“The only difference between an extraordinary life and an ordinary one is the extraordinary pleasures you find in ordinary things.” ― Veronique Vienne, The Art of Imperfection
Sometimes it’s the little things that make ordinary life feel extraordinary. Here are the little pleasures that help me to feel happier:
A place for everything and everything in its place — Nothing feels better than a clean, well-organized home.
A neutral palate — I like my home and my wardrobe composed of good quality, clean/classic staples punctuated with special pieces that reflect my unique taste, personality, and experiences.
Fresh flowers from my own garden in summer, from Sendik’s or Trader Joe’s year round — I like to divide preassembled bouquets into multiple vases and enjoy them throughout the house
Fragrant candles — My favorites are White Tea and Sage (Bath and Body Works/White Barn), Hemingway (Fly Paper), Roses (Diptyque)
Chilled Champagne in the fridge regardless of whether it’s a holiday or a Tuesday
Coffee with frothed milk and either lavender syrup (spring and summer) or a sprinkle of cinnamon (fall and winter)
Carefully curated playlists on Apple Music and stations on Pandora
J’adore Paris when I’m missing Paris or making galettes, soupe à l'oignon gratinée, etc.
Sailing on warm summer evenings or cold winter nights when I wish I were sailing again
Cool jazz/Vince Guaraldi radio in the fall
Amazon Alexa to control my music, thermostat, and lighting as well as to ask simple questions about the weather, my schedule, etc.
Guilty pleasure TV while I’m getting ready in the mornings (Emily in Paris, Gilmore Girls, Friends, Making the Cut, The Great British Baking Show, etc.)
Low maintenance makeup routines: No mascara (hooray for a good lash lift and tint) and long lasting mani-pedis.
Having a lip gloss and hand lotion in my purse, bathroom, car, and desk so I never have to go without
Wearing my favorite perfume everyday even when I’m not going anywhere
A cozy blanket, cup of tea, and a good book.
Fragrant hand soaps and lotion in the kitchen and bathrooms — Current favorite: Savon liquide de Marseilles - Thé Blanc
Merino wool sweaters and socks
Having a clean car inside and out — Thanks, Eric
Festive, seasonal cocktail napkins with my morning coffee and evening wine or cocktail
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