Simple Joys of the Week, March 9th Edition

What the what? March 9th? Yikes. Life (in general) is just flying by! But you know a great way to appreciate every little moment of it? By reflecting on your simple, sensory joys on a weekly basis. And my, how convenient!? That's what we're doing here today ;)

What brought a smile to your face this past week? My favorite simple pleasures are below:

Hear: Rascal Flatts (via Spotify!)

Okay, so really there are two main points here:  (1)  I love Rascal Flatts and hadn't listened to any of their albums in forever. Then one of my amazing students posted about them on FB this week, and it made me want to listen again, so yesterday, I did (and it was tons of fun!). (2) I just discovered Spotify (another recommendation from a student!) and this little app made it possible for me to listen to all of Rascal Flatts's albums without buying them. It's amazing. Haven't heard of it? You sign up (it's free), and can listen to ANY album, artist, or song you want, as long as someone else has uploaded it to "share" with everyone. It's kind of like a music social networking site, but it looks like iTunes and you can share with anyone and everyone in the world...so far I've listened to a bunch of things on it and haven't once found an artist whose music isn't shared. I think I'm hooked!  And just for fun, take a listen to one of my favorite Rascal Flatts songs, "Bless the Broken Road," below (an oldie but a goodie!):

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See: Blog Love E-Course by A Beautiful Mess writer, Elsie Larson

On the recommendation from Kimberly Wilson, I decided that my one year of blogging anniversary would be a GREAT time to take my very first E-Course. And what better subject to learn about than blogging!?! So I purchased the "Blog Love E-Course" by Elsie Larson, an amazingly successful and talented blogger, and although I thought I would read through it slowly, taking my time, I simply devoured it in one day. I took notes, created a big "blog to-do list," and am ready to make improvements and continue to innovate to make this blog the best that it can be. Hooray! I'm excited! Her course was really full of amazing tips and I highly recommend it to any blogger--new or seasoned--who wants to learn more about how to create a consistent vision and keep content fresh + innovative. There's SO much to learn when it comes to blogging, so it's great to learn from a professional. 

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Image via anutritionisteats.com

Taste: Arugula + apple salad w/ fresh ginger dressing ( = divine.) 

I went to dinner at a fellow ATT-er's place this week, and she made us a delicious dinner. All of it was scrumptious, but my very favorite part of the meal was this salad she made--simply arugula, granny smith apple, and a homemade fresh ginger dressing (with apple cider vinegar). It was simply to die for! I'm having this TOTAL ginger craving lately (have been getting as much as possible!) and it was the perfect combination of tastes. I'm going to have to try and recreate this one myself...

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Smell: Mighty Leaf Loose Leaf Tea Pouches

On the recommendation of a TSA colleague, I picked up an assorted package of Mighty Leaf tea last week. Not only are these teas packaged in these ADORABLE little sewn packets, but they're also some of the most aromatic and tasty teas I've tried in a while. I've enjoyed all of the flavors thus far, but their "Citrus Chamomile" and "Green Tea Tropical" are two of the most scent-worthy. They're available at good old Whole Foods, and really, you won't be disappointed if you try them. And yes, this girl is obsessed. with. tea. OBSESSED. 

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Touch: New Inov-8 (CrossFit) Shoes

After coveting these shoes for months, I finally got a pair. I always saw them at CrossFit competitions, where it seemed like everyone was wearing them, and I always wanted a pair, but didn't have a reason to buy them--until now. Last week I decided that it was time to retire my old Nike Frees (they had a GREAT run!), so I ordered a pair of Inov-8's and they came in yesterday. I broke them in during class last night, and I absolutely love the minimalist sole. There is a tiny bit of support there, but it's just enough that my monkey toes feel happy and protected, but not so cushioned that they can't relate to the world. Perfect. 

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So here's to a weekend full of the simple joys in life! Don't forget to stop and take time to appreciate the little things...

Namaste,
Mary Catherine

P.S. Congrats to reader Kelly Loss for winning the very first SJOTW giveaway! Yay! Hope you enjoy the goodies ;) And a BIG thanks to all who commented--it was wonderful hearing about the posts that you've enjoyed over the past year :) Thank you.