As we’ve moved through a quarantined winter, I’ve found the little things have turned into the big things that get me through the day. If I’m honest, there are days I just want to scream from frustration with the limitations we are still living with. (OK, and sometimes I actually do…) These limitations are necessary, they are good, they are saving lives. But some days I just want to go to a restaurant or see a movie or go bowling or exercise at a gym. When these frustrations really build, I try to focus on some of the things that are bringing me joy right now. Here’s a list of a few I’ve valued lately.

10. The Living Person’s “mile-a-day” challenge. I did this in January and it was really, really transformative! A friend and I held each other accountable and it was so helpful to make sure I got outside at least once a day for about 30 minutes. The fresh air did my heart good, even if it did sting a little. I often came back more ready to work than before. And the pup enjoyed it as well!
11. Krispy Kreme donuts. I had a doctor’s appointment a little ways from home a couple of weeks ago, so my husband came along for the ride. We arrived early but just down the road there was a Krispy Kreme with the hot doughnuts now sign lit up. There’s something ironic about wolfing down a couple of hot glazed donuts and then trying to brush off all the icing from your bluejeans before going to chat with a doctor about how to live a healthier lifestyle but hey. I still think I made good choices.
12. Afternoon work sessions on the couch with my puppy – some semblance of routine has been very helpful throughout quarantine and working from home, and my newest, favorite habit is taking my laptop to our couch in the afternoon. A blanket, a candle, and a cup of tea, and then my puppy curls up at my feet. I’ve been working through some creative and copywriting focused projects lately and honestly even if the setting sounds sleepy it’s really been very inspiring and I’ve gotten a lot done during these afternoons. If I forget or if I have meetings which require me to work from the kitchen table instead, the pooch usually reminds me by booping me with his nose and then looking longingly over at the couch. That might be the most charming part of all.
13. My new pegboard pot rack on the wall, ala Julia Child. My husband and I watched Julie & Julia recently, his first time and I hadn’t seen it in several years. There’s a shot of her kitchen in the movie with a pegboard wall and all her pots and pans hung conveniently and attractively. You can see a picture of Julia Child’s real kitchen with the pegboard wall in this article. We talked about how much we loved that idea the next morning. I pointed to a spot on our wall that I thought would work. By the end of the day all of our pots and pans were hanging there. It’s my new favorite feature of my kitchen. We even used some leftover paint from our cabinets, which the previous homeowner left us, to paint the pegboard, after outlining each pot. We left the spot where the pot belongs white and painted around. It is just darling.
14. This tongue-in-cheek article about trying to cook a recipe that claims to only take 30 minutes. I didn’t realize comedy and food writing would be my new favorite genre mash-up.
15. Rediscovering popcorn made the “Phoenix House” way – olive oil popped, seasoned with garlic salt and dried thyme. It’s almost as good air-popped with some olive oil drizzled on top afterwards.
16. The Non-Obvious Diversity Summit – I tuned in to several of the sessions and found the conversations to be both light-hearted and heavy, honest, and incredibly engaging. This might be my favorite virtual conference I’ve attended to date. All of the sessions are still available on YouTube. I didn’t get to watch the one on food live, but plan to listen in this week!
17. Trader Joe’s dark chocolate covered almonds with turbinado sugar and sea salt. They make the perfect, sweet bite in the afternoon with a cup of decaf coffee or tea. I love them because I’m getting a pop of chocolate, but also some healthy nutrients with the almonds. The crunch is satisfying and if I’m careful I can manage to limit myself to a handful instead of the full box!
18. Taylor Swift’s 2020 albums Folklore and Evermore – I’m not even the world’s biggest Taylor Swift fan (that would be my sister) but I still sometimes stop and think: did she really drop not one but TWO surprise albums to help sustain the world through the craziest year in many of our lives? I’ve been listening to them often while I cook lately. They are the perfect mood.
19. Our new Dyson vacuum – it took us some time to finally decide to invest in the Dyson v8 Animal but once we did I wondered why we hadn’t done it months earlier. It’s cordless, it’s lightweight, it’s easy to use. For a household with a dog who sheds quite a bit and for a kitchen that often looks like a gust of wind just blew through, it picks up everything. And it’s almost fun to use! Headphones + Taylor Swift and 30 minutes later my house is clean.

In case anyone is wondering, I don’t actually receive any promotions for writing about these items! At this point in my blogging journey, I’m really just writing about things that I am loving in order to share these tidbits with my friends and followers.

So, what is on your top 10 list this week? What’s been making you laugh or cry or just get giddy with joy? Share in the comments!