6 BBC Period Dramas to Watch Now

throw back to some iPhone 4s 2014 photography when I took a trip to England and toured Chatsworth – Pemberly from Pride and Prejudice (2005)

Hey you, lovely you!

Hope your Memorial Day weekend has been lovely so far!

Tonight I wanted to share a few of my favorite things to watch – if there’s one thing I’m a little too obsessed with, it’s BBC period dramas.

Seriously, I could recite almost all of the 5 hour long Pride and Prejudice mini series, and I would choose BBC period dramas over ANYTHING – really!

So I’ve rounded up a few of my favorites, and a new one I’ve just started watching this week! I mean, who doesn’t need some new entertainment these days?

1. Pride and Prejudice Mini Series (1995) – no, not the one with Kiera Knightley… you definitely need to spend 5 hours watching this. SO, SO worth it!

2. Persuasion (2007) – This is one of the MOST beautifully films I’ve seen – the cinematography is incredible and I love the sweet story! If you’ve seen the 1990s version (*cringe*) don’t let that scare you away – this is completely different!

3. Sense and Sensibility Mini Series (2008) – My ALL TIME favorite Jane Austen adaption! You’ll see why once you watch it. (oh, but you’d better be sure to skip that first scene…) Anything filmed on the coast has my heart for sure!

4. Little Women Mini Series (2017) – I feel like this adaption is so underappreciated because of the Greta Gerwig version that came out at Christmas, and sure I personally do prefer the one with Timothee Chalamet (I mean, who wouldn’t? 😍) but I love love love that this 2017 version is a mini series, so you can really see the characters develop! Highly recommend!

5. North & South Mini Series (2004) – Okay, I’ll admit the #1 reason I like this show if for the soundtrack, but the story is intriguing too! Must say it’s kinda depressing because it’s set in a bleak city, (and, spoiler alert! some people die…) but if you’re in a melancholy mood, this is the show for you!

6. Howard’s End Mini Series (2017) – I left this one for last because I know the least about this! My sister Emma and I started watching this just last week and were IN AWE of the beauty – costumes, accents, actors, sets – they’re the epitomy of perfection! Disclaimer the story is not action packed, but it’s still sweet! I’ve only seen the first 2 epidosdes, so I can’t fully assure you that it’s good, but so far I’m in love!

Just now realizing that 5 out of 6 of these recs were mini series – guess now you see that I love those more than average-length movies haha! If you watch any of these, let me know your thoughts!

Lots of love,

Lauren

Put the Spring Back In Your Step

Happy first day of spring!! Can you believe it is SPRING already? I am so excited to see all the flowers blooming and the sun shining at last! Here in Michigan its been a super mild winter and I’ve already seen budding flowers around – must be the promse for the loveliest spring:)

In celebration of the first official day of spring, I wanted to share with you a few tips for spring cleaning your heart and life this season. I think so often our lives can get bogged down in the winter blues, especially this year with the corona quarantine and all, so here are a few tips on how to keep your soul full of sunshine!

1// Heart Check

Oh yes, heart check time. Anxieties, sins we can’t seem to let go of, grudges, fears hidden in the deep corners of our souls. Jesus wants to free us from them all. A spring mindset can’t fill you up if your heart is bringing you down! Friend, I want to challenge you to really dig deep and ask the Lord if you are holding back something from His loving care. I promise you won’t regret it. “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36

2// Remove Distractions

I have found lately that so many things distract us from our purpose. Maybe its an Instagram account that its time to unfollow, maybe its social media altogether, maybe you’re distracted by an unhealthy relationship. Whatever it is, its important to keep our focus on God and eliminate things from our lives that keep us from Him. I once heard it said, “Whatever attracts and holds our attention will eventually direct the path of our lives.” The only One we can trust our lives with is Jesus, so let us strive together to keep our eyes on Him – always.

3// Clear out your Inbox

Delete. All. The. Emails. Yes, even the ones from way back in 2013. I am a perfectionist with keeping my inbox clear, and it just makes my mind feel so clear and focused when answering emails. I’m sure it will help you too:)

4// Donate Items to Charity

Clearing out your closet will make things feel so fresh. Who wants clothes they never wear anyway?

5// Deep Clean

Start with taking everything out from under your bed – even if there are spider webs. Then try the pantry, then the closet, and maybe next the attic. A thoroughly clean house will take a weight off your shoulders – and what better time to do it than being stuck at home?

6// Journal your Deep Thoughts

Taking a few minutes to write down what’s on your mind will take a burden off your heart like nothing else. Putting my thoughts into worlds can helps me learn more about myself and understand those around me.

7// Take a Walk

Fresh air. Pretty sure no other explanation is needed just because – fresh air, you need some.

8// Unplug

For the past few days of quarantine, I’ve found myself with my eyes completely glued to screens. Writing, reading, posting, studying – and it’s exhausting. Today, its my goal to unplug and go outside. While technology is great, the outdoors is so fulfilling and refreshing. If you’re struggling to focus, I would highly recommend spending some time outside, it seems to clear all the senses.

9// Reconnect with Old Friends

Why not meet up with that old classmate some sunny afternoon? Catching up is so refreshing and always helps me see life from a different perspective.

10// Update your Devices

Do you ever have that constant notification every time you open your computer – “updates available”? Maybe its just me but this drives me crazy. Spring is the perfect time to finally just sit down and let your computer/phone update – getting rid of that notification will make a world of difference.

11// Re-amp your New Years Resolutions

I heard this tip once and thought it was a perfect way to get the spring mindset. Honestly, I just realized writing this that I don’t even remember what half of mine are… better go back to the notes app and find them, haha. Reminding ourselves of the motivation mindset we started the year with will give us just the spring in our step we need.

Thanks for reading sweet friend! Go outside and enjoy this beautiful spring weather. See you on my next post!

Love from,

Lauren

P.S. SOO excited about Sasha’s new Lightroom presets! They just launched yesterday and I bought them literally hours after they launched – don’t they make these photos so light and airy? You can get them at her Etsy shop to add gorgeous lighting to your photos:)

9 Things Making Me Smile Vol. 1

Hey friends! It’s been quite a while since I’ve been on the blog – and I’m so excited to start posting regularly here again! If you know me, you know I love to talk – about anything, anytime, anywhere.

With all this corona chaos going on around, I think we all just need a few more reasons to smile, so today I wanted to share a fun post about nine things that have been making me happy lately. I pretty much talk about random things with my friends in person, so here’s a glimpse at what’s been on my mind the last few days – I hope you’re a little happier by the end of it too:)

So grab your much-needed glass of water (oh yes, no coffee over here, this is a healthy lifestyle blog;) and get ready to hear me gush about everything random imaginable! (these are in no particular order… kinda like my converstaions)

1 – The Most Inspiring Twins : Sasha & Christy

First up I chose these amazing girls that I met through Instagram! Pretty much these two incredible girls are who keep me inspired lately – Sasha’s beautiful blog is my go-to place for so much style inspiration and life tips, and Christy’s amazing jewelry store is the best place for gifts or sweet accessories for yourself. Be sure to follow these sweet gals on Instagram – you will be so inspired! Also, Sasha just shared an awesome post about staying calm in corona choas – give it a read here.

2 – These gorgeous songs

I’m literally ALWAYS listening to music, so here are my five favs from the last few days.

Paradise ( or more like the ice dance from the 2018 Olympics)

Beautiful by Ben Rector

Beauty in the Light by the Hollow Coves

Two by Sleeping At Last

I Need You by America – who doesn’t love a good oldie?

3 – This article on Kate Middleton’s Style

4 – Sadie Robertson’s amazing words and her new book!

5 – Springtime!

I spent literally all day today at the beach (picutred above) and the sunshine was gorgeous – can’t wait until the cold wind goes away and we’re into full-fledged summertime.

6 – SUMMER shopping

So looking forward to seeing the sunshine! These darling new Draper James arrivals are cuteness overload, I’ve always thought florals are so cheerful! I also found this jumpsuit – you bet I’m ordering this for the summer! I’m also looking forward to adding this number to my bathing suit collection. Ah, all the summer colors are just so exciting!

7 – The Minimalist Look

Scandinavian Style, chic monotone looks, basically Meghan Markle. I’ve been so obsessed with this look lately. I think simple is so peaceful and classic looking, definitely transitioning into more of a minimalist look for my closet and life.

8 – This Pinterest board – talk about a DREAM home!

I’m working on redoing my room right now, and this board for sure is my inspiration.

9 – Naming my blog – Lykkelig by Lauren

Oh the trials of coming up with the perfect blog name… seriously y’all, it’s close to impossible! All my friends and family tease me about the ever-changing name, but I think I’ve finally settled one this one! I’ve called it Lykkelig by Lauren. My grandparents are from Denmark, so I wanted to incorporate a bit of my history in the name. Lykkelig is Danish for lucky, happy, or joyous, and that is just what I want to share here! I’ve found that pretty much the whole blogger world is about more. Buying more, traveling more, having more, and I want this blog to be different. Here, I’ll empathize all the blessings we already have, making use of what we own, and how we can become more content with who we are and what we have been given – we truly are blessed people and I’m so excited to share more on this in the future!

Well, thanks for reading sweet friend! I’ll see you on my next post.

Alway be grateful dear – you are truly blessed!

Love,

Lauren

Dog Days of Summer Tomato Salad

Can you believe that AUGUST is almost over already?!?! Where did the summer go, I still don’t know. Seems like I just finished school the other day and now I’m starting my college course today!

Well, I guess there is one bonus for the end of August – tomatoes! I love tomatoes. And I can tell you that is an understatement. I eat so many tomatoes you wouldn’t believe it! There’s just something so refreshing, tangy, and perfect about these little red pieces of fruit…

I wanted to share with y’all on of my absolute favorite ways to eat tomatoes – Mediterranean Tomato Salad. It really doesn’t get any better!

Ahh, just seeing those tomatoes makes me hungry… This salad has the perfect balance of flavors with lemon juice, olive oil, and mint.

This recipe is actually out of this cookbook which has a ton of other amazing recipes as well!

What you will need for the first part is:

2 cloves of garlic, crushed

1/3 fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup olive oil

Mix these together and set aside.

Next, you will need:

3 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges (as shown)

2 scallions, coarsely chopped

10 green mint leaves, chopped (or if you don’t have fresh mint, you can also use a tablespoon of dried mint)

After you’ve combined the last set of ingredients, pour liquid on top and mix it together. Enjoy!

This salad is one of my favorites and I hope it becomes one of yours too! I love to eat this with a lentil dish or on top of lettuce as well.

Thanks for reading friend!

Can’t wait to see you on my next post:)

Love from,

Lauren

My 1950s Garden Party

Hello there friends! Welcome back to the blog – I’m so excited for today’s post! A few weeks ago my sweet friend Noel and I co-hosted a garden party themed from the 1950s. I’ve always loved poodle skirts, saddle shoes, and bright red lipstick so this day was a dream come true!

Wasn’t this just a perfect dress? I actually found it at a consignment shop a few years ago, and at least found an occasion to wear it! I think finding dressing up for this party was the best part. I was even more thrilled when EVERYONE who showed up was dressed in vintage attire! It made the party so special.

Please appreciate this fine chocolate artwork – it was not an easy feat to accomplish;)

I guess I’ll begin telling about the party with the delicious food we served. The night before, my friends and I were in the kitchen baking until well after midnight (pro tip: don’t practice swing dancing while you’re supposed to be decorating chocolate strawberries and watching your cake in the oven…) Despite our crazy time in the kitchen, the desserts turned out beautiful as you can see, thanks to Noel:)

This orange cake was the centerpiece of the food – isn’t it gorgeous?

Raspberry thumbprint cookies have always been a favorite of mine – they added a darling touch to the array of desserts.

We didn’t want to have just sweets, so we had some cheese and cucumber sandwiches as well.

Next, we headed outside to play lawn games. We played croquet and badminton for a few minutes, but unfortunately the day was so hot everyone wanted to go inside. So we had a swing dance lesson instead – and that was a blast! 1950s music is my favorite, if you’re looking for a great song, try this one… We used Spotify for our playlist and they have an amazing selection of old music!

For our decor, we wanted light, airy, and vintage, and I think our dollar store pompom garlands did the trick! 🙌🏻 Also, shoutout to my sister for letting us use her pennant banner – isn’t that fabric the cutest?

Despite the overwhelming heat and some slightly melted chocolates, the party went off without a hitch. Hope you find this helpful for hosting your own vintage party sometime – I’d recommend it for sure:)

Thanks so much for reading friend! I’ll see you on my next post.

Love from,

Lauren

Don’t mess with these hostesses…