Earlier this week, I picked up my daughters from school and immediately began my typical afternoon routine: unpacking backpacks, washing lunchbox containers, feeding dogs and starting dinner. Just as I was getting started, my youngest came into the kitchen and sweetly asked me if I could come outside and push her on the swings. My initial reaction was to tell her no; I explained I had to start dinner and get some cleaning done. Seeing her little disappointed face looking up at me, immediate guilt washed over me. The sun was peeking out after a long morning of rain, so I decided to put my to-do list on hold and go outside to be present with my little girl, who was probably waiting all day at school for this time to connect with me and play outside. Everything else could wait a few minutes.

While I was outside with her, we played on the swings, took time to notice the lilac bushes in bloom, listened for new birds, pulled weeds in the garden and even noticed a bright blue egg peeking out from a bird nest in our yard. I glanced at the time on my phone and was shocked to see that an hour had passed. It was the happiest, best spent part of my day. It’s a reminder that joy and fulfillment come in simple packages. Uninterrupted, undistracted time with my child, enjoying our yard and noticing nature - these are every day things that feel like quiet gifts.

As the world outside starts to bloom, I’ve been taking time to be a bit more intentional with my days, saying “yes” to my kids more, slowing down and getting outdoors whenever I can, bringing in little luxuries into my daily life to make everything feel a bit more special.

Here are a few more of my favorite ways to bring joy into these sunny Spring days:

• My bird feeders - I have several bird feeders throughout my property and I make sure to keep them filled with high quality seed. They attract so many different species of birds, I love spotting new ones (especially this time of year) and learning to recognize their unique birdsongs.

• Bringing my book or laptop outside - Whether I’m working or just enjoying a novel, I’ve been making a point to read and write outside now that the weather is warming up a bit. The fresh air and sunshine are an instant mood lift.

• Treating myself to good ingredients - If I’m being honest, this is nothing new - I am fortunate to be able to prioritize quality when shopping for food. Since returning home from Italy, I’ve been intent on getting the best, most authentic Italian ingredients I can find. I’ve been ordering from Giadzy, Giada De Laurentiis’s specialty online Italian food shop, and love their dried pastas, seasoning salts and Ligurian extra virgin olive oil. You can truly taste the difference. You’ll find my favorites here, plus get $10 off your first order!

• Lighting a candle after the kids are in bed - I love candles, and I often treat myself to special, non-toxic ones and most look forward to lighting them at night once the kids are in bed. It signals to me that it’s time to unwind and focus on my own needs. I’m currently burning this one (Redwood + Lily scent, from Paddywax’s National Park Foundation line).

• Dabbling in watercolor - In the last few years, I’ve hard the urge to start painting. I’ve always been drawn to watercolor, so I bought myself a simple little set and some brushes and have been just having fun with it. It feels so good to nurture my creative side and learn something new.

• Luxe, non-toxic skincare - I’ve been using Osea’s products for several years now and love their commitment to effective, safe, sustainable and cruelty-free products. Their newest cleansing oil and makeup remover (Ocean Wave Cleanser) is my latest must-have because it removes all trace of makeup and impurities while leaving skin soft and nourished. (If you’re trying Osea for the first time, use my code LAURENKR10 for 10% off your first order).

  For paid subscribers - keep reading for more little Spring luxuries!

  

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