In honor of spring, and the beauty of the new season, I thought I would share with you a different kind of post. There are some things in my life that I have come to appreciate and enjoy that I want to share with you, so I’ve included my “Favorites List” for spring and hope that they become some of your new favorites things too.

1. ApartmentTherapy.com. This is my new favorite website that provides so many ideas on decorating on a budget, creative DIY projects, living simple, and helping you find your decor style. This article, “10 Simple Things to Make You Happier at Home” is one of my personal favorites. It provides ideas on how to create small changes in your home that have a positive effect to make you happier. A must read!: http://bit.ly/157fLJP
2. Sarah Jenks, founder of Live More Weigh Less is launching a new video series this month to inspire women to live life to the fullest instead of focusing on their pants size. She has a very different approach to weight loss. You can follow Sarah on twitter and check out her inspirational videos here: http://livemoreweighless.com/
3. Starbucks $1 Reusable Cups. I bought one of these a few months ago and have gotten so much use out it! Every time I use the cup, I get a discount on my drink and intrinsically, I feel like I am saving the earth with every Starbucks drink I purchase which is a lot…According to this Huffington Post article, “In 2008, Seattle-based Starbucks had said it wanted to serve 25 percent of all drinks in reusable cups by 2015.” Help them meet that goal! : http://huff.to/12OSj3H
4. Shauna Niequist’s book Bittersweet: Thoughts on Change, Grace, and Learning the Hard Way. My college Bible Study group and I are reading this book right now and it’s changing our lives! We have appreciated Shauna’s honesty and humor in her life lessons and what God has taught her. The premise of the book can be summed up by this quote from the author on what bittersweet means: “When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate. And when life is bitter, say thank you and grow.” You can also follow Shauna Niequist on twitter.
5. Sloths Crossing the Street. There is nothing better to inspire you to help others in need, then this inspiring video of a sloth trying to cross the street. It’s a great reminder that we are all trying to get somewhere in life and sometimes we need others to help us get there: http://bit.ly/lC0bpV
6. Writing Letters. This is a lost art form which is why when you receive or send a letter you feel like you are preserving a historical pastime. Take five minutes out of your day to show someone you really care by writing a handwritten note because there is nothing better than receiving a piece of mail that isn’t a bill. For tips on writing a letter in case you need a refresher read, “How to Write Letters, A Vintage Guide to the Lost Art of Epistolary Etiquette by Maria Popova: http://bit.ly/UgXRyo
7. Creative ways to store jewelry. I have recently been inspired to go thrifting to find items that can be used to help me creatively organize my jewelry. I have used teacups and old cd racks to help display my jewelry in a way that I can actually see what I have to wear so I’m not digging through drawers or sorting through tangled messes. Check out these photos from the Shelterness website to get ideas to store your jewelry, so it’s not a hot mess in your drawers. “50 Cool Jewelry Storage Ideas”: http://bit.ly/GABesJ
8. The tv show Lost. I know the show has been over for years, but I finally finished watching season 5 and season 6. In case you’re wondering on my response to the season ending…I bawled my eyes out. I really appreciated the imagery of light, the story of forgiveness, and the redemption of flawed characters. So if you haven’t seen it, start watching it on Netflix.
9. Do you want to see how animals their food? If you need a good laugh at the end of a busy day, gather your friends and watch this hilarious video on how animals eat their food. Enjoy laughter today. http://bit.ly/10EBWmc
10. Direct Deposit on my Taxes. This is the first year that I have done direct deposit for my taxes and I received my refund within two weeks versus the typical two months to receive the check in the mail. Thank you IRS!

I hope you enjoyed the list of my favorite things right now, and I hope you that check them out. Please also comment and share with me your favorite things that you can’t live without. I’d love to hear from you!