Simple Joys of the Week, February 5th Edition

Welcome to the first SJOTW of February! It's been a great week (despite putting my back out on Wednesday night, oops!): my BFF got engaged, my brother turned 29, my great aunt turned 89 (!), we got a lot of great work done on our house, we enjoyed gorgeous spring-like weather here on the Cape, and I made a dent on a bunch of client projects. Hooray!

So far, 2016 has been a good year. I hope you're feeling the same way ;) 

Anyways, lets talk simple joys! Here's what brought me happiness this past week...

HEAR: "Landslide" by Oh Wonder
I mentioned this duo in my February newsletter (sign up here), but I have to share them again here because I've been listening to their self-titled album all day every day and they are *truly* my auditory simple joy of the week. SO good!!! You can listen to one of my favorite songs on their album, "Landslide," below: 

​SEE: Our pantry project...which is *almost* done!
I know I've been talking about our DIY pantry remodel project for weeks now, but that's because it's taken us a *very* long time to finish it...that being said, we're almost there! Last weekend we put up the shelving, which means all that we have left to do this weekend is the flooring, the shelf liners, + the organization--and then we're done! I'm so excited to start actually using this handy new storage space. [#adulting]

TASTE: Homemade Whole Wheat Banana Bread {The recipe from last month's Simply Sugarless!)
I am *extremely* proud to tell you all that I actually made the Simply Sugarless recipe that Sara shared with us in January! I love banana bread, but as a rule, try to keep sweet baked goods like that out of the house since I'm helpless around them and most have lots of added sugar. But not this recipe! I was so excited to make it and am happy to report that it's delicious. I think I've had a piece every single day this week (with no regrets!). Thanks, Sara ;)
 
TOUCH: Ice pack + China Gel on my lower back
I know this sounds like a sad SJOTW, but I promise it's not. If you've ever put out your lower back, you know that there's nothing like the relief you get after lying on an ice pack for 20 minutes. Ditto China Gel, or any other menthol/Arnica-based cream. It's incredible! I've been very grateful for these two natural remedies this week. 

​SMELL: Sliced lemon
I'm back on a lemon kick. I've been squeezing it into my hot water and tea, over my quinoa, onto my salads...the list goes on and on. I love rediscovering something so basic that adds so much goodness to daily life, ya know? SO simple. 

What brought you joy this week? I hope you can find the time to reflect {with gratitude} today...

​Have a wonderful weekend!