Little, moments of Joy- April 17th, 2020

I absolutely believe that joy and meaning comes from the people around us and from inside ourselves. I also know how little moments of joy, from putting on a certain outfit, to lighting a candle, or designing a space, can bring some extra pockets of happiness.

With that in mind, I’m sharing what my little pockets of joy have been recently. Links below including how I’ve been using them.

I’d love to share inspiration with you, too! What have your little pockets of joy been? Share in the comments!

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  1. Large, Blank Sketchbook- Amazon

    I’ve had a handful of these over the years. They’ve been my journals, my drawing space, my spot to list ideas. I even brainstormed a lot of my wedding in my current one. A blank page for writing down your thoughts and feelings with your morning cup of coffee starts my day on the right foot.

  2. Yellow pleated skirt- J.Crew (on sale!)

    Spring is upon us, which means looking for something light to wear, and I’m all about comfort right now too. I decided a pleated skirt in one of my favorite colors was the best way to have a “neutral” that I could wear with a white t-shirt or dress up further if I wanted. It’s also the right size right now, which is something I’m having a lot of grace with myself on. Getting dressed in a happy, comfortable, outfit that feels like me has brought a lot of joy.

  3. Daily Planner- Rifle Paper Co. (on sale!)

    I just found out (or was reminded…not sure) that this planner is called Garden Party..so it feels even more perfect for me! Along with my morning journaling and americano, I write down my hopes and ideas for the day. Sometimes it’s attending class or completing an assignment, others it is as simple as wanting to read, paint my nails, or just be outside. Showering is most certainly included on the list too. Taking my must-do’s out of my head helps clear space for other thoughts or feelings. And seeing all that I’ve done in a day, even when it might seem like simple things, helps me recognize how important it all is.

  4. Candles- Dewberry Hotel, Forth + Nomad, World Market

    Having our lamps on and candles lit just fills my whole heart. A candle in the morning seems like such a bright way to start the day. And candles at night make for a cozy evening as we settle in to watch Behind the B (we really miss watching Hockey right now…go bruins). These linked are some of my very favorite. We stayed at The Dewberry Hotel in Charleston, and let me tell you…dream hotel. They have a signature scent filling the entire space, and you can purchase them at the front desk. Forth + Nomad here in the Houston Heights has buy one get one free right now, and you can even buy kits to make your own. Finally, don’t underestimate unscented tea candles. They’re great for some warm light (and friendly during allergy season too.)

  5. Plants- Your local nursery. We love Buchanans in the Heights.

    For those that know us, we have a history of naming our trees, and we even planted one during our wedding ceremony! So now, watch fresh growth during the spring, smelling the fruit tree flowers, and the new leaves popping up brings such a natural form of joy. It has also become one of our favorite parts of our morning routine to care for the plants. The extra perk is our chives, cilantro, and basil have taken off, and we’ve been using them in our recipes too. With grocery stores cutting back on floral departments, this could be a way to bring fresh flowers inside your house too. Lots of nurseries are offering pick up services right now, so consider calling ahead, getting them placed in your backseat, and spending some time outside with your plant friends.

  6. Sneakers- Diadora (Italian and on sale!)

    Our sneakers were needing an upgrade. I’ve also been reflecting on my go-to colors that make me happy, and think that sneakers (or shoes in general) are a perfect place to add different hues that don’t have to perfectly match the rest of what you are wearing. Diadora has become Will and I’s favorite spot for amazing versatile tennies (they were my favorite soccer shoes through middle school and high school too!) We are on to our second pairs now, and it was nice to be able to support an Italian brand we love right now too. Take a look at all the colors they’ve got. I went with a simple emerald green for the logo last time, and they went with everything.

  7. Go-to dancing songs (for spontaneous kitchen dancing or while working)- Gimme Little Sign by Brenton Wood

    The cherry on top for my happy routines has been music. In the morning, Spotify has picked up on my jazz habit, and rotates a “Morning Jazz” playlist for me. I turn it on while drinking my coffee and doing my journaling and it helps me start the day on the right foot. Mid-day to evening, I transition to my 80’s or House music (my roller coaster music selections are highly entertaining to Will). Gimme Little Sign by Brenton Wood (from the 60’s)…ugh…so good!!

There ya have it! My favorite things bringing me some joy right now. I’ve got some more ideas brewing too so stay tuned! What did you think of this? Anything you’re loving? Let’s get these comments going and post below!

Happy Friday!

Tay