Back in the summer, after wanting to showcase some of the things that have really lit up my joy during the week, I started a Joy and Tell series to “show-and-tell” those things over on my Instagram stories.

However, after a couple of weeks-I stopped. Truth be told, I never really loved sharing them on stories.

Little did I know, I would pick them up again…just over here on the blog!

So, let me be the first to officially welcome you to a new (nearly) weekly series where I highlight some of the things from the week gone by that have brought a smile to my face-and hopefully will to yours as well!

#1: Gray Skies Open Up

This week has felt quite gloomy here with days upon days of gray skies/overcast/ rain. It’s not my favorite weather to experience, but it does feel like good weather to really hunker down and embrace the stillness and reflection of November.

Experiencing a feeling of overcast in my mind as well as in my weather earlier this week, I decided to take a quick walk and listen to some music to clear things up a bit.

During my walk, I had a big epiphany about some things-then, I noticed what appeared to be sunshine breaking though. Looking up, I caught the gray skies opening up into this beautiful blue sky and sunshine peeking through (see the photo above!).

It was purely magical. And it really made me smile.

#2: A Song For When the World Weighs on You

Anyone else feeling like the world is weighing on your shoulders lately? Between wars, intense political environments and polarizations, and so much worldly news, I’ve been really feeling it lately.

If you’ve been feeling this way, too, I came across a song that I saved over a year ago on my Spotify playlist-and it really helped me remember to practice LIVING and LOVING more.

#3: Totally Need to Start Skipping More

I found this reel on Instagram all about why aren’t we skipping more as adults.

It’s not just for kiddos.

And, honesty, it’s has made me want to practice skipping more (although it may be around my house for now haha!)

#4: A Playlist For This Time of Year

After years and years of listening mostly to songs with lyrics-I’ve been longing and listening to more instrumental music lately.

I stumbled upon Ophelia Wilde’s channel and find myself listening to one of the playlists pretty much every single day.

If you want a playlist to capture the November feeling of winter being on the edge… of frosty mornings and it being almost holiday season, but not quite… this one is it.

#5: The Rockefeller Tree has arrived!

While I am a firm “no Christmas decorations until after Thanksgiving” person… it’s still wonderful to see that the Rockefeller Christmas tree arrived in New York City earlier this week! Although, no owls seem to have been stowaways this year!

‘Tis (almost) the season!

#6: Ballet Flats and Water Bottles

I ordered these ballet flats and wore them for the first time last weekend. And honestly… I’m in love with them!

Also, after realizing that while I have a big glass of lemon water first thing in the morning, that water train kind of stops there… I ordered one of those big 40 oz. water bottles. And, I can’t even say how much more I find myself drinking water throughout the day! I especially love this one because it is ceramic lined.

#7: Sonder-ing

Came across this post on Instagram about the word “sonder”, and I feel like it perfectly captures what the world needs more of.

Everyone we meet has a story that we don’t know about… and perhaps we can practice more compassion in realizing that.

#8: Just BELIEVE

After deciding to largely break-up with the news (future blog post on this coming soon!), I have been finding myself with loads more space to watch other things.

One of which is Apple TV’s Ted Lasso… for the fourth or fifth time.

I just can’t get enough of Ted, Beard, Roy, Rebecca and crew-this series is truly tied for my favorite! Plus, it fills the time between Chelsea FC matches… Go Blues!

#9: Feed the Birds

One thing I have picked up from my parents is a love of seeing the birds outside the window.

With the season shifting and the chill in the air-I’ve taken up feeding the birds behind our house in a couple of different spots.

It’s such a simple little thing, but seeing the birds swoop in and eat really is something that I love to see out the window. It makes these gray November days a little brighter!

#10: A Christmas Market Dream-Come-True Movie

Last but not least this week for Joy and Tell is this new charming movie.

While I am a post-Thanksgiving holiday decorator, I do not apply this to my beloved Hallmark Christmas movie season (though their start date of mid-October does seem a wee bit too early for me!).

I stumbled upon their movie, A Heidelberg Holiday, and it has become a new favorite.

It has everything for a cozy European Christmas–Christmas markets, cobblestone streets, beautiful landmarks, and a holiday love story!

It’s definitely has made me add “See the Christmas markets” to my bucket list!

That wraps up Joy and Tell for this week. Until next week!