What's Giving Me Life This Spring
Check-In and Favorites Lately
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Hi friends! It’s been a minute. As I sit down and open up a blank post, I realize that I haven’t visited this space for a few months. If you’re still here with me, thank you for being a loyal subscriber! I appreciate every single one of you.
This semester has been a whirlwind of dance competitions, school programs, sickness (I think we’ve alternated strep and pink eye every month), field trips, spring break travel and more. If you have school-aged children, the month of May is no joke. I typically don’t like to use this word but it’s just BUSY.
I’m looking forward to slower days, enjoying the warmer weather and spending time in my garden. In the meantime, I’d like to share some of the things I’ve been into lately and what’s giving me life.
What’s Giving Me Life
Books in my TBR pile. I’m currently reading In the Flo to learn more about hormones and cycle syncing. I also have these 3 books on deck: Funny Story, None of This Is True, and Expiration Dates
Daily nighborhood walks with my dog. I love peeping my neighbors’ flowers and porch setups.
Peonies. We planted peony bushes in our yard in the fall and they’re starting to bloom gorgeously. Feeling some nostalgia as I remember my grandma’s big pink peony bush.
The DND feature on my phone. If we let them, our phones will constantly be pinging with updates and messages. When it gets to be too much, I love flipping my phone into Do Not Disturb and escaping for a little while. It’s definitely a bedtime requirement for me.
Listening to Ffern podcast every night to fall asleep. I pop my AirPods in and listen to the month’s seasonal guide in Lia’s soothing voice. I also like going back to previous years’ episodes to mix it up.
The sweet Mother’s Day portrait that my daughter made for me. Feeling all the love. It’s now officially my contact photo on my phone.
Opening the windows and feeling the spring breeze
Mindless tv shows. Don’t judge. Reality tv is my thing, and the messier the better. I think it helps me check out from all of the real drama of the world. These days I’m watching 90day Fiance, Selling the OC, and Seeking Sister Wife. Another escape for me will always be The Office. Although, I wouldn’t categorize that one as mindless. It’s absolutely genius!
Vacation Photos. Scrolling back through vacation photos always makes me smile. Good times, good memories, and beautiful scenery. It’s a little mood booster. Here’s one of my favorite photos from our recent spring break trip. It’s living as my phone wallpaper.
Getting my hands in the dirt. I'm not sure what the science is behind it, but working in the dirt feels therapeutic for me. I just planted my veggie garden and flower pots this weekend, and I’m excited to watch them grow this summer.
Fresh berries. Last night my daugter said, “I think winter strawberries don’t taste very good.” If you know me well, you know this led us into a discussion about seasonal produce and the tastiest fruits and veggies to eat at different times of the year. (If you’re new to this topic, an easy way to know what’s in season is to find what produce is currently on sale).
Right now, we’re eating blueberries and strawberries like they’re going out of style. I discovered a variety called “Sweetest Batch" and they are the most delicious blueberry I’ve ever eaten. If you spot them at your grocery store BUY THEM. You won’t regret it.
Bird Watching. The birds are in full force, building nests and chirping away. It’s fun to watch them swoop into my yard and listen to their relaxing birdsongs. I just picked up a hanging bird feeder from Caroline’s Birdie Tweets at a local garden fair. I’m hoping to spots some hungry birdies. If you’re curious about the birds in your area, you can identify them using the Merlin Bird app.
My Favorite Things
I found the perfect rain coat for those wet spring days. (It’s raining right now actually.)
I’m always carrying a water with me, and I’m loving this Owala. My daughter says they named it that because, when you drink out of it, you look like you have a Koala nose - So dang cute. I especially like that it fits in my car’s cupholder.
My go-to button down shirt.
Beek sandals are so comfy and classic.
This curry chicken salad is really yummy. I swap out the water chestnuts for dried cranberries.
Santal has to be my favorite scent.
I’m like the cookie montster with these churro strips. I can’t stop!
I upgraded my gardening tote, and I’m enjoying how structured it is.
You guys, I don’t even like salmon but I made this recipe and it was so tasty! It’s oven-baked lemon, garlic, and herbs…Try it!
Thank you for reading! Wishing you a wonderful springtime! xo - Diana
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- Diana