This past week found me in a place where I needed to pause and recollect. Time slipped away, and my emotions got the best of me. All that to say, I didn't finish this week's newsletter. I'm learning to be gentle with myself in these moments. Instead of diving into negative self-talk, I'm accepting what is and reflecting on what my soul might need.
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Since Wyatt's death, I have not been the same person, but that isn't entirely a bad thing. My child's absence has heightened my emotions, making me more attuned to what brings me peace and tiny treasures of delight, especially in the cold, isolating seasons. As I shared in the last newsletter, winter months and grief can be challenging to navigate. That remains true for me, so I must intentionally create moments of joy...small glimmers of goodness to hold onto.
Since I wasn't able to complete this week's newsletter, I still wanted to share something meaningful with you. I think about how much I enjoy it when people share their favorite things, so I'd love to do the same this week. Here are some things that bring me little moments of happiness and lighten my mood when everything feels heavy and hard.
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Tyson bought me some beauty gift sets for Christmas, one of which included Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm. It has become something that I genuinely enjoy. I can’t wait to rush home from school daily and wash my face. I know that sounds silly, but it is that enjoyable. This balm glides on my face, and then I use my little face massage tools because they move so smoothly across my face with this product. It erases my makeup and leaves me feeling completely refreshed. I LOVE IT! Plus, it’s made by Clinique…my teenage self loves that.
Trader Joe’s Hydrating Marula Oil has been my go-to face oil since this summer, and I can’t get enough of it. It’s said to be a dupe for Drunk Elephant’s Virgin Marula Luxury Face Oil. Although I’ve never tried Drunk Elephant’s version, this Trader Joe’s option is divine. My face has become incredibly dry over the years, and it loves this product. I use it every evening. It doesn’t have a scent that I can detect, and I don’t feel greasy after applying it. It’s so nice! If you can get to Trader Joe’s, I believe it’s around $7 a bottle. It’s a must-try!!
Does anyone like to watch cleaning videos, or is it just me? It seems that in all the videos I watch, the cleaning gurus use a pressurized steam cleaner to tackle tough stains and grime. Well, I caved and purchased one, and let me tell you, this is one of the most satisfying cleaning tools I have ever bought. So much so that Winston was home when it arrived, and he even asked to help clean. He said, “If we had had this to clean when we were younger, we would have wanted to clean all the time.” He even ordered one for himself. It is amazing for hard-to-reach places, grout, around the toilet, ovens, etc. I love using it, and you don’t need any products with it-just water. If you don’t have a steam cleaner, you are missing out. It actually makes cleaning fun! Who knew!!
A few summers ago, I shared on Instagram about these battery-powered salt and pepper grinders. They were my favorite thing that summer. We used them daily from that point on until this past December when one of them finally broke. I researched because I knew we wanted more, and I found these rechargeable ones. They are even better. They don’t take batteries (the older ones used 6 or 8 batteries each), and all you have to do is recharge them when they run low on power. Again, we use this set daily and have only had to recharge them once since we bought them about a month ago. They are great! We love cracked pepper, and the added benefit of freshly ground pink salt is a bonus. I would definitely recommend an electric salt and pepper grinder set.
And just because…isn’t this wooden heart spoon super cute? I bought it for our future son-in-law this past Christmas and added it to one of his gifts. He is a fantastic cook and thought this was just a cute little something to add to his package. Since Valentine's Day is around the corner, wouldn’t this spoon be the perfect addition to a gift? I love little extra special things like this. They make me happy!! I should probably order one for myself, don’t you think?
I covered my little kitchen lampshade the other day with this ticking striped fabric, and immediately, I felt my spirits lift. Sometimes, it's the little things that change our atmosphere.
I hope this little pause has given you a moment to reflect on what brings you joy. In the days ahead, take a moment to think about what makes you smile and take note of it. Sometimes, we get so caught up in our daily routines and heavy hearts that we forget the things that bring us happiness or those little moments of delight.
On the journey with you,
Christy
Take a breather. It’s all good.
“My Favorite Things” lists are one of my favorite things. The steamer is legit. I’ve seen those videos but when you watch it in real life…whoa!
I will ALWAYS stop to read a Favorite Things list! I've loved that Take The Day Off cleanser for YEARS!!! It is so so good. I've been debating a steamer for so long - I might just have to take the plunge and do it!