BE Happy

A few things that are making me happy...

(1) Better To-Do Lists: Anyone else obsessed with making to-do lists? And, do they have to be on paper? They do for me because using the notes app on my phone is somehow not as satisfying as good old-fashioned pen to paper. ✍️ In my opinion, the enjoyment comes mostly from the release I get finally getting all those thoughts and errands out of my head and onto a list where it can be kept safe until I can take action. Writing lists makes me happy, but what if I told you I found a way to make them even more gratifying? That's right, with just a few small additions I guarantee your to-do-list-creation-satisfaction-level will increase! It's easy too! Simply, infuse your to-do lists with positivity. Add more adjectives, playful details, more fluff...more FUN to all the items on your list. Now, you not only get a dopamine hit from writing the list and crossing off completed items, you also get one from reading it! So, take the extra minute and infuse some pizazz into your list - it's a quick and easy way to increase your daily happiness!

(2) Toddlers and errands and dogs...oh my!: Anyone who knows me well, knows that I love both toddlers/babies and dogs! So, whenever I find a new social media account or show starring these souls I always check them out. Well, I found two winners for you! The first is an instagram account- #noodlesthepooch -that features adorable Noodles dressed up in various garb and usually at work on her laptop. The outfits are a hoot and the commentary is great too! Check it out and let me know if it makes you as happy as it makes me! Then, if you need a show to bridge you between series or to watch when you only have a small amount of time, check out Old Enough on Netflix. The show follows toddlers who get sent on errands ALONE in their small Japanese towns. These babies are usually between 2 and 4 years old and are always so stinkin' cute! You'll be amused and amazed by their journeys and the episodes are almost always under 20 minutes long. Toddlers + dogs + humor = happiness for me 💕

(2) Compliments about my "great" skin: If you told this '80's teen who worshipped the sun with baby oil while lying out on rooftops'- that someday in her 50's she would get constant comments about how nice her skin was, she would NEVER have believed you. In fact, it is still hard for me to accept those compliments when they come because, frankly, I know I've got my share of skin issues especially sun and age spots. But, the compliments keep coming! So, what could be the reasons for my newly noticed "great" skin?

Well, I gotta give a shoutout to the Italian skin genes. They aren't quite on par with the African American or other dark skinned genes, but they ain't bad! Certainly, living in Florida for the last few years helps as I'm always sporting at least a bit of a tan. And then the fact that I drink pretty much nothing else but filtered water -definitely also helps. But, in the end I think I can credit a lot of my healthy glow to some amazing products.

I started using Sunday Riley's CEO Face Glow Vitamin C Turmeric Oil everyday about a year ago and it has made a huge difference. After I wash and dry my face in the morning, I gently rub in a few drops of the oil all over my face and neck before I moisturize. It gives my skin a great glow, but my dermatologist told me it's the vitamin C component in the oil that's really making the significant difference. I also am obsessed with Murad's Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream. A few dabs applied after my night time cleanse and my skin looks amazing in the morning! Both products are pricey, but well worth it! Then, I think the real secret for me personally- since covering spots is an issue- is my Mineral Fusion Liquid Foundation. Guys this is a CLEAN/EWG approved beauty product that provides light, flawless coverage and it is a game changer. It looks so natural and it is the one make-up product I would never go with out. Compliments make me happy and having "great" (or at least improved!) skin at my age makes me even happier.