Colorful socks & coffee shops

Things that make me happy.

















One good thing about myself, and something that has always been true, is that little things make me happy. Whether it be looking forward to ordering sushi later that night, lighting candles during a movie, or even brewing coffee in the morning while the sun rises, I have always been able to lift my own spirits and mood.

This past Saturday that rang true again, when I met a friend for coffee. We spent two hours at Starbucks talking about anything and everything. I absolutely love the feeling of sitting someplace, sipping coffee, and getting so engulfed in conversation you kind of forget where you are. Reflecting back on this “coffee date” got me thinking about other things that make me happy, and why it's so important to value them every day.

1. Cheerful socks. Ok, so maybe I'm 2 years old, but wearing colorful, printed socks does something to my mood. While I may not jump up and down in excitement when I wear fun socks, putting them on does lift my spirits, every time. I've always loved color, and although I am a grown, 26-year-old woman, I still love clothing and accessories with objects on them, or things that tell a story. (Like my Betsey Johnson flower or cat earrings.) Do you remember, when you were younger, you had sheets or pajamas, or both, with objects on them? Like spaceships, or horses, or little scenes of bear families at a picnic? And do you remember staring at them, thinking up your own story line? When you're little, every picture is a chance for a new imagination. Don't worry: I don't make up stories about my socks, but they do make me happy when I look down at my feet. Maybe it reminds me that I'm still young at heart, or maybe it's the color-brain response where certain colors boost your mood. Who knows. I don't wear printed socks when going to the gym (I prefer white since people will see them), or to work; I put them on in the comfort of my own home, usually with some black leggings, and I'm set for the evening.
2. Coffee shops. You saw this one coming. Sure, I love drinking coffee at home. And at work. And wherever. But there's something about a coffee shop that makes me feel both comfy and stylish. Let's face it: coffee shops are stylish. Whether it's a Starbucks or a Caribou, or some eccentric little niche in downtown New York City, being in a coffee shop is trendy. People bring their laptops and do work, or social network. People talk business. People talk with friends. I enjoy being amongst the “coffee shop crowd,” if you will, and making my own experiences. Also, when you're in a coffee shop, there's no rush. You could talk for hours. I have always loved deep conversations with friends and family. No matter how well or how long you've known someone, I truly believe you can unlock even more about their lives in the setting of a coffee shop. New things are discovered. There are so many layers to a person, and I love uncovering them, and exposing my own as well, in a happy environment.
3. The Travel Channel. I may spend less actual time watching the Travel Channel than I do watching my million other shows, and it definitely does not even rank up there on my list of favorite channels, BUT, there's an aspect I have discovered about it that I love: anything “outrageous.” I thoroughly enjoy “Outrageous Beach Homes” and other such segments for one reason: to “ooh” and “ahh” over the beautiful homes and imagine myself one day living in one. I enjoy those TV specials, really, for the purpose of daydreaming, which never gets old and has no limits. Beautiful, rich mansions in gorgeous areas of the earth: on a beach, overlooking a lake, inside a jungle. The scenery and views are to die for, the architecture breath-taking and the interior decorating.. no words. I marvel at beautiful homes in beautiful locations. I see them and imagine myself, and Sean, living in them. I wonder how I'll entertain. What I'll wear and where I'll serve the wine. What kind of parties I'll have. Parties by the pool? Dinner parties in the gigantic dining room? Will there be a cigar lounge in the wine cellar? Will I serve Brandy with dessert? What would I do all day? Lay at the beach and get some sun? Go for a run? Make rotisserie chicken? (Probably not.) Relax on the porch with a good book? I'd have friends over every day and parties all night. I'd have six closets, all for my clothes. (Not too far-fetched considering I have three closets now.) I'm so incredibly happy in my life now, and I already believe I have a glamorous life. We have wonderful family and friends and we're always going to or hosting a party. We have so many plans. And the plans we don't have, we make. I'm always scheduling a pedicure or planning a girls' night or visiting wineries. I like my personal glamor, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Still, these things are fun to dream about. (FYI: TV shows that also apply to # 3: Selling New York and Million Dollar Decorator)
4. Picking my perfume. You may have read in another post that I love perfume, have quite a collection of it, and enjoy wearing a different one each day. I also said in that post that those few spritzes of perfume at the end of my morning routine complete my look for the day. I really believe this. Some days I'll actually think about which perfume I want to wear while I'm in the shower and also thinking about my outfit. Other times I'll know instantly, upon awaking, which scent captures my mood. Crazy, but true. I have some perfumes that I like more than others and tend to wear more, and then there are some that I reserve for special occasions. Burberry "Weekend" I only wear to weddings and other fancy events. Betsey Johnson, however, I wear most days of the week. Kim Kardashian's perfume is for more sultry and serious moods, while Bigelow's Lemon Parfum is for cheerful, happy, lemon-y days. I wear Reese Witherspoon's "In Bloom" or Jennifer Aniston's perfume if I'm feeling romantic, and Avon's "Rare Pearls" when I'm in the mood for something heavier and more dramatic. On the other hand, Mark's "Instant Vacation" is for just that. It's a blend of coconut and something else fruity I will wear on vacations, or when I want to be on one. And then, when I want to be really delicious, Bath & Body Works comes into the picture. Some of the body sprays, such as the apricot one from the Signature Vanillas collection, is so refreshing, it almost gives you a craving for something fruity, juicy and ripe. I think what I like best about picking out my fragrance for the day is that I get to name my mood. I get to "top off" that day's look with a little something extra. Sure, only I know what perfume I'm wearing and how it represents my mood, but that's all that's needed. Nobody else needs to know for it to be meaningful. Like wearing brand new underwear. Nobody else knows that it's new besides you, but that doesn't make it any less nice. Sometimes it's the little things you do for yourself that say a lot about who you are. Spending time picking out perfume? That really can be a thing? I say yes, and I say I love it. This probably comes as no surprise considering the amount of time I spend thinking about perfume, but I have already chosen the perfume I will wear for my wedding day, and not only is it one I don't already own, it's one that I had a very, very hard time finding, if that's any hint at how rare it is. You're probably wondering what it is, and I don't blame you, but that's all the information I'm giving. It's a secret, just like my wedding dress, and won't be revealed until that very special day.
5. Fresh flowers in the house. (A hint for Sean? Nah, he already knows!) I love having fresh flowers in the house as a way to spruce up the interior and brighten my mood. The best part, though, is the first two days of having them. The first day is good because they're new and you can admire their beauty, and they smell good. The second day is good because it's surprising. When I wake up in the morning and see fresh flowers (and maybe forgot they were there), I get a new sense of appreciation for waking up. Crazy? Sentimental? Insane? Sure, sure, sure. There are very few things that brighten my mood instantly upon waking, (coffee, and it being a Saturday to name a few) and seeing fresh flowers is one of them. Flowers remind me of nature and its beauty, and having them in the home just brings that beauty closer. Not much more needs to be said!
6. Putting stickers on envelopes (that I'm actually mailing). I don't just put stickers on random things (besides my planner), nor do I have a sticker collection book like I did when I was 12. But, yes, I still own stickers, and yes, I still use them when I mail birthday cards and letters to my bridal party. Because I'm 26 I have, however, set a few guidelines for myself. I only buy stickers that I don't deem childish. I use my own judgement for this one. I mostly pick flowers or vintage-looking stickers. Stickers that are stylish and fun, yet don't say I have some weird, growing up issues.

I have many, many other favorite things. When I'm engulfed in these things, other, not-so-happy things kind of take a back seat. The “happy things” are at the forefront of my life, and seem more important. Being with friends and Sean, shopping, dining out. When I'm doing these things I feel like being me and doing things that make me happy are far more significant than the breast cancer that (most of the time feels like) has taken over my life. But this list reminds me that not breast cancer, nor anything else, has taken over my life. My life is my life, and if I continue to do things that make me happy, my life will not be lost amongst medical tests and procedures and anxiety. Those things are not me. Colorful socks and coffee shops are me. Deep, personal joy, love and happiness triumph over anything and everything. Everybody says that. Everybody says if you have those things you can get through anything. I may have believed that before all this. Now, I'm starting to again.

(socks: 99 cents at Forever21.com)