Happiness Is A Choice

I'm very certain that regardless of where you live, you are aware of the craziness all around. I am not making this post about anything in particular, but I will say that I CHOOSE happiness every single day. My peace is important to me. If I am a wreck, I can't be a good wife, mother or friend. My son depends on me being 110% since I have a big role in his education. I have certain feelings that have been brewing like a raging storm inside of me. I am choosing to channel that energy into action. I will remain the friendly and loving person I am. I will continue to teach my children that there is so much goodness in the world. I will have fun dates with my husband more often because frankly, he keeps me from going over the edge. I will also laugh and smile even more. 

I know it seems easier said than done to be happy, but truly it is a choice. I'm not as spiritual as most people I know, but I do have faith that everything is going to be alright. Heal yourself and choose to spread love and happiness all around. Thanks for reading. Have a grand week! xoxo

Cheap or Free Ways You Can Help Others

The inspiration for this post came from something I heard my 7 year old son say... "Wow, my dad helped the neighborhood and he helped the world". I wanted to share some ideas of how you can help people in little ways to make their lives better. This may spark something within them to want to pay it forward and help someone else.

• Volunteer at your child's school. 
• Getting rid of outgrown clothing from younger, school-age children? Consider donating them to your local elementary school's nurse's office. They always have the need for bottoms, underwear and socks. 
• Text a friend just to let them know you are thinking about them.
• Smile. A genuine smile triggers other people to smile. 
• Check up on your neighbors.
• Be a "Mystery Reader" for your child's class.
• Offer to help an elderly person in the grocery store.
• Hold the door open for someone.
• Compliment a stranger (within reason).
• When you get a buy-one-get-one free deal, why not share the freebie with a friend or neighbor.
• Offer to babysit for a new mom.
• Give your neighbor's dog a treat at the fence.
• If you are in a store and see someone purchasing something that you have a coupon for, offer it to them. You would be amazed at the joy $1 off can bring to someone.
• Be the Coupon Fairy. Leave coupons in front of the items they are for in a store. Someone will be very happy to save a little extra money. 
• Call someone out of the blue. 
• If you baked something, send in extra for you child's teacher.
• Always ask the cashier at the store you are at how their day is going. No matter the attitude they may give off, you can still show that you care.
• Tell someone that you love them. 
• If you get a gift certificate for purchasing a certain amount in a store, consider giving it to someone. My kids give me their $10 Kohl's cash certificates all the time and it makes me so happy.
• Hug someone.
• Make people laugh!
• Rake or blow leaves for your elderly neighbor.
• Do a chore for another person in your home. I love when my walk into my bedroom and see my bed already made up.
• Paying with a gift card and have a small balance left? Give it to the person behind you in line. 
• Saying, "good morning" or "have a great day" gives off a positive vibe. 
• A simple "thank you" is always in order.
• Allowing your inner happiness to shine can bring much needed light to others.
• Send in a special treat for your child's class or your spouse's co-workers.
• Write notes to your family members.
• Write a letter and mail it to a friend. Embellish the envelope with fun stickers.
• Let your kids eat dessert for dinner once in a while. There's nothing wrong with the occasional ice cream sundae dinner.
• Show gratitude and appreciation every day.

Sharing love is FREE! What will you go out and do today that will make a difference to others? 

Wordless Wednesday- What Happiness Looks Like

This photo was taken at a recent field trip to the zoo with William's kindergarten class.

Things that are making me so happy right now.

Today I laughed HYSTERICALLY in the car on the way home from picking the girls up from school. I am talking full abdominal pain, tears from my eyes and coughing from laughing so hard. My sunglasses even fogged up. Man, that was some good laughter! 

Today William was complaining about "those meddling kids". He loves old school Scooby Doo. As a matter of fact, he loves all the old cartoons like Tom & Jerry, Yogi Bear, The Snorks, The Smurfs and more. Sure beats Sponge Bob any day! 

This salad is made from baby organic greens (kale, spinach, arugula and others) dried cranberries, sliced almonds, feta cheese and balsamic vinaigrette. It is outstanding. It is my new favorite salad. 

If you haven't tried Mr. Clean with Gain scent, you are missing out on the happiest scent ever. It is as if you accidentally spilled Gain freshness into the air. It really makes me excited to clean. Yeah, I have issues :)

Dwayne and I tried Red Moscato for the first time and really enjoyed it. I think we need to explore some other brands. I am going to make a date night reservation to try out a wine bar in our area in the very near future. 

I love Coca-Cola from the 1.25 liter bottle. There is something so special about the taste from that specific size bottle. It's not the same out of the can or the 2 liter bottle. 

Dwayne and I have been thoroughly enjoying watching the NBA play-offs and even the pre-game, half-time and post-game footage. This has been the most enjoyable basketball season ever! We will be so sad when it's over. 

The thing that has been making me over-the-top happy lately has been the new windows we had installed over the course of the last year. We have noticed a huge difference in the consistency of  the overall temperature as well as the air conditioning unit does not run 24/7. I know our light bill should be looking a lot better too. That will be the icing on the cake! 

So what has been making you happy recently? Please share, I wanna know! :)