20 Things That Make Me Happy & #SpreadTheKindness Link Up #68

April 17, 2018 / 82 Comments

In light of my more serious and somewhat depressing content from yesterday’s post, I decided to turn my face to the sunshine (wherever it is currently hiding) and share with you all some of the things in my life that make me happy. Because today is #SpreadTheKindness Day here On the Edge…and sometimes just sharing our happy things with the world is one way of throwing kindness like confetti.  (FYI…confetti does not make me happy. I actually kind of despise confetti. Such a mess.)

*This is not a sponsored post.

Without further adieu and in no particular order, here are 20 things that make me happy.

1. My kids. When they aren’t driving me crazy. Especially when they are asleep. They look like sweet little angels. And my heart overflows with all the feels.

2. My husband. He is pretty great. In case I never mentioned that before.

3. My friends. The real life ones and the blogger ones. You are all so special to me. And I have immense gratitude that I am surrounded by so many amazing people who uplift me, support me, challenge me, and make me laugh!

4. My closet. Filled with all my favorite things. Sometimes, I just stand in there and look around and feel so lucky to have what I have and a husband who tolerates my ridiculous addiction.

5. Kimonos. They all make me happy.

6. Shoes. Yeah, it’s a problem. But it’s a very happy problem.

7. Glitter and metallics on my shoes.  Because you should smile when you look down at your feet.  And if my shoes are all shiny and sparkly, I am sure to smile whenever my gaze is cast downward. Or flowers or velvet or plaid or patent or any other eye-catching pattern or fabric from which shoes could possibly be crafted.  Give me all the crazy shoes and I will smile forever.

8. Unicorns. Whenever I see something with a unicorn, I immediately get super excited. I just bought myself Gemma, the unicorn fingerling. Because I am a child sometimes.  And acting like a child sometimes also makes me very happy.

9. Purple. Like my sweater in this post. It makes me smile. And green. My forever favorite color. In any shade. It makes me swoon.  Did you notice my nails are green in these photos? (They are glittery blue now.)

10. Inspirational quotes and sayings. Is there anyone who does not feel happier after reading something motivational and inspiring?

11. Ice cream. I prefer vanilla so I can add all the crazy toppings I want without my tastebuds getting too confused. My current favorite things to add to my vanilla ice cream are peanut butter, caramel sauce, and pretzel crisps…all together. So good.  And when my tastebuds sing, my heart sings, and my soul is happy.

12. Music. I mentioned a few weeks ago how I was getting more in tune with music lately. I listen to it all the time.  In the car. In bed. In the shower. While I am working. And I get all the feels.

13. The Voice. Yep, I am a big fan. It makes me smile this big, dumb grin while I am watching these strangers make their dreams come true.

14. Blogger Meet Ups. I have had the opportunity to attend a few blogger meet ups over the past few years. I get such a rush from meeting my fabulous friends in real life that I am now making these meet ups somewhat of a priority. Traveling to NYC or LA for these events gives me the much needed thrill that this midlife mom of two can use right about now!

15. Meeting new people. I am a “people person” to my core. I love to be social. I love to meet new people. I love to hear their stories and learn all about them.  I find people so fascinating!

16. Candy Crush, Farm Heroes, and Toy Blast. Yup. At the end of a trying day, completely zoning out on mindless games on my iPhone bring me a sense of calm and peace as I unwind…and unwinding makes me very happy.

17. Shopping. Doy. Obviously.

18. Pink Moscato over ice. Because I am a lightweight and need even the sweetest of wines to be watered down a bit. But a glass or two is sure to life my mood.  If I decide to go for that third glass, giggles are sure to abound.

19. Waking up in the morning long before the rest of the world. I thrive on early mornings. I love to get out of bed before the sun rises and sip my coffee while visiting my favorite blogs. I love getting some writing done before the house is all aflutter with activity.  I love feeling accomplished before 8:00 a.m. And if I have accomplished something that early in the day, the rest of the day usually flows at a much smoother pace.

20. Coffee. I just really like coffee. I need it. I depend on it. I crave it. I want it. I can’t live without it. Coffee makes my world go round.  Coffee makes me very, very happy, indeed.

What things in your life make you happy?

The featured favorites from last week…

Marianna of The Sweetest Clementine shared her post, Gingham Summer Dress, and she is simply adorable! Check out the bow back on this fantastic dress! And I am always a fan of gingham. Now if only the weather would turn to warm!

Marianna of The Sweetest Clementine

And Maria of Passion Fruit, Paws and Peonies shared a really great and super helpful post, How to pick elegant sunglasses for a heart shaped face. She covers everything from eye care as well as the right questions to ask during an eye exam and while choosing the right frames for your face. Well worth reading whether you need prescription lenses or not.

Maria of Passion Fruit, Paws and Peonies


Keeping it happy on the edge,

Shelbee

Linking up with these Fabulous Link Ups.

I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

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82 Comments

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      April 17, 2018 at 10:21 am Reply

      Thanks so much, Pam! I have two of these shirt extenders (one in black and one in white) and I love them for adding a fun little detail to any top! I am currently enjoying my morning coffee while responding to blog comments…one of my favorite parts of the day! Have a wonderful week, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Kellyann Rohr

    April 17, 2018 at 10:29 am Reply

    Love your list Shelbee and I agree with them all – now it’s 6:30am and I suddenly want vanilla ice cream, pb, caramel sauce, and pretzel crisps! I wish you my friend a very happy and joyous day!
    xo,
    Kellyann

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      April 17, 2018 at 10:33 am Reply

      Kellyann, thanks so much! I am so sorry that I made you crave ice cream at 6:30 in the morning! Throw a scoop of vanilla and some caramel sauce into your coffee! Yum…now that’s something I might do. Have a wonderful day and a fabulous week!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Aimee

    April 17, 2018 at 10:55 am Reply

    What a great post to wake up to. (While I lay in bed wondering how people can be morning people lol). For years, I used to make “natural high” lists like this. They are fun to look back on and also good reminders to enjoy all the things you like, as often as you can!! I love the sound of the ocean and looking at the stars! And laughing with you! Can’t wait to have a photo shoot, and we’ll go for ice cream after!!

    PS: Have you ever the song “Unknown” by Chely Wright? I used to think she read one of my happy lists. Check it out! https://youtu.be/XrGLbRzILBY

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      April 17, 2018 at 10:57 am Reply

      Aw, I am so glad that I made you happy this morning! This was fun and light hearted to write…very much what I needed to do yesterday while iced in for the second consecutive day with the little ones! Ha. Yes, we need a photo shoot soon..but this week the weather is all crappy! Ugh. Will give that song a listen as soon as I get these kids ready for school.

      Love ya,
      Shelbee

  • Suzy Turner

    April 17, 2018 at 11:24 am Reply

    I love this, Shelbee! I actually just read a similar post over at Fake Fabulous and was inspired to write my own – which I’ll post later in the week!
    My forever favourite colour is green too – let’s meet up one day and just go shopping for all things green!! I would absolutely LOVE that!!
    Hugs
    Suzy xx
    http://www.suzyturner.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      April 17, 2018 at 12:43 pm Reply

      Thanks so much, Suzy! I would love to meet up with you one day and go Green-Seeking! That would be so amazingly fun and would make me very happy! Next time you are in the States, do let me know. Have a wonderful day, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      April 17, 2018 at 12:45 pm Reply

      Isn’t is ridiculously adorable?! I got my kids fingerlings for their birthday party this week and when I pulled out the unicorn one and said I bought it for myself, the kids were all going crazy that a grown up would buy a toy for herself! It was so hilarious. Little Gemma sits on my desk watching me work!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      April 17, 2018 at 12:39 pm Reply

      Laurie, I am so glad you are having some sun! We are not. Snow all week again. I do need some sunshine though. That would make me exponentially happy right now. Have a great day, my friend. Go bask in that sunshine!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • jodie filogomo

    April 17, 2018 at 11:43 am Reply

    I love the happy posts, Shelbee….they make me happy!! And the closet—I had to laugh because it’s a haven for me. I go in, and try to get creative. It’s the same way with my yarn in my yarn stash. I can sit there for hours putting together different yarns and imagining the possibilities!!
    XOXO
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      April 17, 2018 at 12:35 pm Reply

      Jodie, I love that your closet and your yarn make you happy! I suppose it is those places where we find creativity and can let all the possibilities run rampant in our heads that are the most special. Thanks so much for sharing! Have a wonderful day, my beautiful friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Maria | passion fruit, paws and peonies

    April 17, 2018 at 12:49 pm Reply

    I was reading down your list nodding ‘yup’ ‘me, too!’ – except vanilla ice-cream! Have you ever tried mint made with fresh leaves? – oh try it Shelbee – you can add a tonne of stuff with it just like vanilla. You are welcome my friend. A huge thank you for showcasing my sunglasses post! It’s given me a lift and I’m grateful xxx

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      April 17, 2018 at 12:54 pm Reply

      Maria, thanks so much for reading! See, great minds like similar things…and I will for sure try your ice cream suggestion! I have tons of mint in my yard (or I will when the weather decides to turn to Spring)…maybe I will throw some vanilla ice cream and mint leaves in the blender and make a milkshake! Yum. Thanks for linking up with me…it was my pleasure to feature that superb post! Have a great day, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      April 17, 2018 at 8:12 pm Reply

      Cheryl, thanks so much! I am glad that my sweater gave you a smile. I hear you on the age part…life is way too short to dwell on the negative! Be thankful and grateful and choose joy every day! It is the best way.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Lisa Richardson

    April 17, 2018 at 3:07 pm Reply

    I love you in purple and the lace peeking out below is so cute. I’m with ya’ on the whole confetti thing. I just bought a journal with that saying on it yesterday because in theory I love it…it reality…not so much. I think about adding it to cards and think about the mess someone would have to clean up. XOXO

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      April 17, 2018 at 8:10 pm Reply

      Thanks so much, Lisa! Only add confetti to cards being sent to people whom you don’t like so much! Ha! That or glitter. Ugh. I do not like glitter. Unless it is firmly attached to my shoes and will not come off on things. Then the glitter makes me happy. When it is stuck to every surface in my house, then I am not a fan at all!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      April 17, 2018 at 5:24 pm Reply

      Jess, thanks so much for sharing your happy things! Of course, your fur babies are just like your children so that makes sense that they bring you so much joy! And ice cream with cookies is even better! Waking up grateful for all of our blessings definitely increases the level of happiness as well. Have a wonderful day, my friend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom

    April 17, 2018 at 3:30 pm Reply

    I can see why you love purple, you look great in it. Love the black lace with it! I have to agree, I love pink moscatos, coffee, shopping and I like to get up early to get a little piece and quiet as well!! My husband and kids are def. at the top of my favorite list, too!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      April 17, 2018 at 5:22 pm Reply

      Carrie, thanks so much for sharing your favorite things that make you happy! And I really like getting up early when the weather is nicer and I can sit outside with my coffee and watch the sun rise!

      Have a fantastic day, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Ada

    April 17, 2018 at 5:08 pm Reply

    Yeaayyyy, I loved reading this post on what makes you happy and a BIG WINK on number three about friends. We are all here for you: the real-life ones, the virtual ones and the blogging friends too.

    Also, I agree 100% on you about shoes, my closet, shopping, kimonos (slowly but surely lol), my kid (especially looking like an angel when she sleeps), the color purple which is my second favorite color after red and Vivian’s second favorite after pink too, vanilla ice cream (truly the best because you can add anything to it), inspirational quotes (like the one I posted on my Instagram yesterday – you saw it!?) and coffee – DEFINITELY COFFEE and lots of it, every day! LOL See how alike we are?! Our crazy weathers are alike too and obviously we both bundle up in stylish layers in these Alaskan Winters of ours lol. Love the lace top, today.

    P.S. Come see my latest posts and poetry. I know you will enjoy them. =)

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      April 17, 2018 at 8:04 pm Reply

      Nancy, I am so glad you like the post! And I think I need more coffee at 4 p.m. to get through the rest of this miserable gray dreary day! Someone please turn off the snow! Have a fantastic day, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Celiam - HHL

    April 17, 2018 at 6:35 pm Reply

    Great post! it’s been a while since I’ve made it to your Spread the Kindness party!! Glad to be here today… You know I smiled at #6 and yes coffee!! and meeting blog friends!! ~ Looking fabulous as always my friend!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      April 17, 2018 at 8:02 pm Reply

      Celia, thanks so much for stopping by! Yeah, shoes. I just don’t understand how there are people who are not made happy by shoes! Such an addiction of mine, for sure. And a completely uncontrolled one at that! I know your wonderful relationship with shoes, so of course, they should make you very happy. Have a fabulous day, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • jacqui

    April 17, 2018 at 8:49 pm Reply

    I’m with you on plenty of these, especially meeting people, wanting to know about people – I’ve always said I am nosey, but I’m actually really interested in people, where they are from, what their lives are like, how they met their partners etc, etc…. see I’m nosey. lol. Thanks for sharing, I might have to copy to post Hun. x Jacqui Mummabstylish

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      April 18, 2018 at 10:39 am Reply

      Thanks so much for reading, Jacqui! And I don’t think that is nosy at all. I think it is a genuine interest in people, like I have! And if they don’t want to share, they don’t have to. But I find that people love to share their stories and are flattered by other people showing an interest. It is really fascinating. And everyone has a story! I look forward to your happy post! Have a great day, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      April 18, 2018 at 10:33 am Reply

      Cherie, thank you so much for sharing your happy things with me! I do enjoy sipping some hot tea, but I like my tea in the afternoon while sharing conversation with my best friend. Coffee in the morning, tea in the afternoon! Now if only it would get warm enough to enjoy my hot beverages on my front porch, that would make me exponentially happy! Have a wonderful day!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • miri

    April 18, 2018 at 12:47 am Reply

    oh, what a gorgeous article, Shelbee. I love that you said that your kids make you happy when they sleep and that they look like angels…I can say the same thing about my daughter, haha! She is no angel when she wakes up.

    And I love coffee as well.

    Blogger meetups- I think bloggers in the USA are probably nicer than those that I met in Switzerland. I did meet some nice people but as most of them are less than 25 years old, there is a lot of competition and it does not resonate with me. And no one organizes meet-ups in Switzerland. You meet other bloggers at events and that is quite a competitive setting. I know 5 bloggers that are “normal”. But I guess it is all a matter of age and I am just older, have a family and a career that is not only about blogging.

    XO
    Miri
    https://currentlywearing.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      April 18, 2018 at 10:31 am Reply

      Miri, thanks so much for this wonderful comment! My children are a far cry from angelic when they are awake as well! Sleeping children are the best kind! hahaha. And I am definitely fortunate to have so many midlife blogger friends who are all about supporting and empowering one another. I have not sensed any hint of competition from the amazing group of women with whom I interact. I also feel fortunate to live only a few hours from New York City so the opportunities to meet up with so many great bloggers have been abundant! So, I think for you, maybe you need to take the initiative and organize a meet up of your own for midlife bloggers near you! It may only be those 5 “normal” ones, but that’s okay! And if you ever travel to the States, please let me know! Have a wonderful day, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Mother of 3

    April 18, 2018 at 9:15 pm Reply

    What a fabulous list of favorites and I just LOVE your outfit. The black lace under the sweater and the sparkly scarf are just amazing. So many of your favorites are my favorites too! Your favorite ice cream toppings remind me of my old favorite Ben and Jerry’s flavor– Chubby Hubby.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      April 19, 2018 at 9:59 am Reply

      Joanne, thanks so much! Chubby Hubby is a good Ben and Jerry’s Flavor! Pretzels and ice ream are like a match made in heaven. Oooh, I do like coffee ice cream, too, because coffee and ice cream are also a match made in heaven! I hope you have a wonderful day!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Maureen

    April 19, 2018 at 5:17 pm Reply

    I love this post! It just made me happy reading it and we have similar interests! Number 19 and 20 definitely is my jam too! I cannot start the day without coffee and I like waking up before anyone else does anywhere! Lol 😂 This purple sweater looks great on you. The color suits you well and I like the color contrast with black. It gives it a nice pop of color.

    Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com

  • Cheryl Shops

    April 19, 2018 at 8:32 pm Reply

    It sounds like you have a lot to be thankful for, Shelbee! Kimonos and coffee—even together!—are near the top of my list too! Also, I’m cohosting a linkup this week with Ada from Elegance and Mommyhood, so please stop by if you haven’t already! 🙂
    Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      April 20, 2018 at 9:44 pm Reply

      Cheryl, thanks so much! Kimonos and Coffee! If I ever decide to rebrand my blog that might be it right there! Kimonos and Coffee! I was very excited to see you co-hosting with my dear friend, Ada! I have to stop by and check out your post!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Marilee Gramith

    April 20, 2018 at 3:38 am Reply

    I love the honesty and sincerity of you list and I think these are a great reference for those days we need to remind ourselves of all the good in our lives. Such a healthy endeavour just to create the list.
    You look really beautiful in purple Shelbee!! I like the sexy black lace tunic peeking out from under the purple too!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      April 20, 2018 at 9:31 pm Reply

      Aw, thanks so much, Jude! You are so sweet! And I agree that sometimes it is so important to just take inventory of the good things…especially when the bad things start eating away at us. It is all the little things, the small joys and pleasures, that make this life worth while anyhow!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

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Shelbee on the Edge