Simple Joys of the Week, March 31st Edition

Welp, here we are; tomorrow is April 1st and I can't even believe it. As many have said to me since I had a baby, "the days are long and the years are short." I'm finding that this is definitely true, but I'm also finding that the weeks are short, as are the months and often, even the days. Life just goes by really quickly!

That being said, focusing on simple, sensory joys is one of my favorite ways to reflect on this crazy quick life we're living. So, here are a few of the things for which I've been grateful this week...

HEAR: S-Town Podcast {from Serial + This American Life}
Have you guys heard of this podcast? It came out this week and in the style of Netflix, they dropped ALL 7 episodes at once so that people can binge-listen. Despite not having as much time to listen to podcasts lately, this podcast came out right before I had a bunch of painting projects to work on, so I've listened to all but the last episode in the past few days and I plan on finishing the series today. It is *so* good--sad, tormented, strange--but so good. A must-listen.  

SEE: Book of the Month Club Books 
My author friend Jessica gave me a BOTM club membership for my birthday last year (and I subsequently gave it to a lot of people for Christmas because I thought it was such a fun gift idea) and I've been LOVING getting my books in the mail each month. So far I've received and read two of their picks (or maybe I should say my picks from their monthly picks?) and have really enjoyed both of the books. Such a great gift! I'll be sure to share the books I've read on my upcoming Spring Reading List, of course ;) 

TASTE: Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Covered Pretzels
Have you noticed a "taste" trend here on SJOTW over the past few weeks/months? If not, let me spell it out for you: d-a-r-k-c-h-o-c-o-l-a-t-e. Because here's the thing: now that my days are a bit more challenging and my evenings are even more challenging (since I have to rush home from teaching and immediately get the baby to sleep), I've come to really appreciate the little moments where I can sit down at the table by myself and quietly enjoy a sweet treat. A glass of wine would be nice, but since I still don't feel comfortable drinking while breastfeeding, I've been hitting up all of the TJ's dark chocolate snacks as my indulgence of choice. These pretzels are ah-mazing and I've been truly savoring them this week.  

SMELL: Neti Pot
Not a smell but it goes in your nose so I'm gonna go with it (and I think I've used this here before but oh well!)... Now that I'm on the mend from last week's illness (thanks, antibiotics!) and my nose is unplugged enough to use my Neti Pot, I've been happy to be reunited with it. Neti Pots really are amazing and I've been feeling great after using mine this week. 

TOUCH: Stroller walks with Charlie Mae facing out like a big kid ;) 
Now that she can sit up on her own, Charlie Mae can officially sit facing out in her stroller, which means that I don't have to get her all set up in her carseat for walks anymore, which also means one less moving part, a lighter stroller to push, and a happier baby because she gets a better view of the neighborhood when we walk. It's so fun to see her sitting up and looking out like a big kid! We took her on her first face-out ride last weekend and have been doing it ever since. She loves it. 

And there you go! What brought you joy over the past week? Take some time to reflect today, if you can.

​Oh, and two quick reminders:

• If you haven't already, please vote on which yoga tank I should print next! Voting closes at midnight tonight. Thanks to all who have already shared your thoughts...I think I already have an obvious winner but today's votes will be sure to seal the deal ;) 
• My April newsletter will go out early next week. If you want to be sure you receive it, enter your email below: 

​Have a great weekend, everyone!