This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to the winner, Debbie Mauer. Thanks to all who entered!
I have a ton of things I should be putting up today but I feel pulled instead to share a spontaneous giveaway with you.
As I look around and see the people around me, living our daily lives and just doing our things, I can’t help but feel that so many of us are just going through the motions every day. We aren’t experiencing all that we can experience. We have our lists and things to do, and one by one we’re checking them off but not really finding joy in too many places.
Oh there are some of you who have this “live in the moment” and happiness thing down. I envy you… I really do. It’s a great place to be. There are others who are happy, but maybe don’t “feel” happy. If someone asked us if we were happy, we’d probably say “Yeah, sure… I have no reason not to be happy”. But are we joyful? Are we living with a true sense of happiness? Probably not.
You’ve heard me talk about the book The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. This book changed my life… it is one of the few books I’ve ready that I felt the great need to implement into my life right away. I felt like I could have written it because Gretchen seemed to be in my head, sharing some of my most intimate thoughts. Of course, I didn’t write it (darn it!) but I could relate so much, and I’ve heard the same thing from others who have read it.
The Happiness Project inspired the Happiness Reports that I share on Dine & Dish. Reading it forced me to take a deeper look at my life and to take responsibility for my happiness and when I started doing that, I noticed the people around me became happier. It was an amazing thing to watch.
Gretchen Rubin has a newly published book called Happier At Home. I haven’t read it yet, but I can’t wait. I’m ready for a happiness refresher! I thought today would be a good one to share a Happiness Giveaway with you. Up for giveaway is one (1) copy of The Happiness Project and one (1) copy of Happier at Home both by Gretchen Rubin. You can enter the giveaway as many times as you’d like. In the comments section of this post simply share a separate comment for each thing that is currently bringing you happiness. That’s it. Each comment you leave counts as one entry. Comments must be received by midnight, CST on Monday, September 17th.
Of course, if you want to go ahead and get a move on with the happiness, you can buy both The Happiness Project and Happier at Home on Amazon!
This happiness giveaway is sponsored by me. Gretchen has no idea who I am. All opinions are completely my own! Happy day!
Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
waking up today brought me much happiness 🙂
waking up next to my husband makes me happy everyday! 🙂
Buying fresh vegan bread from a homemade bakery in our town made me happy today 🙂
My kids falling in love with one of my favorite movies from childhood makes me happy (The Land Before Time)
I LOVE LOVE LOVE that you just said “Gretchen has no idea who I am”
Love you, sister girl!
My happiness today comes from being your Mom. You are an inspiration to me and to our whole family. Thank you! If that book is on your Kindle, I don’t need to win it, do I?
I also have more amazing kids like you and that makes me happy every day!
I started reading the Happiness Project and then put it down and went onto something else. I really need to pick it back up again. I have loved this series!
Peanut butter is currently making me happy. (I promise there are more substantive things, too…but that’s the first thing that came to mind.)
I am happy because I still have 3 weeks left of my summer vacation to enjoy. The kids are in school and if I win this great prize I may even have time to finish the books!
I know this is cheesy, but my kids are my happiness right now. Now that they are back in school, I can’t wait for them to come home and spend time with them. I’ve realized lately just how quickly they grow up!
I loved The Happiness Project. And since I checked it out from the library to read it initially, I’ve often thought of purchasing it. I think it would be worth the re-read. And I can’t wait to read her new book.
What’s making me happy today? The fact that I got up and ran this morning…even though I didn’t want to.
My family’s general health. As I was taking my kids to school today, a gentleman was crossing the street and he needed two arm brace/walking canes. Even then, his legs were 2-3 feet apart width wise with each step. Breaks my heart every time I see someone who struggles with the most basic things, and makes me feel profoundly grateful that my children and I don’t have those difficulties.
I started the Happiness Project on my kindle with the 2 week library loan and didn’t finish it before the loan period ended. I need to finish it.
I have so much to be thankful for but don’t have time to list them all (and it would fill up your comments!).
I am thankful for the opportunity to be a SAHM to my 3 wonderful kids. I have a wonderful husband. I have a great house in a great neighborhood. My family is all healthy. I have the ability to train for a half marathon. I have more than enough food to eat every day. I have a God who loves me no matter what! The list goes on and on…
My other comment left me feeling heavy, so I wanted to leave a different one, too.
Recently, what makes me truly happy and filled with joy is running around the track chasing my last baby, who is age 8, while he rides his bike. (“Race me, Mom.”) He overcame his years-long fear and now loves riding. 🙂
I love that you came back and left another comment – I love both of your happiness, but totally get what you are saying.
And I never thought about riding on the track… what a great place to learn and to ride! Congrats to your baby!
What makes me happy? Reading your blog, Kristen! It is always a joy. Oh, and hearing my kids giggle. That always makes me happy.
One thing that brings me happiness right now is coming home and cuddling with my new kitten. Another thing is coming home and cuddling with my boyfriend.
My two sons make me very happy! So does ice cream, coffee, new magazines, pb, wine and all types of cheese! 🙂
Happiness is living with breast cancer for 15 years and being able to watch your children graduate from high school! I smile when I read all the back to school blogs!
Cooler weather! Opening up the house today!
Oops… didn’t mean for this to go on twice — I got an error the first time I tried posting it.
I love the cooler weather today! We opened up the house! Yay for lower electric bills! 🙂
I love when my children play nicely together. It usually happens when they’re outside as opposed to inside. They love making up little “games.” I love that!
Having a job that I love and being able to have school breaks off with my kids makes me happy
Reading this post is currently bringing me happiness, it was just the reminder I needed to keep trying to nail this live in the moment thing down. Still working on that….
Being alive another day!!! 2 year cancer free anniversary approaching in October!! Sharing my children’s lives and all for the wonderful splendid things they experience and learn each and every day, and not taking one day for granted!!! Living every day to the fullest!!! That makes me happy!!
Listening to my 20 month old son speaking a few words of Spanish makes me happy! Getting ready to visit my extended family (whom I haven’t seen in over 1 year) this weekend makes me happy! The list goes on! Just need to take a moment to think about those things that we are grateful for in our lives and what brings us happiness.
Food brings me happiness and being able to cook/bake and share it with other people makes me even happier!
Looking forward to fall and pumpkin recipes and getting me pretty excited 🙂
A 6 week old baby (especially since he lets me sleep for 5-6 hours at a time every night!)
Having the bathroom cleaned (well partly), grocery shopping done and a few loads of laundry washed and dried (put away is asking a bit too much) – all in the same day ;).
I am happy for my brother getting in to UT this semester!
I could use some more happy in my life!! Something that made me happy today… when my boy and I made milkshakes together after school (and then drank them together and talked about his day at school).
my husband. ♥
I’m happy that I joined the Red Face Runners and found out about your website!
New England in the fall brings me a great deal of happiness! I love the crisp cool nights, and the smell of backyard fires. I love the foliage and that you can finally find pumpkin everything again!
You!
A clean kitchen floor made me very happy today!
Cooking food and sharing it gives me happiness. 🙂
Going home and visiting my family, becoming grounded again, makes me happy!
I am newly engaged and couldn’t be happier thinking of spending my life with my wonderful fiance! I’m so lucky to have found a man who is perfect for me and puts up with me too : )
Being pregnant for the first time has brought me much happiness.
The smell of Fall in the air brings a huge smile to my face.
Waking up and just breathing brings me joy.
Thinking about my children and my grandchildren makes me happy! They warm my heart!
making (small) progress on my most important goals!
looking at old pictures, smiling and immediately feeling better!
having a supportive group of friends that truly pull through
This beautiful fall like morning!
Sleeping in my own bed last night!!
My family brings me much happiness!
Co-workers who support me lift me up like nothing else!
My sweet puppy dogs and their amazing bellies and supersoft ears!
Having recently moved from Boston to a tiny, tiny town outside of Charlottesville, VA, I am grateful for the beauty of the land that surrounds me every day and the welcoming kindness of my new neighbors.
I love how you are sharing this Happiness all on your own 🙂
I also am loving my slow cooker.
Being at the beach makes me happy
spending time with my daughter makes me happy
Baking cupcakes and sharing them with others makes me happy
Spending time with my parents makes me happy
Being a Child OF God makes me Blessed!
Spending time on the beach makes me happy (although I miss you guys in KC).
Special time with my daughter when she gets home from school and we talk about her day.
Reading a good book makes me very happy.
Peaches and summer fruit are bringing me tons of happiness right now!
(p.s. I totally need this book. I heard her keynote at Alt in January and still haven’t bought either of the books!)
Spending time with my son every day!
Alex told me a joke this morning. 🙂
This weather is amazing!! Mother Nature is bringing us gifts this week. 🙂
Facebook makes me happy because that’s where my friends are. My news feed is filled with dozens of posts from friends around the world every day. We live in an amazing time.
The support and encouragement from the food bloggers community, especially the #SundaySupper Movement Team makes me thankful and so happy!
I am grateful to be alive and (relatively) healthy! I am a mom, so this is important, lol. My kids have their mom and I am extremely grateful for that.
I love being home with my family 🙂
My small son, who doesn’t understand the concept of time, trying so so hard to be patient that it is hilarious, and I will eventually give in and give him what he is asking for long before lunchtime like I said.
the flamin’ hot cheetos i had for breakfast this morning made me extremely happy 🙂 (no joke!)
When my 11 year old sons who now seem hulking big to me ask if they can have a hug it melts me.
When a parent of one of my day care kids calls me to say that her son saw my car in my driveway and protested when they pulled into their driveway instead, because he wanted to come to my house!
Waking up, opening the blinds in the bedroom and looking out the window to see the butterfly garden… Priceless!
A growing focus on being thankful, which leads me to an overall sense of happiness.
My husband and I having a moment yesterday in the driveway. He got me laughing and we both must have looked drunk at 9 in the morning, stumbling around on the driveway laughing. He makes me happy.
My dog. When she really wants my attention, she barks out the words “I love you.” And sometimes she says “I really really love you.” I swear she talks!
Today is my birthday, and that makes me happy. When my kids woke up this morning, their first words were “happy birthday BME”. In case you are wondering, BME is Best Mommy Ever. I’m happy I’m a mom and I’m happy to be celebrating another blessed year!
Being with my kids makes me happy.
We recently moved from the Los Angeles area to Washington State and live in the foothills of Mt. Spokane. Every morning I wake up and look out at the beauty of the mountains, trees and fields. This really makes me happy.
My new grandson!
Whoops Kristen, I entered my email address incorrectly on the previous posts, but you know how to find me, I hope! I was thinking earlier how grateful I am for simple things like band aids. I love my Hello Kitty ones, lol and they match my pink pedicure. 🙂 I remember growing up without band aids, so now I am grateful that I have several packs ready in my closet when I need them. I just needed something to stop rubbing against a cut on my toe. Now I can walk without that pain/irritation. It won’t get infected. These little things make such a huge difference in our lives. And they make them so cute these days! 😀
Living on MV with my husband, where we share our love for food on a daily basis!
My family – my thoughtful husband, fun-loving son and super sweet daughter.
My public library…which lends me books until I can 1) buy them, and 2) win them! 😉
The house to myself, and the quiet that comes with it!
My friends and family, of course!
Family number one and also waking up every morning is the topper.
A job that I love 99% of the time.
The love of God, and that His love is infinite.
The fact that God always has His arms open to welcome everyone to the fold.
His forgiveness and mercy are all encompassing.
My daughter’s who I can’t explain the depths of my love for.
My grandbabies, OH MY GRANDBABIES!
Four from the age of 4 to 4mths.
That I still have my Mama and that she is agile and mobile, in her right senses at the age of 88. She turns 89 on Monday!
For all that God has given me that I try not to take for granted.
That no matter how many times I disappoint Him. God still loves me unconditionally.
LIFE !!!!! I’ve just had a kidney transplant after being on dialysis for years and felt that it was the ..beginning of the end for me. But here I am, surrounded by the love of my family and friends……YAY !!!!
For the inner Joy that God gives me that cannot be taken away by any circumstances whatsoever.
Go to my passion( job) each day and helping others 🙂
Baking for others makes me happy 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway
Giveaways make me happy 🙂
I am happiest when my husband and children are happy
The amazing blessings of health, a home and a job all make me happy 🙂 Thank you Lord
Gorgeous fall weather and a hike in the woods…
A freshly opened bottle of my favorite perfume.
Having a perfectly ripe avocado and a perfectly ripe tomato on my counter at the same time—guacamole!
A vase of zinnias from my garden.
Eating a meal off my aunt’s pottery dishes!
Serving as an information broker—being able to tell someone that one piece of info they need to move forward and take action.
Lavender sachets tucked away in the dark corners of drawers…
A train ride. To anywhere!
My oldest daughter who just started first grade. I’m so happy and proud when I see how well she’s adjusting!
My middle daughter who just started pre-k. I love seeing how much fun she’s having in school.
First run since I injured my IT band, a few weeks ago, that it didn’t hurt
My baby girl who just turned 1. She always has a smile on her face!
My husband and family who are always there for me
Big cups of coffee with fresh baked goods make me happy!
Quiet time with a good book
I have a favorite indigo and white batiked jacket I bought in Hong Kong 26 years ago. It is still beautiful and it brings me happiness whenever I wear it.
A well-written article or report…I love the English language.
When my children are happy, I am happy.
A great rainstorm, with nothing to do but sit and enjoy it from inside my safe home.
My cats, curled up beside me.
Sitting by the river with a friend, sharing a bottle of wine and catching up on our news. Simple pleasures are the best!
Facebook. Seriously! I love seeing the photos of my friends and family.
Stepping out of my windowless office building at the end of a long day and finding glorious sunshine waiting for me!
Taking an afternoon nap on the lounge chair on my deck.
After I’ve exercised and have taken a shower. Love that moment!
When I hear my dog snore. And that’s basically all of the time!
Having a glass of red wine and some amazing cheese.
Kisses from our new puppy! Aaah- puppy breath…
Answered prayers.
Connecting with my high-school classmates (we graduated more than 30 years ago and are scattered hither and yon).
Reading this post made me happy! 🙂 And it made me want to buy both of these books!
This giveaway makes me happy b/c The Happiness Project is the next book on my list to read!
My son always makes me happy!
My husband dropping by my work and giving me a Cadbury “Screme” Egg made for a very happy morning.
A little Jack Russell curled up next to me to keep my feet warm as the evenings are already getting chilly.
A latte from my own espresso machine…or better yet, two.
Hearing a really bright two year-old talking to an adult…so adorable!
“It’s a girl!”
“It’s a boy!”
Discovering the perfect online thesaurus. What more could anyone want? 😉
Being with my family is what makes me happiest!
My family brings me happiness!! Thanks for the giveaway, Kristen 🙂
Seeing my children sleeping peacefully in their beds always makes me happy!
Reading blogs (especially yours) makes me happy!
Football being back makes me very happy!
I love the whole process of preparing a meal for family & friends.
Just being with my family makes me happy!
Taking my dog for a long walk on a sunny morning makes me happy!
Waving goodbye to my kids on the bus makes me happy!
my daughter is my ultimate happiness!!!
my husband and I having great jobs makes me happy
this continued cooler weather is bringing me much happiness today!
1st of all, thanks so much for hosting this giveaway. One thing that is truly bringing me happiness right now is being able to spend more time with my family.
My kids bring me happiness.
Happiness is morning snuggles with my toddler.
what brings me the most happiness today is that it is my last day of work for the week 🙂
Happiness is 2 of 3 of my children have graduated from College with Honors so far!
Happiness is when I pull in the drive way at home 2 dogs and 1 cat are looking out the window waiting for me.
Happiness is knowing my oldest daughter is coming home to visit tonight and youngest daughter will be home to visit tomorrow.
Happiness is knowing my Mom, Dad, Step Mom, Mother In Law and Grandma are in great health!
Happiness for me is having good friends and family like you Kristen!
Happiness for me was celebrating my 25th and 26th anniversary in Key West with my wonderful husband!
If I win that book I will be really happy!
riding horse makes me happy!
A rainy Saturday in which to stay home and read…
Purring cats.
Being able to linger over a THIRD cup of coffee!
The anticipation of a quiet night at home with a good bottle of wine, a great dinner prepared by my husband, and the chance to watch a few hours of television!
Planning a little get-away with my best friend…that makes me happy!
A yellow vase filled with pink and orange zinnias from my garden…love!
Can shoes make me happy? Yes, they can! Just found the most comfortable, funky shoes IN MY SIZE, on sale. I’m happy!
Each day I get to watch my kids grow up makes me the happiest.
Playing with my daughter makes me happy every day
My husband makes me happy – we’ve been married for 16 years now.
We had a successful rummage sale today – that make me happy (but tired)
My own little house that I bought after my divorce a few months ago.
I read Happiness Project 2 summers ago–terrific book! Don’t own it yet but plan to buy it. Would LOVE to have her new one! Have been inspired by you to start my own Happiness Project–and daily journal “report!” 🙂
A pot of soup bubbling on the stove. Makes me happy.
My “boys”–sweet husband and a 7 and 12 year old. Keep me guessing and laughing all the time. Grateful and happy because I have them.
Watching football with my husband.
Running/ morning walks with my girls.
A clean house. 🙂
Being in Savannah for the weekend with my husband makes me happy 🙂
Being outdoors under big shady trees makes me happy.
The fact that today is the weekend!! 🙂
My sweet dog’s tail wagging at me as I come in the door after being gone!! That makes me happy!
Happiness is being able to take a Sunday afternoon nap after a busy weekend!
My daughter makes me happy.
My oldest son makes me happy.
My youngest son makes me happy.
With a nod to Alice Walker, the color purple makes me happy.
A large pile of clean, folded laundry … happiness, indeed.
Dinner baking in the oven, with a kitchen already cleaned.
Having my clothes picked out for tomorrow. 😉
My aunt’s 88th birthday today…grateful to have her in my life, still.
Right now – happiness is spending time with my boys – individually & together!
Spending time with just my husband – whether it is just sharing something that we both enjoy watching on TV or talking without the boys around. As we get ready to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary in abt a wk & a half – I love that fact that I’m still learning new things abt him & he still makes me laugh! I’m one lucky lady!
Happiness is having a job. And working for a company that is flexible with the health issues I have.
Happiness is coffee!!!!! Whether it is from Starbucks, the Keurig in the breakroom at work, or made at home.
Happiness is books & having time to read. Whether it is reading to learn something or reading for pleasure/escape from the daily grind.
Happiness is watching my kids read. My youngest enjoys it but my oldest has the same zeal for reading that I do. He will read anything that has words on it! He reads books again just because he liked it the first time!
Happiness is having dear, sweet friends! I am lucky to be able to include you in that group!
Planning my wedding makes me really happy. I’m so excited to share our big day w close friends & family & to feel their love and support!
Looking through the eyes of folks around the globe via Instagram continues to be a wonderful source of happiness!
my 7 week old, precious!