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.
Stay cool and comfortable even in the Texas heat with this COLD-FACTOR Cooling Neck Wrap. Perfect for working outdoors, gardening, or just taking a walk on a warm day, this wrap activates with a quick soak in water—no refrigeration needed. Just wet it, wring it, snap it, and enjoy instant cooling relief that lasts for hours.
The soft, breathable fabric feels great against your skin and is lightweight enough to wear while doing chores, walking your dog, or spending time with your horses. I love using mine during hot afternoons—it’s a simple but powerful way to beat the heat.
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.
Looking for power and portability without the iPad Pro price tag? The new 2024 Apple iPad Air 13-Inch with the M2 chip offers impressive speed, a gorgeous Liquid Retina display, and all-day battery life—perfect for everyday tasks, creative projects, and digital journaling.
It supports the Apple Pencil Pro (and USB-C Pencil), so you can enjoy pressure-sensitive sketching, writing, and planning, just like on the iPad Pro. The larger 13-inch screen gives you more room to work, read, or relax—whether you're managing your calendar, streaming shows, or editing photos.
If you’re ready to upgrade but don’t need the full power of the M4 Pro lineup, this iPad Air delivers serious value and versatility.
If you're looking for a powerful, sleek, and lightweight device to handle everything from digital journaling to streaming and photo editing, the 2024 Apple iPad Pro 13-Inch is a total game-changer. With the new M4 chip, it delivers lightning-fast performance that makes multitasking a breeze—even with demanding apps like GoodNotes, Procreate, or Canva.
The stunning Ultra Retina XDR display brings your handwritten notes and sketches to life with crystal-clear detail, and the all-day battery keeps up with your busiest days. Whether you're planning your next blog post, organizing your photos, or just enjoying a relaxing evening with a good show, this iPad Pro blends work and play seamlessly.
Pair it with the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, and you've got a powerful setup that travels light and works hard.
If you’re using an iPad for journaling, digital planning, or creative projects, the Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) is a must-have. It offers pixel-perfect precision, low latency, and pressure sensitivity that feels just like writing with a real pen—only better. Whether you're sketching, note-taking, or organizing your week in GoodNotes, the Apple Pencil makes it effortless and fun.
It magnetically attaches to the side of the iPad Pro for easy storage and wireless charging, so it’s always ready when inspiration strikes. I use mine daily for journaling and blog planning, and honestly, I can’t imagine going back to paper.
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.
If you're tired of cluttered countertops, this 3-tier over-the-sink dish rack is a total game changer. With a massive 144 lb weight capacity, it's built to hold everything from plates and bowls to pots, utensils, and more—while keeping your counters clear. The adjustable length (27"–36") and height (32.5"–37") make it customizable, but be sure to measure carefully—it's big and tall by design.
Made from sturdy black-finished metal, it's rust-resistant, easy to clean, and built to last. I love how much storage it offers without taking up valuable counter space. It comes in multiple sizes, so check your sink width and the clearance under your cabinets before ordering.
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.
Treat yourself to a spa-like soak with this beautifully packaged 3-pack bath salt set, featuring refreshing Eucalyptus, calming Lavender, and uplifting Citrus blends. Each scent is crafted with essential oils and natural sea salt to relax your muscles, calm your mind, and leave your skin feeling soft and renewed.
It’s a great way to mix things up depending on your mood—and it makes a thoughtful gift, too. I keep this set on hand for when I want to unwind and give my bath a little upgrade.
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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