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Last updated on July 15th, 2020
Sometimes it’s the small and simple things that makes us happiest, and today I’m sharing a few that have sparked joy in my life lately.
With social media, especially Instagram, it’s easy to get caught up in all the beautiful photos and become frustrated with our own lives. We forget that our everyday too, are full of magical moments, if only we slowed down to appreciate each one. And by we, I really mean I. I’m hoping to turn this blog post into a regular series (similar to my product empties) so that I can train myself to actively look for these simple joys in my life.
Manicures with Londontown Nail Polishes*
- What
- Botanical-enriched and 9-free nail color that’s also vegan and cruelty-free. When used with their base and top coat you get a high-shine finish and gel-like durability that extends the life of your color.
- Why
- Manicured nails instantly boost my confidence, plus it prevents me from stress-biting them. As a perfectionist, the fact that I can get perfect coverage in one stroke with these makes the application process actually enjoyable. No more getting polish on my fingers and feeling like a 5-year old that can’t color within the lines! Also, hello gorgeous neutrals!
- Where
- $16 per color at Londontown ($20 for the Gel Genius Top Coat and Base Coat, free US shipping for orders $30+, and get $10 off if you use my referral link!)
Also available on Amazon with Prime shipping and Anthropologie
From left: Natural Charm, Mauve Over, The Full Monty, Cheerio
Terrace House on Netflix
- What
- A Japanese reality show about 6 strangers (3 guys and 3 girls) and lives under the same roof. Members are free to leave at any time, and a new member of the same gender immediately replaces them. There’s also a panel that offers often hilarious insight on what’s going on in the house.
- Why
- Inspiring and heart-warming are usually not words I’d use to describe reality shows, but that’s what Terrace House is. There’s rarely excessive drama, and the dialogs and interactions between members feel genuine. You can relate to these people, to their struggles and their dreams, and at the end you almost feel like they’re your friends. It’s literally a show of warm and fuzzies, and I can’t recommend it enough! Also the opening theme is everything.
- Where
- There are currently 3 seasons on Netflix: Boys & Girls In The City (my favorite), Aloha State, Opening New Doors (stop after ep 21, a sociopath joins and totally ruins the feel-good aspect of the show)
Cat cuddles
- What
- A warm ball of fluff and sunshine. I swear they’re too good and pure for us sometimes.
- Why
- I think any pet owner can relate when I say that our fur babies raises our happiness meter by 1000% simply by being present. I work from home, and while that has its benefits, the greatest one for me is being able to spend more time with my babies. I especially love when Cooper decides to nap in my office, and this particular napping session is what partially inspired today’s post.
- Where
- Your local animal shelter. So many fur babies are looking for their forever home, so please if you’re going to get a cat or dog, adopt instead of buy!
Reading Hashtag Authentic
- What
- A book by Sara Tasker on with the tips, strategy and guidance on growing an online audience with heart. It mainly focuses on Instagram, but the principles can be applied to any online platform.
- Why
- I’ve been feeling uninspired and lost with my Instagram account direction, so I got this book to get my creativity going. I’ve only started reading this, but I love that it doesn’t focus solely on numbers, but rather on how to find our voice and creating content that is a true reflection of who we are. Amidst all the number-driven engagement advice and hacks out there, Sara’s is like a breath of fresh air. One of the first exercises was to list the small joys in our daily lives, which in turn inspired this post.
- Where
- $15.38 on Amazon (with Prime shipping)
Booking an all-inclusive resort in Cancun
- What
- Le Blanc Spa Resort is an adult-only all-inclusive resort with a spa, multiple restaurants, bars, pools, and a private beach.
- Why
- It’s been a busy year so far, with me juggling multiple projects and my husband’s commission-based job, so a getaway was necessary for us to just relax and enjoy the rewards of our hard work. Obviously the best part has yet to come, but there’s joy and excitement to be found even as I was hitting the “book” button. It gives me hope and something to look forward to, much needed when I’ve had an extra stressful day.
- Where
- Book via their official site, TripAdvisor, or Expedia. We love Costco Travels though, which we used to book our Italy trip last year.
I’m looking forward to this view! (source: official site)
What are some things that’s brightened your days lately? Please do share in the comments, or if you decide to post a similar topic, drop your links so I can give it a read! Hope everyone has a great rest of the week!
I have been to Cancun many years ago, it was a beautiful holiday. But make sure you pack your best SPF – I got burned in the shade wearing a hat with SPF 50 applied, and it was one of the bad, peeling skin kind of burns.
Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking
Oh yikes, that sounds painful! I have a big bottle of the Anthelios XL which is my strongest sunscreen, hopefully it’ll be enough!
It’s really amazing how the small things can bring such joy.
Cuddling with pets is always awesome. I love cuddling with doggies! That and finding a book that makes you really happy!
Aw doggies are precious too, I feel like they’re even more empathetic than cats!
I love Londontown! I’ve never been to Cancun but would love to.
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
I definitely want to try more of their shades! ????
I seriously love these basic shades! So easy to match! ◡‿◡✿
Blog de la Licorne
Yes! That’s why I always gravitate towards neutrals!
What a fun new series! I haven’t been to Cancun since my college days. I bet it’s changed so much. The resort you booked sounds amazing! Yes just the act of booking a vacation is exhilarating in itself :) We watched Terrace House last year. The only one we could get into was Boys & Girls In The City. Some of the people on Opening New Doors just annoyed me to no end that I couldn’t watch.
Cancun is a popular spring break destination, but hopefully our resort won’t be too rowdy, I’m getting too old for that crowd, haha.
Opening New Doors had such a great start, I adore Tsubasa and how genuine she was. But omg are you referring to Yui? The minute I saw her my bitch radar started going haywire and my husband wouldn’t believe me when I told him. But the way she acts is just so fake and kinda psychotic…I dunno if I’ll be able to keep watching if she keeps this up.
this looks beautiful!! i need this!
Jadieegosh Instagram FacebookBloggerGroup
I love these basic shades
Oh that nail polish sounds wonderful, I am going for a mani today. And oh yes with 3 indoor cats and 4 outdoor cat I have lots of fur hugs to go around.
That book sounds interesting. Ugh IG I have a love/hate relationship with it. But lately I am really getting fed up and burnt on it. Sometimes I think of deleting it and not bothering anymore.
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
I truly adore the neutral, soft tones of the nail polishes – every single one of them would be ideal for spring/summer! I hope you’re having a lovely weekend so far babe :)
aglassofice.com x
Oh how I loved reading this post, Jenny! I have been feeling the same lately – social media can be a bit confusing at times and with constant Instagram changes I feel like it is so much harder to get noticed or grow audience. I am glad that we have our beautiful and supportive community though, ladies supporting ladies is everything! And Cooper is an absolute beauty – I wish I could play with him xx
Naya
http://www.nayatilly.com
Love your favourites Jenny! the Londontown nail polishes look amazing, I love the soft neutral tones. I agree pets are the best, my dog is responsible so much of my happiness :P Cancun looks beautiful, I hope the view is as spectacular as it looks xx
Violethollow.com
Oh I love the colors of the nailpolish!
x Lisa | lisaautumn.com
They have a lovely section of brights and neutrals!
I love a good manicure. The polishes are so pretty!
x,
S | Je M’appelle Chanel
Aren’t they? I love that they last a long time too!
Love Cancun so much and I totally need a furry friend in my life :)
http://www.fashionradi.com
I feel like everyone can use a furry friend, they’re the best!
the Sara tasker book look so interesting ! i like that it doesn’t only focus on numbers !
https://www.clairetalksbeauty.com/
It’s a great read so far! I love that she includes small exercises to help us find our photo inspirations!
Small things sometimes give more joy. The nail polishes are very pretty and your cat is so cute. The book and the show sound interesting will check them out. Even I sometimes feel lost when it comes to IG. Absolutely love the feeling when we have booked a trip and have something to look forward to.This July we will be visiting US as usual but will be doing a short road trip from Seattle to Yellow Stone National Park. I am so excited. :-) Loved this post.
Via | http://glossnglitters.com
Thank you Via! I’m hoping with the book I’ll be able to find creative joy on Instagram again rather then get sucked in to the numbers game. Ooh that sounds like a fun trip! I was at Yellow Stone a few years back and it’s beautiful there, but quite chilly! I went at the end of May/beginning of June but I had to wear a thick hoodie, so make sure to check the weather!
Such a lovely post… sometimes small things Bring big joys… cuddling with my kiddos, nature, watching a movie with family and many more small thing bring joys to my life. thanks for sharing…❤️
http://www.geniusenough.com
100% agree on Terrace House: Opening New Doors!! I was done when Shion and Tsubasa left. Looking forward to see what the next series will be like!
Same, I love Tsubasa so much and that entire group’s friendship! Hopefully they’ve casted better people for this new season because I can’t put up with another Yui!