Choose Joy | 10 Things to Try This Month

Is it September already? Days blur into weeks, weeks into months – where does the time go? Here at home we just wrapped up Week 3 of high school distance learning, and to say the process has been challenging is a huge understatement. Between playing the role of lunch lady, hall monitor, janitor, schedule coordinator, mom, wife, realtor, blogger – oh did I mention we’ve had dry lightning storms, wildfires, horrific air quality and are locked down in a Pandemic?

Living in a Pandemic has pushed us to reimagine our lives in ways we never planned – from how we live and manage life at home to how we show up, socialize, entertain, engage, shop, and spend our free time. As I write this post from my kitchen table wearing noise-canceling headsets, my family swirls around me in the same space – one watching the news (I try to limit what I take in), another eating breakfast and socializing, as my son collects his materials to begin another day of online school in the garage. I gotta hand it to the kids, they are more resilient than I ever imagined.

As the smoke from the wildfires begins to lift and the air slowly clears, my mood and mind follow suit, and I’m able to ease back to my “not-normal-but new-normal” life, finding joy in the little things; morning coffee on the patio (when the air quality is acceptable), walks at sunset, testing out new recipes from our weekly produce box, getting dressed for the day, making time for an online yoga class, writing about beauty, style, and the art of joyful living. So in the spirit of sharing what brings me joy, I’ve rounded up 10 things to know, from great people in our world, who are doing great things.

1. Wear Your Happy

While picking up cupcakes with my daughter at Icing on the Cake in Los Gatos the other day, it was a fun Boho Tee that bought a smile to my face. I was able to source the exact tee online (PRESS HERE) at naturalize.com. This cute tee is on sale so sizes are limited, but this site offers a big selection of “happy tees” and right now you get a boho bandeau with your tee purchase with code ‘LIVE HAPPY’. (PRESS HERE) to browse all tees.

2. Upcycle Your Wardrobe

With closets full of clothes, many bloggers are choosing to upcycle and repurpose garments in their wardrobes. Sounds like fun? Canadian blogger, Lucy Betoldi has been DIYing and re-purposing her wardrobe all over Instagram and now on her super fun blog. (PRESS HERE) to read more in the post, Styling Fun Recap & GUCCI.

And for all my fellow thrifters out there, meet Eva from Style my Thrift. A Costume Designer who like many of us, was faced with the challenge of how to adjust and keep business going during COVID19.  (PRESS HERE) to read more on how Eva continues to persue her dreams while Recycling and Refashioning Thrifted Fuddy-Duddies into Wearable Style.

3. Browse The Worlds Largest Online Thrift Store | ThredUp

With thousands of like-new styles from your favorite brands at up to 90% off estimated retail, it’s easy to lose time while browsing Thredup. Whether you’re a treasure hunter like me in search of that perfect piece to round out your wardrobe, or someone looking to build their basics, I say give this site a try. To my knowledge, ThredUp is the only online thrift store which allows easy returns, free shipping when you select the “Bundle Option” at checkout, detailed Search FIlter options, Rewards Programs, the ability to save and be notified of your “Favorite Searches’, a blog, styling tips and so much more. (PRESS HERE) to start your hunt!

Thrifty Tip: Set your filters to “new with tags” and “like new” | by size | by category | color and let the selections roll in!

SALE ALERT! I own 3 pairs of Birdies (pictured above) and LOVE them. This weekend, the ‘Starling’ is on sale at Birdies.com. If this shoe is your jam, it’s currently on promo for $95 | Reg $140.00. PRESS HERE for more info.

5. Fashion Distraction With Valerie Lee Ferrari | 2pm Daily on Instagram and Facebook Live

Join Valerie for your daily dose of Fashion Distraction at 2pm PST. Since the beginning of the Pandemic, Valerie has delivered over 100, 30-minute fashion shows LIVE from her gorgeous San Diego Boutique, Chateau Bel Age. If you miss windowshopping and engaging with your favorite personal shopper, you’ll love Fashion Distraction. You’ll find all you need to know at Chateau Bel Age on Instagram (HERE) & Facebook Live (HERE).

Can’t catch the live show? Valerie and her talented husband share all the recorded live episodes to view at your leisure on the Chateau Bel Age Instagram Account.

6. Valle Road

Many of you know and love Jennafer Grace as the designer of beautiful pieces like the kimonos and caftans I’ve featured many times here on AskSuzanneBell.com (read more HERE | HERE| HERE).  What you may not know, is that Jennafer, along with a couple of friends, started up a project, with a mission to “express ourselves with witty graphic tees, using only local manufacturing and give back to a different fun charity per each collection.” “Our first collections were a success and we were able to raise money for multiple organizations. As the world became increasingly heavier, we pondered more ways that we can help…”

The Valle Road project now has its’ own shoppable website (HERE) featuring witty graphic tees and adult drink kits – all focused on giving back.

Learn more and follow Jenafer Grace (pictured left) on Instagram (@JENAFERGRACIOUS | HERE) and the girls at Valle Road Collective (@ValleRoadCollective | HERE)

7. Follow People On Social Media That Bring You Joy – and Block Out The Rest

We teach this to our children and teens, but do we do the same? Now, more than ever, it’s important to be in control of what you take in.

8. Social Distanced Outdoor Meet-Ups

For those of us who must social distance, it’s important to find new ways to connect with our girlfriends. Whether it’s an outdoor meet-up on the front lawn with chairs set-up 6 feet apart, a morning coffee on the patio with a friend, or a socially distanced walk with masks on – we need our pals more than ever. Make it happen if you are comfortable and can do so safely.

9. Sunset Yoga w/ Hana@ HanaRaferty.com

The minute I was notified that Hana would be offering classes online during the Pandemic I signed up. Little did I know back in March, that I would be continuing my yoga practice here at home 6 months later – yet I am forever grateful. What I love about Hana, is she offers live practice, pre-recorded practice, Vinyassa Flow, Yin, Restorative, 30 min Sunrise and my latest choice for a better night’s sleep – 30 min Sunset practice.

Practice anytime, anywhere – get 7 days unlimited practice with Hana by visiting her website (HERE).

10. Dress to Impress Gala Supporting Uncommon Threads | 9/16 | PRESS HERE to Learn More

The upcoming gala will feature a live FB red carpet for women (and guys) to show off their outfits.  There will be amazing prizes valued close to $100 for the “best of” in several categories. The prizes will be in five categories including comfy, empowered, glam, comfy, styling of an Uncommon Threads tee, and colorful. Only ticket holders will be able to enter the contest, which  begins at 6:30 EST on 9/16.

The gala begins at 7:00 p.m. but it is pre-recorded so, guests can watch anytime after that.  There is also an online silent auction with incredible loot (dangerous!) that anyone can access with or without a ticket.

It is live now–take peek!