picked up a ton of fall and Halloween-themed books from our library. I'm so excited to read them with him. I'm also on the hunt to read a really good spooky book this fall, so if you have any suggestions, please share them.

7. I made a really good bacon and cheese bagel sandwich. I used bagels I bought (and froze) from a local vendor at the farmer's market. So good! Will definitely make it again.

8. Currently Reading: I'm slowly reading No One Is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood

9. I went to the farmer's market and was excited to find apple cider available this week from one of my favorite local vendors.

10. I recently discovered Jenny Doh and her really cool journal pages. I really love the idea of compartmental journaling and plan to try it soon. 

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

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10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Sunday! This was a rough week, so I was especially happy when the weekend finally arrived. I didn't have any major plans for the weekend, which is just what I needed.

1. I've been slowly decorating our home for the fall season. I also bought a new loaf pan, and I'm excited to make all the homemade loaves, especially banana bread.

2. The I SPY! Walter Wick's Hidden Wonders exhibition looks amazing! I foresee a trip to the museum in the near future.

3. I was so incredibly saddened to hear of Dolly Parton's passing. I absolutely love how much everyone loved her. For the past few days, I've been reading so many different things people had to say about Dolly. I also love how the younger generation is taking an interest in Dolly and the work she did in her lifetime.  

4. Ella Frances Sanders' latest newsletter post, No. 288. I really love the Sheila Heti quote she included. *Random fact: I just picked up Sheila Heti's Motherhood from my local library, so I was excited to read the quote.

5. On repeat: When They Come for You by TENDER

6. Austin Kleon shared his paper roll dispenser (?), and now I want to make one. One of my colleagues also has a large sticky easel pad in her office for taking notes and presentations that would make a decent alternative to making my own paper roll dispenser.

7. Currently Reading: Bookish Nanny for the Lycan King by Elara Haze

8. I tried the Iced Banana Bread Latte from Starbucks, and it was actually pretty good. There was a perfect hint of banana, and I was surprised it didn't overpower the drink. Would I try it again? Yes.

9. We've had a few days of cooler temps in the mornings, so I'm getting even more excited about fall's arrival. 

10. I'm really excited for September and already made some plans. I'm hoping it's a better month than August. 

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

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10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Sunday! It was a rough week, so I was very excited for the weekend. It's also still odd to think that we just finished the third week of school. These past few weeks are flying. It's been so busy, and we're starting to get used to our routine. 

1. At the book aisle in Target, two women approached me. One of them saw my trenta-sized strawberry refresher and asked me how long it usually takes me to drink it. What ensued was a lovely conversation that really made my day after having an incredibly rough day...actually, the entire week was rough. We talked about books, career goals, and just life in general. It was so refreshing. I swear women are truly amazing.

2. Lin-Manuel Miranda's acceptance speech from the Disney Legends Award Ceremony.

3. We went to the pool and had so much fun. We also bought pizza from the Marietta Pizza Company for dinner. It was nice to not have to worry about cooking after a long day at the pool.

4. I've been watching Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's series documenting her journey of egg freezing and fertility preservation. This was incredibly interesting to watch, and I appreciate AOC sharing her story. Check out her stories for updates.

5. On repeat: Willing and Able by Noah Kahan

6. I went to my local Barnes & Noble final day of business and found some more books. I actually found several good books. I found a couple of Elizabeth Strout's books, including Olive Kitteridge. I'm planning to read this book before I watch the series.

7. Currently reading: You & A Bike & A Road by Eleanor Davis

8. A crowd celebrating a woman's 100th birthday. This was so beautiful and heartwarming.

9. I went to a new boutique and found a really cute sweater for fall. I think I may even use it as part of my Halloween costume. I also bought a chicken tortilla soup mix, and I can't wait to try it. I also went to a few of my favorite local boutiques and came up with an idea for a blog post.

10. It was such a wonderful weekend. We went to the Marietta Square, went for a walk around the area, and stopped by a few shops. The boys enjoyed some strawberry refreshers. I picked up a few treats from various shops and a coffee from Tuesday. This weekend was just what I needed.

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

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10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Sunday! I can't believe we're already halfway through the month! This month really is flying by. This week was another busy one. There were definitely ups and downs. Friday didn't even feel like a Friday, but I was so grateful for the end of the week. 

1. I had a Barnes & Noble gift card, so I decided to pop in again to take advantage of their buy 5 books for $25 deal. I was lucky to find Wreck by Catherine Newman.

2. Kelcey Ervick's latest piece about creative seasons was so interesting.

3. I celebrated Bookstore Romance Day by going to Sincerely Yours Bookstore. I also grabbed a s'mores latte and two bottled lattes from Tee + Coffee Studio's pop-up at the bookstore event. I love supporting my favorite small businesses.

4. On repeat: Break Your Heart Worse by Crimson Apple

5. I got some more decluttering done and was able to get a massive amount of the boys' clothes to either sell or donate. 

6. I received my snail mail from Haley Weaver and loved all the little surprises. 

7. Currently Reading: Ava Enters the Group Chat by Emma St. Clair.

8. I got my first batch of Honeycrisp apples at the farmer's market. I was beyond excited, especially since I've been daydreaming of fall.  Also, buying apples and other fruits at the farmer's market is just so much better than buying them in a grocery store. 

9. I was finally able to try Café Coquí's Coquito Iced Latte and a mojadito cake! The lines are usually so long at the Smyrna market, but I thankfully arrived at the best time. The wait wasn't long at all, and the drink and treat were well worth it.

10. After making a big decision this week, it was nice to relax during the weekend. This weekend was everything I needed.

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

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10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Sunday! The first week of school and work has passed. I'm happy to say the boys are adjusting well. I am incredibly grateful that it went well, especially after the awful and stressful week I had. I felt it was so important to remember the little things that gave me joy, and I'm so glad that I've made it a habit to document those small moments.

1. Things to Do When You're Standing Inside of August by Megan Minutillo

2. Barnes & Noble Haul. I mentioned this before, but my local Barnes & Noble is unfortunately closing. Supposedly, a gas station will be built in its place, which is incredibly unfortunate. My local Barnes & Noble is gorgeous. The architecture is amazing, so it's so sad to know that it's going to be torn down to make way for a gas station. As the store nears its final weeks, the sales have been amazing. Books are now 50% off. They also have another sale where you can buy any 5 books in the store for $25 (the only exclusion is books priced at $50 or more). I even found the book that I had been looking for weeks! I may or may not have let out a little squeal of excitement when I found it.

3. A drone captured a humpback whale giving birth to a calf in what was possibly the world's first.

4. I think I may have found my fall drink for this year. Cove's Blood Orange prebiotic soda is so good!

5. On repeat: Lonely Touch by Sarah Kinsley

6. I went to Sincerely Yours Bookstore and bought a new candle and a mini embroidery kit.

7. Currently reading: I've been catching up on some Substack newsletters, and I'm still slowly reading Austin Kleon's Don't Call It Art. 

8. I recently learned about the Tiny Art Show, and it's so cool. I really hope there's a pop-up one day near my city.

9. After the horrible week I had, I'm so glad this video randomly popped up on my feed.

10. I went to the Smyrna Handmade Market and bought some peaches (the last one for the season), some plain and Mexican cheese bagels, some baked goods from Bonnin's Bakery, and some drinks from Soul Food Holistic Healing. I'm set for some meals and desserts for the week. I absolutely adore shopping local and helping support some of my favorite small businesses. 

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

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10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Saturday! Now that school will start again soon, it seems like the weeks are flying by. John and I are planning to continue celebrating our wedding anniversary, and I'm really excited for our date.

1. This was a strange week, but also a very interesting one. A lot of things happened, and I'm looking forward to what the next couple of weeks bring. I'm trying to stay hopeful and taking things one day at a time. But so far, so good.

2. Costco. We've saved so much money on food and gas. The gold star executive membership is definitely worth it.

3. Jenna O'Brien's documentation of colors that feel like summer made me want to make my own. Maybe I'll include one in my journal.

4. On repeat: something like this by Cil

5. I tried two different recipes, and they came out really good. I made a teriyaki chicken meatball bowl using this recipe, but changed a few things. The boys really loved the teriyaki chicken meatballs, which made me excited since Raphael can be a picky eater. I also tried a lemon pasta dinner. This was an interesting meal. However, I'm not sure if I'd try to make this recipe again. It wasn't awful, but I think the lemon flavor was too intense for a pasta dish.

6. I went to a different nearby farmer's market, and it was nice. I ended up buying some peaches and apples. Now I'm dreaming of baking so many treats.

7. Must-watch: Remarkably Bright Creatures. Make sure to have a box of Kleenex nearby.

8. This made me laugh. 

9. As of today, there are 99 days until Halloween, and I can't wait. I'm so excited for fall.

10. John and I went to the Marietta Square and decided to go to the Marietta Pizza Company. The slices of pizza and calzone were huge! They seemed way bigger than normal. We ended up taking some of our food to go. Then we went for a walk and grabbed some coffee and BonBon candies at Tuesday Coffee & Shoppe.

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

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10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Sunday! I hope you all are enjoying the rest of the weekend. We're still trying to savor the last few weeks of summer before school and work start again. So we've been out and about this weekend. It was nice not having a set plan and just going wherever we wanted. Also, John and I have been celebrating our wedding anniversary. I can't believe it'll be thirteen years of us being married! 

1. Millennial English Teachers vs. Gen Z Students. I laughed way too hard at these, especially the one about Macbeth.

2. I have been dealing with back pain, especially when I wake up, and I learned about putting a pillow between my legs when I sleep. It's been a game changer. 

3. The boys have been in a hot chocolate phase, and I love it! They've been asking for hot chocolate at night, and it's making me excited for fall and winter. 

4. We went for a walk near our downtown square and checked out the farmer's market. Although it was nice, it was also incredibly hot. 

5. On repeat: Track 10 by Charli XCX

6. A/C. Although we've been going on a few adventures here and there, we have definitely loved staying home where it's nice and cool.

7. Currently Reading: Don't Call It Art by Austin Kleon

8. So relatable. I felt seen...and at least I'm not alone?

9. It's National Ice Cream Day! We stocked up on a few of our favorite ice cream treats. 

10. A lot of big things are coming in the next few days and weeks. I'm excited, but really nervous and a little stressed. Fingers crossed that everything works out.

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

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10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Friday! This week went by pretty fast. I'm excited for this weekend. I'm hoping to spend some time at the pool and possibly watch Remarkably Bright Creatures or Off Campus.

1. I won a Goodreads giveaway and received my copy of What If We Get It Right? by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson. I'm excited to read it.

2. I tried Trader Joe's S'mores Clusters, and oh my goodness, they are so good! I definitely plan to buy another bag or two.

3. Currently reading: Cherry Baby by Rainbow Rowell

4. I finally bought some really big storage containers and can't wait to put them to use. I'm still decluttering, and these containers are going to make things so much easier to organize a couple of spaces.

5. On Repeat: "Cherish You" by Mikky Ekko. I first heard this song while watching Voicemails for Isabelle. The soundtrack for this movie has some really fantastic songs.

6. We started back-to-school shopping (I know...I'm so sad summer break is almost over) and I'm so happy with how much we were able to save. We still have a bit more to do, but I'm excited to see how much more we save. 

7. Inspired by: This journal by Magdalena, Ammie's Hobonichi Cousin daily pages, and Karenliz's art journal pages.

8. On the wishlist: Have you heard of the Buddha Board? This thing looks so cool. I love that you can draw something and then it vanishes depending on how much water you use. This seems like such a useful art tool.

9. Random afternoon storms. One of my favorite things about summer is the storms that come out of nowhere. Pair it with a favorite candle and a good book...and it's perfection.

10. I have a better idea of what my next steps are for my career, and I'm excited (and a little nervous). The past few weeks have been very eye-opening. Although there were some stressful days, I think everything that happened needed to happen. I'm feeling a bit more at ease, and I'm so thankful for that.

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Photo by Courtney Cook on Unsplash

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Sunday! Can you believe it's already July! We're already five days into the month! It seems like this month may just fly by as well. I hope you all have been enjoying your summer. However, you decided to celebrate the holiday and long weekend, I hope you were all safe and had fun. 

1. We celebrated Mami's birthday. It was nice seeing my sisters, nieces, and nephews. The kids have gotten so big. 

2. I read Julia at the Drive-In by Rainbow Rowell and really enjoyed this short story. This story is part of the Edge of Everything short story collection.

3. It was strange to even think about celebrating the Fourth of July. We kept it low-key, but John and I did go on a little day date. We even snuck in some errands too. 

4. I put a few books on hold at my local library, and I'm so excited because Austin Kleon's latest book, Don't Call It Art, is finally in transit to my local library. I should be able to pick it up in the next few days. 

5. On repeat: Angels by Khalid. Love the entire album, American Teen.

6. John and I finally went to The Salty. We bought the Boston Cream Pie and Traditional Glazed donuts. The donuts were massive and so good. 

7. I'm always inspired by Katie Licht's collage books. 

8. On the wishlist: I need a new bookcase and a couple of storage containers. I'm still in decluttering and organizing mode, so the storage containers will actually be useful. The bookcase is both a need and a want...my current one is broken.

9. We've been eating so much fruit this summer. My favorite in recent years has been Rainier cherries. So good!

10. I'm really thankful this was not such a busy week. It was just what I needed. 

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Sunday! Can you believe we're at the end of June? I can't believe we're just days away from July. This week was incredibly busy and at times very stressful. In fact, the entire month has been busy and kind of stressful. I'm glad this month is almost over. Although the month has been...a month, I've been making sure to think about the things that made me happy every week. Doing this has really helped me remember that good things still happen, even if it's something small.

1. I think my creative block is going away, and I'm so excited. I think decluttering definitely helped bring that creative spark back.

2. This made my heart smile.

3. Decluttering! I am still decluttering a room/area almost every day. I've donated so many bags of stuff and tossed out a lot of things, too. I shredded so much paperwork and was honestly shocked at how much stuff I had saved that we no longer needed. I may reopen my Etsy shop and sell some of the crafty things I no longer use. Maybe I'll make some ephemera kits? If you're interested, please let me know. I have way too much stuff. 

4. On Repeat: Another Brick In the Wall, Pt 2 by Pink Floyd

5. Malaka Gharib's Summer Worksheet. I plan to fill mine out soon.

6. On the wishlist: Don't Call It Art by Austin Kleon 

7. I found a new-to-me New York Times series called Metropolitan Diary. I'm enjoying this series a lot.

8. Currently Reading: I'm slowly reading What Are You Waiting For?: An Anthology, edited by Kathy Curto. I've also been catching up on a lot of Substack newsletters by my favorite writers and artists.

9. "If I am being honest, the only people I listen to are women." - Amy Turn Sharp

10. I looked at my July calendar and am happy that I don't have a lot planned for the month. I'm hoping for a less chaotic and less stressful month.

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

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10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Saturday! It's been a very busy week, and I'm so glad that it's the weekend. Today, we went to visit my mami and got to see my nieces. Tomorrow is Father's Day, so we'll be spending the day celebrating John. 

1. I finally got a notification from my local library about a book I've had on hold for months. I was so excited to pick it up.

2. This unpublished speech by Andrea Gibson. Simply one of the best commencement speeches I've ever heard.

3. The absolute accuracy. #CardinalSigns

4. On Repeat: Jessie Murph's album, Sex Hysteria (Deluxe)

5. Inspired by: Karen Liz's pumpkin card. And Carlotta Klee's landscape drawing hack.

6. On the wishlist: I'm on the hunt for a new pair of black flats. If you have any recommendations, please share them.

7. John and I went on a date and also celebrated Father's Day a day early. We went to the Corner Taqueria and enjoyed a nice late lunch/early dinner. 

8. Currently Reading: Coffee + Crumb's 2026 Summer Collection. I always enjoy reading the seasonal essays, poetry, and other works by the various writers. I've been slowly reading through the collection. 

9. Some wonderful life advice: "Do what you have to do until you're able to do what you want to do."

10. As you may already know, my local Barnes & Noble is closing, so they are having a massive sale. A week ago, I had my eye on a study guide and decided to not buy it. Fast forward to this weekend, and I was delighted to see it was still in stock, so I quickly purchased it.

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Photo by Kateryna Hliznitsova on Unsplash

10 Things That Made Me Happy Last Week

Happy Monday! I meant to share this post over the weekend, but unfortunately, we were dealing with some internet outage. Right when I was about to hit publish on this post...the internet went out, and it's been off and on for the entire weekend. This also made me realize how much we rely on the internet. On the bright side, my screen time decreased, so I'm counting that as a win. 

1. My sleep cycle has been off, but it's been nice being able to sleep in. Just one of summer break's perks. 

2. I'm not a basketball fan, but I've been enjoying seeing how excited New Yorkers are for the Knicks. Also, congratulations to the Knicks! 

3. Inspired by: Michelle Rial's chaotic Overthinking Children's Book Venn diagram

4. On Repeat: A mix of Fleetwood Mac, Lord Huron, Sufjan Stevens, SYML, and Lana Del Rey

5. I've been on the hunt for new-to-me recipes, and this one-pan cheesy pasta bolognese might be one I make in the next week or so.

6. This made me laugh. Also incredibly accurate for the weekend, especially on Saturday. The high temperature was 91 degrees, but it felt like it was 95.

7. This is such a beautiful short film of Oliver Jeffers sharing the story behind TIME AND SPACE. The watch is stunning, but expensive. However, it's still on the wishlist.

8. Currently Reading: My Name Is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout

9. I was finally able to go to the salon to get my hair done. My hair definitely needed some TLC. I got my ends trimmed too. It was also great to catch up with my hairstylist.

10. I'm close to completing my local library's summer book challenge!

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Photo by Kateryna Hliznitsova on Unsplash

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Sunday! It's finally June! May really flew by. I can't believe it's been a week since June's arrival! So far, we are enjoying our summer break. It may not be officially summer, but it definitely feels like it. This week was a bit of a slow week, but I absolutely loved it. I'm really looking forward to slower days in June and all the adventures we plan to go on. 

1. I recently learned about The Strangers Project and think it's such a cool project. The Strangers Project was founded by Brandon Doman. Brandon collects handwritten stories by strangers. None of the stories is submitted online or via mail; they are written in person and are anonymous. Although the Strangers Project is based in New York City, I would love for there to be a pop-up in my city soon. Check out the Strangers Project Instagram page here.

2. Unfortunately, our local Barnes & Noble is closing. This particular bookstore's architecture and design are gorgeous, so it's a bit sad that they are going to tear it down to make way for a gas station. John and I stopped by since they are currently having amazing deals. We found some great Father's Day gifts and birthday gifts for my father-in-law. We also bought a few books for the boys, a really cool planetarium projector for Raphael, and I stocked up on greeting cards for upcoming holidays and birthdays.

3. I recently learned I won a copy of What If We Get It Right?: Visions of Climate Futures by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson from a Goodreads Giveaway. I'm so excited to get my copy. 

4. On Repeat: Petit Génie (Italian Remix) by Jungeli feat. Imen Es, Lossa, Rhove, and Germo67

5. I received Katie Licht's latest analog newsletter, and it was so incredibly relatable.

6. On the wishlist: Rowan Semi-Precious Custom Layered Bracelet by BaubleBar

7. On the Summer Bucket List: Visit the High Museum of Art to see Amy Sherald's exhibition, American Sublime and Los Porfiados (The Stubborns) by the Chilean creative studio, gt2P.

8. Currently Reading: Love Poems by Rupi Kaur

9. Inspired by: Yin Goh's journal flip through and Elyssa's drawings of people

10. I've been participating in my local library's summer book challenge, and learning so much about the many resources my library offers. It seems like almost every day since the challenge started, I have learned something new. I'm blown away by all the things available. I'm especially excited about the different library databases offered. From education to career to genealogy and so much more, there is such a wealth of information to be learned from the resources offered.

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

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10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Saturday! This is the first weekend since the start of summer break. My little sister is coming down to visit and is bringing my nephew and niece with her. We're planning to meet up at Mami's house to spend time together. 

1. We're officially on summer break, and I'm so excited. I really needed this break, and I'm looking forward to all the adventures we'll go on. I'm hoping to catch up on a few shows and read a few good books.

2. I received some happy mail from Haley Weaver. I always enjoy the letters and surprises in each seasonal mailer. I plan to use some of the things in my journal and may even add something to my scrapbook.

3. New favorite: Chobani Cookies & Cream Creamer. This is such a delicious creamer. I've been using it in my morning coffee every day. I think this may be Chobani's best coffee creamer to date.

4. Why Do Children Always Collect Things?

5. On repeat: Dai Dai by Shakira and Burna Boy

6. Summer Reading challenges. I plan to join my local library's summer reading program and can't wait to begin. The New York Times also announced its Summer Reading Bucket List. I plan to try to join in as well.

7. A must-read: A Stirring Story by Melanie Dale

8. I've started slowly decluttering, and it's been so nice seeing more newly-opened space. I love the feeling of being more intentional about what I bring into my home. 

9. I'm also hoping to stick to a no-spend/low-spend summer, so I've been looking up different lists of ideas to help assist with this goal.

10. Summer is off to a good start. I'm still waking up really early in the morning, but it's actually been really nice. I've been enjoying my coffee while the boys are still asleep and catching up on some reading and chores. 

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

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10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Sunday! This past week was so busy, and I was so excited once it was Friday. We had a few celebrations and award ceremonies. An appointment. Some meetings. Field trips. All the things! So it was really nice to take some time to relax this weekend and not stick to a routine.

1. Michael and Gabriel had their school Honor award ceremonies this week. I am so proud of both of them. They have grown so much. I still can't believe that Gabriel will be going to high school, and soon Michael will graduate from high school. Time is flying by.

2. Inspired by: Tracey Holdyk's camp journal. Elyssa's drawings of cats and still life. Flowers...especially tulips. All things graduation season. Get Messy May prompts.

3. There are three new RYZE latte flavors available in stores! I bought their Matcha, Chai, and Ube Vanilla coffee lattes sticks and can't wait to try them. I'll probably try the Chai latte first. 

4. On repeat: Piece By Piece by Pharell Williams. I first heard this song while shopping at Old Navy, and it's been stuck in my head ever since.

5. I tried Trader Joe's Patio Potato Chips, and they are so good. I loved the different flavors that were in the bag. The Homestyle Ketchup chip caught me off guard. The Patio Potato chips reminded me of the Lays All Dressed potato chips. 

6. I preregistered for my local library's Summer Reading Program, and I can't wait to get started. I participated in last year's program, and it was fun. I even earned a free mug. 

7. On the wishlist: This shirt from Long Story Books

8. I am currently working on decluttering one room (or an area of a room) each day, and it's been nice getting rid of a lot of stuff. On Saturday, I went through a ton of papers and shredded them. It was so nice to have a clearer workspace. I also realized how much stuff I've been holding onto that I didn't even need. My paper shredder definitely got a workout, and I ended up having two big bags full of shredded paper.

9. I went to the Smyrna Market and got a free tote that I plan to use whenever I go to the farmer's market. It's a really nice size. While at the farmer's market, I bought some peaches, blueberries, sourdough bread, and my favorite lemonade tea. I plan to use the bread to make some BLTs for lunch. I'm going to use the blueberries to make a blueberry syrup. I may try to find a dessert recipe for the peaches, but I'll probably have a few packed with my lunch for the upcoming week.

10. We are just days away from the last day of school! I'm beyond excited! 

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

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10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Sunday! This week has been a busy one with lots of celebrations and end-of-school-year events. I was pretty excited for the weekend so I could get some much-needed rest and relaxation. 

1. We celebrated Michael's birthday! I can't believe he's 16 years old! I've been thinking about the day he was born and how much he's grown. Yes...there were a few tears. 

2. Teacher Appreciation Week was really nice. I gave the boys' teachers a little gift. Their teachers gave us sweet Thank You cards that I'll be adding to my scrapbook. 

3. A new favorite: Milani Cosmetics Highly Rated Lash Extensions Volumizing Tubing Mascara. I received this from Influenster and was surprisingly pleased with it. I don't normally wear makeup, especially mascara. The other mascaras I have tried usually flake or clump, but with this Milani mascara, I didn't have those issues. It also stayed on all day and was so easy to take off. 

4. Kate Baer's poem, Childhood. Short, but beautiful. Such nostalgia. 

5. On Repeat: Kaleidoscope by Chappell Roan

6. John and I went to the cutest little coffee shop. I had been wanting to check out Tuesdays Coffee + Shop for the longest time, so I decided to go on Mother's Day for a treat. I tried their iced latte with their special Mother's Day strawberry syrup, and it was so good. We also bought some BonBon's Sour Blackberry Fish, BonBon's Sour Peach Fish, and BonBon's Chocolate Wafer bar while at the coffee shop. I haven't tried the candies yet, but I'm excited to try them this coming week.

7. Currently Reading: My Name Is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout. I'm planning to read the rest of the books during the summer. 

8. Inspired by: Julia Polinsky's (@juliagetscreative) take on the Messy May journal prompts. Love this one so much. 

9. We decided to celebrate Mother's Day early. On Saturday, Mami invited us over for brunch. We exchanged gifts and spent time together. It was a low-key, but perfect start to Mother's Day. John and I also went on a date. We went to a few shops and got some coffee and pastries. 

10. We are so close to the end of the school year, and I'm getting more excited every day. 

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Photo by Zach Camp on Unsplash

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Sunday! It's finally May! I'm so excited. It's going to be a busy month with school events for the boys and work stuff for me. Although I've been counting down the days until summer break since last month, now I can really say that the countdown has really begun. 

1. After getting some big news and having to make a big decision, I started to feel a bit anxious. I've been considering all my options and, thankfully, was able to have a really refreshing and much-needed conversation. The conversation and information I received definitely eased a lot of my concerns, and now I feel a little more at ease. I'm not ready to share the big news or my decision just yet, but I will soon.

2. Get Messy May has officially started. Get Messy May is a free month-long daily(ish) art challenge. Each daily prompt is hosted by a different artist. I know I won't complete each prompt every day, but I hope to work on them throughout the month. I think I may just pick the ones that catch my attention.

3. "When you have nothing left to give, let yourself receive." - Nicola Jane Hobbs

4. I received my copy of Beth Ann Fennelly's Heating & Cooling. I can't wait to dive into this book. I really am intrigued by the micro-memoir format.

5. On Repeat: Bayou by Mountains of the Moon

6. My youngest nephew is turning five, and I can't believe how time is flying by. It's been so fun watching him grow. My baby niece is also growing, and I'm excited to share that she is starting to say a few words. 

7. Hallie Bateman's latest legal pad newsletter. I love this hand-drawn newsletter format.

8. On the wishlist: Susan Alexander's Real New Yorker Bag. This would absolutely be a splurge, but it's so cute.

9. I went to the first day of Smyrna Market season and bought some treats. I ended up buying some sourdough bread for the week along with some pastries from Bonnin's Bakery. I'm so glad that I was able to get some Black Butterfly Lemonade from Soul Food Holistic Healing. I also bought a breakfast sandwich from Martha's Boy. I was planning on buying some fruit as well, but we still have enough for the week. I'm thinking of going back later today to buy a few extra fruits like blueberries and strawberries to make some homemade syrup.

10. Michael's birthday is coming up, and it's a milestone birthday! I'm really excited and have already started making preparations for his day. 

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Photo by Anita Austvika on Unsplash

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Friday! This was another somewhat long week. I ended up getting sick towards the end of the week, but it's been nice having some time to rest. This weekend is the Spring Jonquil Festival, and I'm hoping I feel well enough to go. 

1. I usually dread Mondays, but Alessandra Olanow's list of how she feels on Mondays was so relatable. Also, it made me laugh. 

2. I finally picked up 107 Days by Kamala Harris at my local library. The wait list was really long, so I was especially excited when I received the notification that I could pick it up. I can't wait to dive into the book.

3. Resting. After dealing with some back and hip pain followed by an incredibly awful cold, I'm so grateful to have had time to rest. I plan to rest some more over the weekend, and I'm excited about taking an afternoon nap. 

4. On repeat: Noah Kahan's newest album, The Great Divide.

5. Reminder of why I prefer to donate directly to charities. 

6. I'm so grateful for modern medicine. I came down with an awful cold and was prescribed a few things. I had a great chat with my doctor and learned a few new things about vitamins, exercise, and more. 

7. I'm always anxious when I have to go to the dentist, but I had a great dentist appointment this week. My hygienist and dentist were so incredibly kind (as usual) and patient. 

8. The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage in California, closed the front entrance of its hotel entrance to protect a hummingbird's nest that was built on the door handle. I thought this was the sweetest thing ever, and I also learned about the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. 

9. On the wishlist: GoNanas Strawberry Crumble Cookie Mix and Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix. I was so excited when I found out they have new cookie mixes.

10. I just realized there are only 18 more school days left. We're all excited for summer vacation. 

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Sunday! It was a long week, so I was excited when Friday finally arrived. I had a great weekend with minimal errands and chores. It was nice to lounge around at home. However, we also took advantage of the nice weather, and thankfully, the pollen count wasn't as high as in the previous weeks.

1. After a long and exhausting week and even more exhaustingly long Friday, I just got amazing news! I'm not ready to share yet, but it's related to my career goals and the next steps in my career. I'm beyond excited and now a bit anxious, as it's a huge decision to make. 

2. To celebrate the good news, I went to one of my favorite bakeries, McEntyre's, and bought a few sweet treats. I even bought a couple of their "last chance" donuts, and they were so good. It made me think about food waste and how restaurants, bakeries, and grocery stores handle unsold items before they close.

3. Which brings me to my discovery of Too Good To Go. This company was founded in Copenhagen, and its goal is to fight food waste. Too Good To Go connects shoppers with local restaurants, bakeries, grocery stores, and other businesses to buy food at a discounted price. Shoppers can buy surprise bags, which are filled with food that is still good to eat, but would otherwise go to waste or be thrown out since it wasn't sold at the end of the day.

4. On repeat: Menina de Vermelho by MC Menor JP, RAMONMIX, and The Ironix

5. Currently reading: My Name Is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout

6. The Children's Place and Old Navy have a few good deals going on right now. At the Children's Place, there's an extra 25% off sale and free shipping. Also, if you have any "Place Bucks", now is the time to use them. I believe the sale ends tonight. I bought the boys several basic T-shirts in various colors. I plan on purchasing a few pieces of summer clothing at Old Navy. Also, if you have Super Cash from Old Navy, you can use it until April 26, 2026. Plus, you can combine your Super Cash with other deals. 

*This is not a sponsored post at all. I just really like The Children's Place and Old Navy. And your girl loves a good deal or two.

7. I made a really good chicken Alfredo pasta bowl, and I made enough for leftovers for lunch. 

8. On the wishlist: Commercial Soda Can Sealer. I would make so many canned lattes.

9. I've been watching Lauren Sephton's (from BrightMomentCo) baking videos. Now I want to try so many recipes. I definitely have to try the wild blueberry vanilla coffee syrup.

10. I lit a new candle this week, and it was a nice little pick-me-up. I've been enjoying lighting my candle in the evening while I watch a show, read a book, or listen to music while folding clothes. 

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time... 

Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Sunday! Today is the last day of our spring break, so I'm a little sad that it's over, but I'm also happy that it means we only have about a month or so left of school and work. The countdown has begun! This break was much needed, and we had a blast.  

1. Having the week off for Spring Break was just what we all needed. We spent a lot of time resting and relaxing. It was so great not to stick to a routine (for the most part). I loved being able to take random afternoon naps. The boys especially loved staying up past their usual bedtime. 

2. We celebrated Raphael's birthday all week long. We did our usual birthday tradition (gifts, birthday cake, balloons, and the birthday boy's choice of dinner). We also went to Urban Air over the weekend to continue celebrating Raphael's birthday. It was so much fun.

3. All things Artemis II. I hope Astronauts Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, Victor Glover, and Jeremy Hansen know how much joy and wonder they gave the world. It was incredibly extraordinary...miraculous what they achieved. I loved seeing the joy on the faces of the astronauts and leadership during the livestreams. When I found out they would be cut off from contact with Earth for a little over 40 minutes, my heart dropped; when I found out they were safe and had reestablished contact, I rejoiced. Watching the astronauts come back to Earth was amazing. I'm still in awe. They gave me hope for humanity, and also, how cool that they actually went on the far side of the moon! I hope astronaut Koch and all the other women who helped with this mission realize that they've inspired so many girls and women. With all the terrible and scary things going on, the Artemis II was such a gift during these uncertain times. Thank you, Astronauts Wiseman, Koch, Glover, and Hansen. 

4. A must-read: Liz Plank's essay on Artemis II. 

5. Currently Reading: The Best Dog in the World by Alice Hoffman

6. I was feeling a little unsettled and decided to go for a 3-mile walk. It was everything I needed. I came home feeling more at ease. I really need to do this more often. Now that the pollen count isn't as out of control as it has been in the past few weeks, I may be able to go on my daily walks more often.

7. On repeat: The Yawning Grave by Lord Huron

8. John and I went to Trader Joe's over the weekend, and I had a blast picking out new-to-us things. We don't often go to Trader Joe's, so it was a treat to randomly pop in. Also, the employees are just so incredibly nice, and every time I've gone to Trader Joe's, it seems like everyone (including the customers) is in a good mood. 

9. Grocery store tulips. It's the simple things. Always and forever. 

10. This wonderful message.

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time... 

Photo by Patrick Langwallner on Unsplash