Simple Joys of the Week, July 11th Edition

Hello, everyone, and helloooooo, Friday! It's been two weeks since my last SJOTW (took a break on the 4th), and there's just so much to say. So many SJOTW in 14 days--it's overwhelming! But, I think I've narrowed things down a bit...

However, before we jump into SJOTW, I have to tell you that two of my BFF's are coming to visit today! I am SO excited to see them because it's been a year since we last saw each other (horrifying). 

They're staying for an entire week so I'm taking a little mini-staycation while they're here (still teaching most of my classes) to beach it up and spend time with them. Does it seem like I've been having a lot of guests lately? That's because I have--and I love it. I think this is a part of living on the Cape that I could get used to ;) 

So lets talk SJOTW! What brought you happiness over the past week or two? My fave simple, sensory pleasures are below:

HEAR: "Slow Motion" by Phox
Oh, this song. I cannot get enough. It was recommended to me by one of my readers/musical soulmates (thanks Alli!) and it is GOOD. I've added it to my July Playlist and I swear, every single time that it comes on (which is a lot lately, since I'm teaching my face off this summer!) I get really happy. Some songs just do that for you, ya know? But also, I think I need to download the rest of Phox's new album--I hear it's great and if this song is any indication, it is. 

You can listen below... 

SEE: New "8 Tube" Vase
When my family was visiting, my aunt bought me this gorgeous house-warming/thank you gift. We saw it while out shopping and I was saying how much I loved it (I was eyeing it back in the winter but couldn't justify buying myself a vase...), and of course, like the totally sweet woman that she is, she bought it for me. It's crazy adorable--it has 8 little tubes and you can fit just a flower or two in each one. I think it's a sweet little way to freshen things up without having to buy/collect a huge bouquet ;) 

TASTE: Blueberry pie & vanilla ice cream
This SJOTW is from 2 weeks ago, but I had to save it and mention it because OMG. Ben's mom's birthday was two weeks ago, so to celebrate we hosted a little family party/cookout. In honor of summer, we decided to do pies instead of cake, and picked up two from an AMAZING local pie shop (shout-out Marion's!). Melt. In. Your. Mouth. Ben, now a crazy exaggerator like his wife (I've rubbed off on him), said that it was "the best thing he's ever tasted," so that should give you a hint at how good this pie was. Tasted like summer and 'Merica. Yeah. 

SMELL: Ripe summer strawberries
Speaking of fruit, is there anything better than summer fruit? I mean, anything? On Monday I mentioned my obsession with fresh watermelon, but I have to say that my love for strawberries (and blueberries) isn't far behind. We've been buying them by the bucketful, and they've been a great addition to my morning granola, a perfect mid-afternoon snack, and a delicious after-dinner treat. I know, I sound like a 5-year old, but I'm pretty regimented in my meals ;)

TOUCH: Framing + packaging materials
I finished 4 (four!!) July commissions this week. They've all been on my list for what feels like months, and I had set a deadline of today to have them packaged up and sent out. Deadline met! I worked my butt off and did a ton of painting this week (which I loved), and got them all done. It's so satisfying to frame everything, add the backing (picture-hanging wire, etc.), and package them up to be sent out. It's the perfect way to tie a bow around a creative project, and it feels like a real big check off of the to-do list. 

Other SJOTW? Lots o' yoga, sweet Sayde snuggles, grilling out, a rainy day Orange is the New Black marathon with the hubbykins (on the 4th), two great consulting sessions, and oh, so many more. 

Also, a big thank you to everyone who shared your own personal stories and fears in response to Tuesday's "Yoga Teacher Nightmares" post. If you missed out on the conversation/experiences, you can check it out on Facebook.  

I hope your week was spectacular and that you have a weekend to match. Don't forget to take some time to reflect on your SJOTW today, if you can!