Simple Joys of the Week, November 25th Edition

The day after a holiday is always a weird day. Depending on where you are and what you're doing, it can be a "vacation day" or it can just go back to daily life. This year, since we stayed in town and enjoyed "friendsgiving," Ben and I are both back to a somewhat normal life today. He's at work (so sad!) and I'm off to teach and get some things done at the studio. But, no matter what you're doing, I find that there's still a magical, relaxing feeling in the air the day after a holiday, and if you're lucky, this feeling lasts right through the weekend. Continuing with the sense of gratitude and holiday cheer that I felt so strongly yesterday, read on to peruse my simple joys of the week--things that I feel extremely grateful to have experienced/come across during the hustle-and-bustle of the past 7 days...

What took you for a sensory ride this week?

Photo via AndThenSome etsy shop.

Hear: Deck the Halls by The Roches

Ever since I can remember, The Roches Christmas album has been one of my favorite soundtracks for the holidays. Sure, there are a few others that are up there with The Roches, but I never feel like it's Christmas until I play their music, especially my favorite song, "Deck the Halls." Their version is super-fun and upbeat, and it makes me incredibly happy to hear it. I played it while we were cooking yesterday, and it was a blast. Take a listen below and get ready to sing along :)

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See: This tote from India (and the friend who brought it back for me!)

One of my dear friends came to visit this week--after spending the past year in India! Although we skyped throughout her time there, seeing her reminded me that there's nothing like catching up in person. Also, she brought me some adorable gifts (so sweet!), including this beautiful tote bag that was handmade in the rural areas of Rajasthan. The best part? It was made by a woman artisan as a part of a fair trade organization focused on empowering women, called Sadhna. Love it.

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Taste: Um, Thanksgiving food! Obviously.

Look at this spread. It was amazing. We dined with some wonderful friends at their new place yesterday, and it was Thanksgiving-errific. They made a number of delicious (and gourmet!) dishes, and even made a little chart about when everything should go in the oven and at what temp it needed to cook (so cute! I love lists!). We had an insane amount of food for just 4 people, but luckily, we were able to take home tons of leftovers :) While waiting for our too-full bellies to make a little room for dessert, we drank mulled wine and played a competitive game of Cranium. It was the perfect friendsgiving.

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Touch: Fall Leaves

All of the small, side-streets and sidewalks of DC are covered with these gorgeous piles of yellow leaves. Every time I walk anywhere I revel in the feel (and really, the sound!) of the fall leaves crunching under my feet. There's just something about these leaves--before the snow falls and covers them up and before they turn to wet, dirty piles of dirt--that is just magnificent. I stopped to take a few pics the other day when I was struck by the beauty...I'm sure I looked a little crazy, but it was worth it...

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Smell: Pumpkin pies baking in the oven

Have I mentioned that I love pumpkin everything? I believe that I have. But what I haven't mentioned is that I love pumpkin pie most of all. As does Ben. Last year, I made 2 pies. The day after Thanksgiving, Ben sat down at the table with the second pie and a plate. He took a knife and cut the pie right down the middle. He then proceeded to pick up an ENTIRE half of the pie and place it on his plate. He ate it all.

So maybe Ben likes pumpkin pie just a bit more than I do. But either way, baking pumpkin pies=best. smell. ever.


I hope your week has been filled with equally amazing simple, sensory joys. Here's to a relaxing holiday weekend full of leftovers, gratitude, and loves ones!

Namaste,
Mary Catherine

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