Hi! Welcome to this week’s Happy List. It is SO good to have you here.
If you missed any blog posts from this week, let me catch you up real quick.
On Monday I reminisced about an old tradition of May Day baskets. I know some of you give flowers on May Day. Did anyone receive any flowers?
Wednesday’s blog post was all about my favorite human, Handy Husband, who had a birthday this week. Let me tell you, he did milk that birthday week concept for all it was worth. Ha!
As always, thank you for being here. It’s so rewarding to connect with each and every one of you. I’ve made the best online friends through this website. If you want to connect with us, and I hope you do, 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!
CHOO-CHOO
If you have a hankering to visit Chattanooga, Tennessee, how fun would it be to stay at The Hotel Chalet where your room can be in a converted train car?
Look how gorgeous this is! Fancy too!
(image: The Hotel Chalet)
P.S. We’ve been to downtown Chattanooga a few times and it has so much charm and tons to do and see.
OLD BOOK SMELL
Old books and old book stores, in particular, have a distinct smell. We’ve all smelled it. No need to try and describe it for you. Unless you want me to?
Books are largely made of organic materials. The “old book smell” you’re smelling is the books breaking down and releasing chemicals like acetic acid, benzaldehyde, butanol, furfural, octanal, and methoxyphenyloxime. Books can also take on the smell of their environment.
Don’t worry. The smell doesn’t affect the story. Learn more about old book smell here.
P.S. This photo is from the Long Room at Trinity College Dublin. This is where you can visit The Book of Kells. If you’d like to read more about our visit to see this artifact, check it out here.
SAVE THE TILE
Speaking of old things, what do you think about the trend to save or work with vintage tile? This article in Domino talks about ways to make old tile look fresh and relevant.
We have a blue tile similar in color to this in one of our bathrooms and I’ve kept it. Is it my favorite? No. It has grown on me though after I found some accessories that tied it all together.
(image: Allison Pierce via Domino)
POTTED PLANT FEET
Look at how pretty these potted plant feet are! They come in different colors and are such an elegant way of lifting a pot off the ground, don’t you think?
(image: Roo Pottery via Amazon)
COAL MINER’S DAUGHTER
Did you see this video of Loretta Lynn’s granddaughter singing “Coal Miner’s Daughter” on “American Idol?” Holy smokes. It might bring a little tear to your eye.
If the video doesn’t load, watch it here on YouTube.
OUTDOOR INSPIRATION
I devoured the details on this photo from Bret Franks Construction.
The chimney. The bricks. The windows wrapping the corner. The covered patio with a fireplace.
I’d like to hang out here.
(image: Bret Franks Construction as seen on Houzz via Town and Country Living)
BRAVO
The Sports Bra, a sports bar and restaurant in Portland, Oregon, that only shows women’s sports has been so successful (even after skepticism) that it is expanding. I’m so happy for them and women’s sports!
Serena Williams’ husband’s 776 foundation is investing in the bar. According to a recent press release, 100% of the returns from the 776 Foundation’s investment will be earmarked for future donations to advance future generations of women athletes.
(image: The Sports Bra)
DIY FLORAL CLOCK
This DIY Floral Clock made by Lovely Indeed stopped me in my scroll this week. It’s so happy!
This would be really neat to make for a commercial space or maybe an event. Imagine if it was over-sized! So cool.
Get all the details here.
(image: Lovely Indeed)
MEDITERRANEAN QUINOA BOWL
Doesn’t this Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl from Eating Bird Food look perfect to eat on a warm evening?
The addition of a scoop of tzatziki is a tasty touch. Get the recipe here.
(image: Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl)
P.S. Love the website name Eating Bird Food! Made me smile.
POETRY MOMENT
Tin Bucket by Jenny George
The world is not simple.
Anyone will tell you.
But have you ever washed a person’s hair
over a tin bucket,
gently twisting the rope of it
to wring the water out?
At the end of everything,
dancers just use air as their material.
A voice keeps singing even
without an instrument.
You make your fingers into a comb.
Thank you for reading today’s Happy List.
Be good to yourself and others this weekend.
I’ll see you back here on Monday.
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