The Happiness Report: 8-31-2020

I would really like to know how tomorrow is the first day of September, when it was March like 2 days ago.  But truth be told, I’m excited.  I absolutely love Fall!  The weather, the clothing, the activities, all of it!  We’ve recently had some cooler temps that match the changing seasons, and I’m loving every second of it.  Last week was really good and brought me a lot of happiness.  Let’s jump in!

  1. Sunday Brunch.  If I had to pick, of all the meal times, brunch is my favorite.  As we all know, I am a big sweets person, but I love the mix of sweet and savory that comes with a brunch menu.  The team at The Ainsworth reached out and invited me to come try their brunch menu, and let me invite some friends along for the trip.  I have a core group of girls in the local blogger/influencer space that I chat and hang with on the reg, so I asked if they would be interested.  I mean, fastest “duh” response ever.  It was so fun to kick off the new week with a long and lazy patio brunch, chatting and catching up on each others lives.  My stomach hurt and my mascara was smudged from laughing so hard.
  2. Mid-Week Coffee Date.  Early into quarantine, I was invited to be part of the KC Quarantine Fashion Show.  To date, it is one of the happiest experiences of my life.  It came at a time when I needed some joy and a confidence boost, and I am forever grateful for having been included.  One of the best parts was working with the other models, and getting to meet some new friends.  One of these was local wellness guru, Chioma Atanmo.  She is such a beautiful person, inside and out, and all of our subsequent conversations always leave me feeling at peace.  We’ve been trying to connect in person for weeks, and we finally made it happen this week.  Chioma suggested Rochester Brewing and Roasting , and I was elated, because I’ve had it on my list for months.  I’m not much of a coffee drinker, but I will always take the opportunity to try out a new KC biz.  (Besides, a mocha is basically just a grown up hot cocoa.)  What a special way to start my day, and a joyful connection that was so needed in my life right now.  I am thankful for our friendship, and for her perspective on this crazy world.
  3. New Boutique.  Oh my heart, a new small business to shop!  And a clothing one to top it off!  Urban Sunflower opened in August, and it’s dangerously only 10 minutes from my house.  The owner, Krystal, hosted a private event for influencers last week, so I got a chance to sip and shop, while learning more about the owner and the business.  The clothing is adorable, and the price point is fantastic.  I got to see some of my favorite faces, catch up, and add some new Fall pieces to my closet.  I will be shopping there again, and often.
  4. Royals Watch Party.  I can’t even tell you how much I miss live sporting events.  By this time in the year, we would have definitely been to the K for a Royals game.  Chad and I have loved going to baseball games together since our early dating days.  Chad has a dream of visiting all of the MLB parks one day, but COVID is kind of setting him back on those plans.  Kansas City Power and Light District has introduced the coolest experience in their KC Live! Block area to help fill the void of no live sporting events: socially-distanced watch parties.  They invited us out to enjoy one as a family, so Saturday’s day game was a great opportunity to take advantage of their generous offer.  We enjoyed the cooler temps while snacking on pizza from Pizza Bar, drinking beers, and watching our boys in blue.  All of this was done in the open air, with tables spread out, servers and staff wearing masks (and patrons masked up when not seated), and with hand sanitizer everywhere.  I felt completely safe and relaxed, and this was the next best thing to being at the ballpark.  (Plus we did the math, and MUCH less expensive!)
  5. Neighborhood Movie Night.  When we bought our house, the biggest draw was the neighborhood.  In addition to having neighborhood amenities, like the pools and clubhouse, we knew they had an active HOA that plans and coordinates a lot of events.  This year, Jack is finally old enough to attend and enjoy most of these events, so we’ve been trying to partake as much as possible.  On Saturday night, they coordinated an outdoor movie night.  They set up a massive big screen on the lawn by the clubhouse, they gave out ice cream and popcorn, and the neighborhood sprawled their lawn chairs and blankets across the grass.  Little man got to stay up way past his bedtime, each far too many snacks, and run up and down the lawn until he was drenched in sweat.  Every single bit of it was worth it to see the joy on his face, to hear him talk about it for next 24 hours straight, and for him to sleep in past 9:00 on Sunday morning.

On their own, in a “normal” environment, these things all seem pretty basic and small.  But let it serve as a reminder to all of us that joy can be found in the mundane, every day things.  So this week, let’s seek it out and celebrate it along the way.

XOXO,

Molly B.

The Happiness Report: 8-24-2020

I really can’t even make this up…I just typed 2019.

Well, I guess that’s just an everyday casualty of the current environment and not leaving the house much for six months.

I mean really y’all, all you can do some days is just laugh.  As I shared last week, laughter has been a huge source of happiness for me these past few weeks.  For me, it is a healthy escape, and it has brought me (and so many others) a lot of joy and a much needed reprieve.  But this last week?  Lots of joy, my friends!  Let’s dig in!

  1. A Special Fundraiser.  For over a year, I’ve had this idea tumbling around in my head.  (That’s a constant thing around here…)  I have wanted to do a fundraiser with a graphic tee that said “KC Mama,” and donate the proceeds to a nonprofit that supports moms in the Kansas City community.  But I’m no t-shirt maker, and I really had no idea where to start.  But dang I love this community!  I was connected with Pink Dinosaur a few weeks ago, so I reached out to her with my idea, and she jumped right in!  We’re a week into our fundraiser and have raised almost $600 for Happy Bottoms.  I am so grateful to Elle, the owner of Pink Dinosaur and to all the ladies who have purchased our shirts!
  2. #SendKindnessChallenge.  If we’ve been hanging out for a while, you know I love greeting cards.  I love buying them, sending them, receiving them.  Love em.  So I go through a lot of stamps.  Last week, I shared my USPS trip on my InstaStories (riveting, I know…), and I asked if people would be up for a card sending challenge, and it was a resounding YES from so many.  So I kicked off the #SendKindnessChallenge to encourage people to support the USPS by buying some stamps and then to send a little kindness by sending a card to someone they love.  People are using the hashtag, and I am loving it!
  3. A Day on the Farm.  On Friday, I got to experience one of the coolest things I have done since moving to Kansas City.  I am going to do a full blog post on this, but I had the opportunity to attend a private event at Of the Earth Farm and Distillery.  We were given a behind the scenes tour, history, and tasting of the food and the booze.  I absolutely love learning about business owners and their businesses.  There is really nothing watching them light up with pride as they nerd out about their craft.  Everything on the farm was fascinating and delicious, and it was truly an honor to be there.  More to come!
  4. Family Fun and Games.  Our family has been trying to go on an “adventure” every weekend to get out of this house.  It’s a great way to switch up the typical at home options, and we use it as a “carrot” all week with Jack to encourage good behavior and earned rewards.  The crew at Draftcade reached out and invited me in to explore and play, and I knew this would be a perfect family funday.  We spent a couple of hours at the arcade on Saturday afternoon and had a really great time.  Draftcade has over 60 games and over 60 beers on tap, so it’s basically every parent’s dream.  Jack Attack was still a little small for most of the games, but he was able to play his first rounds of Skee-Ball, and I think that’s a really important life lesson.  Chad and I agreed that this would be a fantastic date night spot, so we will definitely be back!
  5. Date Night!  Yes, that deserves an exclamation point, my friends.  Because datin ain’t easy in the ‘tine.  Luckily we have a babysitter that we love, know, and trust, but we are definitely trying to limit exposure as much as possible, for everyone.  But on Saturday night, we busted out to try Paros Estiatorio in Mission Farms.  Oh my goodness, friends!  This restaurant opened right before COVID and was closed for a few months, but it is open, and we have been dying to go.  The restaurant is absolutely beautiful; the patio is so charming and lush; and the food is incredible!  Everything is fresh and flavorful, and there are so many more things that I want to try!  It is an absolute date night dream, but it would also make for a great girls night spot too.  I am so happy that we were able to get out and have the time to connect.

 

I’m looking forward to the week ahead and can’t wait to hear what’s rocking your world too!

 

XOXO,

Molly B.

The Happiness Report: 8-17-2020

How is it that life has changed so much over the past 6 months, my travel calendar has been completed wiped, and events have been cancelled left and right, but August is moving at lightning speed?!  Although we’re still minimizing our interactions and outings and are practicing a lot of additional safety measures, people are starting to get more restless and are moving forward in their own ways.  Because of that, our calendar is starting to fill up, and it is bringing me LIFE!  A Stay At Home Order is hard on anyone, but your extroverted friend has been a little extra struggly the past few months.  I need people and places and things, and having those things back little by little is bringing me so much happiness.  Check out what was rocking my world last week:

 

  1. Late Night Laughs.  Okay my version of “late night” is nobody else’s.  I am typically falling asleep on the couch between 8:00 and 9:00, and I don’t remember the last time I saw anything past 10:00 PM.  Jack goes to bed at 7:00; we watch a little TV; and we typically start our bedtime routine around 8:00.  Then I have a hard stop on anything phone-related at 9:00.  So I typically spend a few minutes mindlessly scrolling before logging off.  The past few nights, I have been diving down deep rabbit holes.  Of memes.  Okay for anyone that knows me, they know I love memes, so this probably doesn’t sound like anything new.  But this is me consuming nothing but humor for several minutes right before ending my screen time.  Y’all.  Game.Changer.  There’s really nothing like laughing yourself into slumber while your husband looks at you like you’ve lost it.
  2. Tribe Pop-Up.  If we’ve been friends for any length of time, you know that I have a deep love for small businesses.  Especially if they’re local.  And double especially if they are owned by women.  One of the best things about diving into the “influencer” world is connecting with business owners.  I met Ashley, the owner of Tribe Boutique, a couple of years ago at an event and have followed her on Instagram ever since.  We have bonded over a mutual love of craft beer, and travel, and of course jewelry.  Ashley has an online store, but she is a staple at events all over the Midwest.  Recently, she launched her newest creative venture–a mobile boutique.  She refurbished a travel trailer and turned it into a beautiful mobile store that she is taking on the road for pop up and private events.  Last week, I got a private sneak peek of it and her new arrivals, and I am in love!
  3. Brow Refresh.  Last year, I had my eyebrows microbladed, and it was the best beauty-related decision I’ve ever made.  (You can read about the entire experience in this blog post.)  Every year, you are supposed to get a touch up on your brows to keep them looking fresh.  I set my appointment with Dax and could not wait to see her, catch up, and get touched up.  Dax’s studio is absolutely beautiful, she is so much fun, and I had the best time with her on Friday afternoon.  Plus, my brows are looking FABULOUS!  She touched up the color and the strokes, and she gave me a little more arch for a little more drama.  I am still so happy with my brows, and I highly recommend Dax to anyone that is interested!
  4. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum Visit.  As you know, I am a contributor for City Lifestyle, and most of my content is locally focused.  We recently launched a new program where we are partnering with local landmarks.  My initial assignment is with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, and I could not be more excited.  I have not been to the museum in years but have been eager to get back.  With this new assignment and a baseball-obsessed toddler, this weekend was the perfect time to visit.  Plus, the museum was celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Negro Leagues!  We had the best time exploring and learning, and Jack narrated the entire visit for us and for everyone around us.  (Sorry…)  More to come on this!
  5. New (To Me) Podcast.  Never did I ever think that my podcast cue would be empty, but I’ve got a lot of time on my hands these days.  So last week, I found myself in that exact situation.  Love or hate technology, its algorithms, and its creepiness, one thing I love is that Apple Podcasts makes recommendations for you based on your previous activity.  So when I saw “Even The Rich” at the top of my list, I read the summary, and it seemed like a good fit.  It just started its sixth season, and I binged an entire season this weekend while driving, doing laundry, meal prepping, and really any excuse I could find.  It is so good, and it’s going on My Favorite Podcasts!

 

I hope you have a wonderful week, and I hope you share the happiness with the world!

XOXO,

Molly B.

Meet My Glam Squad: Sunless Tanning with KC Tan

There are fewer things that make me feel more put together than when I have a good tan on my skin.  It makes me feel healthier, like I have more life in my face, and just overall more confident.  But, we all know by now, that I am not a big sun worshipper anymore.  So this presents a bit of a problem.  Yes, there are self tanners, many of which I have tried.  And they are okay, but honestly, I can’t ever get the color even or lasting, so I’ve never been able find a solution that I love.  However, I have found the answer to my sunless tanning dreams: local tanning salon, KC Tan.

KC Tan is a luxury tanning salon located in Leawood, Kansas.  The space is beautiful, and clean, and so inviting.  Their goal is for their clients to be able to enjoy the feel of a high class tanning salon at an affordable price, and they take pride in providing the highest level of customer service.  I can tell you firsthand, that they achieve these goals every single time.

I’ve been going to tanning salons since I was 16 years old (mistakes were made…), and this is the first salon where I feel like my health and happiness are the only priorities for this team, versus pushing products.  Every customer is treated with a consultative approach, where they assess your tanning goals and preferences.  From there, they make recommendations on products and services, and they encourage you to try before you buy.  They truly want for you to be happy with your experience from start to finish, and there is no pressure to make a commitment.  (Smart since you are literally their walking advertisement.)

The first time I met with the team at KC Tan, I gave them my tanning background, which clued them into my history with sun abuse and melanoma, and my desire to only use sunless options.  They affirmed my thoughts and feelings and took the time to tell me about all of their sunless services, the differences between each, and then encouraged me to try each, as each person has their own preferences.

The first sunless service that I tried was VersaSpa Pro, and I used this for several months.  VersaSpa believes rejuvenated skin produces the best looking tan, which is why their tag line is “Beyond Tan.”  It uses brown and green marine algae to detoxify, firm, and hydrate.  This is what rejuvenates your body’s skin cells.  The booth has three nozzles that use high volume and low pressure for even coverage and an airbrushed result.  There are five different color options: light, lighter medium, darker medium, dark, and double dark.  (I typically go with Medium to keep a nice base, but I have also done dark prior to a vacation or special event.)  Versa also provides extras like a Prep Spray (sprayed on before your bronzing spray to balance your pH for a deeper, darker, more even tan; think “makeup primer”), Moisturizing Spray (sprayed after your bronzing spray to give immediate hydration to your skin during your development time), extra leg pass, etc., so you can customize the spray the way you want it. 

Recently, at the encouragement of the KC Tan team, I branched out and tried their second sunless option: Mystic Tan Kyss.  (Remember, this team wants you to know all of the options available to you and encourage you to try and compare.)  I am so glad that they did, because I am loving this additional option!

You’re probably familiar with this option, because Mystic Tan has been around for over 20 years.  It is made to be completely customized, which I love.  Mystic solution focuses on their “Tri- Hydration Blend,” which is hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and sodium PCA that nourishes and hydrates skin.  There are three different color intensity options: light, medium, and dark.  (I go with Medium, and it looks so natural.)  Something that I really like is that Mystic offers “myxers” that you can add into your individual light, medium, or dark cartridge.  First is the Accelerator.  This can be added to your cartridge if you want to speed up development time.  Usually it takes 6-8 hours for color to develop, but if you add the accelerator, it speeds it up to about 4 hours.  (One thing that I like about Mystic is that I see color almost immediately, especially with the added accelerator.)  Next are Toners/Color Correctors.  These are how the team customizes the color to look great on every skin type.  They will use a color card with four color options to color match you to ensure you get the best color for your skin type.  (I personally use the color “Sun Kyssed,” but every person is unique.)  And finally, the Scents.  (My fave.  Also my husband’s fave.)  These are great for people who hate the smell of a spray tan.  They offer six scents to choose from, and I encourage you to try them all.  (My personal favorite is Island Vibes, and this happens to be the most popular choice of KC Tan customers, because it smells like a beach vacation.)

I have been alternating between the two options and love them both.  I do prefer VersaSpa for the Winter months, because of the added moisturizing spray.  It leaves my skin feeling more hydrated and it looks better when your skin is a little dryer.

Another thing that I really appreciate about the team at KC Tan is that they also take the time to educate you on how to make your tan last and look its best.  I find this to be incredibly unique, as most tanning salons want you to visit as often as possible, so tan sustainability is not a priority for them.  They even have a blog where they write helpful articles about tanning products, services, and industry updates!

So here’s what you need to know before you visit:

  • Go showered, shaved, and exfoliated.  No lotion, makeup, or other products on your skin.  And actually, I don’t shave the day of my spray.  It may sound weird, but every razor now comes with a moisture strip to prevent dry skin, and this stays on your skin.  It’s essentially the same as a thin layer of lotion!  So get your shave in the day before.
  • Wear loose fitting clothing.  (I typically wear a sundress.)  If the sunless formula does get on your clothes, it does come out in the wash.
  • It’s a quick process!  The actual booth only takes 3-5 minutes, but getting undressed and ready as well as putting clothes back on after will take you a little bit, so plan on a total of 10-15 minutes.
  • Everyone is different, but with proper care and hydration (drink your water and use your lotion), my spray tan typically maintains a good color for 10 days, and it fades naturally, versus the patchiness of self tanner.
  • KC Tan offers a wide range of tanning packages and solutions to suit every skin type and tone, guaranteeing the ultimate luxury tanning experience every time.  But definitely give them a try before you sign up for any memberships.  And because the team is so great,  when my friends mention my name or “Crowning Glory” they will receive their first spray tan for just $12, with all additives included! (That is for new clients or current clients of KC Tan that have not tried their sunless services.)

KC Tan is located at 4800 W 135th St #240, Leawood, KS 66209.

Currently, their hours are Monday through Friday 10 AM to 7 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 11 AM to 6 PM.

I highly encourage you to visit KC Tan and try their sunless options.  And tell me all about it when you do!

XOXO,

Molly B.

The Happiness Report: 8-10-2020

Dare I say that last week felt “normal.”  Or at least normalish?  Normal Lite?  Okay, whatever you want to call it, besides the masks, and hugging aversions, and excessive use of hand sanitizer, the last week actually felt fairly ordinary, and it was certainly filled with a lot of happy moments.

Check it out!

  1. Fall, Is That You?  Y’all.  This weather!  I know that God has a plan for our lives.  And when times are challenging, it’s hard to see what that plan might be.  And I know that we learn lessons in tough seasons.  I’m learning so much right now.  So much that it’s exhausting and invigorating all at once.  But it’s like God said, “Look friends, I’m not quite finished teaching, but here’s some bomb weather to help you out for a few days.”  If it offends you that I’m speaking as the voice of our Lord and Savior, I’m sorry.  But the Big Dude has shown me MANY times that he has an incredible sense of humor.  Whatever it was, gimme all the 75 degree and sunny days.  Forever and ever, Amen.
  2. Voting.  In case we haven’t talked about it yet, one of my degrees is in political science, I cry at the National Anthem, and I take the right and responsibility of voting very seriously.  I read, I research, and I know my stuff.  (Well, as best I can.)  So when an election day and ability to vote comes around, I seriously nerd out.  Last Tuesday was the Kansas Primary, so I got to start my day in a voting booth.  With a mask, no contact, and a lot of social distancing, but voting nonetheless.  (Although, kind of loving the new process that was created due to COVID, and kind of hoping it sticks around…)
  3. Farmers Market Friend Date.  Last week was National Farmers Market Week, and I absolutely love the Overland Park Farmers Market.  Although we went so many times last year (I even have a full blog post about it.), sadly I had not been back yet this year.  Like every other industry, our farmers and food makers have been hit hard by COVID, so they need us more than ever.  I also owed my friend Kara a coffee date, so I asked if she would meet me at the OPFM for coffee and shopping, and she was game.  We met at The Wild Way coffee truck, grabbed some drinks, walked, and talked, and shopped for about an hour.  Everything was safe, and healthy, and we had such a great time.
  4. A Little Treat Yo Self.  There’s really nothing like ending your work week with a facial.  I recently started working with Sara from Elevate Esthetics, and on Friday, I had my first service with her: a Dermaplane Facial.  Okay, so I’ve had a dermaplane facial multiple times, but I wish I could have them every week.  Not only are they relaxing, but they leave my face glowing, and my skincare products and makeup go on like butter for several days after.  Estheticians have a lot of new protocols that they have to implement due to COVID, which can ultimately affect the vibe of their space, turning it more clinical than relaxing.  But somehow Sara has been able to create a perfect balance.  Everything was very clean and safe, but I was transported into an incredibly luxurious experience.  I know that everyone loves a massage, but in my opinion, facials are far superior.
  5. Winery Tour.  Oh yes I did.  Yes. I. Did.  Go Explore KC is a new business venture by my friend Maria.  It’s a very cool concept, where you sign up for an account, and you can take tours, check in along the way, earn badges, partake in specials, and earn prizes.  My friend Mindy and I have been dying to try it out, so we dragged our friend Mandy and all of our families along for the ride.  (Literally.)  We explored three wineries in the rural Paola, Kansas countryside and had the best time.  The weather was perfect, the grounds of Isinglass, New Lancaster, and Somerset were stunning, and the wine was pretty great too.  There are many more wineries to visit and tours to take, so we’re already planning our next adventures.

 

I hope you had a wonderful week and that you’re walking into this week with a positive outlook and a whole lotta joy.

XOXO,

Molly B.

The Happiness Report: 8-3-2020

It’s Monday and the sun is shining for the first time in days, and I am just the happiest lil thing on the planet!  Last week was filled with dark and rainy days, and it had me all up in my feels.  But that’s kind of par for the 2020 course, right?  Lots of dark and rainy days.  Lost of reflection.  Sometimes it can be a little too much, and I find myself longing for the light and playful and carefree days that don’t come as easy right now.  But last week, although the weather was challenging, I had some of the most carefree moments in months.  Check them out…

  1. Playlists.  Why don’t we ever talk about my love for music.  It is a huge part of my life, and I really haven’t shared much about it.  Oh no, I am not personally musically gifted (AT ALL), but I love music and so much of my life has been shaped by it.  Back before I was a mom and I was actually cool, I went to a lot of concerts.  Like a lot.  It’s been a really long time, and who knows what concerts will look like in the future, but there are few things I love more than live music.  Last week, with the rain and the gloom, I decided to work on my playlists.  I add to my Running Playlist almost daily as I hear songs at the gym that motivate me.  So last week, I gave a little TLC to my Chill Playlist, and I was so fun to relive memories through the lyrics.  It’s playing as I type this, and it’s a whole mood, y’all.  (Don’t forget, these playlists are public, so you can listen to them here anytime you want!)
  2. Insta Interview.  Anytime someone reaches out to me and asks if I would be willing to do an interview for them, I instantly assume they contacted the wrong person.  Sure, I’ve been through some stuff, but I’m really not that cool.  It is such an honor when anyone asks me to share my story, and if it will bring even one person a little more joy, I’m totally game.  Laura from New Strong KC reached out and asked if I would be willing to take part in her Tuesday chats, with a focus on resilience.  I’ve been following New Strong for months, so I was thrilled and said “of course.”  We chatted all things cancer, Jesus, marriage, adoption, and Kansas City faves.  Laura is an absolute joy, so it really was a fun way to spend a few minutes, and I could have chatted with her for hours.  If you’d like to watch the interview, you can access it here.  Maybe it will give you a little inspo during your dark days.
  3. Day Trip to Manhattan.  Not New York, my friends.  I WISH!  Chad and I have been throwing around the idea of a day trip for weeks.  We’ve looked at different articles about day trips in Kansas and Missouri, and last week, we decided it was time.  Ultimately we chose Manhattan, Kansas.  Growing up in Big 12 country, we knew Kansas State as an opponent, so we wanted to check out the site of 38 OU football victories.  Okay and we have a lot of friends that went to KSU, so we knew it would be a fun time.  On Friday, I took to my InstaStories, asking for recommendations.  And holy cow, my crew came through!  We left after breakfast and made the just shy of 2 hour drive to Manhattan.   We explored Aggieville, where we had a Nancy (Old Milwaukee draft and pineapple juice) and Chipotle Raspberry and Black Bean Dip at So Long Saloon.  We swung by campus and Snyder Family StadiumBill Snyder Family Stadium.  We walked up and down Poyntz, grabbed lunch at Tallgrass Taphouse and shared a slice of Chocolate Peanut Butter cake and a Snack Attack cookie at Bourbon and Baker. We rounded it out with a Manhattan Hill driveby on our way out of town, and Jack yelled from the backseat “I love this adventure!”   This was one of the best days our lil fam has had in a really long time. Highly recommend a change of scenery for a change of perspective.  There are so many more things we want to do in that area, so we will definitely be back!
  4. Sunday Workout.  One of my favorite boutiques in Kansas City is Array, which is a boutique collective, meaning they carry multiple boutiques under one roof.  They opened a new storefront in Town Center earlier this year, and they have been growing ever since.  (Even through COVID.)  In the month of August, they will be hosting two parking lot workouts, and they invited a few local ladies to take a preview class on Sunday.  Typically Sunday is my rest day, but I didn’t think the workout would be too challenging, so I went for it.  Oh my!  I was wrong.  Look, I’m fairly athletic, but this booty focused workout by local fitness instructor Kristy Rae was ridiculous!  We used a resistance band created by local business Cakey Bums, and it was intense.  The workouts are designed for all fitness levels, and you can take it at your own pace.  The weather was perfect, and it wound up being a lot of fun.  But woah my booty was sore this morning!
  5. Happyfeed.  Last week, I was on a conference call, and the icebreaker question was “What is your favorite obscure app?”  I kind of rolled my eyes at first, but it actually wound up being really fun and actually really helpful.  One of my coworkers shared an app called Happyfeed.  Essentially, it is an online gratitude journal that makes it unbelievably simple (and fun) to cultivate little moments of joy each day.  Although I don’t think that I will use it as a journal, it does have daily prompts to get you started, and I love the questions that it asks to get you thinking.  The app is cute, so the aesthetic alone makes you smile, but its capabilities are pretty fun too.  If you’ve been trying to find more ways to cultivate gratitude and remind yourself of the joy in your world, I highly recommend it.

 

As I look at my August calendar, there is a lot of fun to come.  I can’t wait to share it will all of you and to hear what’s bringing you joy this month too.

XOXO,

Molly B.