Hey friends!
It’s my birthday, and honestly, I’m feeling good. Not in the “everything is perfect” way, but in the “wow, I’ve grown and I’m actually enjoying the little things more than ever” kind of way. You know those random moments that sneak up on you and make you smile? That’s how this whole season feels for me.
As someone who hates being cold (like, fully convinced I was meant to hibernate), I always welcome my birthday because it usually marks the shift to warmer, sunnier days. And even though winter hikes are some of my all-time faves (go figure), I am over the cold. I’m ready to step out in a T-shirt, feel the sun on my face, and lean into the kind of joy that comes with the change of seasons—and another trip around the sun.
So in the spirit of celebration and simple joys, here are a few things I’ve been loving lately:
1.Warmer Weather
Give me all the sunshine. The second I can leave the house without layers and gloves, I feel like a brand new person. The windows are open more, walks are longer, and there’s this collective exhale from everyone I see—like we made it through another gray stretch and now it’s time to soak up the light.
2. My Budding Veggie Garden
Okay, I know I’ve been keeping some of you updated on the saga of my seedlings—but I can’t help it, I’m so into it. I’ve never seriously grown veggies from seed before (except for one tragic attempt that barely sprouted and left me feeling personally insulted by nature), so when this round started slow, I almost gave up. But now? I’ve got over 30 seedlings pushing through, and I check on them every day like they’re my little green babies. It’s truly magical.
3. Baking from Scratch?!
Who am I? A baker now?? If you had told me a year ago that I’d be obsessed with making my own yogurt bagels, I would’ve laughed with a mouthful of store-bought ones. But here we are. My first batch was… well, we don’t talk about that batch. But now? I’ve found a rhythm, they’re fluffy, golden, and actually taste like bagels. It’s a whole new little ritual I never expected to love so much. And yes the photo above is my latest batch! I think it’s my best yet! 🙂
4. Friendships That Feel Like Home
This one is big for me. I’ve been really intentional lately about nurturing the relationships that feel life-giving—people who see me and make space for the real me. I’ve also reconnected with some folks I hadn’t talked to in years, and it’s been such a gift. It’s a beautiful thing to find your people—or find your way back to them—and just allow yourself to be who you are, fully.
5. Library Trips & Creating Just for Fun
Lately, the library has been one of my happy places. There’s something so peaceful about wandering the aisles and picking up a book just because the title speaks to you. No pressure, no expectations—just curiosity and quiet joy. I’ve also been leaning into creating for the sake of creating. Whether it’s doodling in my planner, writing something that may never get shared, or just experimenting with ideas, it’s felt so good to let go of the need for everything to be useful and just enjoy the process. The library and that creative spark go hand in hand right now—filling me up in ways I didn’t realize I needed.
So that’s where I’m at as I celebrate this birthday—grateful for growth, both the kind you can see in the mirror and the kind sprouting from a little cup of soil on your windowsill. Thanks for being here, for reading, for showing up in my world in whatever way you do. I hope you’re finding joy in the little things too.
And if you’ve got a favorite birthday tradition or something you’re loving lately, I’d love to hear it. 💛
Stay sunny,
Nicole 🌞
P.S. In the wise (and fabulous) words of Donna and Tom from Parks and Rec—don’t forget to treat yourself now and then.
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Stay tuned for next week’s POP Talk!
