Simple Joys of the Week, June 22nd Edition

This week. Man. Way better than last week from a personal standpoint, but way worse if you look at our country as a whole.

Ever since hearing about what's been happening at the borders last weekend, I've been totally heartsick for the affected children + their families, and I'm sure you have too (I know most people are, no matter their political beliefs). I won't harp on it here but I will say that I haven't said anything yet because I haven't found the words. I have donated, though, and that's the least you can do if you're heartbroken, too. Here's a link where you can donate to Together Rising, which is doing wonderful work to help these families. 

But just like I said last week, even when bad things are happening all around you, you can still find beauty + joy in the world.  So here are some of the simple pleasures that brought me happiness over the past week...

 HEAR: Caliphate {Podcast from the NYT}
I am addicted to this podcast. Another binge-worthy, super eye-opening, very educational series that I *highly* recommend. It's about the Islamic State and Isis and although that might not sound like my usual podcast cup of tea, I promise you that if you listen, you will be hooked. Also, it's made me feel much more informed on what has happened in Iraq over the past 15 years.

SEE: Ben at the beach on Father's Day
I haven't seen Ben as relaxed and happy as he was at the beach on Father's Day in a loooong time. We woke up, had pancakes (I made them from!), and then got our butts to the beach for 3 hours straight. It was glorious! It was the perfect temp and despite Ben and I both getting super burnt, the day was perfect. 

TASTE: Graham Crackers
I've become SUCH a mom; and I've become that mom--the one who said she wasn't going to let her young child have anything artificially sweetened and is then so desperate to get her child to eat more (Something! Anything!) that she buys graham crackers for her when she wants them at the grocery store (at least they were organic? HAHAHA). And then guess who gets addicted to the grahams? That's right--this mama. But they're soooo good!?!?

SMELL: Hair cut 
Does anyone else LOVE how your hair smells after you get a hair cut? And does anyone else have a dog who goes crazy sniffing your hair when you get back from said hair cut because your scent is so different? I got my hair cut yesterday (I went a little shorter!) and it was great. It makes me feel so pampered and fresh. Shout-out to my fab stylist Kate Scott! 

TOUCH: Elite Nation Cycle class
One of my amazing clients and favorite places to take fitness classes {Wellbeloved Wellness} opened an indoor cycling studio this week! I took my first class there on Monday and it was a blast. I hadn't done cardio like that in a long time and I left feeling really good. It's a "ride to the beat" studio so the lights are down, the music is up, and you feel like you're in another world. Loved it! Highly recommend if you're local. 

And that's it for me this week! We leave for a week-long trip to Nantucket tomorrow so I'll probably be quiet over here next week, but I'll see you back here the week of July 4th!

​I hope you have a wonderful first official weekend of official summer ;)