HAVE MORE FUN

The Happiness Project 

I am in the mist of reading Gretchen Rubin's book about Happiness. Each month she tackles a new topic on her adventure towards happiness. For the month of May; Be Serious About Play. This chapter got me thinking about what I found fun. There are many things that other people find fun but I don't enjoy and vice versa. "Research shows that regularly having fun is a key factor in having a happy life; people who have fun are twenty times more likely to feel happy." 

Similar to Gretchen, I love the idea of wandering an art museum, learning to play chess, doing crossword puzzles, or going to a 10 story dance club until 6am. I understand why people enjoy these activities, but they aren't for me. Sometimes I wish I liked them, but moving on! I need to Be, Leigh. 

Right now, here are some things that are FUN for Leigh: 
in no particular order 

• riding my bike 
• cooking and baking for people (especially Ryan)
• walking through town and picking up a coffee
• reading (blogs and books), especially outside  
• doing research for traveling 
• TRAVELING 
• going out to eat 
• being around kids 
• trying to taste every beer in Belgium (over 800...) 
• Skyping with family and friends 
• working on my photography/photoshop
• dancing in the kitchen with Ryan 

It's funny to me to look at this list and think about how much I have changed. 3 years ago my fun list would have been completed different. But I am okay with that. I know in 3 years time it will change again. 

Gretchen's Blog: The Happiness Project 

So what's fun for you? 

x

Beauty Bloggers

While being in Belgium we haven't had cable. No reality shows, or mindless episodes of ______ (fill in the blank). One way I like to unwind after a long day at work is on the couch with some tea or some speculous ice cream and watching my favorite beauty bloggers on YouTube. Those of you who have not experienced real reality TV - you need to check out the YouTube scene. Here are some of my favorite subscribers that have opened my eyes to the best face products, some fabulous lipsticks, and how to create the most epic winged liner. 

Essie Button- My favorite blogger and you tuber who also Vlogs (yes, it's a video blog of her life). She reminds me of a best friend growing up (Meg!). She is a Canadian who moved to my favorite city, London, with her boyfriend. She does some amazing hauls, routines, and brand reviews (like Bobbi Brown and Soap and Glory).  

Lily Pebbles- Another favorite, Lily posts videos about makeup, skin care, makeup, and Vlogs of her life in London. Did I mention she has a British accent? You'll notice a trend here... 

Anna- Lily's best friend Anna is adorable with her boyfriend Mark. She continues the trend of Lily and Essie. I love her style and natural look. Look at these amazing brows! 

Fleur de Force- Fleur is a beautiful blogger and you tuber who recently got married and is remodeling her home. Not only will she help you with the best self tanner but also gives home tours. 







I hope to post some of things I have learned and purchased thanks to these great blogs. As I am growing up (hehe) I have realized the importance of taking care of myself, especially my skin. I have really become interested in skin care and a proper regime every morning and evening. 



X 

I'm back!

That one time I disappeared from the blogosphere for 3 months and you probably thought I was never coming back... 

Some things you shouldn't force and apparently blogging was one of them, but I am back with some fresh ideas. Before I jump into anything, let me show you some things I have been doing since... March! 

We made a movie of about being a first grader! 

Some spring art projects

 Favorite waffles from the Wednesday farmers market 

Made my own perfume called Grace 

Not to be confused with my name "Leen" 

We went to Edinburgh and sampled some whiskeys 

Then I flew home and saw some of my favorites from USC :) 

And this girl! 

I made some very berry muffins my two European best friends. 

These two! 

I shook Obama's hand. 

Amanda came to visit! We went to Milan, Cinque Terre and Lisbon. 

We went to Amsterdam for the Food and Film festival and listened to Joel Salatin from Food Inc. He inspired me to get a chicken and plant some veggies. 

We had bagels tapas. 

We went on a Ferris wheel ride. 

We spent some time on a farm and made goat cheese. 

The swans had their babies. 

We went to a Memorial Day service at the American Cemetery in the Ardennes. 

We checked out Palma Mallorca and Formentera, Spain. 

And now, now I am getting back into blogging! Happy Saturday everybody. 

x