I have been focusing on appreciating good things no matter how small and I thought I would share the happiness with you. This past week I had a much-needed break from school and did some major spring cleaning and decorating. What’s Brightening My Day Vol. III.
My color palette was determined by these amazing spring green candles from Ikea. You cannot beat the price and they are available in tapers too. I also like the fact that they are unscented which is perfect for the dining table.
What’s Brightening My Day Vol. III
I also worked on my cabinet of curiosities and found myself wanting two small plates and one little cup to balance a few arrangements within. It’s lovely when an estate sale has some pretty pastel goodness for less than $6.
(There are no markings save for a “Made in Germany” stamp on the cup and the number “23” on the plate.)
A wee little package arrived from dear Barbara of Stray Thoughts. She hosts a Laura Ingalls Wilder reading challenge every February. This year the prize was Laura’s Album and I am so very happy and thankful to be the winning recipient.
I’ve been ending each work day with a cup of herbal tea and my current favorite is Lavender Honey. One thing I love about the Yogi brand is that the tag at the top of the string on each tea bag has a different inspiring quote.
Lastly, Marilyn in Dallas you never fail to bring a smile to my face each and every time you comment. You may not be aware that you are listed as a “no reply” blogger. This means when I click on your name it is a dead end. There is no email address available so I am unable to personally thank you for the happiness you bring to my heart. You are truly a day brightener.
What day brighteners have you been experiencing?
Laura
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” ~ Romans 15:13
It really is the little things that can be such a blessing everyday.
I'm going to find that tea. 🙂
Laura, your tablescape is beautiful. Perfect for spring. Congrats on winning the book. I just recently received a book I won from Jemma…such a happy mail day!
That book found it's perfect destination! Your table is definitely bright and cheery. Hope you're finding a little time for yourself and family over spring break.
Lovely. I'm going to try the tea.
What makes me happy each week is getting to go watch our little granddaughter in her gymnastics class and then going to dinner with her and her parents. My Spring decorating is making me very happy as well! I LOVE Spring and wish it would get here. We are to get a LOT of snow on Tuesday though. Congrats on winning the book. I don't care for tea. Your posts are another thing that makes me happy!
Laura – love your candle choice and your table is lovely…I smiled all the way through your post…so sweet. 🙂
Good for you, Laura… the book looks wonderful!
I have to check out the candles. I saved a picture on Pinterest, where there were several large candles like this stuck down into sand in a large galvanized bucket for outdoors. So pretty lit up at night. I so want to do this come summer!
Jane x
This post certainly brightened my day! What a lovely compliment – thank you so much. 🙂
Congratulations on winning the book. I hope it made you smile!
I continue to be amazed at the generosity shown to readers as you willingly share your creativity and artistry. It's always a treat to read Décor to Adore! You, as a blogger, do all the “heavy lifting”. We have the easy part, as responders.
I bought 2 bouquets of daffodils at Trader Joe's this weekend. The sunny color and fresh fragrance is definitely making me smile.
Marilyn (in Dallas)
Those candles are so pretty, and it's great that they are unscented. I almost never burn candles at home or even buy them because I am sensitive to a lot of artificial scents. I wish there were an IKEA here – the closest one is about 200 miles away.
I am so glad the book reached you! I hope you have fun with it. I need to get out mine to look at again. Thanks for mentioning the LIW challenge.
I haven't had quite the heart to decorate for spring yet, as it has been so cold and wintry, but probably will in a week or two.
Love Marilyn's comment, and have to admit I suffer from “paralysis by analysis” sometimes, too, when there are so many choices for any home improvement project these days.
A few of my recent day brighteners: a daughter-in-law who fixed Sunday dinner yesterday, my almost 3 year old grandson's exclamation that “Excavators are beautiful!” (they're his favorite vehicle right now), veggie chips for a quick salty snack, a refreshing nap in my desk chair.
Oh, your brighteners are lovely, especially that pretty table arrangement and estate sale fine. I'm trying to get ready for spring — despite the cold! Now I'm extra motivated!