Several years ago, I began to add in a new goal for my new year’s resolutions and a general guideline for how I wanted to approach my life. I told myself that I’d find the sunshine wherever I went—taking time to appreciate the good in the here and now.
That, in addition to a passion for writing and oversharing, was the main basis behind this blog and inspiration for the platform I’ve been building. It’s been an ongoing reminder to pause, look for the good, and appreciate this life I’m living.
Lately, there have been fewer pauses. I think it’s because things have felt overwhelmingly good; there haven’t been as many quiet moments of introspection because I’ve been hopping between things that fill my cup. My new setting has given me many gifts, and a default position of joy is one of them.
Life is really, very good. I’m happy. And in the spirit of sharing, here are some of the random things I’ve been loving lately.
The spirit of fall
Autumn holds a lot of nostalgia to me (not only did Chad and I get married in September, but we also had our first date as high schoolers on Halloween), but it remains near and dear to my heart because of its gorgeous colors year after year. There’s something about this season that’s just as captivating and beautiful as ever, and I love every errant leaf and spiced flavor.
Repeat favorites
Chad and I have been finding a few places that make us happy, and we repeat patronage every few weeks. This is especially true on the weekends, when it’s easy to say, “hey, do you wanna go grab xx?!” and we do and it’s fun and familiar. A few examples:
- Brunch, pretty much anywhere, especially on a Sunday
- Getting coffee, either from Colectivo or Stone Creek
- Crumbl cookies
- Trader Joe’s run
- A treat from the Milwaukee Public Market
- Beer, usually from Lakefront or Mobcraft
House of the Dragon
Man, it sure is nice to have a Game of Thrones series on my screen again. (Time does, apparently, repair all wounds. Even that tragic ending.)
I’m hooked. I love these blonde-headed firecrackers. I especially have an enduring love of Prince Daemond—shout out to an incredible performance by Matt Smith, for making a violent psychopath seem charming and lovable, somehow.
Apple upgrades
Two things: I got an Apple Watch, and Chad switched from Android to iPhone.
I’ve been incredibly excited about the new features of my watch—it feels like the perfect season of transition and focus and I love reviewing data and setting goals. So that’s been fun!
But mostly I’m just glad that Chad’s messages have switched from green to blue. Lol. Actually, I’m just happy that he’s happy to upgrade, and the convenience and new features (we can Facetime now!) are just additional perks.
My new tattoos
Since August, I’ve added four new tattoos to my body. I’m loving them! They are a great visual reminder that I like who I am and who I’m becoming. (Cool, duh.)
Barre Code
So, I tried something new! I went to three fitness classes at The Barre Code Milwaukee. And…I love it. I did a classic barre class, a bootcamp HIIT class, and a kickboxing-style “brawl” class.
They are HARD and I appreciate the challenge and the group setting, plus owner/instructor Jamie is great. I bought myself a 15-pack of classes and I’m excited to keep the fun going once or twice a week!
Simple breakfast
Lately I’ve been loving a simple breakfast: nondairy yogurt, peanut butter, granola. Boom, bam, done. It’s pretty tasty, and healthy to boot.
Book club
Yet again, I’ve found myself in the throes of a new book club. But, unlike the others I’ve sampled in the past, this one exists between a core group of around 15 or so local women who’ve known each other since high school…and me.
It’s kind of a funny story: on Instagram, this woman who owns a local business followed me and was super friendly, always responding to my stories, inviting me to try out her company, etc. Last month, she posted a video on her own stories, of a book club get together involving wine and snacks. I replied, “hey! If you guys are ever opening up to more members, please let me know! I’d love to join a local book club!” Her response was overwhelmingly supportive—she added me on Facebook and invited me to a Facebook group for the club.
Well, I showed up a few weeks ago, in real life, to a stranger’s house about half an hour away. To my surprise, there wasn’t the usual quiet awkwardness as people meet each other for the first time. Instead, it was all laughter and chaos and then a sudden quiet when I showed up—the lone stranger. And to top it off, the woman I kind of knew was late! Then, when she showed up, she didn’t recognize me right away. It was pretty cringey, even for me.
However, I made it through. It was fun and I think I made some new friends. 🙂 At least, I’m headed to the next book club in November. Lol.
HOTWORX
In the interest of sticking to something for at least a year, I also am still going to HOTWORX! It’s a little bit of a longer walk, so it takes a bit more coordinating. However, I love cycling and Hot Blast sessions, even if I have to endure a sweaty walk home afterward.
Bachelor in Paradise
It’s not much, but trash tv has been bringing me a simple weekly joy. Namely, Bachelor in Paradise, which I find to be the most authentic within this franchise.
Cover stories
And last, but not least: some of my writing was published in the latest issue of Glenwood Springs Magazine. And two of my three pieces landed a spot on the cover. I’m proud of these articles and the stories I got to share. Every once in a while, I get an affirmation that I’m actually really good at what I do, and it’s a delicious feeling. This was one of those times. 🙂
What have you been loving lately?
Those workout classes sound so fun! I stream Barre workout classes all the time and love them. Wish we had a local place near me that I could go to as well!
It’s a great workout! Before I moved to the city, I enjoyed the access to streams as well and I always wished for more trendy options in person. Can be tough for sure. Thanks for reading!
Lovely post. I love your outlook – remembering to pause and appreciate the moment. That’s something I am trying to do too. Congratulations on getting married too! Great post – thanks for sharing. Jade MumLifeAndMe
Thank you! Worth it to pause and reflect, even when things are going well. And thank you very much, five years of marriage flew by. Thanks for reading!
Really enjoyed reading this. You’re right about keeping up the visits to the old favourites and I must admit, I’m enjoying House of Dragons too!
I’m glad to have House of Dragons for sure! Thank you very much for reading.
Lovely post! Yay for 4 new tattoos! I’ve had 2 new ones this year and they always make me so happy!
Right?! I just can’t help but want more, knowing how happy they make me. Thanks for reading!
I am wanting to purchase an Apple Watch, the fall detection is something that makes me want to switch from Fitbit to Apple Watch. Thank you for sharing what you have been loving.
Lauren x
That’s such a neat feature! Excellent for safety. Thanks for reading!
Sounds like a lot of good things going on. Congrats on the publication. Also, I’m from the midwest too, so I heard “hey, do you wanna go grab xx?!” in a wisconsin accent lol Keep on keepin on
Thank you very much! And since we moved here from Colorado pretty recently, thankfully the accent is more of a joke than anything else, lol. Thanks for reading!
You’re living the life! Getting tattoos, joining book clubs, getting drinks and going to brunch screams main character energy. Especially during the fall, I love this vibes of this post. Thanks for sharing!
That is so nice of you to say, thank you! I think a little bit of main character energy goes a long way. 🙂 Thanks for reading!
I love posts like these! Autumn is such a feel good season, I have been trying to embrace it too x
Great post! I enjoyed House of the Dragon too!