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.

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

International Day of Happiness

Happy Friday // 

Happy International Day of Happiness // 

Happy Spring!

Wow, today was a really good day! So many good vibes and wonderful moments. Surprised one of my besties with birthday surprises at work, went for sushi lunch with awesome buds, made mimosas for everyone at the office, and it was so warm and sunny in Toronto that I walked home from work. I ran in to 2 of my favourite people on the way home, picked up some fresh flowers, and a gift for a friend and there we have it, HAPPINESS! Here's last years blog post on International Day of Happiness!

Some things making me happy lately:

Waking up to the most beautiful skies, and being about the see the CN tower from my balcony.

This story was so beautiful - this boy Odin is turning 13 today, and none of the kids he invited to his birthday party replied to his invite. His Mom made a Facebook page and thousands of people have been sending him happy birthday messages and showing up to go bowling for his party! It's so refreshing when things like this happen and we can all focus on the good things that still happen every single day.

My favourite girl sent me this blog post this morning with the most amazing quote - "When Spring came there were no problems except where to be happiest" 

The Google header for the first day of Spring made me really happy today.

Simply searching the #InternationalDayOfHappiness hashtag on social media. SO much happy!

Constantly remembering why I am so lucky and having absolutely nothing to complain about. This print makes for a perfect mantra and I think everyone would agree!

Speaking of a mantra, I had so much fun writing my mantra for my blog. It perfectly describes how I feel about life in general and this blog! :

live life to it's fullest, and do everything with a smile. radiate positivity. always stay inspired, and inspire others. read more books, take more trips and always keep learning. adventure is out there! spread happiness every day and do all things with love. never give up and never grow up. focus on the things in life that make you happy. always say i love you. create, celebrate and never forget how lucky you are. cherish every moment, life is what you make it! 

life is SO good. Today and every day I am so thankful to live my life in a positive way that constantly brings so much happiness. I am surrounded by so many incredible people who make me happy every single day. I hope you found some happy today, and continue to do so every day.