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Eliza at Happy Simple Living 🌻

My Friend's Unexpected Advice, and Other Tales of June


🌱 Happy June!

Do you ever reach the end of a month and wonder where the time went?

On a recent airline flight, I re-watched the classic movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.

If you've seen it, you probably remember Ferris's famous quote: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

It's a memorable line, and one that came back to me during a conversation with my friend Doug.

Doug owns a very successful construction and remodeling company, and has spent decades transforming ordinary houses into extraordinary homes.

While chatting at a party, he casually mentioned a habit he's practiced for many years.

Each day, without fail, he writes down a few notes about the day's highlights.

Just a few lines. Every single day.

He said the habit helps him record important events, but more than that, it reminds him of all the moments that add up to a good life.

I was so intrigued!

Unlike many self-improvement ideas that sound great in theory but are hard to maintain, Doug's practice seemed simple enough that I might actually stick with it.

The next day, I picked up a new spiral notebook and wrote the numbers 1 through 31 down the left side of the page.

Each morning during my quiet time, I began writing a short recap of the previous day. Nothing elaborate—just a sentence or two about something memorable.

I wrote about things like family dinners, Aquasize class with Mom, dog walks at the park, conversations with friends, sunsets on the patio, satisfying work projects, and personal accomplishments (like the toilet I repaired last month!)

One thing I immediately liked about the practice was the gentle nudge it gave me to look for the good in each day.

Writing in the diary each morning helped me feel more present and grateful.

I also noticed that reading back through the notes counteracts that familiar feeling that the weeks and months are racing by.

Ferris Bueller was right. Life does move pretty fast.

But perhaps a key to slowing things down is savoring (and remembering) all the big and little moments that add up to a life well lived.

How About You?

Do you keep a diary or a journal? Do you have another way of tracking the highlights of your days?

I'd love to share your story, so hit "reply" and let me know about your experience.

Until then, I hope your June is filled with many, many moments to savor.

Warmly,

P.S. You might also enjoy "Bring Positive Change in Your Life with a Cheap Notebook."


Eliza Cross

Owner, Happy Simple Living

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THE HAPPY LIST 🌻

Fun finds, helpful tips, and small joys

🍩 Fun freebie: National Donut Day is June 5th, and Krispy Kreme is giving away a free donut of your choice all day with no purchase necessary!

💚 When we moved, I lost the fantastic Pasta Primavera recipe I'd torn out of Bon Appetit magazine and made for decades. Fortunately, The Pioneer Woman recreated it (and it's better than ever)!

📕 If you're a reader, you might enjoy The New York Times Summer Reading Bucket List. (I'm giving it a try, and if you have any good audiobook suggestions I'd love to hear from you!)

❤️ Instagram crush: Patina Meadow is like a getaway for the soul, with photos and videos of designer Brooke Giannetti's bucolic Tennessee farm.

🙃 Laugh lines: This blooper reel from The Office's Dinner Party episode is impossible to watch without laughing!

💤 When you have trouble falling asleep, try this sweetly-named sleep hack.

💰 Luscious, layered Million Dollar Bars from Midwestern HomeLife are like the ultimate homemade Twix bars!

✅ Quotable: "If you want to live a long life, presence is the best solution. Your experience of life and your perception of time will expand." - Jon Kabat-Zinn


A Really, Really Good Pasta Salad Recipe

Looking for the perfect side dish for your summer picnics and cookouts?


Our Macaroni Salad with Bacon is a crowd-pleaser! With crunchy celery, tomatoes, tender pasta, a creamy dressing, and plenty of savory bacon, it's perfect for any BBQ or gathering.



Real Lemonade is SO Worth the Squeeze!

Old-fashioned homemade lemonade is so much better than store-bought.

Made with fresh lemon juice, no high fructose corn syrup, and a secret ingredient that brings out the citrus flavor, I guarantee it's the best lemonade you've ever tried!


DIY Dishwasher Rinse Aid

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Chicken breast strips are coated with crushed potato chips and baked to crispy, golden brown perfection.


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Dipping bacon in seasoned flour before frying in the oven causes it to form a barely detectable, crunchy outer layer that’s extra crispy, golden brown, and irresistible!


Cross Media, Inc. | Westminster, CO | USA
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Eliza at Happy Simple Living 🌻

Welcome! Happy Simple Living's Easy Times newsletter helps busy people simplify with easy recipes and tips for creating a comfy home, organic gardening, saving money, living a simpler life, enjoying holidays, and having more fun!

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