A few years ago, I met Vanessa through a blogging group we were in. It’s kind of funny because I swear she could be my long-lost cousin or something. I mean, we are both Filipino, so we probably are related through some random distant relative that neither of us knows about. It’s always fun chatting with Vanessa about our similar personality types or commenting on each other’s kid shenanigans. Vanessa was also SUPER encouraging to me this year when my mom was in the hospital with Guillen Barre Syndrome. I appreciated her checking in to offer a word of encouragement.
Vanessa and her husband recently started a podcast which is super fun, insightful and encouraging as their goal is to help others pursue simple joy. Here is a link to the latest episode: Leaving a Legacy and WHY it’s Important. PS: Don’t forget to subscribe to the Pursue Simple Joy podcast!
Friends, meet Vanessa.
Q: Introduce yourself
Hiiiiiii friends!
I’m Vanessa, Co-Creator (along with my husband) of Pursue Simple Joy LLC. Our heart’s desire is to open your eyes to ways that you can maximize the gift of time that is given to us. We are big believers that time is a Gift. We want to encourage you in positive lifestyle habits so that you can be blessed and be a blessing. We wish we had someone there to help us when we first started on this endeavor to break the bad habits and replace them with better habits. Habits that would boost us toward achieving life goals while avoiding lost time, big headaches, and a lot of stressful burdens.
We have set out to be that guide for those of you who are just beginning to break the cycle of detrimental lifestyle habits or are ready to make big changes to your lifestyle habits.
You can hear the “in-depth” history of our business by listening to episode 2 of our podcast.
Q: Share a lesson or something you’ve learned recently.
Pick your battles, and living with more intentionality have been the biggest lessons I’ve learned during quarantine. While I’m LOVING having my husband home from work (he’s working from home now and I’ve always been a SAHM) we’ve discovered different things that can sometimes annoy us if we let them, even with our kids 😉 so we have learned that picking our battles is definitely a must 🙂 We are also super intentional about how we spend our time. We do our best to create space for fun time as well as intentional family time like reading together, playing etc.
Q: What’s bringing you goodness and joy these days?
Lately, it has been getting up before my kids do! I’ve done it in the past depending on the different seasons we are in as a family. The past couple of months have lent itself to me being able to wake up before my kids and have time to myself, with the Lord in my BIble study and prayer as well as drink my coffee HOT. It has been glorious and soul-filling. I never used to be much of a morning person (I just like sleep ;)), now I can’t wait to wake up in the morning 🙂
Q: What helps you stay positive and joyful?
Reading for fun (both fiction and non fiction), diffusing my favorite essential oils as well as taking the time to bullet journal and watch inspirational and funny YouTube videos. I’ve also really been enjoying baking with my 4 year old son. He’s at an age now where he is usually more helpful than not in the kitchen 😉
And Just For Fun…
Q: What song have you had on repeat lately?
Honestly, I don’t listen to a lot of music these days *gasp* But I love listening to Podcasts, and some of my favorites have been “At Home with Sally”, “Mom Struggling Well”, “Pioneering Today”, “The Boss Up Podcast”, and “Sow Edible Farm”.
Q: Recommend your best feel-good tv show/movie/book.
“The Blue Castle” by L.M. Montgomery and Parks and Rec 😉
Q: Recommend one must-have item you can’t live without.
Hmmmm probably a hair tie because I’m always putting my hair up in a ponytail 😛
Q: Best comfort food. Bonus if you have a recipe to share.
Lumpia that my Mom makes 🙂 she doesn’t have a recipe, sorry! Haha orrrr if you want a recipe, I LOVE these oatmeal chocolate chip cookies
Q: Favorite ice cream brand and/or flavor.
Mint Chocolate Chip or the Chocolate Andes and M&M Concrete Mixer from Culvers
Thanks SO much for coming on the blog, Vanessa! I can’t wait to see where your new podcast takes you. Also– mint chocolate chip is the best! 🙂 Be sure to follow her on Instagram @pursuesimplejoy and subscribe to the Pursue Simple Joy podcast!
Thank you so much for having me take part in the Goodness and Grace Project!