The Weekly (Joy)Cap
Week of September 6th - September 13 (24') | A Voice Note, Fall Mugs, & A Quick Moving Update
This is the (Joy)Cap where I share a weekly reflection or lesson and a roundup of links, recommendations, and everything that’s bringing me joy, inviting you to do the same. Think of this as a weekly coffee date with my close friends. ☕️💕🫶🏾 Join me on a weekly joy hunt and start receiving the (Joy)Cap by subscribing today! ✨
This week was somehow long but fast, as we inch closer to my husband starting his new contract. My Dad flew into town last Saturday, my husband had his orientation for his new contract, and I worked to find boxes and pack up what I could, so this week was pretty touch and go. Between preparing to move and prioritizing another writing project this week, I thought I would switch it up and include a brief audio update rather than a reflection. One of my best friends and I started testing out Voxer this week to send updates — think of this as one of our Voxer voice notes! Since my family and I are in such a busy season, I may experience using audio notes to recap the week until I find more time and we get settled.
What Brought Me Joy ✨
My Dad coming into town. My Dad is here for a few weeks to help us as we pack and prepare to move, and he couldn’t have come at the most perfect time. Having him here and watching the kids cuddle and play with their Grandpa has been such a treat.
Decorating for fall. Since we are in the process of packing and moving, I have lightly decorated for fall. I was happy to snag a few fall mugs, because somehow I have made it through all these years without any fall mugs 🤔🫢, so that needed to be rectified 🤣). I also picked up this cute pumpkin pot to contain those cutie pumpkin spoons I had purchased a few weeks ago. I plan to enjoy fall decor as much as I can within reason while we pack and prepare to move.
Solo coffee shop date. In the midst of packing, I managed to get out of the house on Wednesday to the coffee shop. I was working on an upcoming deadline to submit a devotional to be considered for an online publication this fall (prayers up that I make the cut!) After I finished the piece, I had just enough time to read a few chapters of The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest, my sister and I’s current buddy-read.
4. Spending quality time with my husband. This was my husband’s last week home as his new contract starts this upcoming week. I was thankful we got a few more days with him before he packed up his new truck and got on the road. We’re praying that we find a new place in our new town so we can join him soon!
Currently Reading 📚
This week I finished Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage, Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, and The Teacher by Freida McFadden.
I’m slowly working my way through Memory-Making Mom by Jessica Smartt, The Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson, and Sacred Work by author Peggy Bodde.
I had originally returned my hardback copy of A Run at Love by Toni Shiloh to the library, but the audio became available to me on Libby this week, so I decided to listen to it instead.
Cupcakes to Die For by Kathleen Suzette was recently added to Kindle Unlimited. I love reading these short stories as quick, palette cleansers.
This week I started The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest as a buddy-read, and I understand the hype. If I didn’t have family in town, I would have flown through this. It’s the bookish vibes, black culture, and sisterhood and family themes for me! 👏🏾
I’m always sharing my thoughts in real time on Fable and Instagram. For ratings and reviews, check out my Goodreads.
I would love to hear from you! What brought you joy this week? Leave a comment, or send me a direct message!
Catch up on the latest (Joy)Caps
Loving the Life Designer? Share the love and earn rewards by referring a friend!
Can’t afford a paid subscription to The Life Designer but still want to support my work? Here are some ways to consider:
☕️ Buy me a coffee to receive a one-time one-month comp.
❤️ Comment, like, or restack this post here on Substack.
🔄 Restack or share your favorite part of this post to your Substack Notes.
📧 Forward this email to a friend.
📲 Connect with me on IG @janelleaking and LinkedIn
I'm praying for a peaceful transition for you.
Now I want more fall mugs