Happiness is an Inside Job!

I came across this quote the other day and how true it is! Many people often look for happiness in things, people, their children or an event. The truth is that we cannot be happy until we make the decision to be just that. It's easy to get wrapped up into thinking, "I'll be happy when __________" fill in the blank, and miss the moment that we're currently in.

It's okay not to be perfect or have everything figured out, because the truth is that nobody else does either.

Try to quiet your mind today, be still and breathe in the present moment. Can you hear the birds chirping? Do you delight in the little squirrel on your front yard stuffing it's little face with nuts? Beauty is all around us if we simply choose to focus on it. 

I spent last week in the San Francisco bay area visiting my father and everyday I was overjoyed to take in all that I could whether it be a drive along the coast to inhale the ocean air, watch the sea lions flop around by the Pier in Santa Cruz or take in the beautiful redwood trees in Palo Alto.


Today I'm happy to spend the day with a dear friend who is visiting from out of town. While we have some loose plans in place so that she can make the most of her 3 day visit, we're both open to what the day has for us. We look forward to delighting in each other's company and having some girly fun.

If you are in a frustrating, winter season of your life and are  looking for inspiration I encourage you to read this post.

I hope you'll make your day a happy one, no matter what it holds for you!

Bouquet-a-Month

Last August I started a tradition of sorts in our home. It was something I wanted to do for myself for a while and that my husband could enjoy too. This all started before my last birthday when I was feeling rather reflective on what I had accomplished to date, what I still desired to conquer and the small things that really make me happy. Flowers were at the top of that list.

Sometimes you'll go to a nice hotel or visit an upscale salon or office where beautiful blooms are prominently displayed. Maybe it's an oversized white potted orchid or a stunning assortment of seasonal stems. I just love how fresh flowers make me feel. So, I decided that I would give that gift to myself every month in the form of a flower bouquet.

Flowers can be quite expensive so I am careful not to go to pricey floral shops but rather look to nature for some inspiring vase filler and take advantage of supermarket, farmer's market and roadside sales. About 10 minutes from my house off of a main road, a local orchid grower sells a multiplicity of healthy orchids at amazing prices starting at $5. Who can resist? But my main source is our local grocery store which often sells a dozen roses for less than $6. I try to buy beautifully scented and long living flowers to maximize my monthly gift. Alternatively, you can clip some flowers from your garden for the same effect.

As women, I think this is such a wonderful gift to give to ourselves. You need not limit them all to one vase. Especially for mixed bouquets, I'm notorious for splitting up each type and placing a vase on our kitchen table, one in my office, one in the bathroom, you get the idea. I just really love both the scent and femininity of flowers. Some days they have such a tranquil, soft quality and other days I love their ability to exude perkiness and vibrancy. Currently, I have some sunflowers displayed in both our kitchen and my office, which were a gift from my hubby when I first came down with a cold. They sure do have a way of cheering you up!

Have you ever thought of giving yourself this gift? If you follow my $6 plan, that's 20 cents per day! Less than a cup of coffee! What other gifts do you give yourself on a regular basis? Do you enjoy monthly massages, pedicures or special gourmet chocolates? We are worth it ladies! If money is tight, you could save up the cash in an account first and reserve it especially for yourself for the months ahead.

Let us know if you decide to give it a try!