Friday Favorites: Things that are bringing me joy

 Happy Friday everyone! I don't know about you all, but I am so glad for the weekend!  We are four weeks into distance learning and while there have been some frustrating moments, they have been minimal and the days are mostly smooth (I never thought we'd be buying internet range extenders but it's 2020 so I have stopped questioning things).  But, as with any week, the weekend comes bringing reprieve and rest. . . and I am ready (even though it was a short week).  

Any many ways, this week has been filled with both hard and good things.  I am still trying to find my groove in this new routine (working moms. . . I can't imagine the stress you are bearing right now, but I'm praying for you!).  There have been other things and well we're going to pile them into a category that is labeled 2020.  I heard someone say that home improvement projects were there way of grasping something they have control of and all I could respond with was a simple "Amen." I thought that because there are just so many depressing things out there, I would make a list of a few things that are bringing me joy right now.  Making lists of things that bring me joy definitely shifts my attitude!  So here's my list of joyful things.  I'd also love to hear what is bringing you joy these days, so feel free to post in the comments!  Also. . . no one is paying me anything to share these things. . .I really like them!

 My new sewing machine.

I finally got a new sewing machine and it has been a total game changer!  It sews so smooth and quiet that I just can't wait to sew again!  I am currently sewing whenever I get a chance.  I plan on doing a review on the sewing machine so I won't go into too many details.  But, just note that I really like it compared to my cheaper singer that I had from when I first started getting into sewing. In case you don't want to wait for the review, it's the Eversewn Celine. . . and she's a cutie!

New hair elastics!

I have been using the same elastics for my hair for years and I thought I really liked them. . . except they never lasted very long and they always pulled out my hair.  I started hearing all these instagramers talking about these and I won't lie, I was intrigued.  Plus, they were available on amazon which makes it a win-win since we aren't doing much venturing out these days.  I went with the thicker ones and might by the thinner ones later, but I love them!  My pony tails are so perky and they don't fall out or loosen when I am working out.  They are definite keepers.  I want to try the thinner ones in the more neutral colors next!  They work great for top knots and cute, perky pony tails.  They are perfect for day of adventure or working out and they are machine washable! Here's a link.

Flobody

I have to admit that one of the hardest things about 2020 is that I haven't been able to go to they gym (ours are all closed!), so I needed to figure some things out because I was not enjoying they way my body was feeling.  I am not usually one for clicking internet ads, but its 2020 and it happened and in this case, I am so glad I did!  I have had the best, most consistent workouts over the last month that even my best friend got herself one.  It is a yoga mat with a yoga bar zipped on that allows for resistance bands to go though and attach to weights or straps.  It mimics machines at the gym, allows for pilates/reformer-like exercises, and they have a ton of workout videos that leave me very sweaty!  The kids don't have school until 9 each morning, so it has given me plenty of time to get a quick workout in before they start. I am actually considering quitting the gym completely after all this because it is seriously the best thing ever!  Here's the website, but yesterday they posted they are almost out of stock until the holidays. 

Nail Polish

I broke down and ordered myself an Olive and June nail polish kit and well. . . it was not disappointing!  I bought the fall box with some of the most gorgeous colors!  I used the light pink one (HGC) and I love it!  I love neutral colors on my fingers so I think it is going to get lots of use!  In all honesty, I love them all!  The olive green one (WKF) is the one I was probably most excited for. . . is it too early to do fall toes?  Probably not, since we're all secretly drinking pumpkin spice lattes and dreaming of leaves changing.  Also, their finger nail polish remover is amazing and so is that poppy thing (I am no good at painting my nails and it helped tremendously!).  One thing that I love about Olive and June is that they are a 7-free nail polish. . . which means they don't have as much yucky stuff in them. (I still love my Ella and Mia and Essie. . . but this was just too much fun!).  

Creating and Reading

I am really trying so hard to have the best attitude about life right now.  There's a lot of hard stuff going on (one of them being our state is pretty much on fire, one being in an area we are not far from) and it's so easy to make a list and wonder where the heck is God.  I've been doing a She Reads Truth Study on God's Presence and it has been so encouraging.  I know that God never leaves me and that he gives rest and comfort.  He is here amidst the chaos and destruction.  That alone brings me joy.  There are many things that I could be complaining about, but each morning I have to make a choice to choose my attitude about things.  I can't dwell on all the bad things because too much dwelling in the negative allows the fear, anxiety, and anger to creep in and engulf my heart and mind.  Instead, I am praying (a lot) and focusing on what I can do in this moment (or just this year in general).  God is literally giving me rest because we aren't rushing around getting everybody to everything.  We are, in many ways, getting to enjoy entire church services instead of just partial ones because we are serving.  I am also getting time to read and create. . . things that often got overlooked because of the busy.  Right now I am working on a quilt top for Jon and soon a surprise for someone expecting and trying to catch up with Weston on Harry Potter books (he has somehow made it to year 6 over the summer!).  

 

I hope you have a great Friday and even better weekend!  If you are having a difficult time finding joy. . . it's okay.  Sometimes, it's really hard and digging deep for those joyful moments that bring life is crazy.  I am praying for you!