This has been a long week… like a really really long week. I sent Mr. Spreadsheets this text on Thursday. And yes, I realize I was whining, complaining, and displaying a general dissatisfaction with life.

Plus this was the weather forecast and I’ve decided that I hate being hot. I hate feeling like I live on the surface of the sun and that my flip flops are melting on the asphalt, yes there are hotter places, yes some people love triple digits, but I’m not one of them.  I feel about summer the way some people feel about cold weather.

Ok so I’ve been in a grumpy mood this week. But that needs to end, because let’s be honest the kids are going to continue to whine and it’s going to be hot until Halloween (no joke). So let’s talk about some things that are awesome. I have a few “favorite” things that are awesome no matter what the situation. These things make even the most obnoxious days just a little bit better.

“Grace”: Grace is my all time favorite girl name. I don’t love the name Ashley, primarily because I think it is fits a perky, blonde cheerleader better than an awkward, sarcastic brunette, so I’ve spent some time thinking about the “perfect” name. Grace is the perfect name. It’s name is timeless, perfect for 1776 or 2017. Graces can be smart, sassy, sweet, beautiful, just a whole variety of things. Graces can become doctors, lawyers, teachers, scientists, pretty much anything but an NPR correspondent (that requires a unique name). The name Grace doesn’t potentially limit future career options (let’s be honest there are some names that do have certain connotations). All the Graces I’ve ever met are awesome, the name Grace remains one of my very favorite names of all time. It’s no surprise that when the Princess was born, I named her Grace.

Circus Animal Cookies:  Yep, I mean the pink and white Mother’s cookies. Can we just admit that these are delicious whether your 3 or 93. They’re just so cheery and fun, all those sprinkles and bright colors- you can’t help but loving life while you eat them.

Apple scented anything: I love apple scented anything, soaps, laundry detergent, candles, air freshener, lotion, you name it, I love it. Washing my hands with apple soap brightens my day, it’s simple and cheesy, but a great pick me up! Apple scented air freshener reminds me of fall (the best time of year). You can’t help but being a little bit happier in an apple scented house.

Candy Cane Chapstick: If you haven’t converted to this flavor, run to the store immediately and make the switch. Everything about this is great, throw about the Bert’s Bees and EOS and make the switch. This chapstick is a little piece of christmas that you can carry with you all year long. Plus it’s a little bit tingly, which makes it all the more Christmasy.

Cheesy Country Songs: This item deserves it’s own post, and don’t you worry that day will come. I love love love cheesy country songs. I prefer the title to be one of the main lines of the song, and for the title to have a double meaning. I like to turn them up loud and sing along, terrible country accent and all- let me just tell you when I’m alone I do a FANTASTIC Reba McEntire impersonation, forget that I’m from CA and not TN, don’t actually have a country accent, and can’t sing a note. My latest favorite- Record Year, take a listen, the cheesiness level is just fabulous.

These are a few of my favorite (simple) things. So when the kids start whining for no reason, and the weather is too hot to go outside, make a list of your favorite things, it might help you keep (a little bit) of your sanity, and remind you that life is good!