Simple Joys of the Week: July 8th Edition

It's time for SJOTW! Since I was out of town last Friday (with no access to internet) and unable to make it to a coffee shop in time, I have two-weeks worth of simple joys to share with you this week. But, as always, I'll try my best to narrow it down to 5 categories. Also, as a disclaimer I'd like to state that although I did get *engaged* this past week, I'm not going to include anything having to do with the engagement in order to save everyone from the mushiness that comes along with gushing over your engagement for one too many days (but yes, I am still a little bit mushy in the comfort of my own home)... :)

Enjoy, because it's the little things, right?

Hear: "The Swimming Song" by Vetiver

My brother and I saw Vetiver play in New York a couple of years ago, and they played this song from their album Thing of the Past. Ever since, I've absolutely loved it. So, when it came up on my iPod last week while we were packing, it once again came into my life and got stuck in my head. Plus, it was the perfect soundtrack to our vacation, where we did, in fact, spend a lot of time swimming. Such a simple, happy song with such a fun, upbeat tone. The perfect summer vacay tune! Take a listen below and get ready to swim...

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Taste: SoCo Creamery Cake Batter Ice Cream

I know I've already mentioned this ice cream once before this week, but I just HAVE to mention it again. It was that good. The only other time that I've had cake batter-flavored ice cream was when I worked at Coldstone Creamery for about two weeks in high school, but I never ate it then because I was too worried about the calories...now? Bring it on! Ben and I both had a scoop and it was one of the most decadent scoops I've ever had. Couldn't have it every day, but once per year it's perfect :)

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See: Yellow Calla Lillies

I received these flowers as an engagement/apartment-warming gift from my good friend and colleague, Sara. Not only are they TOTALLY beautiful, but they're also the perfect gift because I've been having the urge to green-ify our new apartment recently. Seriously--although it's not something I've done before, I've been counting down the days until we move and I can fill the new place with plants, flowers, & trees. I also have this image of making our balconies little gardens--little getaways in the city. Now all I have to do? Learn how to remember to water these plants. Shouldn't be too hard, right...?

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Touch: Patagonia Better Sweater (Mens)

Okay, so this clothing item isn't even mine, it's Ben's, but since I didn't pack many sweaters on our trip to Stockbridge (it's JULY--it's supposed to be hot!?!?), I ended up wearing this "sweater" for most of the trip, and WOW. I have to get one. It was so warm, so comfortable, and so cuddly that I never wanted to take it off (also, I was wearing it when you know what happened, so it's extra-special now, hehe ). As soon as the weather gets cool enough to justify it, I'm going to have to buy one for myself. Also, as a side-note, I think the company has great marketing, a great conscience, and great products. Learn about their environmental campaigns here.

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Smell: Grilled Bell Peppers

Y.U.M. Period. Grilled bell peppers are amazing. We grilled some up on the first night that we were in Stockbridge, and munched on them as snacks and with meals for the rest of the trip...and wow, do they smell good! Obviously, the smell of charcoal burning is in itself a great scent because it always takes me to a relaxed, summery state of mind, but add the smell of a delicious veggie and you have a real treat. For extra relaxation and fun? Add a glass of vino, a cool breeze, and a sunset :)

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Can you tell I had a vacation-filled week, and that I'm still coming down from it? Get excited about next week's SJOTW--we're moving this weekend, so I have a feeling it will be filled with cardboard boxes and dust...

What brought you simple, sensory joy this week?

Namaste!
Mary Catherine