This Week in Happiness {Week 11}

“That was the day she promised herself to live more from intention and less from habit”

~ amy rubin flett via pinterest

One of the greatest gifts that I’ve given myself, and in turn my family, and friends is to focus on happiness.  They say it takes 30 days of doing something to make it a habit, and to live focusing on happiness intentionally is quite possibly one of the most powerful habits I’ve ever created for myself.  It has quite literally changed my life, and I hope my children’s, too.

• I came across this “to do list” on pinterest, and I can’t wait to order one of these for myself.  I love the gentle reminders and positive message in this “to do list” from House of 3 on etsy

• This week Nathan and I were lucky enough to get to enjoy the last day of the Houston Rodeo and watch the Crown Royal Super Shoot Out in the Crown Royal Suite and end the night watching one of our favorite bands, The Zac Brown Band.  We got to sample Crown Royal Maple with Orange Juice, surprisingly delicious and not too sweet.. I am definitely buying a bottle of this. So many possibilities!  We met some delightful people, sampled some delicious drinks created with different Crown Royal products, ate some amazing food, laughed a lot, watched some extraordinarily talented barrel racers, steer wrestlers, bull riders, and future rodeo stars during the Crown Royal Super Shoot Out.  The shining star of the evening was definitely sitting with my love watching the Zac Brown Band.  For two years “Toes” and “Knee Deep” have had the entire family singing at the top of our lungs, digging our toes in the sand, and thanking God that we live in Texas.

 

• Baseball season is here and it’s Monkey’s first real full season.  He’s playing Machine Pitch, and watching his face light up and each new skill fall into place makes my heart swoon.  GO RANGERS!!!

•  If you follow me on Instagram you not only know what I’m cooking (or not cooking, just eating) you also know that for the past 6 months I’ve been receiving a monthly fix.  A fashion fix, from a nifty little company by the name of Stitch Fix.  The very basic premise: you fill out a detailed profile, you pay a $20 styling fee per fix, if you keep all 5 items you get a discount on the purchase, and if your friends sign up under your link, you get a $25 credit with their first order.  Honestly, I’ve sent back more than I’ve kept, but it’s opened my eyes to new cuts that are flattering on me, and styles I never would have tried before.  I received my 6th fix today – and shared it all on Instagram, FB, and Twitter #stitchfix

• I adore the navy and white striped side pinned sleeveless shirt.  I love the COLOR of the green pants in the top right, but the length is awful – they’re going back.  The coral of the skirt in the bottom left is phenomenal, and I adore the swing and sway of it, but the material is a bit thin.. it’s on hold until Nathan can give me an honest opinion tomorrow.  The light green dolman top in the bottom right pic, it’s my 2nd Dolman top from Stitch Fix and it’s a definite keeper.  The fabric is curl-up-and-sleep-in-it- soft, the fit is delightful and I adore the color.  The bottom right pic actually features a pair of “cigarette” pants from my 2nd fix, and I’ve since bought 2 similar pairs in different colors.  That’s what I love about stitch fix.  I’m not adventurous or knowledgeable when it comes to fashion or what fits my body. Stitch fix has helped me and made me more adventurous. I love it!!   {all iphone pics .. no makeup.. messy/dirty hair, and yes.. that’s what my bedroom really looks like.. perfection is overrated, y’all}

Other bits of happiness

• Across the Universe is one of my favorite (indulgence) movies and it came on cable this week, reminding me how much I love it.  It’s a delightful, painful, emotional, wonderful, romantic, moving romp through the 60’s set to the soundtrack of The Beatles, and it’s everything you want it to be.  I could watch it over and over.
  

• Strawberry season is nearly here!  Check out these 15 *berry* delicious recipes to help you celebrate.

• Buffalo. Chicken. Waffle Fries.  I shouldn’t even have to explain why this makes me happy.  The name says it all!  Check out the recipe on Buns in My Oven

• Princess has started playing volleyball, a friend has made our team bows, and the smile that lights her face and the glow that fills her eyes… I could cry.

• Princess was wrestling and playing with Cash and Monkey when she said:

“I just ate ice cream, I may throw some cookies”

to which I responded

“You might toss your cookies?”

her response

“Yeah, that sounds right”

Nathan and I nearly fell off our chairs laughing… which sent Princess into the kind of giggles that only a truly happy child can produce, hysterical, joyful, and free.

 

What’s making you happy?  What brings you joy, makes you smile, makes you giggle, or makes your soul sing?  I’d love to hear about it!