Between the stinky economy and swine flu pandemic, I’d say things are looking a little dismal out there! Good grief! So what can we do to keep ourselves inspired to find the beauty in life? You know me, I like to celebrate the little things! When things get a little gloomy, I try to focus on the positives and create a list of things to be happy about in life.
When I first start to make a list of happy things, I’ll admit I sometimes have a hard time finding 20 things. I get a far off, spaced out look on my face. But the more I think, the happier I get because I realize I DO have 20 things to be happy about! At least 20 things! And that in itself is reason to celebrate. I turn my mood right around by thinking of just 20 little things that make life beautiful for me.
But, even if I could find only ONE thing, thinking about it would be a good way to focus on something positive amidst the craziness this world is dishing out right now. Oooh, how clever am I? DISHING OUT… mwahaa haa haa. OK. I’d blame it on the paint fumes. If I had started painting yet. Oh, stop. I’ll get to it. I have TWO WEEKS!
Here is my random list of little happy things
(and notice the last thing on my list, A GIVEAWAY!)
These are in no particular order:
- Sunny days
- Chocolate with nuts
- The smell of coffee
- My son’s laughter
- Faith in a God bigger than my problems
- Spring flowers
- Scones
- Makeover projects for CHEAP
- Cute shoes from the thrift store
- Paint (stretching it here)
- Blogs to inspire me
- Friends to encourage me
- Friends I can encourage
- Family I can adore
- A cozy bed at night to curl up with my hubby
- A roof over my head
- Happy memories
- Dreams for the future
- Creativity
- New dishes!! For one lucky winner, A $100 Retail Value Gift Certificate to DaySpring for anything from their new Life Collection!
Just a couple of days ago DaySpring sent me some very happy dishes from their new LIFE TO THE FULL COLLECTION! Lucky me! I am a white dishes girl but I was thrilled to find these beauties to mix in for some outdoor fun this summer. These really are lovely dishes and very well crafted — if you want some for yourself, you will NOT be disappointed! You could hang these on a wall or eat off of them, either way, they are gorgeous! There is no better time to celebrate LIFE TO THE FULL than right now.
This collection would make a great Mother’s day gift, so for everyone here is a 20% off code for your next purchase!
How do you enter this Happy Life giveaway?
You can enter any of these three ways, or ALL THREE if you want three chances!
1) Share your beautiful life post via Mr. Linky for one entry
2) Share some little things via the comments that MAKE YOU HAPPY in spite of all this crazy Swine flu and economy woes.
3) And if you are a subscriber (or become one) of The Inspired Room, I’m given you an extra chance to win! You’ll find a secret code in your post. All you have to do is send an email to theinspiredroom@gmail.com with the word CODE in the subject line. Then tell me what the code is and you get another entry. You can subscribe via email right here! Or via RSS right here! The code will be in the posts next week as well so watch for it if you are just subscribing today!
So, three chances (I’ll count every entry, so you may as well try for them all!) to win a $100 retail value (yes, a $100 retail value shopping spree!!!) of any Life To The Full Collection products from DaySpring!
Want to see more of the Life to the Full Collection? Click here!
PS. If your procrastination project goes wrong over the weekend, just take a deep breath and click The Magic Brush for a good laugh. Laugh WITH her. Not AT her. Really. I can so relate.
oops…Mr. Linky didn’t work earlier, so if you still want to add a post here, feel free! Just make sure your link goes directly to a specific Beautiful Life post…and put a link back to The Inspired Room!
This giveaway is now closed.
I am happy that I get to visit my inlaws in sunny Florida this weekend. I am blessed that my sneezy cold is just that…and not the swine flu. I am thrilled that it is springtime and grateful for joy in my heart.
Katherines inspiring blog post..30′s Priorities
I’m happy when I look out my windows and see the beautiful mountains that surround our home, when I sit down to dinner with my amazing family and hear about their days, happy that I get to work with people who are wonderful and passionate and creative, that I have a wonderful best friend (even though I don’t get to see her nearly enough), and happy that there are wonderful moments of beauty all around me every day and that I appreciate them enough to take a moment to enjoy them.
What a cheerful give away. You really made me stop and think of all things that make me happy. Kitkat dark, fresh cut grass, inspiring bloggers, paint, projects, completed, projects to start, blue skies the good Lord who directs our path, reading books with hubby, Thank you for helping us to think lemonade is the clue
Sandy
I have to agree that new dishes make me happy! So does a freshly washed dog, oatmeal with berries, my loving family and fresh thyme growing in my garden.
Mama Gooses inspiring blog post..Hooray Hooray
Just went to see the Magic Brush post and it was just the laugh I needed this morning. Seems like something that would happen to me, so I could relate!
What pretty dishes, and what a fun giveaway!
What’s making me happy today? Planning my daughter’s birthday party. She’s turning 7 this weekend. We’ve been having so much fun organizing the party together, and today we’re going shopping for party favors for her guests.
Julia @ Hooked on Housess inspiring blog post..Hooked on DIY Remodeling Projects Around the House
It is the little things that make me happy these days. Watching my daughter sleeping (she turns 10 tommorrow and I am still trying to soak in every bit of her), getting a good deal at Walgreens, finding a parking spot right up front, free samples in the mail, not to mention a good cup of coffee and watching the Gilmore Girls.
Seeing everything outside turning green and hearing the birds in the morning makes me happy. Add some sunshine and things are nearly perfect!
What makes me happy now is a clean house, the beautiful spring buds and sleeping children.
Thanks for the chance to win.
Oh, what DOESN’T make me happy on a Springy, sunny, morning? Flowers blooming, healthy kids, my dad is coming to babysit tonight for our weekly (yes, weekly- I am SO spoiled) date night, there’s enough bread on the counter that I don’t need to bake another batch for a few days, my daughter loves the flower clippie I made for her, we’re going to the farmer’s market again tomorrow, Heavenly Father has blessed me with health and talents and skills to see our family through hard times AND good times (which, you know, can be more difficult to navigate than the lean…) Oh, there are so many things to make me happy this morning
Lovely post, thanks!
it always puts me in a better mood when I think about what makes me happy
spring rain
a clean kitchen
fresh berries
my family
shoe shopping
and
fun giveaways!
Reading my blogs with a Starbucks latte, long walks on the beach, sewing with all these beautiful fabrics, dinner for two with my honey.
Suzanne@Notes from the Patchs inspiring blog post..I Love You This Much
These dishes are so trendy and cute. I have a daughter who they would be perfect for! When life gets me down, I have a window seat I love to go to. I linked up with Mr. Linky to a post I recently did on the window seat, and stepping away from it all and just looking out the window.
Blessings,
Gayle
Gayle at Mountain Momas inspiring blog post..Family Pandemic Flu Planning
These dishes are so trendy and cute. I have a daughter who they would be perfect for! When life gets me down, I have a window seat I love to go to. I linked up with Mr. Linky to a post I recently did on the window seat, and stepping away from it all and just looking out the window.
Blessings,
Gayle
Five Things:
1. Whole wheat blueberry orange muffins from the current issue of Midwest Living. (They are SO good!)
2. An end to the rain.
3. $37.65 worth of perennials.
4. Our two new cats, Ralph and Buddy.
5. Big plans to go to Jo-Jo’s Pretzels tonight with friends.
Enjoy your weekend!
Shannans inspiring blog post..Circuitous Thoughts on Joy, Beauty and Blogging
Hearing my son’s laughter makes me so happy. He’s a precious little guy and I’m so thankful that even in the midst of some “stinky” life stuff going on in our lives, he’s joyful.
A huge blessing;)!
Lizzies inspiring blog post..From Outside the Frame
A couple things that make me happy:
1. gummy bears
2. movies, books and tv shows that make you cry for the right reasons
3. making dinner for my husband
4. a clean house!
5. no traffic on the drive to work
Things that make me happy:
Family
Chocolate
Friends
Chocolate
Clean luandry
Chocolate
Spring weather
Chocolate
A couple of things that make me happy RIGHT NOW…
1. My 5 year old daughter using the word “familiar” in a story she told yesterday.
2. Taking Pictures
3. My hubby calling me 4 times since he left on his “boys weekend” yesterday to tell me he missed me.
4. My girls running back to me to give me “one more hug” before they get on the bus.
5. The penny I found at the market yesterday….
Happiness All Around!
Have a great weekend Melissa!
1.A good cup of hot tea and reading a great book.
2.Healing faster than anticipated from a broken femur!
3. My husband making me laugh.
S0000 many more precious things.
This time of year makes me especially happy as the snow is finally melting, the days are so nice and long and most of all…the garage sales and flea markets are starting up again WOO HOO!
Bonnies inspiring blog post..Vintage 1970s Stripes and Floral Summer Dress with Smocked Back S
When I truly stop and look around at all that God has Blessed me with, it makes all the stress and bad things going on in the world go away. I have a beautiful home, amazing husband, friends and family, and my health. What else do I need?
BEAUTIFUL stuff, I am in love with these new pieces!
In spite of the worries of the world, we are so blessed! The faces of my children, the love in my husband’s eyes, the beautiful words that I read through out my favorite blogs – God is good and today is going to be a great day!
Angie @ The Creative Mamas inspiring blog post..Taking the focus off of fear.
here are a few things that make me happy:
1. Sunny days (It’s BEAUTIFUL here in the northwest today!)
2. My business is growing and keeping us afloat while my husband has been out of work for the past 7 months
3. The fact that my job/business allows me to be creative every day
3. Dreyer’s Slow Churned “Take the Cake” Ice Cream
4. Sunday night family dinners
5. My super cute pup Missy … she always makes me smile
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jnsutherland/3128286701
There’s always something to smile about… sometimes it may be harder to find but you can always find it
My family. They make me happy every single day.
Hi Melissa,
What a cheerful post. I’m especially happy because we moved our son Eric back home from college and he graduates with his masters on Saturday morning. Morning prayer, coffee on my deck, the rain that is making my new grass grow and my transfered hostas take hold, and so much more make me smile and feel a warm glow of happiness!
Hugs,
Cathie
I added my list to Mr. Linky! And I subscribed via email, though I already get your RSS feed through Google Reader. I hope I didn’t mess something up!
I love the idea of coming up with a list of 20 things that make us happy! I think all of us every day should focus more on the things that make us happy, even if we can’t come up with 20 every day. This is something I am going to strive to do more often. Thank you for the inspiration!!!
Kristen DeSimones inspiring blog post..20 Happy Things…
Things that make me happy (inspite of my children beginning their fight ritual early thismorning):
Sunshine in the morning.
Baking delicious food for others
Being inspired by others’ creative frugality.
Children who treat eachother repectfully
Chocolate – in any form
Excersize (I guess really, the fact that I have a healthy body that CAN excersize is what really makes me happy)
This is great! I could go on. Thanks!!
Chabliss inspiring blog post..Speechless
I love when my 15 year old Daughter makes me laugh.
I love when my about to be married Son gives me hug and says I miss you Mom.
I love that Trader Joes had Daffodils for 1.29 a bunch and they are gorgeous.
I love that through Facebook, I found a family member I had not spoken to or seen in over 20 years.
Things that make me happy: spending time with my husband & family, counting my blessings from God, playing with my new dog
What a great post, Melissa. I think that list is just perfect.
I am very happy knowing that I get to see my family this summer and that I get to see them just as much as I want. It was hard enough trying to find a time when we were all awake and home to even TALK on the phone when I lived in Germany.
Thanks for a shot at this prize.
Katie
Katie at makingthishome.coms inspiring blog post..Late Baby Gifts
God’s provisions:
Good food
A lovely place to live
A secure job
Good friends
Bounty and abundance in manageable doses
Healthy kids!!! Love the dishes.
I’m a subscriber!
Despite depressing circumstances all around, I’m mostly happy because of my husband and children – the kids are very young, and are content just to be near me…and that makes me all warm and fuzzy, no matter what else is going on.
Hi Melissa
Yes, there’s so much to cause us to worry these days – the economy, the swine flu etc, but when I remind myself of the ONE who never changes, now that gives me confidence and peace.
Things that make me happy:
Hubby, daughter and puppy
Time to read a good book
My co-workers (truly, I am blessed to LOVE my boss and officemates)
A clean house
Coke – in a glass – with ice
Thank you so much for offering this wonderful giveaway! What a great line of plates. I am the type of person that needs something like that to daily remind me that God is in control and that He desires to give us abundant life!
It is so easy to be bogged down with all of the bad news about the economy and this crazy swine flu, that we sometimes forget the little things in life that make it wonderful! I am blessed with loving family and friends. I have a home, food to eat, and clothes to wear. My husband has a job. We are greatly blessed!
Some things that make me happy
1. being silly with friends
2. good books
3. funny movies
4. watching my friends use their gifts and talents to glorify God
5. sewing
6. cooking (watching others enjoy it)
7. my husband getting home from work each day
8. Christmas trees
9. a clean house
10. finding a good deal!
Paulas inspiring blog post..Pizza at the Hut
Things that make me happy right now:
God’s great faithfulness
The promise of spring
Our business picking back up
Happy kids
And those dishes would make me happy too!
Ginas inspiring blog post..Making Time (And a Fairy Garden)
so, I thought that I just posted a comment, but apparently…didn’t happen, because now I cannot find it. So, I will try again.
things that make me happy
1. my husband, family, and friends
2. being silly with friends
3. cooking (an seeing others enjoy it)
4. sewing
5. crafting
6. watching friends use their gifts and talents to glorify God
7. a good book
8. a funny movie
9. hearing my husband say he loves me and he’s proud of me
10. chips and salsa
Paulas inspiring blog post..Pizza at the Hut
My kids make me happy. Knowing I brought them here in love, watching them sleep, cuddling with them in the morning, hearing their laughter. There is nothing I treasure more. Flowers make me happy- my husband and my girls gave me overflowing bouquets for my birthday. Texas bluebonnets in the Sping make me happy. Finding the perfect dress or pair of shoes on sale-makes me almost sublimely happy. Answered and unanswered prayers make me happy. Oh, and not catching the swine flu, that would make me happy too!
I am happy… my pregnancy is easy, my husband is a hard worker, the sun is out today, and I am healthy!!
1. Having a job
2. Having health insurance
3. My puppy’s love
4. My cat’s attitude
5. Sunny days
6. blooming plants
7. the love of my life
What a fun post and great give-away! I loved your 20. Simple, not frivolous & “good”. What is making me happy today is knowing I was able to cancel my daughter’s SAT’s for tomorrow & not incur a re-scheduling fee!! Sounds silly I know. I felt I was being perhaps irresponsible for having her go when a lot of the school districts here are closing the schools for a few weeks due to the flu epidemic. But then there is the Prom tomorrow too. Life is never easy. I think it’s time to smell the coffee!! Have a good weekend & we’ll just keep thinking about the 20 things!
deb ♥
Hi Melissa,
Very pretty dishes…I certainly had fun posting pictures and comments on my blog this morning.
Have a lovely weekend.
Charlotte
Charlotte at Simply Divine Christmass inspiring blog post..20 Little Happy Things to Celebrate in Life
Filling my outdoor pots with greenery and flowers, knowing they will be overflowing by summer makes me happy!
Just by chance my 16 year old son had a poetry assignment last night. He wrote a peom, “What Makes me Happy” it was so beautiful. It made me more than happy to know that he can find happiness in his life.
I’m happy that my whole family is bound for heaven because of what Christ did for us.
And I’m happy that you gave me the push to paint something, because within the next 2 weeks my front porch won’t be ugly any more.
Shannon @ Silver Trappingss inspiring blog post..
Things that make me happy: my children laughing, my husband’s love, a hot latte, a cold diet coke, chips and salsa with friends, spring weather, and these beautiful dishes! Thanks
Tanyas inspiring blog post..Linky Love
Love the weather outside, love the idea for the post (it’s always good to be thankful for what you have), love the give away! Especially the red, white, and black dishes. Love them!
Jens inspiring blog post..20 things I am happy about today
1. Starbucks coffee
2. Playing with my son at the park
3. Pedicures
4. Watching movies with my husband
5. Book club with my friends.
Thanks so much for the awesome giveaway!
Sarahs inspiring blog post..A Real Grown-up Remodeling Project