happy things.

Lately all I want to do is write. I mean, I just put up a facebook status bemoaning the fact that I've lost my gift for writing. . .and here I am. All I can think about are blog posts, a plot-line for a new story. . .its amazing. I really think I have the library to thank. Working alone and in a new environment has sparked my imagination. What else could it be? "Writing, to me, is simply thinking through my fingers." -- Isaac Asimov

These days happiness is ❧ 
{all images from my Pinterest board, Bella la vita}

 ❧ my pink water bottle. because its pink. and it motivates me to drink 9 cups of water a day. staying hydrated is my new obsession. . . in the mornings i like to squeeze a lemon into about 2 cups of water, and sip (more like gulp,) on it while i clean up after breakfast.

 ❧ carob. now that i'm off caffeine--which means chocolate and coffee--i need to improvise. it definitely isn't chocolate, but it gives me that subtle taste when i just can't stand it any longer. or maybe i've just brainwashed myself into thinking it tastes like chocolate. :P desperate times call for desperate measures. lately instead of snacking at night i make myself a cup of "hot carob." it gets this yummy foam on top. .  . 

 ❧ long, long walks. there are blossoms everywhere. and Belle and i are getting lots of fresh air and exercise. i used to work out all the time, but lately its been making me sick. . .like, i literally get dizzy and all sorts of horrid things. . .and anyway, i don't like killing myself. :P so i've been walking, and its so energizing and makes me feel productive. ;) 

 ❧ youtuber/bloggers i accidentally stumbled upon. i'm absolutely "chuffed" by Niomi Smart's channel. she has the most adorable British accent, and she and her boyfriend are pretty cute together. love all of her tips and inspiration for health, fitness, skin care, hair, etc. her blog is just as lovely as her videos, so be sure to check them both out, and lemme know if you fall as hard as i did. 

 ❧ vintage films. at night i pull out my tablet and veg. is it me, or were people better-looking then? i feel like i could write up an entire post on this topic alone. my mom and i are rather hooked and always looking for new suggestions. comment below and tell me which vintage films are your favorites! some of my fav old-time actors/actress are Gregory Peck, (much swoon!) Humphrey Bogart, Dana Andrews, Charlton Heston, Fred Astair, Ginger Rogers, Audrey Hepburn. . .  

 ❧ the "quiet room" at the library. there's comfy red chairs. and a fireplace. i spent three hours there one day reading Catching Fire, and i didn't even care that i was "wasting" the day. since when is reading a waste, anyway? 

 ❧ having clearer, healthier skin. i have a care-routine down and its actually working! 

 ❧ cooking for myself. its an adventure, discovering foods i can eat, now that i've changed my diet. i've been all about rice pasta cooked perfectly al dente and topped with mixed veggies (asparagus, mushrooms, peppers. . .pretty much whatever is in the fridge,) extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, pepper, and lots and lots of freshly squeeze lemon. bon appetit!

 ❧ my bedroom! first time in nearly 24-years that i've had my own room. i love the privacy.  i'm also excited to re-decorate here in the new week or so. i already have my comforter and a few cute accessories for my dresser. going with a salmon, mustard, and turquoise theme that i love! i'm not sure why, because i'm generally not a blue person, but lately i'm obsessed with every shade of turquoise and teal. 

 ❧ feeling/looking healthy. you can see it in my weight, my skin, my attitude. no, really. i fit into clothes i normally would feel too self-conscious to wear. not saying you can't gain weight eating all-clean foods, because you can. i'm trying to discipline myself in daily walks, eating only when hungry, and drinking lots of water.  

 ❧ Cinderella, 2015. because Kit. (check out my pinterest board!) and because deep down, i am a princess twirling in a poofy blue dress. . .waltzing away in the arms of a stunning, heroic pri--oh, i already mentioned him, didn't i? 

 ❧ the new gourmet ice scream shop in town. flavors like earl grey and strawberry balsamic. 

❧ my new church. its been a long time since my family has been regular attendees of a church, (we were homechurching whilst "church shopping,") and finally our waiting has paid off! God directed us to a church family that is absolutely perfect for us. now i'm busier than ever and feel so spiritually-rejuvenated, awake, and refreshed, all week long. God is so, so good!

 ❧ being 24. i am so different. . .my perspective has changed, and i'm much more confident. 

❧ reading. i feel like i haven't really been avidly reading for around a year now, mainly because i couldn't find anything i was interested in. all of a sudden i've started again, and now i can't seem to stop! when i was little i actually used to get in trouble for reading too much. ;) i have a feeling i'm not alone here. 

Annnddd that's all I can think of, right now. For some reason "lists" are my favorite type of posts. They are easy and personal. . .I can ramble away without thinking too much. ;) Anywho, hope you enjoyed my spontaneity. Let me know in the comment section what your list of "happy things" are. :)