Happy Little Things Vol. 2

That childish wonder that comes when you see a shooting star
An extra long hug from a child
Snow on mountain tops that makes them look as if they were dusted with powdered sugar
The opening credits to a favorite movie
Walking out of the library with a new book in hand
Surprise hugs
The way time disappears while sitting around and staring into a fire
That moment the music takes your breath away
A sincere "thank you"
"There's my girl!"
Watching someone's face as they listen to loved ones sing them "happy birthday"

(See vol. 1 here)

What are the happy little things in your life?

Cheap Thrills

To all my fellow ballers on a budget, this one's for you! It can be really tough to cut back on spending, especially in the summer when there's always a weekend trip to join, a wedding gift to buy, or an ice cream cone to stop for after a hot day in the sun. I feel you. Sometimes it sucks! But here's a list of activities we can refer to when we want to have some fun, but in, like, a fiscally responsible way:

☀ Rent movies from the library
☀ Go for a drive (maybe with a picnic of lunchables!)
☀ Stroll the farmer's market
☀ Find free events in your city, like yoga or free admission days, on Facebook
☀ Tour the capitol building
☀ Walk around downtown, stopping at a gas station or McDonald's for $1 sodas
☀ $5 movie night (Tuesdays)
☀ Visit the church history museum
☀ Go to the park--play catch, read a book under a tree, play cornhole, soak up the sun, etc.
☀ Backyard camping (set up your tent and sleeping bags on the lawn)
☀ Go hiking

You got this and I'm proud of you. Fun doesn't have to be expensive--make it happen!

Happy Little Things

a fresh notebook

when a stranger smiles back at you

getting the free drink at the end of a punch card

that pair of jeans you've had forever

"this made me think of you"

people who give those hugs with a little extra, sweet squeeze

finding the perfect gift

a sleepy Saturday with no place to be

secret little grins exchanged across the room

finding someone to geek out with

naps in the sun

a clean kitchen

making someone laugh

hearing a song from your childhood playing in the grocery store

a twirly skirt 

those late night chats with people you love

a deep breath of fresh mountain air

seeing a friend in love