Things That Have Brought Me Joy Since March

Let me be perfectly honest with you – the last couple months have been hard on my mental health. I think many of us can agree that the ebbs and flows of this very weird time has taken a toll at some point or another. Here in Hawaii, we are fully locked down. You cannot go to the beach, parks or hiking trails, and any time you leave the  house you need to wear a mask or you’re fined. Small businesses are shutting down at record highs, the state is strongly discouraging tourists (mandatory 14-day quarantine with stringent check-ins from officials) and many hotels are shuttered. A once-bustling island is nearly silent and driving through Waikiki to pick up food is honestly pretty depressing. Places we loved to go are now illegal and many of the places we love to eat have closed, even if just temporarily. It all feels really overwhelming sometimes.

In any case, I know things are really different in other states, so I wanted to share a very real glimpse at what life is like here right now. It’s been really important for me to find joy in the every day, which is why I’m here today…sharing all the things that have brought a smile to my face and given me joy during coronavirus times. 

Things That Have Brought Me Joy Since March

Coffee Frother – This probably seems really silly, but I am a coffee lover through and through. Sipping a cup of coffee as I start my day and comb through e-mails is a highlight, so when I saw this little gadget on Amazon that froths coffee like a barista…I was curious. A fancy coffee machine isn’t in our budget right now (I wish!), so this is a nice pick-me-up, coupled with my favorite seasonal Nutpods. More on them below!

GoCleanCo – Are you following this account on Instagram? Admittedly, I deleted my Instagram in June, but watching her stories made my day, because there is something particularly gratifying about cleaning. I don’t know what it is, but a clean house speaks to my soul and learning tips and tricks for getting a better clean…well, just pure magic. I highly recommend it! 

Online calligraphy class – In early summer, my friend Casey asked me if I would be interested in taking a Skillpop class with her. A what? I had no idea what Skillpop was, but I thought…that would be a fun activity to do “together” even though we can’t physically be in the same place. They have so many options for online classes and we ultimately decided to take a calligraphy class together. She’s in NC and I’m in Hawaii, so anyone, anywhere can take part and they’re really affordable. I think our class was $20! I have a long way to go, but it felt really good to get away from the computer and do something creative for 90 minutes.

Nutpods – I have mentioned these at least a dozen times on here, but Nutpods (particularly the seasonal flavors) are a highlight of my morning. They’re an old Whole30 favorite of mine that has stuck around. Putting some into my coffee, giving it a good froth, and getting my day started is definitely a source of joy. I’ve been trying to wake up early before the sun rises while the world feels quiet, which is also a really nice way to start the day. 

Caramel creams – Okay these just taste like childhood. My mom sent us a huge pack of them (Dane had never tried them…what?!) and I am definitely eating more than a few per day. Whoops…

Pen pals – It’s no secret that I love writing. I’ve been using my quaran-time wisely and penning some snail mail to all my favorite people. It’s such a treat when a handwritten note arrives in my mailbox from one of my friends or family members and I take great joy in not only writing them back, but putting a fun little design on the note card’s exterior. Maybe my friends at the USPS get a little joy from seeing my doodles? In any case, if you’re keen on it, too, here are the best places to buy cards!

Bailey Sarian – Okay if you are at all interested in true crime, this will be a treat for you. I discovered Bailey Sarian when I was sick a few weeks ago and spending a lot of time awake in the middle of the night puking. Bailey makes “Makeup and Mystery” videos that are fascinating to me. It’s 15 minutes or less of true crime and full face of totally impressive makeup. The bonus is that she puts subtitles on their entire thing, so if your spouse is sleeping in bed beside you, you can still follow along! Not that I know anything about that… 

Now that I’ve gone through my list, I’d love to know what has been bringing you joy these past few months?