Simple Things #1

Here are 5 magically mundane things I've noticed this week

Hi there! How are you? Thank you for being here. I’ve been reveling in writing again, and sharing here on Substack (or directly to your email) has been such a fun experience for me. I’ve likened it to those early days of blogging, where I’d spend hours reading other blogs and writing my own. It was a special time and I love having that feeling again. One thing I really liked about regular blogging was a weekly rundown, or list, of things I’ve noticed or enjoyed. So, I thought I’d bring it back to my newsletter and just share these simple things in my everyday life that have made me happy this week. Remember, it’s all about finding the magic in the mundane and making a beautiful life out of it.

1. My oldest friend, Sydney, had her baby this week and it’s been so special for me. We’ve known each other since we were literally in the womb (our moms became friends when they were pregnant) and to see her become a mother so soon after myself has been magical. I can’t wait for our daughters to meet and hopefully become best little friends like their mamas.

2. My daughter, Maverick, has always loved the water. In the hospital, she literally smiled at 24 hours old when they washed her hair for the first time. She lives for baths and last summer had a blast playing at the beach or pool. But this year, she’s gone to another level. My dad heated their pool and we’ve been putting her in every night before bed, and she’s obsessed. I’ve never seen a baby throw herself fully under the water and come up laughing each time. I think this summer is going to be full of swimming lessons and pool/beach time.

3. Every once in a while I stray from my tried and true makeup routine and decide to do something different. It never goes well. This time I tried Merit Beauty, and actually really liked it but then saw an influencer say it wasn’t actually clean makeup. I need to do more research on that. I then decided to try the Ilia foundation and it just wasn’t enough coverage for me. I’m definitely more of a matte finish kind of gal, so I ended up going back to my holy grail RMS Beauty. I love the “un” cover-up cream foundation and concealer as my base.

4. I’m currently obsessed with all things Jamie Beck. My husband bought me a signed copy of her new book, An American in Provence, for Christmas and it’s become my artist’s bible. I just love her work so much. I love how she does self-portraits and still life, and her journey from a Texas kid, to New York City commercial photographer, to slow living French countryside woman and mother has been so delightful to read.

5. It’s been so fun connecting with other writers and creators here on Substack, and one of my new favorites to follow has been Claire Venus. Her newsletter, Creatively Conscious, is filled with thoughtful pieces about slow living, her life in Northumberland, UK, and work to help you be more creative. She recently launched an online course all about starting your own Substack, so if you’d like to join the fun on this new platform I definitely recommend learning from her.

And that’s all I have for you today! I’d love to know what simple thing you’ve experienced this week that has brought you joy.