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.

After a week of absence, I am back!

I’ve shared in my month-at-a-glance post what we’ve been up to this past July, and why I have been mostly MIA. I’m not making promises but I can assure you that I’m pushing myself to resume my usual posting schedule. I’m not too happy with myself when I skip this site, but sometimes you just have to give yourself a break.

With that said, here are the things that are bringing me joy this week:

• these new sunglasses. They’re chic, well-made, and yet, inexpensive! I’ll definitely be getting them in more colors — there are so many beautiful choices.

• sweating through exercise. Well, am I shocked at writing these words but it is true! I, the not-an-exercising-fan, am actually getting joy out of it. In spite of feeling tired, and quite frankly, not in the mood for it, I have been pushing myself to move my body, and seeing it covered in sweat from the effort sure brings me satisfaction and joy. Don’t be fooled, I am daydreaming each day of cooler weather so we can resume our outdoor walks, but until then, the gym it is.

• my little garden still growing and blooming. The tomatoes and peppers are full of blooms and bounty, the sunflowers are almost done, and the zinnias are coming in full force now, and boy, are they bringing me joy! I will probably plant a few more sunflower seeds for another round of them, and see what else I have, to try to keep my little garden going… Now if only I found a way to fully stop whatever’s eating my orchids — I never knew there was such a thing!

• peach and nectarine season! Peaches for my husband, nectarines for me (I think I’m allergic to the peach fuzz); we need another restock and I see peach/nectarine popsicles in our near future!

• this layered freshwater pearl necklace and this classic freshwater pearl necklace. I adore pearls and the fact that they’re back in style (not that they were ever out) brings me joy!

What’s bringing YOU joy this week?

xo,

Em