Things I Love Right Now!

These are some of the funnest posts for me to write.  Just compiling this list makes me happy!  Also, I think there are 2 different types of people in this world.  Not to get all psychological and cliche - or even worse - oversimplify something complicated, but I truly believe that people are either positive or negative.  Victims or heroes.  Happy or sad.  And often by choice.  Yes, I know that life can be terribly hurtful, scary and sad at times.  But those are not the times I'm talking about here.  I'm talking about the every day.

One of the greatest gifts I think a parent can give a child is to teach them that they are not victims.  Too many adults are walking around in this world as victims.  Yes, I know someone may have hurt you - but everyone has been hurt.  Yes, I know life is unfair - but we are all playing on the same game board - which means life is unfair to ALL of us sometimes.  I'm not trying to invalidate real hurts.  But the only people you are hurting when you hold on to unforgiveness and bitterness is yourself.  Holding back from a life that could be grand because of this....or that....or because this "happened" to me..... It's not hurting anyone but yourself!

Whew!  What in the world does all that have to do with a "Things I Love Right Now" post?  Well simply this.  I believe when you make lists of things that make you happy, yes, count your blessings, you truly become happier!  Too often we focus on the negative - and I realized that is why I love doing these posts.  I get to actually HUNT down fun and put it in a list!  Now don't get me wrong, I do not believe the things on this list can actually, truly make a person happy.  The kind of happy that is felt at the core of your being.  The kind of happy that says "I had a hole in me and now it's full.  Not full of crap, stuff, things, experiences.  No.  Full of the only One who can fill that dark place."  Actually, I don't call that happy.  I call that JOY.

Moving on - here is the fun list for February - Things I Love Right Now!

1.  {Birds}

Owls.  Birds.  I fell in love with birds this year.  I used them everywhere at our wedding - bird cages, vintage birds, on the invitations, nests.  They are also cropping up in home decor, clothing - you name it.

Every week before Sunday School, our group leader goes over announcements, prayer requests, etc.  Well, last Sunday I could hardly pay attention because of the CUTEST BAG EVER sitting right in front of me.  I want one.  She even had the cute owl change purse....

All from Fossil.


2.  {Three Nails Photography}

Don't know who this chick is (she's not from around here) - but I spent quite a bit of time drooling over her blog - which looks fairly new.  Don't you love the natural light and vintage processing?  Plus - how cool is this wedding?  Amazing.  See the whole shoot here:  http://www.threenailsphotography.com/blog/

 


3.  {Place Mats}

Adorable, retro, white board place mats with your cutie pie's face on it!  They even come with dry erase markers.  How cute is that?

Unfortunately these are not available to the buying public.  But your photographer can order them for you from Miller's Lab.  And the templates can be found at The Savvy Photographer:  http://www.thesavvyphotographerstore.com/?p=1483


4.  {Chalk Board Bracelets}

These are so stinking cute.  I ordered 2 for our little girls for Valentine's Day.  I can't wait to get them.  You can find them on Etsy here:  http://www.etsy.com/listing/66496221/chalkboard-bracelet-hugs-and-kisses

They even have a place to put your little chalk!

5.  {Secret Wonderland by Bath and Body}

I don't know what it is about this scent.  Our oldest girl got me the shower gel for Christmas.  And I'm addicted.  Now I've got the lotion, cream and spray.  It stays on all day and smells WONDERFUL.  Groupon had a $30 worth of products for $15 deal one day and I jumped on it.  The fact that it appears to be holiday themed makes me very nervous.  Like Y2K need to stock my basement nervous.  If anyone from Bath and Body is reading this, please do not discontinue this scent.....who am I kidding?

.  

6.  {Cardigans}

They are warm and cozy.  They wrap you in fluffy comfort.  And they are a great transition from Winter to Summer.  And let's face it, they are much cooler than wearing your Snuggy around town.

All from Anthropologie.  Drool.


7.  {Vintage Inspired Swim Wear}

It's that time of year.  I have been looking at different swim suits - and I love all of these vintage inspired pieces!  I would love it even more if they looked like this on me:

From:

Spiegel:  http://www.spiegel.com/

Popina: http://www.popinaswimwear.com/



8.  {Edible Arrangements}

I know - it's kind of dorky.  But my husband has been out of town ALL WEEK.  He is driving back to me as we speak and I CANNOT WAIT TO SEE HIM.  Anyway, in a moment of weakness (the first day he was gone) I called these guys up in Austin and had them send something to his hotel.  And then of course I called the hotel to make sure he would get the delivery.  (Because I overdo everything).  It was weird.  I mean the phone call:

Me: (sounding desperate and tiny) Hi there, my husband is staying with you there on business this week, and I am having something delivered for him.  A surprise.

Him: (long silence)

Me:  And well, I just want to make sure that if he isn't there he will still receive the delivery.

Him (sigh) Ma'am.  We are not allowed to give out guest information, including their room numbers.

Me:  Oh - no.  I don't need his room number.  I mean, if I wanted his room number I would ask him.  And he would tell me.  I'm not worried about anything....

Him:  Uh-huh.

Me:  No really, we're newly weds.  I just wanted to do something nice for him.

Him:  Nice.  If something is delivered here for a guest we will be sure they receive it.

Anyway, I was really glad at that point that I went with the manly box of fruit instead of the cupid bouquet....  BUT my husband loved it.  Like bragged to his friends loved it.  Score.

That's all I have for today.  But - several of my friends are having a shopping party next week with all kinds of cool vendors.....I'm thinking I'll have a new list soon!