My Happy Places (Part 3) {and a life lesson}

Hey all!

Hope everyone had a great weekend. New York City woke up to a whole lot of snow and ice this morning. Thankfully I work from home during the day, hence, I was able to stay indoors. I did step outside to try and clean off my car and heat it up for a bit. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get it out of the snow just yet. Will try again tonight. Pray for me!

So anyways, I am here to share with you all another one of my happy places. If you missed parts I and II of this series see below.

Happy Places Part 2

Happy Places Part 1

This weekend I was feeling a little bummed out about a particular situation. Instead spending the weekend in depression mode, I decided to get it together and took a very productive trip to my local Trader Joes. I have to drive about 20 minutes from my apartment to get there so I don't really go often. I do, however, compile a list of "Trader Joe Favorites" which I add to as the days, weeks and months go by. I wasn't able to get everything that I needed, specially almond butter. I was a little bummed out about it (peanut butter it is, until further notice). But here is what I did get:

One huge life lesson I have been learning during the past several months is that we cant always control what people will do or life randomness. However, we always have control over how we feel about things. I used to think the saying was so "cliche" and would even get annoyed whenever I would hear it or see it posted somewhere.

However, I have realized the truth behind that and the immense power we all have to take control of our emotions and subsequently change our state of mind and situations. It is definitely not an easy automatic thing to choose to be optimistic, we have to work at it. But guess what-- I rather work at being optimistic and grateful rather than let my mind take over and make me miserable and depressed. What would you choose?

How about we take it one day at the time. Happiness always returns.

Thank you for reading!

Tell me, what is your favorite item to get a Trader Joes?

My Happy Places (Part 1)

Hope everyone had a great weekend and a great Monday!

This weekend I spent a lot of time with my parents. I decided to pay them a visit on Saturday and pretty much stayed over at their place until this morning (my parents live about 15-20 minutes away-- driving distance-- from my apartment so it is kinda' nice to have them close). I have to admit that it just felt good to be in their presence and to feel the love that only parents can provide. I kinda' missed that. It's been a while since I spent an entire weekend with them. 

For some time now I have been trying to put together a list of my personal "happy places" and my parent's home is without a doubt on the list. This post will be part one of a series of post where I talk about places that bring me happiness-- and why. Sometimes the reason is irrelevant. As long as something lifts your spirits and makes you feel better, that's all that matters. Happiness needs no explanation. I encourage you to search for your own personal happy places. Being reminded of what brings you joy can be beneficial for the heart and soul in good times as well as not so good times. 

Anyways, while at my parent's place I got my hair done (Saturday), wen to mass and then got my nails done (Sunday). I also ate some good homemade food and indulged in a bit of apple pie and vanilla ice cream yesterday. My mom loves to bake random stuff so whenever I am over there I am almost guaranteed to be surrounded by some kind of dessert.

Mass was great and brought peace to my heart. It emphasized the subject of surrendering our troubles to the lord once we have done what we can. Sometimes we forget to let go and let God do what needs to be done. Felt good to be reminded of that.

Additional pics from the weekend:

Made Banana Bread on Friday night (had several bananas that were past the ripe stage and I mean super-duper passed. Perfect for some delicious baking):

A failed attempt at Kale Chips. I have a feeling I didn’t leave them in the oven long enough. Recipe called for 15-20 minutes but next time I may go for the 30. Needless to say I threw out almost the entire thing:

A visit to the library where I found this awesome book:

Didnt go to class today. Needed a mental health day!!! So i am here relaxing for a bit!

Cheers to a smooth week!