This morning, Mike and I woke up and walked the dogs down to the East River. As we strolled and chatted, we played the gratitude game. It’s simple: all you have to do is name 5 things you’re thankful for in this very moment. It can be surprising how quickly it gets deep and meaningful, and it’s also an incredible way to start the day.

It’s important to count your blessings, especially when it appears like the world is going to hell in a hand-basket all around you. Maybe you have also been following the news with a mixture of disgust and revulsion. Sometimes it can all seem too much. Get informed, and help where you can. Practice compassion, and march for peace, but know when it’s time to take a break. Step away when you know you’ve had enough. Be good to yourself and the people around you.

Here are some things I’m thankful for this week…

My massage pillow
Right now, my magical massage pillow is wriggling all over my lower back, and it is the best thing ever. I always get really bad lower back pain when it’s that time of the month, and this pillow is a lifesaver! I’m pretty sure I’ve written about it here before, but if you’re in agony and don’t have the time or the dough to go to a masseuse, this will be your saving grace. I use it at least twice a week, and it always does the trick. LOVE IT.

Business plans, goals, and 2015
The New Moon in Virgo is coming this Monday… And my inner Virgo is on high alert. My latest obsessions have been cleaning the house, hanging mirrors and art (aka making the house look like a home), and PLOTTING. I figured out our 2015 Blogcademy dates in a frenzy last night (stay tuned!), yesterday afternoon I wrote a list of goals for the second half of 2014, and I’m going to spend the rest of the day writing a couple of business plans. This is my idea of heaven.

Cleaning out my closet — and finding great new stuff
Whenever you make space in your life — whether by quitting a sucky job, cutting off contact with a negative friend, or by clearing out physical junk — you are rewarded for it. This is just how it works. I was reminded of this fact the other day when I went to Buffalo Exchange with a whole suitcase full of stuff that I simply do not wear. I sold pretty much all of it, and then of course, I looked through the racks. I ended up taking home skirts by Helmut Lang, Rag and Bone, Moschino Cheap & Chic, and Cynthia Rowley… And a Gucci handbag! What?! The thrifting gods were smiling down on me that day!

Dolly’s personality
Can I just take a moment to commemorate Dolly’s loveliness? I know that if you have a dog, this might offend you, but… Dolly is the best dog. She is 100% full of love. She wants to play with every dog she meets, and lick every person. She is curious and ridiculous, and she has the longest tongue I have ever seen. (I think it goes all the way back to the base of her ribcage.) Her favourite things to do are chase Hank and kiss him (he is old and cranky, but she loves him anyway), pass out in a pile of blankets and pillows, and walk underneath you like a cat. It is adorable. If you were here right now, she would lick your face until you begged for mercy. She makes my go pitter-patter!

The little things…
Hard workouts that make you feel high as a kite. Layering up berry lipsticks. Looking forward to showing my babe, Helen, an authentic NYC Christmas! New boots (the Ashlee, by Miista). Sending packages to Francesca Lia Block. Making the best guacamole ever. This lipstick in Pink Peony (it’s as close to “nude” as I’ll go). Finally doing my nails (complete with sparkle thumbs). Working with a new photographer! Opening the fridge and forgetting that you left a Juice Press smoothie inside (it’s like buying a present for yourself in the future). Seeing the Aphex Twin logo sprayed on the ground — new album soon! Cleaning my face as soon as I get home, and covering it in serums and madness. And Dolly’s adorable sneezes! Awww.

So, what are you thankful for this week? Share your top five with a friend!

Mwah,