I apologize that the latest installment of happy things is late. Our baby has been sick the last few days. It’s her first cold and it’s challenging. I know that I need to just let it run its course but I wish I could make her feel better. Now, my husband is starting to get sick so I guess it’s just that time of year.
Speaking of that time of year, I think I might make a nice crock pot stew tomorrow. I wish I thought ahead to make it today but alas, my stew beef is still frozen. I’m going to attempt a low carb version! Wish me luck!
1. Health fairs- I love learning about how to improve my family’s health. It’s an addiction, I think. One that makes me look even MORE like a dork too! haha! But seriously, they are a great way to gather a ton of resources and to get free (or low-cost) health screenings. Your hospital’s website is a good place to look for them.
2. Stickers-I don’t care how old you are, everyone likes stickers. Every week at story time, the librarian give stickers out to every child. You can see how it brightens their day instantly. They all run back to show their mom which one they got! I’m looking forward to our daughter doing this when she starts walking.
3. Lip balm-Speaking of addictions, I always need to have a lip balm nearby. I have one by my bed, in my purse, in my pocket, in the glove box, and the diaper bag. Soft lips make me happy. Just don’t share lip balm with anyone.
4. Vintage clothing- Whether you find it in a really cool thrift store, at the Goodwill or in your grandma’s attic, vintage clothing rocks! I love seeing how people dressed in different eras. And when you can actually see the original garment, it’s so special. Can you tell I was a fashion major in college? ;)
5. Open-air music festivals- Nothing beats seeing great bands outside in the fresh air, standing in a sea of strangers, drenched in the sweat of a ton of people you don’t know. It’s ok though. They are drenched in your sweat too. Music gives us a sense of community and belonging. If you’ve never been to an open-air music festival, I suggest that it goes on your ‘list of things to do before you die!’ What?!? You thought THIS was my only list. You are sadly mistaken!
6. Exploring a new place-Think of the last time you went on vacation (or just a day trip) to a new place. There was a certain excitement to it, right? Even if you made an itinerary, you never truly knew what to expect. I love that feeling. The first time we went to Lancaster, we stumbled upon this place that saves all these recycled goods and you can buy them for crafts. It’s one of my favorite places. Even my husband had a good time there. You never know what you’ll find and you’ll never find it twice! Check it out on this website: http://www.lancastercreativereuse.org/directory-creative-reuse-centers.html.
7. Winning a prize-If you read my blog regularly, you’ll notice that I have a post called ‘Mailbox Monday.’ I started posting all the things that I either get for free or win because: a) I want to help you find stuff like that b) I like making blog posts and c) I love the rush of winning something or getting a really good freebie. Who doesn’t?!? I win a good amount of merchandise but I don’t have it down to a science or anything. It still makes me happy whether I win something that costs $1 or $100. What was the last thing you won?
8. Crafts (making and collecting)-I consider myself to be pretty crafty. I recently learned how to knit and I’ve been knitting the place up. I also scrapbook and do a lot of recycled crafts. I will try any craft once. I love an occasion where I get to test my skills. I am a big fan of holidays and I decorate for every one of them. Crafting is a wonderful stress reliever. Especially when you get together with friends and craft.
9. Hello Kitty- I know, I know. Not everyone likes her. You’re probably thinking,”How old is this woman? She talks about having a child but surely no one over the age of 14 still likes Hello Kitty!?!?’ Well, I do. I should’ve named this one,’Guilty Pleasures.’ Everyone has something (or someone) that they really like but are embarrassed to admit. It makes you happy, so why not let it show! Put that Spice Girls CD on the next time your friends are in the car. They might not like it but if they value your friendship, they’ll tolerate it!
10. Organizing something and reducing clutter-I actually did this last night. It’s such a relief to get rid of old junk that’s just sitting around. When you add an organizational system to the mix, your life will not only be less stressful, it will give you more time, make you happier, and make you look (and feel) put together. Fly Lady is a nice place to start, if you have any questions. http://www.flylady.net/. She’s awesome and she makes it VERY simple to get started.
Well, again, I hope this made you really think about the things you value in life. They don’t need to be expensive or extravagant to make you happy. Focus on the little things and it will make the big things less daunting. Without realizing it, I made this week’s list include some self-improvement ideas. If you are unhappy about something in your life, the easiest way to correct it is to start small. Small changes are easier to stick with and easier to see results over time! I hope everyone has a great week and thinks about some of the things on their list. Take care!
