hapiness + spring (!!!)

today is a great day you guys! it's the first day of spring annnd the international day of happiness!

What a day! One I sure look forward to every year that;s for sure. I am more than ready for Spring this year after a long (very cold) winter. Sometimes it feels like Spring will never get here, and I was feeling all warm and fuzzy today as the sun was shining so bright and I could literally smell Spring in the air. I also smelled a BBQ which just means nice weather is coming!

I had this plan to write this long, emotional post about living a life filled with happiness, and the things in my life that have helped me live a life filled with joy. Buuut, to be honest, I just don't have it in me! Part of being happy is setting boundaries, and realistic expectations for myself. Not sure if you can tell but I tend to go a bit overboard in literally every facet of my life (lololol) I am slowly getting better at this, and a bit part of it is learning to say no and take more time to recharge, relax and be at home with Pete.

Buuut, one thing I was able to (somehow) get ready in time for today was a new podcast episode!!! -It's all about happiness and spring, of course. Check it out if you're looking for a sassy little pick me up. This one was fun, and I can't wait to record many more to come! ♥

Here are a few of my favourite blog posts I've written about happiness in the past //

looking for lykke
international day of happiness/first day of spring 2018 edition
what i've learned from the "happier" podcast
learnings from "happier", part two
omg, our wedding

Here are some books about happiness I've enjoyed //

the happiness project, the power of moments, you are a badass, the book of awesome, the little book of hygge, + little book of lykke.

And here are some little things making me happy lately //

cooking, flipping through magazines, reading good books, sunny moments in my craft room, counting my steps on my fitbit, watching workin' moms, writing out my daily happy moments, having no plans on week nights, getting new plants for our home, trying to learn about my gem stones, playing soccer on my work team, going for walks in our hood, chilling the f out.

Hope your day/week/month/year is magical. If it's been tough, it'll get better. Love the start of a new season and new dreams. Let's make it special.

tell me something good + happy november

g  o  o  d     t  h  i  n  g  s

Happy first day of November! I've been getting in the habit of doing little updates more often and it's been lovely. So much happens between my posts and it's nice to kinda share some love and fun about what's happening in my life.

Here are some good things to share with y'all:

// Cali Love - Pete and I are in planning mode and are so pumped. We've booked our flights, car, and places to stay for most destinations and I am honestly beyond excited to go back to California! More about our trip and plan coming soon!

// Podcastin' - On Monday I took a fun workshop on launching a podcast. Yes, I already have one but there is so much more to learn and that really inspired me to get my sh*t together and there are lots of exciting things to come.

// #BOOKS - I am SO excited because this weekend I am going to the Penguin Books Warehouse sale with my big bros. My brother Dave works at Penguin and is taking us. Books are cheap cheap cheap and I am gong to stock up for the winter and for gifts too!

// Target - Ohhhh baby. I have no words to describe how excited I am to go to Target. I am heading there next weekend with my bffs and I can't wait for a girls road trip and trip to Buffalo featuring several Target locations (we're obsessed)

// Netflix - Ok I know Halloween is over but if you like scary stuff, you should definitely watch The Haunting Of Hill House. Pete and I watched it and I personally thought it was SO good. But also really really really scary so don't say I didn't warn you!

// Hygge Sundays - Now that it's officially fall weather and the days are getting shorter and it's all chilly out, it's time for hygge season! Pete and I are starting a new thing where Sundays are hygge days! We drink coffee, clean, make dinner, get cozy, and enjoy perfectly lovely and quiet moments together.

my happiness podcast - confetti culture

Oh hey there, it's been a while! This seems to be the case pretty often these days, but hey that's life and I am totally okay with it.

I thought I'd do a little update about my podcast since this is a new thing happening in my life that I am la la la loving. Although I have only recorded five episodes so far, I am so proud of myself for even doing that. I wasn't sure if I'd ever actually do it even though it was something I really wanted to do.

Between my full time job (which I am still loving by the way!), spending time with the hubs, family + friends, podcasting, exploring Toronto etc it hasn't left much time for blogging unfortunately. But, as the seasons change and Fall and Winter are approaching I am definitely planning for my down time, especially time at home -- and usually these are the months I get back into my blogging groove!

My podcast is called Confetti Culture and I am honestly learning as I go. I am getting more comfortable with recording (and listening to the sound of my own voice) more and more and have a lot of fun ideas for episodes to come.  I think I am most excited to start having some guests on my podcast (especiallyyyyy Pete!)

Here's a bit about what my episodes have been based on so far:

Episode One // An intro ep! - In my first episode, I am basically just getting used to talking and not hating every second of it. I list all of (ok a lot of) the things that I love and just kinda introduce myself to the podcast world!

Episode Two // Finding a job you love! - People ask me about my job really often, and since it's such a unique role and one that is so special to me, I thought it would be fun to talk about the different roles I had and how I got where I am + tips on doing what you love.

Episode Three // Why Toronto makes me happy! - I love living in the city so much and I love suggesting places to people and telling them all the reasons this city makes me so happy. I talk about some of my favourite places and why Pete and I chose to stay downtown and not move to the burbs.

Episode Four // Finding happiness on the internet! - The internet can be a very weird place. There are things that make us question our lives, inspire us, upset us and most of all make us happy. On this episode I talk all about how to find happiness online and how so many great people are out there to inspire you.

Episode Five // Jules shares some happiness hacks! - I love keeping track of all my favourite little happiness hacks that I have learned over the years and in this episode I talk about some small, simple things we can all do to live a life filled with happiness and positivity.

my podcast is now live!

c o n f e t t i   c u l t u r e   i s   n o w   l i v e!
click here to listen!!!

Um, you guys. I am so happy right now. A few months ago I got this crazy idea in my head to possibly start a podcast. I love sharing happiness and positivity through this blog, my job, my instagram and of course in my every day life.

I had "start my own podcast" on my 18 for 2018 list, but thought it was a pretty lofty goal that I probably wouldn't be able to pull off. I started putting out some feelers on my insta stories and on social and the response was super positive. 

After getting some help, advice and encouragement from Pete and some amazing coworkers of mine, I made my podcast *dream* a reality. I was trying to find the perfect name that felt right for what I was trying to get across. I did think about Hey Jules to keep things cohesive for my brand, but I also wanted to attract some new readers/followers/listeners.

Confetti Culture was an idea that came after a lot of brainstorms I had! It's not secret that I love confetti, and culture (of course is a huge part of my role as Culture Specialist/Happiness Officer) and thought this was so fun. The general message is that life is worth celebrating and there are so many (beautiful) reasons to be happy!

People have been reacting in such a positive, incredible way so far to my first episode that I legit want to cry (happy) tears. I cannot wait to record my second episode (I am thinking this weekend!)

What will I talk about on the podcast? So much stuff but to name a few things!

• Friendship!
• Marriage & Relationships!
• Family!
• Happiness at work!
• Hygge!
• Lykke!
• Christmas!
• Side Hustles!
• Happiness a lifestyle!
• Social Media!
• Happiness hacks & tricks!
• LOVE!

gratitude!

h a p p y   m o n d a y

I had to do a quick post today on this holiday Monday, mostly to reflect on my last week! Specifically last Monday when I got to do a talk all about happiness at an event in Toronto called Happy on Mondays 

I met Mimi a few months back who is the wonderful founder behind this movement, which is basically encouraging people do follow their dreams and do what they love. The goal is to find a job that makes you happy (event on Mondays!)

When Mimi asked me to speak at her event, I immediate said yes! A 15 minute talk all about how I live a live filled with happiness? Yes please! So, I did just that. I created a presentation all about the things I love, and that make me happy. I talked about growing up happy, past jobs, jobs I loved, jobs I hated and jobs I didn't get. I ended it with talking all about how much I love my current job as Culture Specialist (Happiness Officer) and how I've literally found my dream job.

The people in the crowd were incredible. They laughed and smiled and gave me so many warm and fuzzy feelings.  Afterward I got such an overwhelming response from people coming to chat with me, connecting with me + following me and it was just fantastic. I was even happier than usual all day and all week! 

I've been feeling an overwhelming amount of gratitude lately because life is just so so good. Having the opportunity do this talk as well as a job that's main purpose is to make other people happy is just too good to be true. I am just so thankful for all the amazing things in my life and felt the need to make sure I blogged about it! (lol)

Up next...THE FIRST EPISODE OF MY PODCAST!

um, i am starting a podcast! CONFETTI CULTURE COMING SOON

oh heyyyyyyyy!

GUESS WHAT? I am verrrrrry excited to announce that my podcast is coming to your ear buds very soon! Yayyy. This is something that I have been chatting about for a while now, and was a (massive) 2018 goal of mine.

And you know what? I am actually doing it. For reals. It's a thing. I have been jotting down ideas in my notebook for a few months, I've been trying to get comfortable with my voice on my instagram stories, and I've been recording practice podcasts.

I hated hearing my voice. It felt cringe worthy and I honestly wasn't sure if I could get over that. Buuuuut, a few of my cute af pals from work lent me their mircophone and I watched a youtube video online about recording a podcast in garage band. Yesterday I spent over three hours recording little snippets of my podcast and ya know what? It sounded really great! That gave me the extra boost of confidence I really needed to believe I could do this.

So, what's this podcast all about? Well, it's called Confetti Culture and I am going to be talking about my favourite topic ever! HAPPINESS. Yup. That's right. I am talking about happy things, good vibes, positivity, happiness hacks and tips, things that make me happy, that make you happy and that make anyone and everyone happy!

This is going to be a huge challenge and learning curve for me but I am SO ready. I hope you'll join me on this adventure. And you can be I will still be bloggin' too! Girl's gotta do it all (lol)

looking for lykke

LYKKE ;;

THE DANISH SEARCH FOR THE WORLD'S HAPPIEST PEOPLE.

If you've been reading my blog or following me for a while, then you know my love for Hygge & Happiness. You can read my post if you don't know about Hygge yet, but *basically* it's about creating a quiet, cosy, sweet life with those you love most. It's really just an experience that is so simply and easy to create.

When Meik Wiking announced his book (I loved the Little Book Of Hygge) I obviously knew I'd want to read it. Not only that, but last Fall Meik did a talk and book signing in Toronto and I got to meet him (!!!) Tried to keep my chill, obvs. Meik is the CEO at The Happiness Research Institute. How f*cking cool is that? He was obviously so wonderful and very kind.

This book did not disappoint. The Little Book Of Lykke (pronounced "Lou-ga") is a true quest for happiness and it's a breath of fresh air, if you will. This book is a hunt for finding out how to live a wonderful life. So, as I read it (during our trip to California) I highlighted my favourite parts or some snippets and quotes I knew I'd want to share with you all.

I'm all about spreading and sharing happiness hacks, trips and tips with anyone I possibly can. Meik has a passion for happiness that excites me so much!

And, I promise to continue #Look4Lykke everywhere I go - but for now, I'll share some of my favourite snipets from The Book Of Lykke by Meik Wiking ♥ (ALSO! Meik, chat with meeeee, I'm really happy I swear. lol)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Let's put a positive spin on the phrase "If you want to see something, say something. If you see something that increases the happiness of you, your community or the world as a whole, talk about it, write about it, film it, photograph it - pass it on"

"What we at the Happiness Research Institute and the World Happiness Report find is that the happiest countries have a strong sense of community, and the happiest people have someone they can rely on in times of need. That is why there is no coincidence that Danes are not only amongst the happiest people in the world but are also among the ones who meet most often with their friends and family and trust that their friends will catch them if they fall"

"Think of a time when you felt happy or - feel free to tone it down a bit - a time you felt good, or laughed or smiled. Bring that memory to mind and try to remember the details of the situation"

"Expect and understand that reaching your goal might make you happy - but only for a while. We continuously raise the bar for what we want or feel we need in order to be happy. Getting your book published will make you happy for a while, and then you adjust your ambition to hitting the Sunday Times best seller list, becoming a global phenomenon."

"Across cultures, there seems to be one thing that all parents wish for their children: good health. Good health enables us to play, to seek out adventures, to pursue happiness."

"No people can be truly happy if they do not feel hat they are choosing the course of their life" - World Happiness Report 2012

"If you want happiness for an hour - take a nap. If you want happiness for a day - go fishing. If you want happiness for a year - inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime - help someone else" (Chinese Proverb)

"There is an important word in Brazil, simpatico. It refers to a range of desirable social qualities - to be friendly, nice, agreeable and good natured, a person who is fun to be with and pleasant to deal with. It is a social quality. Brazilians want to be seen as simpatico.

8 Happiness Tips:

1) Eat like the French - create rituals of food and fire.

Make time to eat. Reclaim your lunchtime and sit with friends, family, colleagues, and enjoy eating your food slowly and with company.

2) Do it like the Dutch - Celebrate Neighbours Day

Make the effort to speak to your neighbours. Meet them for a coffee, help them in the shared garden or just stop to chat the next time you see then

3) Create critical analogue mass

Encourage your friends and family to have tech-free periods during the week, avoid the temptation to check your phone, and detox digitally.

4) Move more each day
Built more movement into your daily routine: take the stairs, have a meeting while going for a walk and park as far away from the supermarket entrance as possible

5) Start talking about mental health
Next time you ask someone how they are doing, have a real interest in their answer and do no accept fine"

6) Smile and chat to strangers
Hand out smiles and friendly remarks. They are free.

7) Don't ask, just help
Bypass the whole "Let me know if there is anything I or we can do thing. You know what to do.

8) Become a Raktvist
Start doing little Random Acts of Kindness

18 for 2018.

H e l l o   M a y ! 

Um, what? As we enter the fourth month of the year, it seems appropriate that I finally share my 2018 goals, lolz. Leave it to me to be so specific that I needed to curate the perfect list.

As I mentioned in a previous post about the Happier podcast, I loved their "try this at home" for new years resolutions/goals. I always love making goals and lists but sometimes it can be tough when things are so general. For example, how do you cross off something like "drink more water" or "take more time to read". I'm one to really love physically crossing something off so this really spoke to me!

I will say this, and that is that I do have some other personal goals that I prefer not to share, but regardless - these are all things I do hope to accomplish this year.

A few things already got crossed off as this has been a work in progress clearly(!!!)

Anyway, HAPPY Spring! Did you make any goals for this year? If not, why not try 18 for 2018?!

jules' 18 things to do in 2018:
1. take a dance class

2. go to trivia night

3. make a #whishwedding scrapbook

4. get a massage

5. learn a song on ukele

6. go on a trip to montreal

7. revamp my blog

8. read 12 books (2/12)

9. meet baby ozzy

10. go to karaoke

11. get new glasses

12. go on a road trip

13. submit our wedding to a blog

14. colour my hair pastel pink

15. learn to read tarot cards

16. start my own podcast

17. get my nails done at her majesty's pleasure

18. go on a little weekend trip with my mama

for your rainy days!

Well, it's April 16th and it's still snowing, and freezing rain. Buttttt, here we are and as an eternal optimist I am hear to add a little sunshine into your gloomy days.

After a weekend of insane storms, crazy winds, snow, rain, hail and everything in between I had to get my sh*t together. After work today I braved the horrible weather to go get some cute af forest green rain booties, and a good, strong (and cute of course) umbrella.

// spring cleaning!
// go through those magazines you've had lying around
// read through cook books + mark some recipes to try
// do some baking
// listen to a podcast
// light some candles + meditate
// start that book you've been meaning to start
// re-arrange a room in your place to add a little spark to it
// have a movie marathon for some of your favourite flicks
// write a letter or a card (send snail mail)
// organize/go through your photos
// leave the house for a coffee (because that little break is actually so nice
// get inspired by some new blogs to follow
// listen to an old album that brings back great memories
// delete photos on your phone + laptop (+ back them up!)
// make a pot of tea, and relax with a couple cups
// buy fresh flowers (because when is this not the best idea ever?)
// colour in that cute colouring book you bought a while ago
// re-paint or spruce up an old piece of furtniture
// start a donation bag of old clothes, books, etc
// snuggle, cuddle, bundle up (live that hygge life)
// stay in your jammies all day, duh!

more happiness hacks! (from the happier podcast)

My favourite podcast to listen to is Happier by Gretchen Rubin. I listen to it at work, while I plan my happiness initiatives + plan to takeover the world and make it happier (lol)

About a year and a half ago I wrote a blog post about what I had learned so far from the Happier podcast, because as you know I am all about that happy liiiife.

I thought I'd do another round up of some great happiness hacks that the podcast has taught me. And if you don't listen to podcasts, I'm gonna say give em' a try! & definitely include Happier on your list. I was jotting down in my notebook some thoughts I heard and really loved!

// H A P P I N E S S   H A C K S :
+ Kiss in the morning and at night - This is such a simple one, but sometimes with all the hustle and bustle of life, we forget the little things like a kiss good morning and one goodnight!

+ Don't put things down, put them away - This one is so simple but I love it! I am trying to get better and putting things where they belong since it will pay off in the long run.

+ Remember love - I think we could all use a reminder about this one on the daily. Nothing says living a happy, fulfilled life than remembering love in all you do!

+ Keep a running list of your favourite things - Gretchen's daughter actually shared this one when she was on, which I just love! It was to keep a list of all your fave things, any type of thing just to document and use as a reference point! (ie: for birthday gift ideas etc!)

+ 18 for 2018 - Goals and resolutions are so fun but can be really tough, especially because they are usually such general things like "read more" but instead an 18 for 2018 can be more specific and attainable, so something more like "read one book every month for a year" would be a good example!

+ Loving actions inspire loving feelings - This is just another reason to practice random acts of kindness however and whenever we can! The more you show and spread that love, the more it will be come back to you!

+ Create a "TA DA" list - Instead of (okay, more like in addition to) a to-do list, create a "ta la" list of all the great things you've achieved and are proud of.

+ Schedule daily transcendence - I need to take my own advice here sometimes, but taking time every day to chill, meditate and enjoy those calm and quiet moments.

+ The one minute rule (do it without delay!) - I think I included this one in my last post, but it's just that good. Gretchen and Elizabeth basically explain that if to you've got one minute to do something you should just do it with that minute you've got! It's one extra thing to cross off the list!

Hope these helped spread a little love & happiness into your day/week/year!

international day of happiness + first day of sping

I N T E R N A T I O N A L     D A Y     O F    

 H A P P I N E S S

Oh, hello! So today is a special day for a few reasons! First off, it's the first day of SPRING! (and I could not be more ready for warmer weather, sunshine, fresh flowers, + adventures) Today is also the international day of HAPPINESS ♥

Not sure if you knew this about me, but happiness is something I'm kinda really into. Happiness and positivity aren't just things I talk about, post about or preach, they are vital to how I live my life! Heck, I love happiness so much that I managed to have a career that focuses on it!

When I'm not blogging, crafting, hosting, instagramming or exploring Toronto - I am working in my full time role at Culture Specialist (Happiness Officer) at a company called Uberflip. My focus is on creating a fun, inclusive and exciting experience for all of our employees! It's a role that aligns all of my passions and as you can imagine I am beyonddd happy to be in it.

To learn more about my career, you can read this blog post posted by Jobbio;

"How I got my job as Happiness Officer at Uberflip"

How and or/why am I so happy? - Truth is, it's all I've ever really known. I grew up with two amazing, supportive, kind parents, and two of the best big brothers (ever). Just before I was 18, my Dad passed away after some complications with a non life threatening disease. As you can imagine, this turned my world upside down. I had two choices after this experience - 1) I could focus on the negative impact this had on my life, and would most definitely have in the future or 2) I could channel all (or most of) my energy into being the person my Dad taught me to be, and dedicate my life to spreading happiness to those around me (it's the least I could do)

Besides working in a role based on happiness, I try to channel that energy in my personal life. I live my best, happiest life in my favourite city ever (Toronto) with my amazing husband Pete. I feel beyond thankful to have the most wonderful family, the greatest friends, and so many opportunities to do things that make me happy like travel, celebrate, spoil my friends, go to events, be a hostess, blog, explore Toronto etc...

I hope you all get a little happier after reading my blog and following me on Instagram ♥

I've mentioned it a few times lately, but I'm really hoping to start a podcast soon too! Yasssss. The main focus will of course be happiness. I plan to touch on work, love, friendship, and the things in life that make me happiest (in hopes they'll make you happy too!)

It seems as though I've got a lot to say on this topic (lol) so I better wrap it up. I now leave you with a few happy links to enjoy on this day of happinesssssss and first day of Spring! Check these out:

// Happier Podcast by Gretchen Rubin
// The Book of Lykke & The Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking
// The Power of Moments by Chip & Dan Health
// Magic Lessons Podcast by Elizabeth Gilbert
// 52 Lists for Happiness by Moorea Seal
// Headspace Meditation App

new blog look. same positive vibes

//  T  H  U  R  S  D  A  Y

You may notice my blog got a little makeover! H O O R A Y! Nothing drastic, but a little refresh because to be honest, it just felt like the time was right.

For a while I was exploring other blogs and websites to get inspiration and try and find ideas for what I should do next, what types of layouts are hot right now and make the most sense for me. Buuuut, something really resignated with me from The Goal Digger Podcast - they talked about when you're looking to update your blog/website, how you shouldn't look to others for inspiration, but rather think of other ways to find what inspires you and what will feel right for your blog. It's so true!

And you know what? I am a very simple girl when it comes to this kinda stuff. My blog has had the same layout since I started blogging, and it's actually my favourite type of blog to read. Everything you're looking for is right in front of you. Obviously the evolution of blogs has given us all the fancy widgets, suggested posts, requests for info for email lists and so on. But the truth is, I don't need all those things right now.

I'm a full time workin' gal who is absolutely LOVING her career, I've got a side hustle, a husband, and a fun life with lots on the go, and this blog is just something I do for fun! I hope to inspire people in some way, spread some happiness and positivity online, share things I love and think you will too, and post about things that are truly me. I promise you that what you see on here, the way I write and share on this blog are totally, authentically Jules!

I will say this, I am looking forward to this new little face lift and hoping it will inspire me to post on here more regularly! I was checking out how many blog posts I did in 2017, and it was only 40! I'd love to get close to doubling that number this year, and I hope you'll follow along!

Hope you're having a great week, we're almost there! ♥

happiness hacks!

Oh, hi you guys!

Oh my goodness. This past week & weekend has been a whirl wind. I could not be happier to be snuggled up on the couch with my hubs watching the Emmy's right now. I really need to take some time this week to relax and get some things done, because next weekend is going to be literally insane(ly) busy & amazing.

As you probably know by now, I am really in to happiness. I always love to share little snippets of happy on all social media outlets. I thought it would be fun to share a few of my own "happiness hacks"

- For a good nights sleep, put some lavender on your pillow before going to bed. Pete and I are so in to this. Also, we've decided that listening to a podcast before bed is legit the most amazing, zen way to fall asleep. (we're obsessed with serial btw)

- Have a "no plans" day every week! Ugh, I don't always take my own advice on this one but in most cases Monday is always my day to not make plans. This ensures that Pete and I have time together, can make a nice dinner and also that I can have an extra day to catch up and get stuff done after the weekend. This is also normally grocery/meal prep day and it's so needed.

- Always have something look forward to. I always love being able to look forward to at least one thing in the coming weeks/month that I am really excited about. This can be a dinner date, a plan for a night out or in with friends. I am generally one to plan ahead of time to ensure I can spend time with everyone and celebrate :)

- Pick out your outfit the night before. A shitty morning this week reminded me of this hack. If I am scrounging around in the morning looking for something to wear I often doubt my choice and keep changing and stressing out (yes, even for work) but if I take 5-10 minutes to get organized the night before and have everything ready for the next morning it makes my morning SO much happier!

- Keep a paper planner. Call me old fashioned but I love to still keep a paper planner/agenda to keep track of my life and exciting plans. I love having the visual of each week or month and see what is coming up/remember little things that are happening. Also, I just feel like I already spend too much time on my phone so this is an excuse to look at something on paper.

- Stock up on things on sale! This one can be tough for us because we don't have a very big place, but I always love to stock up on things we use often when they go on sale. This eliminates the stress of running out of something and having to hustle out to grab it. I am also a big fan of sales (I secretly love watching extreme couponers haha)

- Have a basket of party supplies on hand. Cards for all occasions, tissue paper, gift bags, ribbon, tags etc. I love having lots of go-to cute gift wrap and goodies on hand for little birthday gifts, house warming parties, goodbye gifts or a little "just because" surprise

make your own happy - what i've learned from "happier" podcast

m a k e   y o u r   o w n   h a p p y ♥

Since we got back from our Honeymoon I've been getting back to the regular routine of our lovely life here in Toronto. One of my goals for 2016 was to listen to more Podcasts, and to always keep learning (whether that means reading, listening, doing and experiencing new things always)

I came across the Happier podcast by Gretchen Rubin and her sister Elizabeth Craft (Gretchen wrote The Happiness Project) and I really liked that book, and I reaaaaaaally like happiness. I know, I know - I am already a very happy person, but I really love learning about all sorts of habits of happy people. My goal is to get caught up on all 70 podcasts, and so far I'm about half way through the wonderful episodes! Here are a few (of my favourite) things I've learned so far from Happier:

• The one minute rule - Gretchen & Elizabeth give such a simple and amazing tip, which is if you have one minute to do something that has been on your to-do list or on your mind, do it! If it is something that will contribute to your overall happiness then get er' done! This could be as simple as hanging that coat up, putting that dish away or wiping down that counter. This one is one of my favourite things I've learned and I can honestly say that I am doing it every day. Just these little things that allow us to do all the things we can do in a day!
• Stop reading that book - How many times have you kept reading a book because you felt like you had to finish it? I've definitely done that a few times because it felt like the thing to do. The girls talk about how if you really don't enjoy the book, then put it down and find one you love!
• Have a place for everything - This is such a simple yet satisfying one. I do my best to organize our little home as best we can but I know that this is a big one I can totally improve on. Having a place for everything makes you feel at ease, and that when ever you need something you can confidently say you know exactly where it is.
• Relationships make people happiest - Studies show that one of the things that make us happiest are the relationships in our lives. Having an amazing relationship with my husband, friends, family and co-workers is something I invest so much of my time in and means so much to me! It doesn't mean you need to have tons of these relationships. Even just a small few who you can always count on will contribute to your own happy.
• Warm greetings & farewells - They talk about starting and ending each day with love. This is something that can be easily overlooked, naturally. It's a great idea to really start and end each day with a positive thought, gesture, hug, kiss, smile and warm vibe. No matter how you feel that day or in that moment, take the extra time to start & end the day with a warm greeting or farewell, it definitely makes every day better.
• Take fifteen minutes a day to brainstorm - This is another great and very simple happiness tip to implement in to your every day (or a few times a week if you can!) Take fifteen minutes of your day to work on something that is important to you. This can be related to work, an event your planning, a goal or dream you have, a cool idea for a blog post, anything! I am going to make a conscious effort to at dedicate at least fifteen minutes a day for this.
• Find/identify your special places - Everyone has at least one place that is really special and/or important to them! It could be a coffee shop, a park, a cottage, a place where you spent time growing up, somewhere in your own home, but where ever it is - identify that place so that if you need to spend some time there for a pick me up, or to get inspired then you know exactly where to go.
• Act the way you want to feel - Seems simple enough. I feel like this one can be tougher now a days with social media and the pressure to be, think or act a certain way. But when it comes down to it, it's quite simple - and that is to act the way you want to feel.

PS - That adorable sign that you see in the photo is from My Cinema Lighbox!

Whish Wedding - Part Three, Sneak Peak!

O  h     H  a  p  p  y     D  a  y!   ♥

Happy Monday Gorgeous! Hope you had a lovely weekend and made some sweet memories. Pete & I had another great weekend, but I am seriously happy to be sitting here snuggled up with a glass of wine while watching The Batchelorette.

Does anyone else feel like this Summer is flying by way too fast? I cannot believe that it's already mid July! I am excited for lots of fun things we've got planned for the rest of the Summer!

Speaking of plans, my next few weeks are going to be spent doing some serious wedding planning! Oh, it still excites me to say that! :) --  we've made some real progress in the last two months, but we have some things to do in the next couple weeks, and that includes sending our wedding guests some special mail, our save the dates! I will be crafting a few things to go along with these absolutely gorgeous save the dates we got from Minted - I always LOVE working with Minted, and what they create is truly beautiful ♥

Here's a little sneak peak of the save the dates we got from Minted! // Pete and I chose them together and we really thought these ones were totally us! This writing looks very similar to my own. I don't want to do my full post until our friends and family get them in the mail, so more coming soon! Promise.

Let's Celebrate!

Happy Tuesday! // Let's Celebrate, Shall we?

I truly do try to find a reason to celebrate every single day. Whether it's giving a co-worker a gold star, giving a friend a high five or a hug, spending time with someone I love, or planning my next party or get-together, celebrating is something I think we should always do more of!

There's always going to be stressful parts of our lives, bills to pay, groceries to buy and things to tie us down and stress us out, but instead of letting it all bother you and bring you down, let's try to take some time out of every day/week/month to CELEBRATE!

cel·e·brate

ˈseləˌbrāt/

verb

1. 1. 

   publicly acknowledge (a significant or happy day or event) with a social gathering or enjoyable activity.

Social gathering or enjoyable activity? I am ALL about that life.

What are you celebrating this week?

happiness will find you.

I absolutely love this saying! It's a good reminder if you're ever going through a tough time. Happiness will always find it's way back to you.

This video makes me really happy.

My cutie pal Toni's "big list" is adorable and makes me happy.

I am SO happy, and the countdown is on until our Ireland & Scotland trip

// Hoping you find happiness today and this week. Monday, you've been good to us.

What is making you happy today?

sunday smiles - hello spring!

Well, hello there and Happy Sunday! + since I didn't officially dedicate a whole post to it, Happy Spring! ♥ Winter was rough this year in Toronto and I couldn't be happier that the warmer weather is coming, and most importantly some sunshine!

One of my march goals was to fill our home with fresh flowers and plants, and this weekend I most definitely made this happen. I just loving having fresh flowers in our home, they make everything brighter and better.

Now that we've been in our new place for close to 9 months (woah, time flies) it's really starting to feel like a home. I love our space, it's perfectly cute and cosy and every little detail fits our lives and our personalities just right. Today was a really good day - I got so much done and felt extremely happy and productive #bossbabe 

Take a peak at some cute little happy parts of our apartment, lookin' floral fresh!: