I Heart Mondays!!

Everyone knows that Monday is the dreaded day of the week. It's the first day back after your weekend and you're not really excited about going back to work. Let's face it, there's really nothing to look forward to on Monday!

Don't worry-that's why I've started compiling my favourite things throughout the week, just so I can post about it on Monday.

Alright. Here we go! This week I have eight loves. I probably have way more but this is what I had photos of.

The first one is baths. Omg. I have been in Shanghai for almost five years, and only had a bathtub in one apartment. I cannot tell you how amazing it is to take a hot bath after a stressful day. Yes you can still have a stressful day if you don't have a job. It is possible. Sometimes I put in some bath oil and just soak. It's sooooo nice.

Number two and three are a blow up remote control T-Rex, and the magazine that I look forward to each month, Real Simple. Let me just say, this T-Rex could be so much fun. I'm twenty eight years old and want this. Real Simple is such a good magazine because it is practical. It gives you real tips and showcases both expensive and inexpensive things so you can choose what you want to splurge or save on. There are beauty tips, organizational tips, recipes (that you can actually make!) and stories that are well worth the five dollars.

Number four is Essie nail polish. I've heard of Essie nail polish before, but was always hesitant to spend eight dollars on one bottle. However, my friend Kaitlyn told me again about Essie and I just had to try it. It really is a great nail polish! It didn't chip for nearly five days, and even then, it was only a bit. I went for a deep green called stylenomics, and was not disappointed. The first coat was not very thick and you could see through it, but the second coat was perfect. Do take some extra time to let it dry though, smudged up nails are not pretty!

Five is Shortbread Bites that I found on Good Housekeeping. The recipe is super simple and I will be making these today-so check back for the recipe and see how they turned out!

I recently went to Michaels, a craft supply store here in Toledo, and bought some watercolour paper and paint to play with. I really miss just painting and doodling whatever comes to mind. They also helped me make my Christmas cards this year, so be on look out for those!

Number seven is this 'Ugly Christmas Sweater' for dogs from Target. In the past year or so, our family has been drawing names and buying (or making) an ugly Christmas sweater for a family member to wear for the midnight mass on Christmas Eve. It is hilarious to see which sweaters people got, and even funnier to see them wearing it! This year is my first year (and David's!!) participating and I am so excited! How funny that I found these ugly Christmas sweaters for my dogs as well! I think I might have to go back and buy them.

Number eight is a little more nostalgic. Since leaving Shanghai, I get more and more 'homesick' towards it. I know it's not my 'home' per se, but I made it my home, and dammit I miss it! So when I went to Monettes and saw this Shanghai Bok Choy, I was like-that's my shizzz!!! It is used in a lot of dishes in Shanghai because it's cheap and delicious. I love that I have this connection with a place halfway across the world, but I am also happy to see what else there is! When I see things that remind me of the good times I had there, it makes my heart warm.

There you have it- EIGHT happy things for your not so happy Monday.

Check back for the Shortbread Bites recipe as well as next weeks I Heart Monday!!!

tors xx