3.02.2023

My March Happy List.

I can't believe it's March. Even though it's still "fake spring" yesterday was a sunny, 50 degree day and that is something to smile about! Speaking of things to smile about, lately I've gotten into the habit of listing out things that make me happy. 

I know I know, as elementary and silly as it sounds, I find that there's something special in each and every day—even on the not-so-good days. Or even just the every day mundane days. A habit I used to have was to write one small thing down on a sticky note that brought me joy, big or small. For example, a good chai latte or meeting a running goal or even just waking up earlier than I did the day before. I would scrunch up these notes and throw them in a jar until I needed a little boost to remind me there are many things to be grateful for. 

Maybe this will be a boost for you, but if not, that's okay! I think we could all use a daily boost no matter what's happening around us. But now I've been using the Notes app in my phone to add things to my list. Also, disclaimer but a lot of these are food items...but hey, food makes me happy :) Here is my monthly happy list:

March Happy List
  • Golden retrievers (Coop) 
  • Doing work at the library 
  • A fresh haircut 
  • (Fake) Spring days 
  • Ice water at 3am 
  • Getting a really good performance review at work
  • Gretchen Geraghty vlogs 
  • Croissant donuts 
  • Sweet cream cold brew
  • Sunshine
  • Birds chirping
  • Clean cars 
  • Fresh cut flowers 
  • Changing the color face on my watch
  • Filling out my weekly planner 
  • Lemon mint candles 
  • Coffee dates 
  • My loved ones <3 
  • Snuggles
  • Cozy fluffy blankets 
  • Cooking dinner with my love
  • Bonfires
  • My overpriced Stanley cup
  • Yummy hand lotion 
  • A warm hoodie out of the dryer
  • TJ Maxx 
  • Chocolate covered cherries/strawberries 
  • Soothing train rides 
  • Red wine
  • My favorite pearl earrings
  • Mental health podcasts
  • Yoga
  • Trader Joe’s 
  • Blogging & writing
  • Olipop & Poppi
  • Being active and playing sports (softball, golf, volleyball)
  • Apartment planning 
  • Calm and slow mornings 
  • Bonfires 
  • Looking at old pictures
  • My nightly skincare
  • Eating a homemade meal
  • Sumo oranges
  • Really fuzzy socks 
  • Grocery strolls 
  • Crisp book pages 
  • Freshly painted nails 
  • Putting on my favorite perfume (Chloe Nomade)
  • My receptionist Denise who always brightens my day 

Even if you don't write these down, taking a mental note at the end of the day is always a great way to ground yourself and remember what truly matters- okay so maybe not croissant donuts -BUT it's about the little joys just as much as the big ones. We need to toot our own horns sometimes! Life can be tough, life can get monotonous (especially when it's freezing out), so let's not forget about the things that keep us going. Keep us feeling alive. Keep us waking up every day and putting a smile on our faces. What's on your happy list this month? 
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1.31.2023

Wind Down with Me.

As I write this all snuggled up in bed, covered in cozy blankets, warm vanilla candle flickering, watching Season 2 of Outlander, Sour Skittles and popcorn at arms reach—I think to myself "wow, if only this could be how every night goes". And for the most part, I do have a pretty set evening routine because winding down is important to me, but lately I've been in limbo with making the most of my evenings, namely Sunday evenings, because I just want to make sure I can check everything off of my to-do list before I can settle down for the night and feel reset for the week. 


I've also had days where—Sunday scaries are real—but I'll also get so much done on Sunday and be so productive with working out, chores, errands, and resetting everything that by the end of the night I'm worn out and haven't actually relaxed so then my headspace is flooded with anxiety about the day to come. My mind ebbs and flows and even mid-afternoons I'll get very overwhelmed with how I want to spend my Sunday and I've just decided that Sundays are sacred to me. 

- - -

But they also aren't. Sundays are probably my least favorite day of the week because I find myself in dread of Monday. But then Monday turns out to be not so bad after all. Because who loves Mondays? 


As much as I plan out my week days, I also plan out my weekends. Balancing social events and going out with friends to playing open gym volleyball with Ben or doing chores—I try to make a list of things to do so that I do feel like I can balance everything and tackle what needs to get done that didn't during the week. Even if it's as little as getting my nails done or taking some clothes to Goodwill, I plan out my errands and it also gives me something to look forward to as mundane as these tasks may be. 


I like to be busy. I'm always on the go and being productive makes me able to relax soundly, but I've also come to the realization that there will always be dishes to clean, laundry to wash, books to read, etc. So sometimes I get so overwhelmed for no reason because I can't sit still and just relax. Even blogging for example has been a part of my evening Sunday ritual. 

- - -
I definitely think I am a weekend warrior at best because during the week I am locked in on work and just want to go to the gym, eat a nutritious meal, and watch Netflix and go to bed. Side note: I have been loving Gretchen Geraghty's vlogs on YouTube lately. They're the perfect dose of serotonin and all things happiness (she has a golden named Brody so I am obviously a big fan at this point)! I guess that's reality but leaning into the small joys during my days also make them go by quicker and give me things to look forward to like making a quick coffee run or doing work from home with a friend. 

Having a wind down routine is essential. There are so many things happening in our lives that I think we forget to take time to just let go and reset. Whether it does mean being lazy or getting your nails done or reading a book or watching a show or taking a much needed nap. Life is meant to be enjoyed and I don't ever what to feel soul sucked or over worked. I think it all just comes with balance of filling up your life with things you love. Winding down doesn't mean shutting off, it just means we're preparing ourselves to bounce back up again. 

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1.24.2023

January is for Mindful Productivity

January is always the month that I get on top of things: my work, my schedule, my sleep, my fitness, my organization, you name it. And lately having a cadence of things to do has kept me right on top of things. Between working from home, keeping social, and taking care of me—all of these things come through balance, prioritizing, and also respecting my own boundaries because ya girl's got things to do! 

I thought I'd share some quick tips on how I keep my life in order and also promote daily productivity—mindful productivity—that keeps me from burning myself out. A lot of it has just become first nature habits (and part of my homebody, type-A personality) so find what works best for you. 

01. Having a dedicated work space has been a dream, but for now, I have my long-time makeshift vanity turn desk and I have really outfitted my workspace with all of the tech tools I could need. I recently upgraded to having a laptop stand, wireless key board and mouse, as well as a phone stand which is a true game changer. I also love having the keyboard and elevated computer so I'm not straining my neck all day. I also have my weekly desk planner, a daily planner, and my master planner (who could need that many planners?). All of these things help me stay on top of appointments, meetings, workouts, and planning my to-dos for the week. The next update I think I'll make is a more comfortable desk chair. 

02. I find key stationary staples that I love to help me stay organized and I always feel like aesthetic stationary just pulls everything together, while making planning a bit more fun. Whether it be rose gold scissors, choosing a new Staedler pen color of the week—it's the little things right? It also just makes goal setting something I look forward to every Sunday. 

03. Going to bed early has been a challenge, but more recently waking up earlier is even harder for me. Something I have started doing is romanticizing my morning routine even when I work from home. Whether it be setting out an outfit, looking forward to a morning walk or cup of coffee, or even securing a spot to work for the morning at a coffee shop or my library. I've been trying to wake up between 6-6:30 to readjust my circadian rhythm and not be kicking myself in the morning for hitting snooze. 
04. I have always been consistent with fitness or staying active for at least 30 minutes a day. And walking Cooper only helps me during the day so I can get some fresh air and take a breather. I've seen everyone with the walking pads and treadmills while they work but that's just not realistic for me. So, every day I will plan to go to the gym or workout class to dedicate at least an hour to myself. I've really tried to be a morning workout person, but I think walking better suits my routine...it's just hard when it's 30 degrees. 

05. Going out and about on my weekends or weekday evenings keeps me inspired. Since I do stay indoors most of my time to work, I have been taking up some new hobbies like playing intramural volleyball, getting back into blogging, watching Masterclass videos, trying new foods/recipes/restaurants, or taking myself on "mini adventures" to new parts of town or shops. Rather than doom scrolling on social media, I want to invest my time in more mindful and inspirational activities or habits. 

06. For anyone working from home who tends to get in a "funk" or can sometimes feel cooped up, I would recommend changing up your scenery if you can! My sister actually apartment sat in LA for a friend one month and it totally helped with her ability to feel more inspired and less cooped up during the cold Chicago winter. Even if it means finding a new coffee shop, work buddy, or going into the office once or twice a week—I've looked forward to changes in my routine that spice things up a bit.  The beauty of working from home is that you can practically work from anywhere, so why not take advantage of it? 

This month for all is the month to get back on track and into the swing of things. But I find that keeping to a routine that balances everything, most importantly taking care of yourself, makes me feel the most productive and less burnt out each week. What are some habits you employ to stay on top of things? 

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