This past month has been a rollercoaster. After the recent floods here in South Texas, my yard—and honestly, my mood—felt heavy with dirt, debris, and general overwhelm. It’s wild how much your environment can affect how you feel.
But now that the mess is mostly cleared and repairs are nearly done, I’m starting to feel like myself again. Everything looks brighter. Smells cleaner. The sunshine feels a little warmer. And in that spirit of fresh starts, I thought I’d share a few simple things that have brought me joy lately—nothing fancy, just little reminders that life is still good.
🌞 1. My New Cooling Towel (A Must-Have for Outdoor Work)
The weather’s already starting to heat up here in South Texas, and working with the horses can be brutal under the sun. Cooling towels can be such a game changer. Just wet it, snap it, and drape it around your neck. Instant relief! I’ve had lots of cooling towels over the years but I love the slit in this one. Tucking that end through keeps it from falling off while you are working.
If you spend any time outdoors—gardening, walking, or wrangling horses like me—I can’t recommend this enough.
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🥩 2. Corned Beef: A Rediscovered Favorite
I made corned beef for St. Patrick’s Day, and I was reminded of just how much I love it. It’s one of those meals that fills the house with that cozy, comforting smell that wraps around you like a warm hug.
After the holiday, I grabbed a couple on sale to stash away in the freezer. If you haven’t had it in a while, treat yourself—you might just fall back in love like I did.
✍️ 3. GoodNotes for Journaling and Organizing My Thoughts
I’ve been using GoodNotes (download it from the App Store) on my iPad for journaling, planning blog posts, and even just brain dumps. It’s like having a beautiful notebook that never runs out of pages—but I can still doodle and highlight like I’m using paper.
When I kept a paper journal, I bought every colored pen I could find. I had dozens! You can do it all – pens, pencils, highlighters – with one single pencil on the iPad! I love that!
There’s something so satisfying about seeing your thoughts all laid out clearly, especially when life feels chaotic.
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📝 Which Apple Pencil Works with Your iPad?
| Apple Pencil Model | Key Features | Works With | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Pencil Pro | Squeeze gesture, barrel roll, haptic feedback, Find My support | ✅ 2024 iPad Pro (M4) only | Best choice for new iPad Pro users |
| Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) | Wireless charging, double-tap to switch tools, pressure/tilt sensitivity | ✅ iPad Pro 11″ (Gen 1–4) ✅ iPad Pro 12.9″ (Gen 3–6) ✅ iPad Air (Gen 4–5) |
🍽 4. My Oversink Drainer: A Kitchen Hero
I’ve had this oversink drying rack for a while, but every time I use it, I think, “I’m so glad I bought this.” It saves counter space, looks tidy, and works perfectly for rinsing veggies or drying dishes. Mine is in front of a window so I have plenty of room for the height. I use the top tier to store/display my pretty enameled cast iron Dutch ovens. It’s that sturdy.
When I first got it, and for a while after, it made me smile every time I looked at it and the clean, uncluttered counter next to it. It’s one of those simple tools that just makes daily life easier—and that’s something to love.
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🛁 5. A Long Soak with Bath Salts
After a long day—especially one that involves mud, muck, and manure—nothing beats a hot soak with some relaxing bath salts. I’ve been leaning into this ritual more lately. It’s not just physical relief, but mental too.
A little lavender or eucalyptus can turn a simple bath into a full-on spa moment.
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Closing Thoughts on the Simple Things I’m Loving This April
These aren’t big, life-changing things—but they’ve helped me feel more grounded and a little more like myself again. That’s the magic of simple joys.
What’s something you’ve been loving lately? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s making your days a little brighter.
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