Happy List: #404

Hi! Welcome to this week’s Happy List. I’m delighted you’ve joined me here today.

This week on the blog, I shared the demolition of the second fieldstone wall we are rebuilding. The middle of a project is when I start to question why we start these things.

But I remembered my why on Wednesday when I shared how the new fieldstone stairs turned out. The consensus on those is that they are better than we all imagined.

As always, thank you for being here. I hope the Happy List is a bright spot in your day and leaves you feeling inspired and encouraged! Part of the fun for me is connecting with you. The comments and messages this week have been an absolute JOY for me to read. If you want to reach out, please comment on this blog post or email me here. It makes my day. You can also direct message me on Instagram or Facebook.

Now, here’s the Happy List!

INTERIOR WINDOWS

I am a sucker for the use of interior windows to define a space. I don’t think there’s ever been a transom window that I haven’t loved. We have one on our sunporch, and I’m determined to add one more to our space. All in good time.

More photos of this gorgeous home can be found here.

(image: Haris Kenjar via Desire to Inspire)

CYANOTYPE CLOTHING

Kellie Swanson imprints thrifted clothing with cyanotypes, and her creativity had my jaw on the ground. I love the way she has reimagined someone’s castoffs. It’s so inspiring.

You can see and read more about it over at This is Colossal or check out her clothing shop.

(image: Kellie Swanson via This is Colossal)

P.S. I’d love to try doing this someday. Here’s a step-by-step tutorial if you’re curious.

CAR FREE NEIGHBORHOOD

It was fascinating to read about a new-ish car-free neighborhood in Arizona. It works for the residents because it was built right on a light rail line. Public transportation for the win!

(image: via Dwell)

P.S. One thing I miss about living in Ireland is being able to walk or take public transportation everywhere. In my experience, there’s something about that lifestyle that gives you a richer sense of community.

RECYCLED METAL PUMPKIN

I found an Etsy shop in Illinois that makes the most amazing things out of metal, such as gates, obelisks, and PUMPKINS! ‘Tis the season for all things pumpkin.

Check out this large, rustic metal pumpkin. How great would that look on a front porch or dining room table? There’s a little nail spike in the center if you want to put a candle in it, too. They will also dry brush it a different color, if you want. It’s rustic perfection.

(image: Etsy shop ARusticGarden)

SITKA LIGHTHOUSE

The Sitka Lighthouse is the cutest Airbnb! I’ve never had a burning desire to visit Alaska, but this lighthouse could sway me. There’s something romantic and completely impractical about them that appeals to me.

Check it out here.

(image: Airbnb)

P.S. I’ve been on an Airbnb kick lately. I must need a vacation.

HOW TO MAKE ROPE

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn twine into rope using a simple machine, this is the video for you. You can skip to the 12-minute mark if you want to see the rope come totally together. It was a WOW moment.

My favorite part of the video might be when the man refers to his wife as his assistant, and she gives him “the look.” We’ve all done it. That look that says I will humor you this one time, but I really run this show, and will remind you when the camera turns off. Hahahahaha!

If the video doesn’t load, watch it here on YouTube.

BED OR COUCH ORGANIZER

When we moved our daughter into her dorm room, I happened to throw two felt storage pockets that I had in my stash into the boxes. The dorm room ended up having a wonky layout with no room for a nightstand. I secured the felt pockets to both girls’ bedframes so that they’d have a spot to safely stash their phones and glasses at night. Worked like a charm!

If you need extra storage by a couch, bed, or in a nursery, consider one of these storage pockets. There are different styles and ways to secure them. Pick one that works for you. Thank me later.

(image: Amazon)

JALAPENO BACON

I don’t know why the internet algorithm decided to smile down on me the day it served me up a recipe for Jalapeno Bacon, but I want to try it. This recipe from Greens and Chocolate is basically a spicy, candied bacon recipe that gets baked in the oven. Say no more.

(image: Greens and Chocolate)

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Excerpt from the essay “Life Lessons From a Rebellious River” by Tracy Ledford

“The river knows something about authenticity that took me decades to understand: There is no such thing as the wrong path when you’re following your own truth. The Mississippi didn’t apologize for its meanders, didn’t shame itself for changing course. It simply flowed where it needed to flow, creating beauty in its wake.

[…]

I look at the way the river moved across centuries, each curve and bend a testament to its honest response to whatever it encountered. Some might call it indecisive. I call it brave. Because here’s what the river understands: Every time you choose truth over expectation, you’re creating space for others to do the same. Every time you honor your own current, you’re showing others what it looks like to trust their own flow.”

Please go read the entire essay here. It’s a 3-minute read, and one of the most thoughtful things I’ve read lately. I haven’t stopped thinking about it in the last week.

Thank you for reading this week’s Happy List.

Be good to yourself and others this weekend. We could all use a little more gentleness.

I’ll see you back here on Monday.

*affiliate links in this blog post*