Simple Joys of the Week, November 18th Edition

As another week goes hurdling by at lightning speed, I'm glad to have a chance to stop, pause, and reflect on the simple joys that I was lucky enough to experience over the past 7 days. I'm trying to hold on to any spare moment that I have to slow down before the holidays hit (although they're kind of already here!), and encourage you to do the same...

What brought you happiness this week? My simple joys are below:

Hear: Jaia Ganesha by The Dum Dum Project

So I have to admit that I "stole" this song from another teacher's playlist, but I'm so glad that I did because I absolutely love practicing and teaching to it! Its a great song to play during the first half of the class, when you're warming up/building heat and looking to bring up the energy. It's great! Admitedly, I know nothing about the artist/band, but I sure do enjoy the song :) Take a listen below...

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See: My wedding dress!

Yep, you read right, I got it last weekend! I'm THRILLED with the dress and it really was one of those magical moments that people tell you about...I didn't think that it happened that way, and really didn't think that I would "just know" when I'd found my dress, but I 100% did. I walked out of the dressing room and saw my friend Kelly's face--then I looked in the mirror--and that was it! After trying on what feels like hundreds of dresses, I've found the dress. I can't wait to wear it...in a year (isn't that weird?). Yippee!

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Taste: Edamame

I've always loved Edamame, and when I lived alone in NYC, used to make it a lot for a snack or with dinner. Well, last night I brought it back--and was so happy I did! Edamame is super-easy to make--you basically buy them frozen and boil for 5 mins, or you can even buy them unfrozen and microwave (!)-- and as long as you have some sea salt (another one of my faves!), they taste just like they do at a restaurant. I basically just had a bag for dinner last night, and it was delish + full of protein. Yum :)

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Touch: Rain boots + snuggly fleece socks

I finally got a chance to wear my rain boots (a la Wal Mart!) and new snuggly fleece boot socks this past week...SO comfortable. I bought these boots for $20 in a desperate situation when all I had were flats and flip flops for 4 days at a cabin in the woods + constant rain, and they were one of the best $20 buys I've made in a long time. I've already gotten tons of use out of them, and then I found these socks a few weeks ago, and am excited to be able to take the boots into the winter with the help of these snuggly foot warmers! Great combo and my feet were happy, warm, and dry this week ;)

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Smell: Vintage books/paper

I know I've been raving about vintage paper goods this week, but they're really amazing! Ever since visiting a flea market on Saturday, I've been completely obsessed. The smell of old books and old paper is also really special--yes, it's a bit musty, but it also just screams out "I'm old and have seen many things."  It's so exciting to think about all of the people who have owned or touched these objects over the years. Want more details about why I'm inspired by these items? Read Monday's post or yesterday's post to see how I'm using these paper goods in my art. I'm also thinking about how I can use the books in a creative way in our wedding...

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Well, now I'm off to a day of teaching and a weekend full of Advanced Teacher Training...have a glorious Friday and wonderful weekend!

Be mindful of the simple joys and don't forget to stop and appreciate them from time to time...

Namaste,
Mary Catherine