5 things that bring me joy this week

Check the entire “5 things that bring me joy this week” weekly series here.

Yesterday, hubby reminded me that Thanksgiving is next week, and I was stunned… While I am excited about the holidays, I’m not ready for the year-end, and November feels like it’s flying by so far. Nonetheless, it brought some good news for us on multiple fronts and on pressing matters, so I am grateful for that — I guess I am getting into the Thanksgiving mood already, ha!

Although, those of you who have been following this weekly series know that that is exactly the reason I started it — to show gratitude for the big and/or small everyday things. This brings me to this week’s list, so let’s dive in!

Having the ingredients for our Thanksgiving dinner “secured”. I will definitely be cooking, as usual, and I plan on keeping it traditional this year with a turkey, even if we rarely eat meat. Also, I am definitely excited and very much looking forward to enjoying my favorite roasted potatoes (the recipe is in the linked highlight).
Twinkling lights. I shared on my Instagram stories over the weekend about this massive live oak tree laced with twinkling lights “covering” our rental. It’s pure magic watching it at night and it brings me so much joy! Basically, this is your sign to add some twinkling lights around you 😉.
Peace of mind, quiet, and being able to sleep. I will be honest — I adore a quiet environment, and I very much need it. And what I mean by that is an environment free of blaring music and bass along with yelling people, etc., day and night — our reality for the last two years prior to us moving at the end of October. Not being around that has been blissful and joyful. So if you have good neighbors, make sure you show them appreciation, and thank your lucky stars!
These “happy” shoes. They’re lightweight, have a comfortable and cushiony insole, and are roomy (as in there is plenty of room inside for the foot). I find them to be TTS, however, I would recommend going up half a size and/or wearing them with socks or using shoe backings like these or these as they are a bit rigid and narrow at the opening — I assume and hope they will adjust with more wear. Since I’m working with the brand, I have passed that feedback along, and I hope they rectify it as these shoes are adorable and comfortable otherwise. Note that the other travel/walking shoes I have from UIN Footwear are a dream — I wore them during our move and several other times with zero complaints. If you’re interested in them, you can save $10 with code Em10 on your purchase of $120 or more, and code Em5 for $5 off any shoe purchase.
Finding out that dracaena plants bloom and experiencing their fragrance — I was not aware of this… I keep stopping during our evening walks just to bathe in their perfume — it’s all over our neighborhood!