I didn’t get around to writing my May favorites for obvious reasons.  I broke my foot on May 1 and then spent the entire month hobbling around packing up a 4,000 sq foot house.  It was a lot and I was just trying to get through it, not make mental notes on things I really enjoyed.  But, I did manage to remember a few things I really enjoyed and decided to combine them with some favorites from June. May and June are like a tale of two months.  May was frenzied and exhausting.  June was relaxing, quiet, and slow.  It was staying in a small house that didn’t need much from me and I could just focus on recovery and rest.  Of course, I still did work, but I welcomed writing and painting after all of the packing!  It felt restful and I could work at a slower pace.  We

Can you believe it’s March already?!  We’re creeping towards spring and to the end of another school year.  We’re approaching spring cleaning, gardening, and beach trips.  We’re hunkering down for the last breath of winter.  A few sunny, warm-ish days have lured me outside on long walks and given me energy for more projects.  Sometimes I think I run on solar power, which is why I tend to slow down in January and February.  I love the cold, but I enjoy the longer days, more sunlight, and more time outside.  My beloved hoodies and wool socks get folded up and put away for a while, but it’s a tradeoff. I know winter isn’t over here in Minnesota, but there is a whisper of spring in the air. I was planning on doing another no-spend February again, plus purging and organizing, but the month really got away from me and I

Even though I wasn’t posting regularly through January, I still kept a list of some of my favorites when I would notice them.  I’ve learned that if I don’t write them down, I’ll forget all about them!  Sharing my favorites each month has encouraged me to pay attention to things I enjoy – what I buy, experience, watch, eat, listen to, or create.  It reminds me to pay attention to the little pleasures in life.  Even if you don’t share online, I would encourage you to do the same.  Keep a little list of your favorites each month and maybe share them with your family.  I have found that sharing this list with you each month helps me be more appreciative, which is always a good thing. Here were some of my favorites from January – a smattering of small pleasures, pretty music, yummy food, and enjoyable creative endeavors. book