Check the entire “5 things that bring me joy this week” weekly series here, a collection of seemingly insignificant things that serve as a reminder to appreciate the little things — those small joys that make a difference in our day-to-day.

It’s been a very slow time around here in terms of fun things. Life lately has been pretty boring: work, adulting, and just laying low due to the crazy heat we’ve been having.

With that said, this week’s joys are all home-bound and focused; here they are:

• smoothies. We tend to make them more in the summer, and I have been loving them lately. I blend whatever I have available — from canned coconut cream to granola, nuts, and fresh and/or frozen fruits. They end up so yummy, and filling, and just bring joy on these hot days.

• this retinol serum. A new-to-me product I’ve been using and liking so far.

• this coconut spread that’s currently included in the Prime Day sale. It doesn’t need to be refrigerated, and it’s so tasty! It tastes like a coconutty caramel and it’s delicious but I would agree that the oil doesn’t mix too well. We allow it to cool in the fridge for a bit to harden and then eat it with whatever we please: apples, crackers, bread, and even popcorn! Oh, and the above-mentioned smoothies!

• my small garden coming back alive. After the first round of crops of peppers and tomatoes I have been growing dried up, my plants weren’t looking too great. Needless to say that I was disappointed. Turns out, it was the Florida sun slowly burning them, and after providing them with some shade, they’re back in the game, and it’s bringing me so much joy!

• an old TV show we’ve been rewatching. I started watching it years ago while it was running on TV but lost track of it after a few seasons, though definitely not because it wasn’t good. It’s been on my list for a while to get back to and as we’ve been waiting for some of our regular shows to come back or get a little further along, this was the time. We’re hooked, you guys! P.S. We even saw the entire cast at their last Comic-Con appearance in San Diego, which was a nice treat.

What’s bringing YOU joy this week?

xo,

Em