Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Happy Lately List

Wakeuphappy{photo from Moritz Fine Designs via Pinterest}

It's been a while since I posted a Happy Lately List, and early on this Tuesday morning seemed like a great time to celebrate all the small things making me happy...

Summer travelers making pit stops at our chateau (translation: house.  I'm fancy like that.)  One of the best parts of living in such a fun city is the number of visitors that pass through and make time for quick slumber parties at our place.  It's a great way to squeeze in some soul-nourishing time with the people we love.

My sweet little DIY succulent planter.  One of the few pieces of proof that Pinterest projects are actually doable.

"Disclosure" by Latch featuring Sam Smith.  This was my jam last summer, but now that Sam Smith has made it big, this song is popular on the radio and my hair flipping car jams are back in full effect.

Hosting our first big get together at the house and surviving to tell the tale.  (I made the genius suggestion to host a summer BBQ for Matt's department, not quite realizing the size of his department, especially once partners and kids are included.)  However, we rallied, pulled it together, and hosted a pretty fun little shindig.  And then after everyone left, Matt and I resisted the urge to instantly start clearing stuff away and instead sat and had a drink together, chatting about the party, funny stories the other had missed, and the food we loved most.

Desperately scrounging for five minutes to find a bobby pin and discovering one loner at the bottom of my purse.  Victory!

Carrot cake Luna bars.  Almost as good as the real thing.  (Almost.)

This book.  I am actually pretty knowledgable about the topic of mindfulness, and I use it regularly with clients, but I decided to go back to basics and check out this book.  It's an easy and relatable, yet profound and inspiring read for anyone looking to become more aware of their emotional experience.

TNT's "Rizzoli and Isles."  A fairly predictable, lighthearted crime drama full of girl power...count me in.  (Every once in a while I catch myself relating different parts of my personality to either Jane or Maura, and I realize I might be in too deep.)

This delightful Greek salad, which I ramped up with chopped artichoke hearts and bowtie pasta instead of spaghetti noodles.  I served this at the previously mentioned party, and one of the party goers said it was the best pasta salad they'd ever had.  Umm yeah...my cooking rarely gets that feedback, so I'd suggest making this ASAP.

Getting some extended hangout time with my little brother.  My family was visiting for a week, and given some unexpected family circumstances, their visit was extended, and my brother spent an extra solo week with us in Chicago.  After a semester with him halfway across the world, it was nice to have extra time with the little cutie.

Colorful, printed dresses.  I've put an intentional hold on buying any more black.  Sure, its versatile, but sometimes it's just not nearly as fun.

Getting back to blogging.  It's been awesome to reconnect with so many of you through Instagram, Facebook, and email.  Thanks for sticking around and welcoming me back.

Help spread the happy...let me know in the comments below or on Instagram what's making YOU happy lately!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Happy Lately List

Peppermint{via pinterest}

Today I am excited to be sharing Shelby's Happy Lately List with yall!  (And if I can add just one little happy lately fact for me, it's that I am heading back to Chicago late this afternoon for four whole days with Matt, woo hoo!) Ok, enough of me, on to Shelby :)

Bringing out my fun leather bomber jacket for fall...
Using the fireplace finally! (love that I can start a fire by flipping a switch!)...
Country Music Awards last week – love listening to Brad, Carrie, Kenny and Jason...
Thinking of Christmas ideas, gifts, and décor inspiration via pinterest...
Peppermint hot chocolate in red cups...
The heart of college football season! Go Ducks!...
Psalm 118:24...
Getting recognized for hard efforts at work...
Rediscovering necklaces and bracelets that have been in serious hibernation in my jewelry box...
Knit scarves and boots...
Fun sparkly manicures...
Surprise date night from husband...

Remember, if you want your Happy Lately List featured on this here blog, just shoot me an email, and we'll make it happen.  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and whatever table you're gathered around this year, may it be full of conversation, laughter, and of love.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Happy Lately List

Blankets{via pinterest}

It's been forever since I've done a happy lately list.  And since it's officially Friday and one step closer to Thanksgiving break, I figured today was the perfect time celebrate the small stuff!

The fact that my DIY manicures are finally getting legit...
Beyonce's "Girls Run the World."  My pump me up/get me through the day song...
This chunky, fuchsia infinity scarf I scored from The Loft.  (40% with friends and family going on!)...
Snagging tickets to see The Nutcracker the weekend before Christmas.  I haven't been the past few years, and I think Matt was getting sick of my whining...
Finally downloading Ellie Goulding's album and having Lollapalooza flashbacks...
Manly flannel shirts...
Breaking out the extra blankets for winter.  Beds are so much cozier when they're stacked with blankets...
Getting flowers at work from my sweet husband...
This belt tying tutorial.  Perfect for my trench coat which has been an everyday thing the past two weeks...
It's Friday.  Enough said...
Looking forward to Thanksgiving break.  4 whole days with Matt, heck yes...
Crockpot dinners, the lazy girl's guide to warm and cozy weeknight meals...
Tights and cable knit boot socks...
Defending my dissertation, booyah!  (You didn't think I'd be sick of saying that by now, did you?)...
Harry Potter comes out on DVD today.  Hell yes.  Date night planned...

What's making you happy today?  PS: I want to get back in the habit of posting readers' happy lately lists.  So if you wanna make a list of your own and email to me, I'll do my best to feature here on this little blog!  Happy weekend yall!

Friday, January 7, 2011

Late Happy Lately Lists

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I know we're a week into January, and most of you are probably over Christmas and have moved on, but I well, haven't.  I'm still soaking up all the last little bits of the holidays.  (Confession: my Christmas decorations are still up and won't come down till I'm back in Chicago on the 18th.)  That said, I wanted to post these two Happy Lately lists that I received over the hoidays.  Your response to the Happy Lately List feature has been great!  So great that I've gotten a little backed up (sorry!)  But since these lists are holiday themed, they couldn't wait, and I didn't want to lose them because they are both so wonderful.  So for all of you who are like me and are still soaking up the last bits of Christmas, here something to make you smile today!

Jess' Happy Lately List
Coming home to BFF every night...he makes EVERYTHING better...
Finding the perfect gift for someone...
Cleaning with Christmas decorations up, Christmas music playing and a glass of wine...
My students. Coming from nothing, they are appreciative of ANYTHING. It makes me stop and think sometimes...
Getting a Yorkie for my birthday!
Hot chocolate with LOTS of marshmallows...
Buying my plane ticket to go home and see family for Christmas (900 miles away). There's no place I'd rather be on Christmas morning...
Scarves...
Candles...
Football...
Amanda's Happy Lately List
The Glee Christmas episode. I loved the part when Mr. Schu talked about how when we are older we seem to forget our child-like excitement and how Christmas becomes mandatory. It was such a memorable scene. Must try to be excited about Christmas instead of going through the to-do lists in my head...
A husband who knows how much I love Christmas and does little things for me. For instance: while decorating the tree, he made supper and used our red + green Fiesta dinner plates. And was very proud of himself when I saw that he did so...
Our Christmas tree decked with ornaments. It's super sweet to see our childhood ornaments mingling together...
Pinterest Christmas boards. My daily stop to this site gives me so many good ideas (mostly tucked away for next year) that I have to "pin" to my "board"...
Christmas tunes. I love making mixes that combine the old and new. The Ella and Frank next to the Sixpence None the Richer and Norah Jones. Singing along to my favorites definitely brightens up my car rides...
And along with Christmas tunes, come Christmas movies! Again, I love mixing the classics with the new favorites. This weekend is going to feature a viewing of It's a Wonderful Life and Elf... both will be watched with a cup of hot cocoa in my hands and a husband to lean on...

A big thanks to both of these lovely ladies for sending in such wonderful Happy Lately Lists and continuing my after-Christmas cheer!  I'm curious...what holiday happiness are you still trying to soak up this first week of January?

Monday, December 27, 2010

Christmas Happy Lately List

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Hello dear friends!  Did you have a happy Christmas?  I sure hope so!  My time with my family was incredible, and I'm still sad its over.  I have about 3,000 pictures to edit from our time together, but until then, I thought I'd post a Happy Lately List, holiday style!  Without further ado, here's whats made me happy lately...

Having my family in Chicago for the holidays.
Playing holiday hostess for the first time.
Laughing with my little brother till my stomach hurts.
Caramel brulee lattes.  Worth all the 9543 calories.
Lazy breakfasts with the family.
Watching Home Alone and knowing every single word, song, and sound effect.
Silent Night accapella.  It never fails to bring tears to my eyes.
Sledding on Christmas day amongst the ten year olds.
Christmas cookie decorating.
My new music collection, courtesy of my little bro who works hard to keep his sister hip and up to date.
Hearing Matt and Ryan laugh together.
Surprise carolers.
Working retail during the holidays.
Thoughtful gifts.
The message at our Christmas Eve service.  God is my Everlasting Father who loves me without fail, without waver, and without question.  Pretty powerful.
Our little Christmas tree.  Small yet mighty.
Snuggling extra close to Matt when the covers don't seem to cut it.
Homemade hot chocolate.
Having a white Christmas for the first time since I was a little girl.

Hope everyone has a happy Monday, hopefully I'll be back later tonight with pictures from the past week!

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Happy Lately List

Today's Happy Lately List is from one of my dear friends, Kristin.  She and I met in high school while working at a restaurant and became instant friends.  We roomed together our first year at OU, pledged Kappa together, and stood with one another on our wedding days.  She is one of the most wonderful people I know and has a heart bigger than you could ever imagine.  She doesn't have a blog (yet), so imagine my surprise last week when I saw an email from her with a Happy Lately List.  Reading it made me smile and miss the days of our Emperor's New Groove slumber parties, Classics trips, and catch up phone dates.  I hope you enjoy Kristin's list as much as I do!

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Kristin's Happy Lately List
An unexpected sweet text
The smell of winter on an evening walk
A dog that comforts
A great haircut
Guitar by the campfire
Matte foundation
A book that inspires
Being tickled
Amaretto anything
A run at sunset
Friends that call at just the right time
Remembering who I am
God’s words of truth spoken so timely
The huge smile on my niece’s sweet face

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Happy Lately List

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    Happy Thursday lovelies!  I thought we could all use a little pick me up today with another reader Happy Lately List.  Today's list is from Dr. Drama, and I love her sweet and simple list!  It makes me happy just reading it :)

    Watching football on the weekends!
    Wearing a great dress or skirt with boots and tights (love the fall weather).
    Jeans. I rarely get to wear them to work, so they are comfort personified to me.
    Red wine. 'Nuff said.
    Impromptu dinners with friends.
    Kids' birthday parties where the kids just show up and play. Awesomeness.
    A really great outfit that makes you feel pretty when you feel like junk.
    Getting in a good run or some exercise.
    Hugs and kisses from my husband.
    Eating well at lunchtime - I have been packing cherry tomatoes, mozzarella and prosciutto for lunch this week.

    PS: Want your Happy Lately List featured on this little blog?  Send me an email at smartandsassywithsprinkles@gmail.com with a list of ten things that are putting a smile on your face these days.

      Thursday, November 11, 2010

      Happy Lately List

       

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      Good morning my lovelies!  Its Thursday, and we're making it through the week.  I think that deserves a big "woo hoo!"  This morning I am so happy to be sharing sweet Stephanie's Happy Lately List.  Stephanie and I have never actually met, but we have several shared friends/acquaintances, so I kind of feel like I know her.  Does that make me sound like a creeper?  I hope not, because I am totally not a creeper (except on my little brother's Facebook.)  But enough about my protective and nosy big sister ways...

      Here is Stephanie's Happy Lately List...

      Sweating to P90X:  I just completed phase two of the P90X program, one month to go! I have come to truly enjoy the sweating, jumping, and iron-pumping workouts brought to my living room six days a week by Tony Horton. I feel stronger, more fit, and empowered. I can do more push-ups than I ever thought possible. As Tony says, “Just do your best and forget the rest!”

      Discovering a new city:  My sweet husband and I moved to Nashville three months ago and this place has quickly charmed me. I’ve enjoyed discovering the botanical garden, new restaurants, the farmer’s market, great places for happy hour, cool indie coffee shops, great places to jog, etc., etc.! And autumn – Tennessee experiences autumn like you wouldn’t believe! This isn’t Nashville your grandparents knew, it’s an urban city with a cool, socially conscious vibe.

      The Hermitage Hotel:  This lovely hotel opened in downtown Nashville in 1910. Last weekend, I met some friends at the Hermitage for drinks before going to see a friend perform in Swan Lake. Sitting in an oversized chair in front of the lobby fireplace was lovely …sigh. The hotel is elegant and beautiful, I can’t wait to go back! This hotel wasn't hit by the recent floods but some of the other downtown hotels were - and the Hermitage jumped right in to help them recover. I have lovedseeing Nashville's resiliency after the flood, and the can-do attitude that has brought this city together ... despite lack of media attention or much help from the rest of the country.

      Cooking:  I have surprised myself in the last year by realizing not only that I can cook, that I enjoy it! I was totally that girl who would have a bowl of cereal for dinner or grab a salad from Panera on the way home. But somewhere along the way (and to be honest, getting married really helped me start a new routine) I realized I actually enjoy making a meal from start to finish. Even more exciting, I’ve started to make my own modifications and creations, thinking this ingredient would work here or this could be better if I tweaked it like that. Who knew? Makes me happy! There’s something that feels great about being able to take care of my friends and family by feeding them well!

      The carpool lane: My husband is in grad school at Vanderbilt and I’m work for the university so that means we get to ride together each morning. Not only is it a great way for us to connect and figure out the day’s activities, but we save the gas money and the environment. I love that it’s something small we can do each day that really adds up over time!

      Autumn: People in the south celebrate autumn like it’s a separate holiday. And I don’t blame them, it’s absolutely gorgeous. I’m from Texas where you have two seasons: hot and cold. You have the summer heat and the winter’s cold, and maybe a week or two in the spring you see blooms.* Here, during the fall it’s as if the trees are being slowly fire roasted, and you can see each color as it passes –  oranges, reds, browns, there’s nothing like it! *Don’t get me wrong, I’ve called Texas home for 26 years, and it has a beauty all it’s own.*

      Boots: I ordered new boots from Old Navy.com in camel and brown, they are low-heeled wedges and I have worn them everywhere! Best purchase ever! I know not everyone is a fan of mail order shopping but I have become a pro at it, and just a few days later you have a little present delivered to your door!

      And to end the happy lately list on an extra sweet note…I am excited to make this applesauce cake from Smitten Kitchen!

      Thanks Stephanie for such a fun list!  If you want your Happy Lately List featured on this little blog, send me an email at smartandsassywithsprinkles@gmail.com.  Have a blessed and happy weekend!

       

      Tuesday, October 26, 2010

      Happy Lately List

      new york whitney.jpg{we heart it}

      Remember a few weeks ago when I mentioned that I was going to start making Happy Lately Lists a regular feature on this blog?  Well I am sticking to that resolution, and am so excited to share my first reader Happy Lately List.  Enjoy!  (And for details on how to have your list featured here, see the end of the post.)

      Whitney's Happy Lately List

      Taking long walks and feeling the energy of New York

      Planning a nice, warm New Years in San Diego with my BFF, Andrea

      These ruffled Anthropologie boots (dutifully added to my Christmas wish list)

      Misty morning hikes in Brooklyn's Prospect Park

      Finding a bottle of Veuve champagne on my desk, left as a "thank you" from a colleague

      All of my wonderful friends who have visited NYC this fall

      My company's new "jeans-can-be-worn-all-the-time" policy (score!!)

      Pumpkin <fill in the blank with your choice of delicious baked good>

      Getting to wear my cropped TopShop bomber jacket from last year on a regular basis

      Tights, tights, tights. Need I say more?

      Deciding to go as Lindsay Lohan for Halloween again this year (this is my fifth time channeling LiLo - I'm hoping to go as "Prison Lindsay" this Halloween.)

      Making my mom's homemade chicken pot pie and shepherd's pie

      And of course, my first giveaway! The lovely folks at CSN have offered me the opportunity to give away a $35 gift certificate to one of my lucky readers. Entering the giveaway is easy - all you have to do is: 1. Follow me - it's easy! - 2. Once you follow me, leave me a comment about what's made you happy lately.  (For a second entry in the giveaway, give Allison here a follow and leave me a second comment that you are following her.) Ta-da! And you're done. The giveaway will be open until next Tuesday, November 2 at noon. A winner will be chosen at random.

      Thanks Whitney for sharing your Happy Lately List and be sure to stop by A Toast to hear about more of Whitney's little celebrations.  (And just to clarify, the giveaway is Whitney's not mine, so leave your giveaway entry comments over at her fabulous blog.)

      If you want your Happy Lately List featured, just send me an email (smartandsassywithsprinkles@gmail.com) with TEN things that are making you happy lately.  I've already got several fabulous lists from readers in my inbox that I can't wait to share with you.  These Happy Lately Lists are reminding me just how contagious happiness is!

      Thursday, October 7, 2010

      My Happy Lately List (and How to Have YOUR Happy Lately List Featured on Smart and Sassy with Sprinkles!)

      tumblr_l9hbx28JGf1qcangoo1_500_large.jpg{we heart it}

      Several weeks ago, I posted a happy lately list.  Two great things happened from that list: 1) I felt even happier after thinking and writing about all those things, and 2) You guys seemed to enjoy the post and left lots of sweet comments about what makes you happy.  Sooo...I have decided to make happy lately lists a regular feature on my blog.  But to spread the happiness, I want to get you all in on the happy lately posts.  So if you're interested in sharing YOUR happy lately list on this little blog, look for details at the end of this post.

      So here's my happy lately list...

      Our Chicago visitor calendar for the next month is pretty full; we're getting visits from our best friend Miguel, my high school BFF Jordan and her fiance, and Matt's sister and her family.  Hooray for visitors!

      Glee.  I know I talk about this show all the time, but I can't believe I wasn't watching it all along.  I totally live for this show now.

      Evening walks with Matt.

      My nightly apple cider treat.  After the orchard this past weekend, I'm drinking the freshest of the fresh, and boy is it yummy!

      Boots and jeans, boots and leggings, boots and dresses...I am loving me some boots right now.

      Our newly decorated fall mantel (cute and affordable, woo hoo!)

      This video (found through Rockstar Diaries.)  Its like Stomp, Riverdance, and the "clap, clap Bumblebee" game all in one.  (Please tell me you used to play that game.)

      Flannel shirts.  Call me Paul Bunyan, but I love wearing flannel shirts, skinny jeans, and messy hair.

      The tiny thrift shop I discovered a block away from "the store."  They have the best hidden treasures.

      Fall, fall, fall!  I've never experienced a "real" fall, and I just can't get enough of it!

      Hooray for happiness!  I swear, just writing down the things you're happy for really does make you happier.  And to spread all of the happiness to you, I'm giving yall, my lovely readers, a chance to share your happy lately list on Smart and Sassy with Sprinkles.  All you have to do is email me (smartandsassywithsprinkles@gmail.com) a list of TEN things that are making you happy lately.  No matter how big or small, share them all!  (Did you catch that little rhyme there?  I'm a natural Seuss wannabe.)  I'm planning to post a list every now and then, so send it whenever you feel inspired to do so, whether its today or in two weeks.  And if this is a bigger hit than I'm anticipating, I may have to find a way to combine a few lists, but we'll cross that bridge if and when we get there.  (Oh wow, I sound like my mom.)  So email away girlies!  Whats making YOU happy lately?

      Wednesday, August 11, 2010

      My Happy Lately List

      tumblr_l64yosGGn91qat4y0o1_500_large {we heart it} 

      It’s Wednesday, and what better way to get through the mid week stretch than with recognizing the little things that make life so stinkin sweet.  Here are a few of the things making me terribly happy today :)

      The coffee shop near my house has been putting chocolate covered espresso beans on the lip of my coffee cup lately, such a lovely little treat!

      The Glee season one soundtrack.  Matt snagged it for me this weekend, and I have not stopped jamming out since.  I even heard him singing along in the kitchen.  Ha.

      I got the coolest shout out on one of my favorite new blogs, a toast.  Whitney is hella hilarious, and I am loving that I get to read her witty sarcasm on a daily basis now.  (Thanks for the shout out, Whit Whit.  And yes, that is a nod to my hero Brit Brit.  Recognize.)

      Speaking of Brit Brit…did you catch this news?  There are no words to anticipate how freaking happy this makes me.  I also see it as no coincidence that Britney waited till I was Glee fan to sign on.  We’re tight like that.

      Rainer cherries.  My summer staple.

      We are getting a huge shipment at “the store” today.  Opening 84 boxes of jewels, dresses, and handbags is like Christmas on steroids, minus the fact I have to pay for the what's in the boxes ;)

      I am sporting some new loungewear on days I am at home freelancing.  I felt yucky in regular t-shirts all day.  A  mini freelance wardrobe revamp was in order, and my new neon tees and tanks did the trick.

      I got a coupon in the mail for a Dairy Queen blizzard.  And yes, I realize I am an old loser that coupons and DQ blizzards make me happy.

      Sarah Bareilles on Pandora.  Enough said.

      A text from my dad saying that my 87 year old granpa made it out of surgery ok today.  God is good!

      What’s making you happy lately?