#13: Happy Things, Navigating Social Media, & Yummy Summer Treats

Who needs "hot girl summer" when it's *happy* girl summer? 🤪

Lately, I've been feeling extra grateful for the good things that have been happening in my life. Maybe it's the summer heat and good vibes, or the fact that my birthday is coming up, or maybe I'm just learning to be more thankful and realizing how blessed I am.

I want to clarify that this isn’t about bragging—my life is far from flawless, it’s rather simple. Instead, I’m sharing my gratitude in hopes that it might inspire you too. With that said, here are a few things that are currently making me happy:

1. New subscribers. I recently took a big step and shared my newsletter on Instagram. I was really nervous about it, but the support I've received has been incredible! It gives me butterflies just thinking about it. (Exciting news: we've reached 50 subs since last week's newsletter! While that number might not seem huge to everyone, to me, it's like preparing a meal and hosting a gathering for 50 people. How amazing is that?! 🥹 thank you for the love, always.)

2. Adding new clothes to my wardrobe. I rarely buy clothes for myself because being postpartum has made me unsure about what fits me well and suits my style. I usually avoid trying things on because I assume nothing looks good on me. Silly, right? Not to mention, my entire wardrobe mainly consists of black clothes because I feel that it makes me look skinnier. However, this past weekend, I took a leap and treated myself by buying some new clothes with vibrant colors that genuinely uplift me.

3. Free family childcare. I'm fortunate enough to live near my husband's family, who are always willing to watch my kids. It's a luxury I really appreciate. Right now, I'm sitting in a coffee shop writing this, knowing full well my kids are in good hands.

4. Getting back into my coffee routine. After experiencing my first ever stomach bug, I was completely out of commission for a good, I’d say . . . three full days? And with that, my coffee drinking was put on hold for a full week until my stomach returned to its normal functioning. It was a tough week, to say the least. Especially since I rely so much on coffee to give me the energy I need to care for my kids. But now, all is well, and I’m happily sipping on my daily ~instant~ brew again.

5. Future lake day. For my birthday weekend in June, my husband and I are planning a trip to the lake. Last year, I was pregnant and we brought our toddler with us. We definitely had fun as family, but I'm really looking forward to spending time with just him this year.

What's bringing you joy these days? Whatever it is—small or big—let me know in the comments! I'd love to hear about it.

Sending all the love and happiness your way!

xx, Millie

This Week’s Recs

🎧 Song I’ve been bumpin’: Gretzy by Adam Yokum & mike.
🎙 A must-listen podcast ep: Gary Vaynerchuk - How To Win In Life & Shift Your Mindset For Success
📺 Movie I watched recently: Monkey Man
📖 Book that’s making me second guess every character: Look Closer by David Ellis
🍳 Recipe I’m excited to try: Jalapeño poppers with bacon

This Week’s Links

• A refreshing take on social media. Instead of the common advice to quit cold turkey, which has its benefits, this approach suggests leaning into social media thoughtfully.

  jordan santos
  raises an important question: “Who really deserves to know the best and worst parts of you and your life?”

  “And I think asking myself these kinds of questions also reminds me that I’m not entitled to the best — or worst — parts of anyone else either. That what I see on someone else’s feed is only what they are choosing to and feel comfortable showing me, along with hundreds of other strangers. That they have a multitude of things going on behind the screen that I don’t know — and shouldn’t know — about.”

• Reminding myself to give these compliments more often—actually, to give more compliments in general. Receiving kind words from other people always brightens up my day, and I believe the impact of a compliment is much greater than we often realize.

• A fun drink to try this summer. Maybe you could even make it into a cocktail? Whatever floats your boat!

• This quote warms my heart.

• I recently watched a video about deleting social media, where Haley Villena gives an insightful recap of her life after quitting. This reminded me that it's been about two months since I deleted TikTok from my phone, and I feel an urge to talk about this in more detail. So stay tuned!

Screenshot #1 (via)

• My summer uniform is currently in the works, and it's all thanks to a post I came across that really inspired me. Even though

  Lauren H
  mainly focuses on the postpartum stage, I think the idea of having a summer uniform can work for anyone. Back in high school, I attended a private school where we wore uniforms. At times, I disliked not having the freedom to express my style through clothing. But looking back, I appreciate the simplicity of it. Wearing a uniform meant one less thing to worry about.

• Whenever I discover a recipe I can make from scratch with items already in my pantry, it’s a win for me. Here’s an easy taco seasoning recipe to keep in your back pocket for future Taco Tuesday nights.

Screenshot #2 (via)

• An article on how to be happy. And a few of my favorite takeaways below:

  ✨ Happiness is largely about maximizing the opportunities afforded by your current stage of life—and not despairing of the constraints.

  ✨ Be the one who reaches out to find time to meet. Be the one who congratulates and remembers important events. Be the one who is thoughtful and kind. When you aim to meet people more than halfway, you’re much more likely to connect in the middle.

  ✨ We spend years earnestly striving toward things we think will bring us happiness, but the truth is that much of happiness lies in little joys and moments that we can easily overlook if we’re not paying attention.

• This sounds absolutely scrumptious. 🤭

"Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens."
— Khalil Gibran

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P.S. There’s some good life advice in here.