These are my top 5 all-time, must-have items from Athleta.

Elation 7/8 Tight In Powervita The Powervita fabric is AH-mazing. It is soft, smooth but supportive and so, so comfortable. In my experience, it also doesn’t show sweat and I have never had to do the “constantly pulling up dance”. They stay in place. The best part is that there are no seams on the legging at all. This 7/8 length is perfect for me (I am 5’1″) and comes to my ankles, however any of the leggings in Powervita are to die for! Some even have pockets!

Mindset Sweatshirt

This is the light blue sweatshirt I’m wearing here! It is the perfect layer for any season. It is soft and cozy inside but still breathable. It looks great with a pair of leggings or jeans. I love throwing this on when I’m headed to the studio or gym and keeping it on during my warm-up for class.
Conscious Crop in Powervita High neck sports bras/tops are my favorite. I feel the most comfortable and confident in them. This crop is supportive, flattering, and made of the soft Powervita fabric. It can be worn with or without a shirt over the top, but the longer length makes it easy to pair with high waisted leggings without feeling too bare! This is a staple in my workout wardrobe.
Speedlight Tank & Tees

The cut of the Speedlight tee is very comfortable, and I love how sweat-wicking the material is. The side-ruching is also very flattering. I’m wearing the tee version in blue below!

Lightning Stash Pocket TightThe lighting tights are my favorite bottoms for running and going to the gym. They are supportive, lightweight, and non-restrictive all in one. I have been running in these for years! These leggings have held up extremely well and haven’t pilled or stretched out even though I’ve worn and washed them many, many times.

P.S. Athleta is having there ONCE A YEAR sale – and offering 20% off to family & friends. Here is a coupon to use online or in store!

Hey there!

I just wanted to share a few things that are adding happiness to my life!

// Soft & Cozy Pajama’s

Confession: I am 25 years old and I had not bought myself pajamas before this year. Yikes! I usually wear the annual Christmas PJ’s (is that a tradition in everyone’s family or just mine!?) or sleep in my husbands old t-shirts. Before my wedding I splurged and bought myself some super cozy and soft pajamas – when I put them on I felt amazing! I couldn’t believe it has taken me 25 years to buy PJ’s that I liked and that fit me! Now I look forward to getting ready for bed each evening – adding this to my bedtime routine has not only helped me feel pretty, but adds comfort and relaxation at the end of the day.

 

 

// Let Your Hair Down – Literally!

Does anyone else constantly have their hair in a bun or pony tail?! I know I do. I recently began letting my hair down during yoga and barre classes and it feels delicious.

// “If I was Rich” List

I love lists! Recently in my journal I decided to make a list of things I would do if I had unlimited money and time. It was fun, and it helped me identify things that I want more of in my life. After taking a look at my list, I realized the things I had identified were all doable, in moderation! I encourage you to make a list of all of the amazing things you could or would do if you had unlimited resources and see where it leads you!

Enjoy!

Love,

-D

 

 

As I sit here with my morning latte and am snuggled up in a blanket – I am taking a little extra time to journal and practice gratitude today.

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough and more.” -Melody Beattie

This quote really resonates with me – especially today on Thanksgiving.

I am so very thankful for my wonderful life. I just wanted to take a moment to name what I am most grateful for right now, in this moment:

• My husband – who supports, loves, and encourages me to be my best self
• My family & friends – who never fail to make me laugh, bring me on adventures and are always there for me, no questions asked.
• My health – and a body that allows me to move in ways that feel good
• My cozy home – especially during the cold winter months I am thankful for warmth to come home to.
• The bird feeder outside our window – the little birds, squirrels & bunnies make me so happy
• My opportunities to learn & grow – the ability to pursue my creative drives like this blog, photography and barre.

If you have some quiet time today, I encourage you to listen to this Podcast. The podcast talks more about the quote above and has an uplifting message for today.

Gratitude is powerful. Thank you for sharing this little piece of the internet with me!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Love,

-D

How cute are these two?! Vermonters had their first snow day on Friday! Joe, Jess and I all work in schools – so this surprise day off was perfect to get together after the fresh snowfall for some photos!

I met a friend after work this week to explore a bit of Richmond, VT. I’ve been working in Richmond for a month or so, but haven’t been able to spend much time outside of my workplace.

We met at Sweet Simone’s bakery. I had a delicious veggie flatbread and cranberry toffee cookie – I highly recommend this cute little cafe! All of the baked goods in the display looked scrumptious.

Although cold and windy- we bundled up and  walked through the park, over the bridge and stopped to admire the Old Round Church. The last of the foliage hung to the leaves on the mountains and it was such a refreshing evening.

 

 

 

 

 

I love to organize.

Side note: When I was in elementary school I would go to my friend’s house before ballet lessons each week. We would have a snack, change into our tights and leotards, and if we had extra time my friend would let me organize her room! I was always so excited, I would start by sorting things into piles and then find them “homes”. Categorizing is key! 

Anyways – back to present day – I decided it was time to reorganize my spice drawer. I hadn’t touched it since moving into our home two years prior. When I opened it there were a variety of bottles with different shapes, sizes and colors.

BEFORE (warning – slightly scary!)

I began by emptying the entire drawer. Then I got rid of spices that hadn’t been used in a long time or were expired. I paired duplicates and separated spices that weren’t yet open. I did a little research to educate myself on how best to store spices.

// PROTECT FROM LIGHT & AIR

To keep spices fresh they must be protected from two things; light and air. The plastic bottles that many spices are sold in are porous and therefore do not keep them fresh. The glass containers that I purchased are not 100% air tight, but the top screws on firmly and is a huge improvement from prepackaged bottles. Because my spices are located in a closed, dark drawer I was not concerned about getting opaque bottles. However, if you’d rather store you spices on an open shelf or wall rack you can buy stainless steel containers that protect from light.

// HEALTH BENEFITS OF GLASS

Storing food items in plastic packaging can lead to exposure of harmful chemicals. This has been linked to adverse health outcomes such as cancer, birth defects, endocrine disruption… the list goes on and on.

// BUYING IN BULK

• Costs an average of 89% less than pre-packaged food
• Allows you to buy exactly what you need
• It is better for the environment (waste is minimized)!

Having glass refillable bottles also allows you to purchase the amount of spice that you’ll actually use without wasting the rest. Many stores have a bulk spice section – my favorite in Burlington is at Healthy Living. You can even bring your own containers and have them weighed prior to filling!

Lastly, I had fun labeling my spices with a marker on the lids.

AFTER

 

 

 

I love seeing the different colors and textures, it’s so much prettier!

I realized after that a few spices I use often (cinnamon, turmeric, sea salt etc.) will require larger glass containers – so I am on the hunt for those!

Products I used:

Glass Spice Containers 

Shelf Liner  – makes for easy clean up in your cabinets!

Spice Funnel 

Healthy Living – Vermont

Wish List:

In-Drawer Spice Rack 

// EVERYDAY HAPPINESS

Over the past year I’ve been exploring and reading about happiness. Each day it becomes more apparent to me that we create our own happiness.  Not all days will be full of joy and smiles – but you can find happiness in your everyday life. I am by far an expert on this topic but felt that I’ve learned a few things that may resonate with others.

// MAKING ROOM FOR MORE HAPPY

I’m sure you’ve heard of this activity before, and I can’t remember who shared it with me -but I am grateful to that person.

Step 1. Make a list of things you love to do most in life.

Step 2. Make a list of things that you do every day.

Step 3. Compare the two lists.

Step 4: Make appropriate changes until the lists are as close to matching as possible!

This can feel pretty overwhelming at first – after comparing my two lists I felt as if I didn’t know where to begin.

Here’s how I started.

// ARE YOU HAPPY ON A RANDOM WEDNESDAY? HOW ABOUT MONDAY’S AT NOON?

Of course you can feel happiness and excitement for the big things in life – vacations, birthdays, outings with friends etc. – but the happiness I’m referring to is everyday happiness.  The joy you feel while drinking a hot latte from your favorite mug each morning before the sun comes up. The walks after dinner with your husband. The majority of our life (mine at least) isn’t spent on vacations or at birthday’s.  The majority of my life is filled with “my routine” – work, time at home etc. The day-to-day routine can be filled with smaller joys which I like to call “My Happy List”. My happy list is made up of ordinary, everyday activities that make me happy. Things I can do every single day.

// MY HAPPY LIST

The following things truly bring happiness to my soul. My goal is to make sure I have done at least 3 things from my list each day!

1. Walks outside
2. Drinking an almond milk latte
3. Making my bed in the morning
4. Journaling
5. Reading
6. Taking photographs
7. Doing yoga or barre
8. Lighting a candle
9. Organizing anything
10. Getting into soft & cozy pajama’s

I love that this list can be fluid, and change with time, personal growth and exploration. Place your list somewhere that you look every day – a mirror, inside your closet, the background on your phone screen for a gentle reminder to yourself.

I encourage you to sit down – right now – and make your own happy list. How many things on your list are you able to add to your every day routine?

I hope you’re able to find some inspiration and add a little extra happy to your every day.

Love,

-D

// MY INSPIRATION

I highly recommend the the following books. If reading isn’t your thing, you can also listen to them on audio books!

• You Are A Badass – Jen Sincero
• Girl Wash Your Face – Rachel Hollis
• Big Magic – Elizabeth Gilbert
• The Universe Has Your Back – Gabrielle Bernstein

 

It snowed for the first time today! Yikes!

I am not quite ready to let go of my favorite season and wanted to capture the last glimpses of autumn before the snow turns my backyard into a winter wonderland.

// OGEE SCULPTED LIP OIL

 

If you live in or around the Burlington area and haven’t checked out Mirror Mirror – I highly suggest that you do! You will not be disappointed. The employees are so helpful, kind, and really listen to what you are looking for in both skin and make up products.

I stumbled upon Mirror Mirror while searching for someone to do my bridal make up. The girls at Mirror Mirror introduced me to a Vermont brand that I adore – Ogee! Ogee uses plant based and organic products – you can learn more about their values here. What’s not to love?!

I wore Ogee’s Tinted Sculpted Lip Oil for my wedding, and it was perfect. They also make a Sculpted Lip Oil that feels amazing and is very hydrating.

// ROSE LEMONADE & FALL FRUIT

 

I found these two delicious treats at  Healthy Living in Burlington this weekend; Rose Lemonade and a juicy red pear.

Hope you’re enjoying the final rays of fall sunlight.

Love,

-D

 

 

Almost every weekend Jonathan and I walk to our favorite coffee spot – Nomad Coffee. I look forward to our “coffee walks” (as we like to call them) all week long. Today’s walk was breezy, cloudy and refreshing.

Nomad Coffee has a large variety for it’s small size. The options range from matcha lattes to cold brew and smoothies. I love that Nomad offers Vermont products such as Jed’s Maple Syrup (shoutout to the NEK!) and Brio Coffeeworks beans from Burlington. They also serve baked goods from Sweet Simone’s Bakery in Richmond, VT – so, so delicious. Their raspberry bars are one of my favorites!

If you are ever in Essex Junction, or just passing through, stop and check them out!

 

Nomad Coffee

 

Thanks for joining me! I’m so excited you’re here!

My name is Danielle Havens. I’m a Vermont native, raised in the beautiful Northeast Kingdom and now living in Chittenden county with my husband creating a home of our own.

A view from the road I grew up on, Lake Memphremagog. 

I am a Registered Nurse, a wife, lover of yoga, barre, outdoor adventures and iced lattes. I am passionate about health and wellness, food, family, friends, organizing and creating a cozy home.

Meet my husband – Jonathan. He’s my best friend and we have so much fun together.

My hope is to use this blog a creative outlet to share my everyday adventures, miracles, interests and experiences. I hope to record my memories in this precious life of ours.

 

Feel free to follow along and enjoy what this wild world has in store for us!

Love,

Danielle