A cheery discussion on 5 things bringing me joy this summer!

Hello there, dreamers! I hope wherever you are in the world, that you and all of your loved ones are staying healthy and well. It’s hard to believe that we somehow find ourselves in August, especially during a year when so much seems at a standstill. Nonetheless, time is obviously moving. Even if on some days, it really doesn’t feel like it.

Things Bringing Me Joy this Summer

As we approach the upcoming fall season, today I want to take a moment to share with you 5 things bringing me joy this summer. Because while fall may very well be on the horizon, summer is still upon us and I’m really determined to make the very most of it I can this year.

One thing 2020 has taught me? To take absolutely nothing for granted and to cherish every moment you can — as you might not be able to again. It’s been a year of changed plans and letting go for the foreseeable future. And while it’s been in no way easy making peace with so many hopes for the year coming to a crashing halt, I’ve been pushing myself to “smell the roses” everywhere I can.

As I share 5 things bringing me joy this summer below, I also challenge YOU to come up with your own joyful list. Big or small, take some time to reflect on what has been bringing you joy this season. We’ve all been thinking so much about all the things we can’t be doing during the pandemic, so as a little exercise — but all that aside and take a moment to appreciate what you HAVE been able to do this summer.

5 Things Bringing Me Joy this Summer

1. TIME IN NATURE

Is it sad that it took a global pandemic to make me truly appreciate the beauty of the world around me? Absolutely. Am I enjoying it more than I ever have before, nonetheless? Absolutely! Lately my usual routine seems to be perched outdoors watching birds, listening to the sounds of nature and enjoying every bit of foliage I can find. In fact, I’ve been spending so much time outdoors I honestly couldn’t even tell you the last thing I watched on Netflix. Ain’t that grand? I think so.

2. READING

After a few troubled years, I’m happy to say I have officially found my love of reading again! Picking up a book and slipping away mentally to another, often better, place has been a source of great joy over the last few months. I’ve read modern fiction as well as classic fairy tales such as Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid (which is rather creepy, btw). In addition to fiction, I’ve been reading history, studying up wildlife and gravitating towards art. I even picked up the Gigi Hadid x V Magazine journal that features a collection of artwork artists made at home during quarantine to commemorate this rather unique time. I also picked up a book of spells from Amazon!

If you are in need of some book recommendations, be sure to checkout the DreaminLace summer reading list!

3. LIVE STREAMS

One of the other big things bringing me joy this summer? Watching and engaging with Livestreams. I’ve attended many Variety streaming events with actors as well as a few masterclasses led by my queen Pat McGrath. Additionally, I’ve found some great new (to me) beauty gurus on YouTube that have fun weekly live-streams. Cate the Great Beauty streams Monday and Wednesday at 7 pm, trying out new makeup over cocktails. Britt Clarke streams more sporadically and it’s always a fun surprise when she goes live. She’s got a great sense of humor and is always a fun one to watch.

4. A NEW HOBBY

While I’ve enjoyed listening to podcasts quite a bit over the years, it honestly never occurred to me to start one. Then 2020 happened and my fashionable partner in crime Thomas Monks and I pulled together to launch the Fashion Forward Friends podcast. All the behind-the-scenes discussions and planning that have gone on for the podcast is definitely one of the things bringing me joy this season. I’ve always been a believer that a new hobby is always a good idea. A new creative outlet? Even better!

5. AT HOME YOGA

While my gym has reopened, I honestly have used my membership since lockdown hit in March. A big positive of time away from my usual gym routine? It’s helped me rediscover how much I love and have missed doing yoga at home. Practicing at home is something I used to do all the time, but somehow have gotten away from it as I picked up other fitness routines. And rediscovering how much I enjoy both the physical and mental benefits of yoga has truly been one of the key things bringing me joy this summer. (Not to mention, sanity.)

At night, I pop on some relaxing music, roll out my yoga mat and get to it by candlelight. It’s a peaceful way to wind down at the end of the day. I won’t say it’s exactly the same as a massage at the spa, but yoga does help me release tension and stress that’s bent up in my muscles. I’m still very much looking forward to feeling safe going to a spa again, though!

YOGA MATS & ACCESSORIES:

For at-home yoga, a mat is obviously essential. I really like using a yoga strap as well to stretch out my leg muscles.

What’s Bringing You Joy This Summer?

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