10 Things That Make Me Really Happy

30 Day Writing Challenge post number 1! I basically went onto pinterest and found a list titled 30 Day Writing Challenge so that is where my list is coming from! Let's go!

1. My cat.

I think at this point it could be an unhealthy obsession, but I reeeeaaally love him. His name is Trent and he's magnificent. If I didn't have him I would very likely go insane. He's the best.

2. Pretty string lights

I loooooove string lights! They're so romantic and twinkly! I have some pretty lace doily ones around my living room window and some gold wire heart ones around a picture in my living room. I think they make any room seem a little cozier and a little more twinkly, and who doesn't love that?!

3. Late night baked goods

Baking and cooking are things I very much enjoy. It's often something that keeps my mind in a pleasant place and distracts me from all the stressful hullabaloo that comes with daily life. I tend to find myself doing my baking in the late hours of the night and nothing is more satisfying than a perfectly baked batch of cookies coming out of the oven at 2 in the morning. One of the downsides of anxiety ridden insomnia baking is that things don't usually turn out! So when that on a whim, last minute decision of a cookie comes out quite perfectly, both appearance wise and taste wise, I am overwhelmed with a sense of joy, accomplishment, and calmness that was hoped for, but not expected! Not to mention nothing smells more wonderful than fresh out of the oven cookies!

4. Freshly washed sheets

This one probably applies to most people, but there's something to be said for that indescribable feeling you get when you hop into bed under cool, laundry soap scented sheets after a long day! It's like getting a magnificent hug from your bed that you never want to leave. It's especially wonderful when you have the Method Honeycrisp Apple scented laundry detergent. YES PLEASE.

5. Presents!

Giving and getting! I have a deep rooted love for gifts. I was raised in a home where Christmas and birthdays were big and something to be anticipated. Don't get me wrong, it's always been about family and togetherness first, but oh boy does my mother know how to set up one heck of a gift table! I do love getting gifts and I would be lying if I said I haven't been described as spoiled, however, I would rather give a gift than recieve one any day! I get so much joy searching for something or making something that I know a certain, specific person will really, truly love! Whenever someone is having a bad day or week a prezzy may not solve the problem, but it certainly won't hurt. It's just a little way to show someone that you are thinking about them and they matter. It doesn't have to be big or flashy. A simple candy bar with a card can change someones day! I love, love, love giving people presents!

6. Candles

I don't have a big spiel on candles, they simply make me happy as a clam!

7. Fresh flowers

Everyone has a different reason for which their house feels like home. Mine is most often fresh flowers. Among other things of course, but I don't think my house feels truly homey until I have a vase of beautiful flowers! I love flowers. $20 spent on flowers is not a waste, but money well spent! Tulips, daffodils, mums, wax flowers, you name it! A bouqet of joy! Oh and peonies are my favorite!

8. My family

I have my mom, my dad, two younger brothers, and two of the best friends in the world. These people make me really happy. My parents and I have always been close and they usually give good advise and most importantly they love me unconditionally. My brothers are turning into young men and cause me worry that they probably don't even realize exists. I suppose that's what comes with being an older sister! My lovely Kate is one of the most loving, non judgemental people I have ever met and I am so lucky to have here as a friend! Miss Victoria has been my right hand through many years of ups and downs and I can't imagine being without her! These people make me who I am and most importantly they keep me somewhat sane!

9. Good dreams

I love dreaming. I find it so magical and mysterious that we can close our eyes and these weird nonsensical mind movies appear. Now of course I don't like scary or unsettling dreams, though I still find those fascinating. I pray every night for that dream that you wish you could stay in forever. For me it's usually ones that involve a romance and/or a family that I still wait for everyday and when those dreams make their appearance it almost hurts to wake up from them. I love dreaming and I love not wanting one to end!

10. Gooey, mushy, head over heels, kind of love

Now I don't have any personal experience to base this on and it sounds so incredibly corny, but I am a sucker for love. I am such a romantic. I love any story that has two people falling completely in love with each other. Now I'm not talking about those cheesy hallmark movies or harlequin romances, but the ones that feel so real that you can't help but smile. I love love and I love the idea of love and I love the prospect of love.

Okay, phew! I must say this post was suuuuper hard to write! Now there are plenty other things that make me happy, but these were 10 that stood out to me and I hope they bring happiness to others as well! I would love to know what makes you guys happy! Feel free to leave comments!

Until we meet again!