Can you guys believe that August is already coming to an end?! I hope that all of you living in the midst of the summertime have been taking advantage of all of the seasonal fun that your area has to offer.
In celebration of the summer season and August being deemed the Happiness Happens month, today I want to talk about some of the summery things, big and small, that have been making me happy and putting a smile on my face lately. Let’s get to it!
Time at the beach: From relaxing and soaking up the sun, yoga on the beach, and watching the sunset from the shores, to beach picnics and trying out SUP for the first time, my summer has had no shortage of beach time. We only live about 10 minutes from the ocean, so it’d be a crime not head over for some fun at the shore as often as we can, right?!
Cooking with in-season produce: Give me all of the ripe tomatoes! I just love eating in-season and making fresh meals that highlight locally grown food.
My gardening work paying off: My backyard has definitely gotten brighter this summer, which instantly brings me happiness every time I walk out there. Our rose bushes have been out of control growing, which has been lovely (and they smell so good!). This summer we planted more rose bushes, along with an herb and veggie garden that has started to produce some tomatoes, zucchini, basil, cilantro, parsley and more. Every time I see something new sprout up I get excited…speaking of which, when I got home last week from being away for 3 weeks, my tomato plant had quadrupled in size! All of a sudden there are a handful of tomatoes nicely growing, and I love it.
Eating all of the summer fruit: I really can’t get enough berries, watermelon, and nectarines in the summertime. This week I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the chocolate covered fruit that the nice folks at Shari’s Berries sent me to celebrate Happiness Happens month. Their campaign is meant to spread happiness and to help recognize all of the moments and things in life that make you happy, and I can tell you that chocolate + fruit makes me a happy girl!
At the peak of Iron Mountain with my pup
Outdoor workouts: While I’m fortunate to live in a place where hiking, biking, playing tennis, and other outdoor activities that I enjoy can be done year-round, I’ve definitely been taking advantage of it this summer and have gotten outside to break a sweat as often as I can. Being out in nature hiking really gives me time to reflect and center myself, and it makes my soul feel grateful and at-peace.
The long days of sunshine: I really enjoy the late sunsets and getting to eat dinner and hang out outside while it’s still light out some nights. My backyard is one of my favorite parts of my house, and being able to enjoy a meal at the end of the day on the patio with my husband is one of my favorite parts of my day.
Time with my loved ones: I simply can’t have a list of things that make me happy without including my husband, family, girlfriends and dog!
I spent most of this month on the east coast to hang with my family and friends and be a bridesmaid in one of my best friend’s weddings. The trip definitely brought me a lot of happiness. It also makes me a happy girl to get to enjoy a lot of my summertime passions with my awesome husband. And my dog Harley really is this girl’s best friend. Her and I spend most of our lives together, and I love my dingo so much. This summer I’ve been feeling grateful to have all of them in my life, though that’s usually a year-round thing! 🙂
Tell me… What’s been bringing you happiness this month?
Disclaimer: I received free product from Shari’s Berries as part of their “Happiness Happens” campaign, but as always, all thoughts expressed are genuinely my own. If you’re interested in spreading chocolate covered happiness to a loved one, check out the current coupons that Shari’s Berries is offering here.
Aw, I love this! Sometimes you just need to stop and APPRECIATE things – it really gives you a new perspective. Love your positivity! 🙂
Very true, taking a moment to pause and be grateful and recognize all of the GOOD things going on instead of focusing on anything negative is something I try to do often!
This is such a cute post. You always seem to have a contagious positive energy!
That is so nice of you to say… thanks so much, Ali!
Aww I so miss the beach and being able to go outside without instantly sweating lol! But I am thankful we have a pool at home, so that makes it bearable!!
Oh yea, I have been feeling very thankful that I have a pool lately too!
Love this! I really think I need to be by the ocean and mtns! Outdoor yoga is becoming a fav of mine- minus the bugs. Love the goodness from this post!!
I love being by the water and mountains – both are instantly relaxing! Good for you for doing outdoor yoga lately! I love practicing outside too.
So many good things! This month happiness has been teaching, spending time with my family and being outside!
Those all sound like great things that are bringing you happiness, Britt!
Typically i’m ready for fall, but not ready for summer to end. Mostly because I always feel like I didn’t truly enjoy summer and do all of the things that I had wanted to do…but this year is different and I feel like we REALLY did a lot this summer and really got out and enjoyed summer, so even though I don’t want summer to end, BRING ON THE FALL!!!!! And having a list of wintertime activities ready to go, that I’m looking forward to, is helping! haha
Good for you for really taking advantage of the summer season! Definitely, it’s good to have a list to keep thing exciting in the cold, dreary months.
We have a lot of similar happiness things! We also now live 10 minutes from the beach so I’ve definitely been spending more time swimming than most summers, which I love! I’ve also been enjoying the gorgeous sunsets, grilling and drinking wine in the evenings, long bike rides, and being so close to various mountains and lakes. 🙂
I’ve been overly aware of those later sunsets getting earlier and earlier, so that’s going to be tough, but I really love fall and even winter too, so we’ll take it as it comes!
I know, the sunsets are starting to get so early. I hate when the sun sets at 5 pm… That’s why I try to take advantage of late sunsets while they last! It sounds like you’re having an awesome time this summer in your new area!