The tiny joys that carried me through June

Feeling pencils, lightning bugs, and the case for buying the flowers

It’s the last day of June (!!), and I’m deep in my usual “wait, how is summer flying by so fast?” spiral. (Though, to be fair, I feel like this is my default mode no matter the time of year.) It always sneaks up on me. One blink and we’re halfway through the calendar, the peaches are perfect, and I’m wondering if I’ve really made the most of the long days and warm nights.

Can you tell my favorite color is orange???

I’ve noticed that lately I’ve been trying really hard to slow down and make room for the small stuff. Jury’s out on whether I’m doing a good job at it, but the intention is there, people! To me, the “small stuff” is the joy that sneaks in during the in-between. Like a friend texting you a video they know will make you smile, catching a cute moment between two strangers at the park, or the quiet thrill of spotting a lightning bug during your evening walk.

I think a lot about how light things used to feel in my early twenties when my biggest worry was whether I had enough money to go out on a Tuesday, or if I looked cute enough for a casual date. I did ridiculous things with very little planning and zero regret. Somewhere along the way, that ease got layered with more responsibility, more overthinking, and a much stronger desire for under-eye cream.

Now, I’m trying to bring little pieces of that energy back in. Not so much the college chaos, but the spontaneity and softening of the edges. To pay attention to what actually makes a day feel good! Like buying a set of smiley-face pencils just because they make me laugh. Or picking up flowers for no real reason other than the fact that they’re there and they’re pretty. Those little ritualistic proof-of-life moments (or souvenirs as I like to call ‘em!) from a season that always seems to move way too fast.

So here’s to the tiny joys, the weird and wonderful bits, and being here for it while it lasts.

Onward to my June treasures!

Little things that made me smile, squeal, or scream (in a fun way):

• Friendship test: Would you let me paint your couch?

• A man turned a fallen oak tree into a 16-foot pencil and now hosts an annual neighborhood party to sharpen it. This is the kind of communal joy I want need more of in my life.

• When you catch me walking around Paris with a baguette tucked in this Gustaf Westman baguette holder, just know I’ve achieved peak lifestyle fantasy.

• Female friendships are my love language, and these women are the GOATs of girlhood joy.

• Yes, I do have room for another set of colorful mugs. Don’t ask questions you don’t want the answer to!!

• Need a pick-me-up? Call this free hotline and get advice from elementary school kids. Actually. When I called, they told me: “Be grateful yourself, live it up, and be you.” Okay kid!!! 🥺

• You can officially add orange and lilac to your dream color combos, courtesy of these ridiculously cute, shockingly comfy satin beauties I picked up from Nikki Chasin.

• A friend DM’d me this video about button covers and I felt deeply seen. 1) I love that I was their go-to to share this joyful content, and 2) I now need every single button cover in existence.

• This smiley chair from Chuch Estudio is so silly and adorable, I kind of want to hug it. Serotonin in the form of a chair.

• My mood going into July. No notes.

Tiny wins, big feelings. Here's what I'm tossing confetti over this month.

• Had not one but two (!!) photo shoots last week: one to document progress at the cabin, and one for a fun little branding moment for my biz. I wasn’t expecting to have that much fun in front of the camera (what do you do with your hands?!), but my photographer and I were cracking up the entire time. I can’t wait to share more soon.

• Got to spend some quality time with family this month, and no matter the reason for the gathering, that kind of connection always feels like a gift. I try not to take it for granted.

• Went live with Ariel of Rel’s Recs, a delightful new internet friend, and honestly… what a blast!!! We dished on what we’re ERBE (eating, reading, buying, eyeing). If you haven’t already, go subscribe to Ariel’s newsletter.

• I’m working with a design client whose inspo is... sea slugs. Yep, nudibranchs. It’s moments like this where I’m reminded how weird and wonderful the world is, and how grateful I am to do what I do.

One parting request: send me something joyful you saw, felt, or experienced this month. I want to keep collecting the good stuff.

xo Daniela