Welcome to Stacie’s Small Joys! + My 40 Before 40 List

Starting a joyful new chapter...

'Restart my newsletter' has been on my to-do list longer than I'd like to admit, but here we are! A shiny new space to share joyful moments, self-care notes, and positivity.

Two things have led me here...

1) My word of the year is 'spark' - I want to spend this year embracing this momentum and drive, sparking creativity, joy, community and conversation. This new space feels like a step in the right direction.

2) I turned 39 in January, and I'm on a mission to complete my 40 Before 40 list before I enter my next decade!

A collection of small, uplifting, and achievable experiences designed to bring more fun, adventure, and contentment into everyday life. Think of it as a joy-filled bucket list but without the pressure. I'm planning lots of feel-good moments sprinkled between school runs and deadlines.

Let's dive in!

MY 40 BEFORE 40 LIST

1. Decorate my studio

2. Take a trip to the theatre to see a play

3. Watch a live music performance (modern)

4. Complete a cake-decorating workshop

5. Visit a Cat Cafe

6. Visit the National Portrait Gallery and Tate

7. Travel somewhere new abroad (bonus points if it's by plane!)

8. Stay alone overnight somewhere lovely

9. Try painting a canvas

10. Visit Kew Gardens

11. Host a creative event for adults

12. Learn how to make a fancy cocktail

13. Go on a rollercoaster

14. Visit a big Christmas market

15. Sew something following a pattern

16. Visit a waterfall

17. Go punting in Cambridge

18. Take an open bus tour of London

19. Go on a rock climbing wall

20. Host a themed lunch/dinner party

21. Try an Escape Room

22. Finish writing my book

23. Donate blood

24. Meet a tiny monkey

25. Go to the cinema alone

26. Watch the sunrise on a beach

27. Go to a book launch/signing

28. Listen to an orchestra or choir (classical)

29. Relaunch my online shop

30. Have a date day with each of my children

31. Get dressed up and go for dinner somewhere fancy

32. Try a new recipe each month

33. Enjoy a full spa day

34. Give a talk or be on a panel

35. Be a guest on a podcast (and maybe start my own?)

36. Fix up my Nan's dollhouse

37. Have a photoshoot

38. Start a new art journal practise

39. Create an illustrated window display

40. Take an online course to learn a new skill

I made a good start in January - I ticked off a bold pink studio refresh and learnt to make meringues. What recipe should I attempt in February - any ideas?

Another 38 joys to go and lots more fun in store - join me for the journey!