Let’s face it // Mondays stink. Or at least we typically expect them to stink. That is why, every Monday, we post seven positives from the previous seven days of the week as a reminder of what we have so that the week starts out on an upswing. There is much truth in the belief that happy people attract good things, so it is important to start the week out right. Sometimes it’s the more grand, but other times, it’s the simple things.
1. Diptyque Candle. The downside // dead animal inside of our chimney {did I mentioned I hate my apartment?} + pest control unable to capture dead animal = lots of candles. The upside // no better excuse for new candles. Georgia and I are candle fanatics. Actually, he may love them even more than I do, so I bought him this Diptyque candle as a part of his birthday present a couple of weeks ago. I was tired of seeing this beautiful packaging all over the blogosphere and not owning one myself, so I did it. It smells amazing, and I love the little booklet included regarding this French candle’s history, traditions, and how they are made. Plus, it smells much better than rotting carcass. Ugh. Sorry.
2. Little Gifts. My lil’ succulent, a creative party favor from a bridal shower I attended last week, is blooming, and Georgia’s golden chicken feet have a temporary home. His mother bought these kitchy feet for his birthday while visiting ATX and shopping on South Congress. They are perfect since we are a lil’ bit city and a lil’ bit southern. We intend to buy a small glass dome for these sweet feet.
3. Gifts to Myself. Since the new year began, I’ve been really good about changing my shopping habits for the better, with exception to this week… oops. However, I bought some true wins! Nothing much feels better than finding a pair of jeans that fit like a glove. I’m a short woman, so tailoring is my frenemy. When I find pants that not only fit me well but hit me just below the ankle, I have to do a victory dance. The skinny skinny ankle pants at Madewell need no tailor. Hallelujah! Bonus, I also ordered their cut-off and linen tees in multiple colors. When I find something I like, I must have more! Can you say, summer wardrobe?
4. Magic Kingdom. Confession. I’ve never been to Disney World. Or Disney Land. I’ve never really been that interested either, but I suppose when you don’t know what you are missing, there is not much to be desired. Don’t get me wrong, I grew up in love with movies like The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast, but beyond that, Disney was not a huge part of my childhood. So when my work required that we read The Magic Kingdom: Seven Keys to Disney’s Success by Tom Connellan, I was not the most enthusiastic employee. Needless to say, I was in need of a little pixie dust. The book was not only a quick and easy read, but it also inspired me to look at my work as an educator in a new light — I am in the business of customer service. I won’t get too deeply into it because that is a post for another date, but it was not a waste of a few hours of my Spring Break.
5. Dog-Cousins. The craziness of SXSW was something I always craved when I lived outside of Austin, but now that I do, I wanted to get away from the madness during my spring break. When I’m on vacation, I need relaxation in lieu of more traffic and boozy tourists. Nonetheless, I live on a teacher’s salary, so that meant vacation had to be more of a staycation. I traveled only an hour outside of Austin to spend time with my family, and that meant Buddy got more cousin time, too. I love watching those doggies chase each other out in the country!
6. Smoked Chicken. My father recently bought a smoker, and my brother-in-law cooked a mean smoked chicken while staying at my parents’ cottage. Soooooo delicious.
7. Downtime w/ Family. On our way home from my parents’ vacation home, I reflected on my spring break, and whether or not my time was well spent. The answer = more downtime with my family is the best way to relax and rejuvenate. Buddy agrees.
We hope to inspire you to reflect on all you have to be grateful & that your week brings you even more positivity + balance + bliss! Feel free to share your seven with us as well / or even just a couple!
Have a wonderful week!
xo,
Georgia + Darlin’
