Feel Good Friday 50
Whew, we made it to another Friday! You know when you get back from a trip, and suddenly your days feel longer, but shorter in a sense that all of your obligations come rushing at you and you’ll wonder how you will manage to get things done? No, just me. Cool. It certainly was one of those weeks here, with so many details being finalized in some partnerships I have coming up that I am super excited about like beer, wine, and paint (there may just be a room being repainted soon!) I find that even the weeks that feel like “so much” I almost always can manage to get these Feel Good Friday posts together for you because I really enjoy writing them. Selfishly, the practice of creating these posts helps me focus on the many good things that I’ve witnessed throughout the last week, and that puts me in a much healthier mental space. I keep a running list in my journal each week of things that might make the cut for FGF, and it’s fun to look back on the things that have made my life better or made me smile. (This post contains some affiliate links.)
Halloween Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt
As you’ve seen from the last couple of Friday posts, Wilder and I have enjoyed walking our neighborhood and checking out all of the fun and creative Halloween and fall decor. Last week I came across this neighborhood Halloween scavenger hunt printable at Studio DIY and decided to give it a try with Wilder. I wasn’t sure if he would be too young for it (He’s 2 1/2) but I thought it was worth the try. It was a total hit, and he had so much fun looking for all of the things on the list! Our neighborhood has several home owners that go all out, so I knew we’d be able to find them all. To be perfectly honest, I don’t think you need kids to use it either. I had a blast searching with Wilder, and finding the holy grail of all…. the vampire. As it turns out, not too many people decorate with vampires. We do have a neighbor who has some creepy clowns though!
A Sweet But Sad Movie
Emmy and I watched the newly released Clouds on Disney+ this week, and boy, get your tissues ready. It’s based on the true story of Zach Sobiech, a high school senior who has been living with cancer and discovers he’s terminal. His teacher addresses his class and asks them to think about their college essays, and in the words of Mary Oliver asks, “what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”Zach decides to throw himself into his music, writing songs and music with his best friend, inspired by his actual friends and girlfriend. As a mother, this movie was heart-wrenching to watch. I don’t know how you live each day, knowing you are going to lose your child within a short time. This story was inspiring and thought-provoking, and the movie included fabulous music. It’s definitely worth watching, and worth pondering over that question his teacher asked him. Check out the trailer below.
Ethically Made Soft Clothing
A friend sent me the link to this online shop last week when a Facebook ad grabbed her. She knew I would love it, too! Plus, the store is called Soft Serve clothing, and this ice cream lover appreciates that name. This hoodie is currently $65, ethically made in California from cotton. It looks like the coziest piece of clothing that I didn’t know I needed. I may just have to get one for myself… torn between the brown shown above and the oatmeal shown below. Oh, and did I mention they have joggers, too? Let’s bring back the 198o’s sweatsuit. I am down for it.
An Uplifting Show
OK, so I haven’t actually seen Ted Lasso, but after hearing about it on Brene Brown’s podcast, I’ve decided that it’s going to be our next family show after we finish with The Umbrella Academy. Brene raved about it and it sounds like such a hilarious, uplifting, feel good kind of show. The episodes are short as well, only 30 minutes, so it should be easy to get through. If you’ve never heard of it, here’s the trailer to whet your appetite.
Seasonal Granola Recipe
A friend of mine recently made this pumpkin pie granola and said it was delicious! It’s made with much less sugar and cleaner ingredients than store bought and looks absolutely delicious… I am always one for pumpkin pie anything! We actually have been making pumpkin pie smoothies here in the morning, and they’re one of Wilder’s favorites on rotation. We’re going to have to try this recipe. (Also want to try this cinnamon applesauce oat bread!)
Fun New Doormat
Our back door needed a doormat, so I moved my “Home Sweet Home” coir mat to the patio and was searching for something to replace it with in front. I was at Target purchasing diapers and trying really hard to stay focused when I found myself wandering down the door mat aisle. I looked up, confused as to how I got there, but certain I was where I was supposed to me…. because they had so many fun new affordable door mats! I scored this one for just $12.99, and it’s perfect!
Evening Walks
Over the past several months I’ve taken Wilder out for morning walks, but lately with the days getting shorter, we’ve been heading out before dinner time. The golden light is magical, and it helps him burn off that last bit of energy. Now that he’s a little older, I take him to places where he can freely walk on his own, and I allow him to walk on our street safely with me. He loves these walks and asks to go every day, and I truly love seeing the world through his eyes as he takes everything in. He knows how to find the wonder and excitement in the simplest of things. We are very fortunate to live in a neighborhood with so many great options for walking. I highly encourage you to step outside in the evening hours, feel that golden light upon your skin, and take in the fresh air and changing colors. It’s a wonderful way to end your day, and is sure to help you mentally reset if it’s been stressful.
Well friend, I hope you have a wonderful weekend and take the time to stop and jump in the leaves! It’s been scientifically proven to lift your mood. (Maybe not, but it certainly helps me!)