It’s BLISS BITS Wednesday!
It’s been a few weeks since I gathered up my blissful bits. Sometimes the post-holiday normalcy is hard to find, isn’t it? I’m taking advantage of that feeling by shaking things up before settling back into a routine. I’m in the midst of a massive purge-and-organize crusade on the domestic front. I’m researching a new look for The Usual Bliss. I’ve got some new habits I’d like to form- not necessarily resolutions, but changes that I hope stick going forward. Productivity feels good to a Capricorn like me.
On more than one of the websites I frequent, I’ve noticed a common theme in goals for the new year: taking time to enjoy the happy moments in life. Whether you’ve enjoyed a milestone accomplishment, or challenged yourself to branch out in the kitchen, or discovered a new favorite song, or just finished folding that massive pile of laundry…the things that make you happy should be celebrated, big or small. That’s what these Bliss Bits posts are all about! Here are some smiles of mine from the last couple of weeks.
NOT a black and white photo.
Christmas Eve bowling was so much fun!
Peaceful Christmas bliss.
Cholula’s new hang-out spot during meal prep.
Did you see my latest published piece in TrailGroove Magazine?
We somehow salvaged John’s birthday cake after this!
How gorgeous are these sleigh horses? I wish I’d named them.
I just LOVE a full dining room table.
Snow-in-a-can, for winters like the one we’re having now…
My project for the new year: learn to use my new fancy camera!
When I was sick, John brought me a selection of instant noodles. Nothing else sounded good.
Evidence that I share these trails with all sorts of creatures.
So far, much of my 2014 has been spent outside!
Traditional leftover ham and bean soup. Yum.
Santa brought me a WINE YOKE. Handy!
We need snow.
A precious gingerbread village at Sundance.
The truth about how I rang in the new year. Times have changed…
First hike of the year! Mount Timpanogos is amazing.
Family nap on New Year’s Day.
I always make the same wish. Do you?
I went back to the HOT POT. So delicious!
Salt Lake has been suffering from a massive inversion (smog). Thankful for blue skies here.
I love when John sends me photos from his ski days.
Chicken Philly Cheese sammies. I should ask John to cook more often!
My ideal way to start every single day.
Sunlight through the pines.
I made an incredible paella with noodles! Stay tuned for the recipe.
Guys, this is seriously where she parks herself when I cook these days.
One of my treasured Christmas gifts. John knows me well. #neilforever
I’m officially cut off from buying new books until I read all of these!
Stormy days mean having the trail to myself.
One year ago, I was sampling gelato at Vinto.
We also had a LOT more snow than we do now!
Two years ago, I snapped this photo of John right before he asked me to be his wife.
Also, Cholula was still a mini. EARS!
Three years ago, we were enjoying our first trip (of many) to Sundance!
That year, John and I got each other the same book for Christmas!
And I made a strawberry-raspberry version of these bars this morning.Â
You know. Just the usual bliss.Â
One year ago: My Christmas tree was still up and I made soup on a sick day. De ja vu!
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the usual bliss 
That photo of the sun coming through the pine tree is stunning. Also, I must try those blackberry bars. I’m salivating on my keyboard!
Those bars are really easy and unbelievably tasty! I think I could get away with eating them for breakfast, don’t you?
Ok, I need that wine holder. I mean seriously…perfection.
It might mean more spills in the long run… but how funny is that?
Happy Bliss Day:) Love the Snow in a Can, the NEW! Camera and the Wine Yoke (hands free is so NICE)!!!
Hands free! Yes!
I love the snow photos that look b&w but are not! Also let me know if you find someone to help design a new look for the blog…I’ve been wanting to do this for the last year! xx
I’m thinking more of just switching to a fresh theme. If it’s too much work, I won’t do it. 🙂
Oh, gotcha. I was thinking of paying a designer to help with a custom design.
I’ve looked into that, too- there are a lot of designers who focus solely on blog design. I just like to be in control of the appearance and timing of changes… I think there are a few themes that work with the way I like my posts to look.
My two cents: I like your blog now! 🙂
It’s official… I need a wine yoke! Santa is a very great gift giver. And seriously, you have the most enviable house, Amber. That living room is to die for!
Wasn’t Santa CREATIVE? And thank you, Jessica!
I really would have thought that the first photo is black and white if you hadn’t mentioned!!!
Isn’t that crazy? Sometimes in winter, my photos come out like that!