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So these are a few things that make me smile these days.

First, my thrift-store finds. Sometimes I have the forethought to sift through second-hand stuff at the Goodwill or Salvation Army before I go out and look for something at a box store--specifically Target. A few weeks ago I went out searching for a chest to store dress-up clothes. The Goodwill had three steamer trunks complete with lock and key. I chose this one for $20. Also on that shopping trip I found these sprightly glass vases (originally from Target) for cheap, too.

On my nightstand is "The Mission of Motherhood" by Sally Clarkson. I'm currently on my second reading of this book because it gives me a sense of perspective as a mom. It helps me to realize there is indeed divine purpose in the oft-times monotonous work of motherhood. I think in large part this book along with a mommies' Bible study saved me from postpartum depression after my first birth.

And on a more frivolous note, I adore these dryer bags from Trader Joe's. They are filled with lavender and leave our clothes and sheets smelling fresh without harsh perfumes. N likes our linens to smell like something instead of smelling like nothing, which is the byproduct of choosing toxin-free detergents. They're pricier than dryer sheets, but one bag lasts for about 10 drying cycles, then I cut open the bag and sprinkle the lavender grains on the rugs and vacuum them up for an extra use. This will do until I save up for one of these for my patio this spring.