My family and I (sans Stevie, since he is headed to the British Virgin Islands – so jealous!) head back home today. It’s so fun getting to travel with them like we used to do when we all lived at home. It makes traveling so much better when you’re with people you love/like to be around.

Lately I’ve been thinking about the little things. The random little parts of my life/day that make me smile or bring me joy. And I started making a list of things I’ve been enjoying lately. I think this is something I want to start doing periodically to remind myself to slow down, smell the roses, look around, and appreciate the world around me. Because, like I’ve always heard and beleive to be true, life is definitely what you make it. and sometimes all we need is to remind ourselves of life’s little pleasures. I encourage you all to put your pens to paper and just write a short little makes-me-smile list. For me, mine was simple and fun to think about.

Sweater by Gavin Degraw // Marry me by Train (stuck in my head all day – such a good melody) // cake doughnuts // study breaks, study buddy (Ashton!), & self manicures // my beats // illustrator (falling more and more in love-so different than photoshop) // whip cream on my frappuccino- why not? // prayer time, outside // house hunting in New Orleans // flossing (yes – it actually becomes quite addictive) // leaving 2 minutes early so that I can enjoy the red lights // having coco home // mechanical pencils // only pressing snooze once! so hard but so worth it! // writing thank you notes for random things // awesome RSS app discovery: Newsify (awesome! I highly recommend it) // helping mom with her Spring 2013 inspirations/designs // saving (sometimes this can really feel impossible! but it feels so good when I actually do it!) // ….and that’s all for now, but depending on your response, maybe I could make this a weekly or every-other-week kind of thing. Who knows?!

I would absolutely love to hear your makes-me-smile list slash been-enjoying-lately. Don’t think, just write. It feels good and is pretty fun! You can email me at brighton.keller@gmail if you don’t mind sharing! I hope you all enjoy your Sunday on this lovely memorial weekend. xoxo