If you guys don’t mind, I’d like to spend a little bit more time today on the subject of yesterday’s post – on the belief we hold that our lives are boring. It seems like a lot of people feel this way, and it’s not surprising really… We’re not celebrities, jet setting around the world and being fortunate enough to experience exciting new things and beautiful new places on a daily basis – we’re just regular people doing the same old thing in the same old place. Ho hum. But after a little bit of coffee…
… and a lot of thinking (or maybe it was the other way around…), I’ve come to the conclusion that life is about as exciting as you choose to make it. You can gripe about routine and the seemingly mundane things that make up your everyday existence (guilty!), OR! you can get freakin’ excited about those things instead…
Case in point. Yesterday, I glossed over the fact that I bought some new mascara (Maybelline Colossal Volum’) on a whim the last time I went to the grocery store. Today I’m telling you that holy crap it’s probably one of the best freakin’ mascaras I’ve tried to date. I mean, just look at these bad boys!
I apologize for the creepy eye-shot, but I was a little excited to share the good news with you guys and threw any reservations I had towards creepy eye-shots to the wind. Proof: I now have a good collection of creepy eye-shots on my phone…
… that I’ll probably have to delete soon because they’re really starting to creep me out. But I digress. It may seem ridiculous to get so excited and spend so much time talking about something as trivial as a tube of mascara, but ladies… I’m pretty sure most of you can relate to getting at least a tad bit giddy when you come across a good beauty product, am.I.right? And ridiculous or not (I’m siding with not), what’s wrong with being overly excitable? Nothing!
Doing so is a surefire way to make even the most mundane things seem that much more extraordinary, which in turn makes a ‘boring’ life that much more exciting. You may not always be able to choose your situations or your circumstances, but you can choose the attitude you approach them with.
So smile lots, get excited, eat good food, buy that mascara, and have yourselves an amazing day! I’ll be heading to church right away, and then stopping by my parents’ later on in the day to watch the Superbowl. I’m not really big on football (I’m Canadian – we do the hockey thing), but there’s still that buzz of excitement in the air that I can’t help but find a tad bit infectious.
Happy Sunday, friends! 
. – . – . – .
If you could be famous, would you choose to be?
What little things do you get really excited about?
Are you watching the Superbowl? If so, who are you cheering for?
{ 72 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m not a football person at all. Not even planning on turning it on. Maybe for halftime, if I’m feeling really crazy. But you’re right. it is the little things. Those are the ones that make up our life and make it what it is. Sometimes I feel like we, myself included, get caught up in those big grand gestures but the ones that truly make us happy are those little tubes of mascara that make our (your) eyes look incredible, a simple home-cooked meal with family, or a night on the couch with friends. Nothing fancy, just being ourselves. Love this post!
Sarah @PickyRunner recently posted..A New Record?
I’m not big on football either (I didn’t even know who was playing until this morning), but my dad is going to be watching so I figured I’d glance at the TV every now and then
omg, great post. I often have this problem… but then I drink some tea and listen to some music and life is automatically better :3
Zia recently posted..loving lately
I think this quote by John Lennon is applicable here: “Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted.” Whenever I start to feel self-conscious about how I live my life appears to others, I just remember that quote.
Love that! Thanks for sharing, Sara!
Ack, I need to proof my comments before posting! Sorry for the atrocious sentence structure.
Well you have beautiful eyes but that was a given. I can’t wear mascara at all. It makes me look like a bug, my eyes and eyelashes are already super big so it makes me look like a doll. I had to do it for ballet and people would laugh because I was the only one who didn’t have to wear fake eyelashes. I adore that last quote, I kind of wish that could be a poster in my apartment.
Alex @ therunwithin recently posted..By the Way
No need to mess with natural beauty
Wow that mascara looks amazing! I might need to splurge! I get really excited for time with family, good desserts, and nice walks
Elizabeth@myneonrunningshoes recently posted..Joe’s genius idea and a very romantic dinner
Reminded me of this song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRAMNWzfjcg
A little out of context, but hey, that’s the first thing that popped into my mind.
I loved this post! By choosing to be positive life will respond. It is the little things in life that matter. <3
Ashley @ Life and Fitness recently posted..Home on a Sunday
You’re right. It is the little things. For me, its the first cup of coffee in the morning, getting into bed at night with a good book, CLEAN SHEETS, a neat & tidy house, a hot shower after a good workout, getting a massage… I could go on for days!
Jo @ LivingMintGreen recently posted..Cultivating Passion: Trying New Things
Omigosh, clean sheets! Definitely. And being able to go on for days about all the awesome things in life is a wonderful thing
I totally agree!! It’s the little things, and we choose how exciting our life can/should be. I love my boring life. Oh, and I am a huge fan of Maybelline mascara too. I have the ‘False lashes’, (pink). It is the only one I am not reacting allergic to. I only know what Superbowl is beacuse I was in San Diego 7000 years ago (I was 19) in Feb. But it is not even shown here in Switzerland and we do not know what the world outside of our country does. Except me, ha!
Lucie@FitSwissChick recently posted..Healthy Questions A – Z
I might be a weirdo, but if I was famous, I would want to be famous like Jane Goodall or Steve Irwin. I wouldn’t have paparazzi or an entourage, but I would be recognizable and that would be fun
I get excited about anything in nature; get me talking about the ocean or the creatures that live in it and I get really excited and can talk your ear off (good thing I’m an environmental educator). I also get really excited about having a full cabinet/fridge, snacks (actually food in general), and good runs. I’m not sure if I’m gonna watch the Super Bowl. I definitely want to see the commercials and see Beyonce, but since I don’t watch football normally, if I’m alone, I probably won’t watch the game. I will, however, watch the Puppy Bowl on Animal Planet at 3 pm EST 
Rachel @ Undercover Diva: A Sitcom recently posted..Now Hiring an Athletic Trainer: Will Pay With Food
I don’t understand football in the slightest. Just not my sport, I only cheer for the Seahawks when they play because that’s the team my Dad likes;)
Awesome post love! It is all about how we approach life! If we are negative, we attract negative people and live in a negative place but the opposite is true if we think positively!
Love it.
My favorite mascara is dior show, love that stuff! Mascara is the one beauty item I couldn’t live without.
Lisa recently posted..Comfort Breakfast
I don’t understand it at all either. A few of my boyfriends in the past have tried to epxlain it to me, but it just never stuck… I’m a hockey girl
I completely agree that the little things can be so important! The little things that make me the happiest are really delicious foods, new songs that I hear and love (and then play on repeat for weeks after), and organization! I’m not watching the superbowl tonight. I’m not a football fan, and (strangely), neither is my bf!
Lisa @ Lisa the Vegetarian recently posted..On A More Serious Note
LOVE the first quote, it is one of my favorites! I get excited for breakfast, haha! I really do, mostly cook it the night before!
Your lashes look fabulous! So beautiful your eyes are too!
Happy Sunday love!
Katie recently posted..What?
I have that mascara and I agree – it is amazing!
It’s funny how we all think our lives are kinda boring but then we still love reading about each other so they can’t be all that dull! I love your words..I think that life can be great when we look at all the little things that we don’t stop and make time to appreciate and then we realise that actually, life is pretty damn good. The trouble is that we spend so much of our time looking at the negatives even when there are far fewer of them and they stand out more because they are bad.
OH and packages…you can’t go wrong with the excitement from a package! 
I get really excited when my magazine subscription comes or when I know it’s the end of my Thursday because I have 3 days of lie ins ahead of me or when I see new clothes or food products that I might like out in my favorite stores
Nicky recently posted..The Week That Was
Packages! Omigosh sometimes I swear I’m tempted to buy online instead of at the store just so that I can get some things in the mail – it feels like Christmas that way!
I get really excited over ordering Starbucks or making a cup of David’s tea. I also like getting magazines in the mail (it is like presents!) and watching some of my favorite TV shows.
I am not watching the Superbowl – I am cheering for Beyonce (?) ha!
That is amazing mascara…I may have to give it a try. I have used Christan Dior forever but it is expensive and I have heard that mascara is one makeup item that is just as good from a drugstore.
And I have no desire to be famous…I’m content to live my so called mundane boring life. And lots of little things make me happy. Buying a new kindle book. When one of my TV shows comes back from hiatus. Being curled up on the couch watching a marathon when it does come back. Finding some cool new food item to try from Costco. Movie and lunch dates with my mother like today. Shopping days with my boyfriend.
I used to buy Dior and Lancome mascaras as well, and while I did like them, I found that a lot of drugstore mascaras were just as good… and switching over saved me some money so that I could buy even more beauty products
No. Being famous doesn’t look like fun at all and I suspect celebrities have pretty normal lives underneath all the paparrazzi too.
I have never seen American Football! One of perks of being in the UK, I suppose.
Or not.
Political programmes get me excited.
Honest.
I lovelovelove this post. I think that first quote you posted is so true. Sometimes we just need that little reminder
Have a great day love!
Molly@This Life Is Sparkling recently posted..Friday Facts
I absolutely love this post! The enjoy the little things quote is one of my all-time favorites! Today, I am excited to head to the store, prep food for the Super Bowl, and be with my family and friends! Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!
Kate @ Quarter Century Southern Living recently posted..Be You
This is my super bowl today:
http://animal.discovery.com/tv-shows/puppy-bowl
Bwaha! Love! <3
i’m glad you’re excited from canada about the superbowl because i’m holding down the “not excited at all” front here in the US. oh well. i love that mascara and won’t ever go back to a different one. your eyes are gorgeous by the way, not creepy at all
molly @ heart, sole & cereal recently posted..best body bootcamp recap: week 4
Thanks for the inspirational post. I love all of the quotes that you posted!
That mascara looks killer. Your lashes look AMAZING!!
I am from the States and I am still not a big football person…so don’t worry, you are not the only one. I am more into the commercials!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl recently posted..Mexican Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Hehe. I think the Superbowl is one of the only times that a good chunk of people only tune in for the commercials.
Is it weird that I’m totally stoked that my make-up guru is now using the mascara that I’ve been using for two years? Hope not! Because I’M OVER THE MOON ABOUT IT!!! It’s the only make up I ever wear. Ever. But it’s a daily staple. Maybe pointless because my lashes are so short and I don’t do anything else special, but that’s another topic altogether.
I would rather have my life than be a celeb. That being said, I think I live a pretty exciting life (I think there’s a little TOO much excitement sometimes!). Definitely happy with how things are (for the most part, at least — we all have our three wishes, do we not?).
Chelsie S recently posted..Feb 1st
I LOVE this
It’s the reason I made my mantra for February “Enjoy.” I want to notice and appreciate the little things more because I’m honestly starting to believe that they are what make life special, even more so than the “big things.” Little things I love include running when it’s snowing (I like to catch snowflakes on my tongue as I go…got lots this morning 
), froyo, reading before bed each night, writing down a memory from each day, waking up beside Joe in the morning and getting to watch him sleep for a few minutes thinking about how thankful I am that he’s here, and hot mugs of tea on cold days…oh and chocolate milk after a long run…love that too 
Caitlin recently posted..Our Story (Part 2)
Awwr gush. Stop melting my heart with stories of you and Joe
Happy Anniversary to you both, again 
I can’t help but love thiS post…I’m all about the little things! I just ate the most divine dessert and it definitely counts as a highlight (amongst many other small things) in my day: chocolate sponge cake with layers of lavender, caramel & hazelnut ice cream! No Superbowl for me- I don’t understand American football at all…football to me means soccer! Happy Sunday, Amanda
Khushboo recently posted..CrossFittin’
I love this outlook on life! It really is all about how we perceive things! Maybelline really does make the best mascara! It’s all I ever use!
Danielle @ Clean Food Creative Fitness recently posted..Shrimp and Veggie Stir Fry Medley
I am ALL about the cheap thrills and God’s little blessings…
I love sun glistening off water because too me it looks like natural glitter — anything sparkly really I adore, and let me just end with these four words of lovely:
Peanut, Butter, And Jelly.
Missy recently posted..Being Me-h
I really enjoyed this post and you are so correct on so many different levels. Sure we don’t have to have an outwardly exciting life every single day (that isn’t feasible) but if you can find one or two things that excite you daily…that is where the magic happens. I know the eyelashses are just an example but my god your lashes are so long-that mascara is awesome. I use MAC (my face breaks out really easily) and I can honestly say that I wouldn’t go back from that since.).
Hollie recently posted..Double Digit Days
You use MAC mascara or foundation? The part about breaking out is throwing me off – can mascara make you break out?
I hope you enjoy your Superbowl-night. If I wanted to watch it I would have to stay up until 0:15 am (and that is just when it starts). But anyway, I might watch some recaps – just because I like the Superbowl commercials
that’s the marketing geek in me and the Superbowl commercials are insane.
Love this! I completely agree, it truly is the little things that make life so special and sometimes we don’t even realize it at the time! I am graduating this May and moving back to Florida after 5 years here in Athens, GA. I have grown to absolutely love this town for it’s southern charm and all of the sweet people in it. Learning to appreciate every little thing like going to the grocery store and recognizing the cashier to taking Noah for a walk on the same route we’ve done millions of times. God has truly blessed all of us with “every day” things that portray just a glimpse of Him and His goodness.
Have a great Sunday and enjoy the Superbowl! I am not a big football fan either (I prefer the NBA- Go Orlando Magic!) But, I may go to a friends and watch (?) some of it later tonight.
Shelby recently posted..Why Worry?
Can you believe that I’ve never been in the southern part of the States? It’s somewhere that I really want to visit, though – I’d love to experience the southern charm!
I love that you get excited over the little things. I get overly excited over little things. I couldn’t imagine being famous. I would hate that! I like my privacy!
I’ll be watching the Super Bowl for the commercials this year since I don’t care about either team.
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables recently posted..Friday’s 5 Delights and Delectables Edition
Oh my goodness, YES! So, so true Amanda…I have been thinking lately about how depressingly unexciting my life has been lately…read: two weekends in a row in (and no plans for the next one either) but really, I can choose to see it as more exciting than I have been. Especially since I blog about my life, I put pressure on myself to make sure it’s exciting…but really, I’m happy to have a relaxing weekend in, and I can make that as awesome/exciting as I want it to be.
And that Ryan Adams quote is just awesome.
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles recently posted..Zombies + Fast Food = Date Night.
I actually really enjoy having relaxing weekends in, and oftentimes I’ll choose those over going out – especially in the winter. If you’re happy, then what else matters?! I think a lot of people actually really appreciate a weekend in, so there’s no reason to put pressure on yourself
I get excited when I get to the bus stop JUST as the bus is coming. No waiting in the cold, no running like a maniac to catch it
I get excited when one of the things on my grocery list is on sale. I get very excited when they are sampling something new at the farmers market. And now I am excited to try that mascara! I always just buy whatever is on sale because I have never been partial to any brand, but that one looks like a winner 
Devon @ Health in Equilibrium recently posted..Product Review: Primal Strips
I get excited to go to lunch with my mom…crazy huh…but its like girl time when we can talk about ANYTHING and I can let it all out! lol….I know weird
Sara @ fitcupcaker recently posted..National Carrot Cake Day + Push Up Challenge Day 3
Not weird at all! I absolutely adore being able to hang out with my mom… especially now that I’m no longer living at home and don’t get to see her that often!
Okay, broken record time right there but once again you wrote about something that’s been going on in my mind. For the past week I’ve made an effort to practivce gratitude for the smallest, simplest things in life. It does take me a while at times especially if bigger not-so-nice things happened. This weekend, for instance, I felt like nothing had worked as planned and that’s true. But on my train ride home from my parents’ I felt so thankful for many things that DID happen. It’s the focus you choose that makes happening good or bad.
Getting excited about small things is wonderful – and mascara/beauty products in general are something to get excited about. Prettying oneself is such a pleasant feeling.
Enjoy the Superbowl evening with your parents! I doubt many people around here even know about the Superbowl
.
Miss Polkadot recently posted..Loving a laid-back Birthday [week]
Aww this was great! reminds me of a moment a friend and I were talking and I was just struck with how awesome life is and decided that I could get excited about everyday life, because it is pretty damn exciting
Madi recently posted..All of the Sweat
I was thinking something similar when I read your last post – we always imagine the lives of others are more exciting than our own but that’s rarely the case. ‘Excitement’ is what you make of life really – look at the number of celebrities with drug or alcohol-related problems. Even being ‘famous’ isn’t enough if there’s a facet of you that views life with a permanent sense of ennui.
Would I be famous if I could? It depends – I would never want the kind of fame where everyone knows who you are. It would freak the Hell out of me. But I would like to be famous for achieving something, preferably by an anonymous name. My dream would be to have a published novel under a pseudonym that everyone recognized, but only I’d know that person was ‘me.’ I’d be one of those enigmatic, secretive cave-dwelling authors
xxx
You don’t even know how many times I’ve dreamed your dream…
i love that ryan adams quote…..and i absolutely love it when i get myself into the “enjoy the little things” kinda mood….it makes life AMAZING!! sipping a coffee feels like luxury, seeing friends/family makes you feel like the luckiest girl alive and putting on a great mascara makes you smile – i wear that mascara too and love the fake lash effect it gives
this post has spread the buzz of life to me!!
emma recently posted..Lucuma makes you Looney!
I’m not really a football person and no one I know is hosting a party for it, so I’m not watching it. I’m spending my night doing some stuff for work instead.
I get a lot of happiness out of the small things too… things like finding out there’s a good movie on tv, going out for sushi with friends, and buying myself a magazine. I don’t think it matters whether our lives are super exciting or not, as long as we’re happy!
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin recently posted..Tru Restaurant and Lounge
I love this and totally agree that it’s all about the little things. I was actually thinking of writing my college essay about how that philosophy has affected my life. I also just previously had “Enjoy the little things” as my phone background.
I used to have the waterproof version of that mascara! It was my first mascara ever and it was good! But no mascara can really do anything for my super tiny thin lashes so it just did it’s job like any other for me. That’s okay though!
If I could be a celebrity, I would be Shawn Johnson. She is always doing super fun athletic things. And she’s just so down to earth and adorable!
i know exactly what you mean with this post! i am one that gets excited over the littlest things and how really small things in life can make a day even better. Like when my coffee in the am has more pumpkin in it then usual?! score! I just got a clinique mascara to sample from work and im loving it, no eyelash curler needed is the best thing ever. I’d be the worse famous person I’m way to unclassy/clumsy and don’t care what other people think that I’d get ripped apart if I was in Hollywood lol though if I had to pick i’d be jennifer lawerence, i just love her!
kaity @ kaityscooking recently posted..Brownies and Taco Dip- vegenized
Yeah she’s fantastic. I just hope she sticks to her guns and doesn’t let the Hollywood pressure get to her!
wow your eyes are breathtaking! so envious.
and as usual, you’re ideas are incredibly inspiring. I feel like you should write a novel or something, you kind of remind me of that author who wrote The Happiness Project!
*your*
sorry, grammatical errors kind of bother me haha
Love it… my man is really into football, so I do actually understand it, and it’s fun to watch (i’ve been rooting for San Fran for 2 yrs
) but it will never compare to hockey, especially for him, and the possible excitement of the Leafs making it to the Cup!
And it is truly the little things that make up life and love. They are what matter! And make life really meaningful.
This is a such great perspective to take. I agree like is so much more exciting when we look at the little things.
I am television less, but am typically more interested in the Superbowl commercials than the actual game, whoops haha.
Gina @ Health, Love, and Chocolate recently posted..Things I’m Loving Lately: Edition X
I think that’s actually the case with a lot of people
I love that quote, I always say it to myself during a confusing time.. I have been taking a new approach to life this year as last year in was doing what I love but unhappy because I stopped doing what I truly love to do and have a passion for and was focusing on the wrong situations. I am adding more FUN to my life by placing myself in more situations of laughter and memories and of course just trusting the life process and knowing in my heart that it all happens for a reason and life always works out. Love and shine courtstar
Courtney @ Star Systemz recently posted..CITY OF LIGHTS: Ancient Hoi An
Oh man I get WHOA excited about random little things ALL the time. MAINLY good cupcakes..good looking and good tasting. Even better if I made them myself. I also get giddy over new running gear. Ohh man it’s like Christmas getting new stuff! I love those lashes! Be proud!
Brittany recently posted..Cravings
I don’t find your eye photos creepy, sure you took a million of them, but hey if my mascara was looking & feeling that good I’d do the same thing. Totally common!
Jessie recently posted..Marvelous In My Monday :: Challenges
I couldn’t commment on your last post (I think you were having server issues last night?) but I read it in my google reader and wanted to say – I think the “what we DO” part of our every day lives is boring. for everyone. I don’t enjoy reading blogs that are just a re-cap of their day (when that’s what they post every day). but 1. the little things you do every day add up to big exciting things (for example I spent all winter either doing intern grunt work or writing grad school personal statements, but they lead to exciting things like getting hired at an endurance sports coaching company and being accepted to grad school) and 2. when I read someone’s blog and feel like I really KNOW them – it’s not about what they DO, it’s about who they ARE. So I guess I don’t feel like I need to hear more about the little things you do every day, but show us more of your personality!
And you’re right – life IS as exciting as you make it. The little things matter! Painting your nails, finding a new wine you really like, having a recipe come out PERFECT, having a workout that leaves you overflowing with endorphins, taking time to pick out a cute outfit, the little conversations you have with the people around you, the ideas in your head – these are all things I’ve come to appreciate so much more during surgery recovery, which proves that you can have an interesting, fulfilling engaging life EVEN when your primary goal/job (however temporary) is to just REST and recover. Life is what you make it, and you’ve only got one so you might as well appreciate the heck out of it!
I couldn’t agree with you more, Amanda—when I think about what brings me the most pleasure in life, it’s truly the little things–the simple moments; the every day products—that add tickles of excitement (<–I've never ever used that expression–"tickles of excitement," until now, btw. Oy). This is going to sound very HLB cliche, but I get extremely giddy when I stumble upon new food products at the grocery store (especially those that contain chocolate, ice cream or both), or I sit down to a plate of perfectly seared scallops. I love my "boring" life because it enables me to enjoy these simple pleasures free of flashing lights, bodyguards, etc. I wouldn't have it any other way.
I'm excited about this Maybelline mascara! My Benefit Bad Gal is getting dry, so I'll be shopping for a new tube in a week or two. Maybe I'll give this one a try.
Sara @ Nourish and Flourish recently posted..Friday Favorites 2.1.13
Oh girl, I totally get excited over new grocery finds, especially since it doesn’t happen all that often in Canada. And definitely give the mascara a try! I’m a big fan of Bad Gal as well, but this one was definitely comparable and a lot more wallet friendly
Confession: I HATE that mascara! It clumps my eyelashes up so much and I have a really hard time getting it off! I prefer a more natural look…but it DOES do your eyes wonders!
I’m all for appreciating the little things. Life is, after all, found in the details.
Laura recently posted..Updates!
OMG I LOVE this post! And that Ryan Adams quote! I think you can absolutely choose happines, “choose love,” so to speak, and *make* life special. You may not have a choice in everything that happens to you, but you have a choice in how your react- whether it be killing them with kindess, or buying yourself some nail polish or lip gloss (or that mascara! need!) because it makes you feel pretty.
Or going to Trader Joe’s, having Chinese with my Dad, and playing with his new pup instead of sitting through a (boring to me) super bowl party. “Live the life you love!”
Cassie @RedLetterDaye recently posted..MIMM: Moe., Puppy Bowls, and Trader Joe’s
Love this! What point is there to life if we don’t stop to appreciate the little things, right? Like how a perfectly runny egg can almost ALWAYS make me catch my breath or taking a minute to look up at at a beautiful blue sky and just soaking it all in (I saw the most amazing clouds today just after sunset…I swear it makes me wish I knew how to paint!)
If I had the chance to be famous, I most definitely would decline. When you’re famous, your life is not your own…it belongs to everyone…and I’m sorry, but I have a hard enough time carving out a few minutes of “me time” each day!
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli recently posted..Sweet as Pie
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