Hello! Welcome to the first Happy List of 2024. I’m glad you’re here.
This week on the blog I shared a round up of podcast episodes I think are worth your time. These are the podcasts that I can’t stop thinking about. They were that good.
Since everyone uses January to get organized, I also shared how I recently organized my chest freezer. I used to think of it as a frozen pit of despair because it was so hard to find things in there. It has been several months with my new system and now think of my freezer with much more affection.
If you’re new here, I’ll let you in on a not-so-secret secret. We like talking to you! If you want to connect with us or ask a question, you can always comment on this blog post or send an email here. You can also reach out on Instagram or Facebook.
Enjoy this week’s Happy List!
STUNNING
My jaw dropped when I saw the wood paneling in Deb from Seeking Lavender Lane’s newly remodeled bathroom. Quiet opulence is how I’d describe it.
See all the photos here. (Take a look at the bath tray!)
(image: Seeking Lavender Lane)
DELIGHTFUL
This room designed by Joni of Lay Baby Lay is so delightful. I know it’s supposed to be a kid space but I would totally hang out here. That gallery wall is so impactful.
See more photos of the space here.
(image: Lay Baby Lay)
LIT
If you’ve been following my stories on social media, you will know I am unapologetically obsessed with my new mini puzzle lamp. It’s a rechargeable LED lamp, which means you do not need an electrical outlet to illuminate your work area.
We’ve been using it in on our dining room table while we eat dinner. It provides us the illusion of a fancy restaurant atmosphere to eat our very basic spaghetti. I’ve also been carrying it around the house and using it wherever I want a little extra light. We don’t have many outlets (old house problems), so this lamp life is a novelty to me.
The only reason I haven’t bought a second lamp yet is…well, I’m not sure. Yes, I do know. I’m waiting to make sure it continues to live up to its 10 hours of battery life before needed to recharge. So far, so good, but I’ve only had it a couple of weeks. It comes in different colors and recharges with an USB-C cord!
LOVE IT
Amy Ball for Polkadot Chair has a sewing tutorial for the cutest Valentine’s Day fabric envelope. I love the idea of being able to reuse this year after year with your kids.
If I had sewing machine skills, I would be all over this craft.
Check out the pattern and directions here.
(image: Polkadot Chair)
HISTORIC
Town and Country Living always has articles with inspiration galore! A recent article all about historic home exteriors showcased this beauty, the Brokaw-McDougall House, which is now the home of the Historic Tallahassee Preservation Board. Fitting, right?
As a side note, I aspire to be able to grow shrubs into a shape like the ones in this photo.
(image: via Town and Country Living)
PASTA PLAYLIST
Did you know Barilla, the pasta brand, is on Spotify? They have curated playlists perfectly timed for the amount of time it takes to cook a particular type of pasta. 11 minutes for fusilli, 10 minutes for linguine, etc.
This amuses me greatly! I love brands that have fun with these things. Check it out here.
(image: Spotify screenshot)
CREAMY GARLIC MUSHROOM ORZO
Speaking of pasta, this orzo recipe from Gimme Some Oven looks delicious and adaptable! I love recipes that allow you to easily add or subtract a protein or vegetable.
Also, have you tried orzo in chicken soup? It’s a great alternative to regular noodles or rice.
(image: Gimme Some Oven)
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A 32-year-old asked 90-year-olds for advice. Here are some of my favorites. Read the entire list here. It’s worth it.
4. Don’t fear sadness, as it tends to sit right next to love.
5. Treat your body like a house you have to live in for another 70 years.
11. If something has a minor issue, repair it. Minor issues become major issues over time. Applies equally to love, friendships, health, and home.
13. No one has ever argued their way to happiness.
29. If there’s something bothering you, ask yourself whether it will matter in one month. If not, let it go right now.
Thank you for reading today’s Happy List. I hope you enjoyed it.
Be good to yourself and others this weekend.
I’ll see you back here on Monday.
*affiliate links in this blog post*