Happy August!

Maybe it's that vague, residual feeling of preparing to go back to school as a kid, but August always makes me feel like change is in the air.

I'm not ready to let go of the easier pace of summer yet, but I notice I'm starting to think about getting back to daily routines.

Are you a list maker like I am? I recently created a short "Never Sorry I Did It" List. It's a handful of simple things that are always satisfying... to have done.

For instance:

• Going to the gym.
• Writing.
• Making a home-cooked meal.
• Reading a good book.
• Walking.
• Quiet time meditating and praying.
• Working in the garden.

The challenge, for me, is overcoming the resistance that sometimes crops up:

I need to finish this work project and don't have time for a walk.

I'll for sure go the gym tomorrow.

I'll just scroll Instagram real quick before opening my book.

Why do I sometimes resist the very things that reliably make me happy?

I've never finished a workout and wished I hadn't gone to the gym. I've never closed my notebook after writing a few pages and regretted making progress on my book. I always feel refreshed after walking and getting fresh air and sunshine.

As August unfolds, I'm reminding myself not to focus on whether I feel like doing the things on my list.

Instead, I'm focusing on how good it feels to have done them.

How About You?

I'd love to know what's on your "Never Sorry I Did It" List.

I have a feeling we could all borrow a few ideas from each another.

Until then, here's to an August filled with good things and moments to treasure.

Warmly,

P.S. You might also enjoy "5 Reasons a Simple Life is a Happy Life."

Eliza Cross Owner, Happy Simple Living ​Read my story​

THE HAPPY LIST 🌻

Fun finds, helpful tips, and small joys

🍨 Nostalgic Treats: Smitten Kitchen's homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Sandwiches are perfect for hot summer nights.

✅ Quotable: "I hate writing. I love having written." - Dorothy Parker

❤️ Your heart will melt watching Assadian, a musician who serenades animals in zoos, sanctuaries and farms.

⏰ We're each given 100 blocks each day. What will you do with yours?

💚 Instagram crush: The Captain's Daughter for party ideas, pretty flowers, antiques, and New England life by the sea.

🙃 Laugh lines: When you buy your Disney tickets from Temu​

🧠 10 small ways to keep your brain sharp.

🌽 I serve this Fresh Corn, Avocado and Tomato Salsa with Frito Scoops, and people crowd around the bowl!

12 Really, REALLY Easy Meals

These 12 dinner ideas have saved my sanity countless times. They are un-fancy, un-fussy and embarrassingly easy.

Got Mint?

Got a mint plant taking over your garden? Put those fragrant leaves to good use!

From refreshing mojitos to homemade mint chocolate chip ice cream, discover the best ways to enjoy this fast-growing herb.

Southern Egg Salad is the Perfect High Protein Lunch

I always forget how good egg salad is! It's the perfect easy lunch on a hot summer day.

This recipe is a slightly updated variation of the classic, and a touch of Dijon mustard and a splash of fresh lemon juice adds tangy flavor to the creamy dressing

You'll Be Glad You Made These Breakfast Burritos

These yummy Sausage Breakfast Burritos are loaded with eggs, melted cheese, crispy potatoes, green chiles, and savory sausage.

Make a batch, freeze them, and enjoy a hot, homemade breakfast in minutes on busy mornings.

DIY Citrus Cleaner Works Great, Smells Divine

If you're trying to reduce toxins in your home, you'll love this DIY all-purpose Citrus Cleaner.

It's a wonderful way to use leftover orange and lemon peels, and works well to clean so many surfaces. Includes a free printable label!

Sweet Corn and Bacon, But Make it Dippable!

From BENSA Bacon Lovers Society, summer sweet corn gets the ultimate upgrade in this Corn Dip with Bacon.

It's easy, cheesy, and guaranteed to disappear fast at your backyard barbecue!