don't let the ups and downs of life steal your happiness.

Let me be honest for a moment here. As much as I have been looking forward to spring? To fun events lurking around the corner? The last week or so has been awful. Completely and utterly terrible in every possible way. It was one bad thing after the next. Each day there seemed to be a new hurdle that would knock me off my feet. I'd pull myself together. Pick myself back up. And then something else would happen. Each one of these events drained me emotionally and spiritually. By the end of the week? I felt depressed, scared, and lost. Now? That feeling remains. It refuses to leave no matter how hard I try shake it.

That is why today I am doing an old-fashioned happy post. Life feels overwhelming....and those unexpected moments have caused me to lose sight of the incredible things I do have in my life. So, this is a list of the things that are making me smile today.

My family and friends. Perhaps this should go without saying. But I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the wonderful people I have in my life. The ones who actually care. Beyond the superficial. The people who I can turn to when life gets hard. The ones who are always on my side. The ones who I reach out for in times of crisis. Those people bring a light to my life that inspires me day after day.

The warm weather. From a very serious topic to one that is far more lighthearted. The weather. It feels like winter is truly behind us now. The other day? I didn't have to wear a jacket at all. I just walked outside with a light top and a pair of jeans. It was glorious. I have missed nice weather so much over the last few months.

Good Books (and Time To Read Them!) Reading is one of my biggest passions. It is something I have always loved to do. Ever since I was a child. Over the last few years, it has been difficult to set aside a lot of reading time. Or any "me" time. My work schedule has been so full and so constant. Now? I am finally starting to carve out some reading time. I've been devouring novels lately. Some mystery, a few biography, and some inspirational ones as well. That has been really wonderful.

Makeup, Makeup, and More Makeup. Okay. This one probably won't come as a shock. Especially if you have been reading my blog for any amount of time. I love makeup. An awful lot. It makes me smile day in and day out. So much so that I recently filmed an I Love Makeup Tag video for my YouTube channel. Check it out below to find out more about my favourites, my feelings, and my history with makeup.


Ups and downs are a part of life. Recently? There have been more downs than ups. Hopefully that will change. Until then....I will focus on my happy list.

What makes you happy?

xo Shannon