Market Finds & Joie de Vivre

So I’ve been writing joie de vivre posts for a long time…highlighting things, places, activities or moments that make my heart zing. There are lot of simple joys throughout the week, but one that I particularly look forward to is fruit shopping on the weekends. There is a large population of expatriate Vietnamese families in Westminster known as Little Saigon (a 30 minute drive away from where we live) and it’s become one of my favorite places to explore! I really have a blast shopping in the markets and trying different restaurants with Dan and our friends. There are so many awesome goodies to discover. Mangosteen, passion fruit, durian, cherimoya, starfruit, sugarcane, pho and banh xeo! Here are some of my favorite fruit finds from Trai Cay Ngon.

5 Joie De Vivre {Simple Joys in Life}

Five joie de vivre from my past week.

These are some things that make me smile…

{Dark chocolate covered coffee beans. Mmmm}

{Flowers in the house}

{Ok…this may seem like a weird thing to be excited over, but it smells SO good! I love cleaning the house just so it can smell like fresh grapefruit! And a plus — it’s all natural, non-toxic and plant based}

{My new peppermint plant from mom <3}

{I found these cute ceramic fortune cookies that hold notes/name cards. I wrote a message to my love while we dined on spicy Shin Bowls}

5 Joie De Vivre {Simple Joys in Life}

Joie De Vivre.

The simple joys in life that I am thankful for.

{Rose drops imported from France. They taste like the smell of a dozen fragrant roses. So lovely — an instant pick-me-up}

{Last Thursday evening the clouds looked warm and cozy. They cast an amber glow all over town. It was a brilliant feeling — best described as a cloud hug}

{It’s almost lemon season.}

{I bought a dozen red roses for the house. It’s such a treat to have these on the table.}

{Homemade nutmeg coffee with my man.}

5 Joie De Vivre {Simple Joys in Life}

In an earlier post I talked about joie de vivre and the importance of finding the little things throughout your day that make you happy. I’m hoping I can get in the habit of sharing these with you on a weekly basis. Life seems that much sweeter when you’re thankful for the small things that are happening all around you.

When you come across things that make you smile — those “Ahhh life is good moments”, write them down. Make a list of the things that you like to savor. It’s a fun little project that will remind you about the simple pleasures in life.

{A tree with dark red leaves and pretty pink blossoms that is blooming down the street}

{Taking this guy for a stroll. Sometimes we’ll walk to the park that overlooks the beach}

{A pretty note pad and pen}

{Taking my nanny baby out for doughnuts and chatting the afternoon away}

{My little pink pig soap that smells like roses. I keep it in this 14k gold plated dish that I found at a thrift store. Good find}

Bonjour Happiness

I just started reading Bonjour Happiness by Jamie Cat Callan. As a young girl, Callan was fascinated by her French Grandmother. Callen captures the secrets of her grand-mères classic style and how she took joy in simple, everyday pleasures. Callen shares lessons on how to age gracefully, enjoy life and how to celebrate being an elegant woman. She reminds us that we too can acquire this joie de vivre.

Hmmmm I’m excited to see where this goes.

Here are a few sneak-peek-lessons from Bonjour Happiness.

Edited version of Shannon Ables Review at Simply Luxurious Life

*Break the connection between spending money and happiness by finding experiences that bring you joy, but do not cost a thing

*Fill your home with fresh flowers and original art

*Learn to survive on your own

*Learn a new language

*Reject the fast and efficient and instead choose something that takes a little more time and delays gratification, ultimately creating more satisfaction.

*Don’t share everything about your personal life– maintain your mystery

*Try to ride your bike or walk everywhere

*Do not seek approval from othes in life. Do what you think is best and be proud of your actions

*Keep the dining room table clutter free even when not using it

*Pay attention to your posture

*Buy local

*Plant herbs

*Consider staying away from the kitchen between meals

*Practice the art of conversation by complimenting both men and women

*Wear good lingerie all the time.

*Buy one bra for every three panties

*Pair quality basics with unusual finds