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Dine and Dish

Food blog with family recipes

February 13, 2015

The Happiness Report #36

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Let’s talk about what’s been making us happy lately!

Journaling with Life Captured Inc on dineanddish.net

Hi friends! I hope you all are well and are ready to have a great weekend! The girls and I are headed to Oklahoma City for the weekend to hang out with my sister and to celebrate her youngest daughter turning 18. I may have cried on my nieces birthday… what does that mean I’ll be like when my own kids turn 18? I can answer that for you… a big, teary, mess!

Anyway, I thought it would be a great idea to start the weekend off with a little bit of happiness. How’s that sound? Great! Let’s do it!

If you follow me on Instagram, you may have noticed I’ve been annoying you with sharing photos of journaling. I joined a group of people who are following these journal prompts and I’m having a blast with it. Taking pen to paper makes me happy, and following these prompts makes writing in a “diary”, so to speak, much less awkward! I’ve also been messing around some on my own with Hand Lettering… this book is helping me learn, and I’ve been using these pens to practice. Both of these activities are happiness inducing!

If you want to see an Instagram account of someone who has the most beautiful journal pages, click here. Isn’t her handwriting beautiful?

I’m still mourning the loss of Parenthood, but found my favorite characters website/blog this week! Who knew she was so talented in more ways than acting?

I recently got an Audible.com membership and have been listening to books in the car, at the gym, while cleaning, etc. Well, I just upped my game and got one of these. I may have taken the longest shower in history yesterday, just so I could get finish a really intense chapter of this book (great book by the way). Squeezing in more reading/book time makes me happy!

I am so glad someone is starting a frank conversation about this. It’s been on my mind so much lately!

3rd grade volleyball

Did you know I coach a 3rd grade and 5th grade volleyball team? I just started coaching for the first time this past August and it’s one of my absolute favorite things to do! Here’s a picture of my sweet 3rd graders on our last practice of the season. Coaching is so rewarding! I love these girls.

These dogs make me laugh out loud. Make sure to watch to the very end! You’ll crack up every time you watch it, even though you know what’s going to happen!

How are you all doing on your #Imperfect365 Projects? I’m behind on uploading my photos to Flickr, but am doing a pretty good job of capturing at least something every day! Oh, speaking of, I got this new camera for traveling and it’s so awesome! I’m really happy with it!

I think a big slice of this cake, followed by a sip of this drink would make me very, very happy!

Oh – and the Traveling Book Club participants have been chosen at random. Make sure to check your email to see if you’ll be an official participant for this go around.

I think that’s it for today! I hope you all have a GREAT weekend and a wonderful Valentine’s Day full of happiness! Now, take a moment to spread some happy!

Happy

 

Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Filed Under: Happiness, Life, Previous Tagged With: happiness, happiness report, happy, journaling, life, living, parenthood, volleyball

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. sheila says

    February 13, 2015 at 9:32 am

    You are amazing! How do you do it all? I never watched Parenthood, but I will feel that way about Downton Abbey if it’s ever over, hold me. I looked at Mrs Potters blog…wowza she’s pretty amazing! Happy weekend. XO Sheila P.S. My oldest turned 18 this year, still crying myself to sleep every night. Lump in my throat. Hugging him way too hard everyday. He’s officially freaked out by me.

    Reply
  2. danielle says

    February 13, 2015 at 9:44 am

    I loved parenthood and Monica Potter is my favorite – I am so excited about her blog!!

    Reply
  3. regina ball says

    February 13, 2015 at 3:13 pm

    I can’t stop laughing the dog video is hysterical

    Reply
  4. Liz @ The Lemon Bowl says

    February 13, 2015 at 6:55 pm

    Love that article about parenting. My mom let me quit piano after 2 practices and I will forever be grateful! Have a great time in Oklahoma City with your sis!

    Reply
  5. Lisa says

    February 14, 2015 at 8:34 am

    You post the best stuff! I love seeing what makes you happy and I think I need to order that shower speaker. I just finished that book though…and I thought it was awful! I kept wondering if the author had an editor:(. Maybe I should have listened to the audio so I could just focus on the plot instead of the writing!

    Reply
  6. Gidget Girls Reading says

    February 16, 2015 at 7:42 am

    Great list, I saw your post about the journaling and I need to start it. Maybe today will be the first day. It will opening up my creative juices. 🙂

    Love a good book, never done audio books. Might try sometime.

    Love the article about parenting, so true.

    The dog video is funny and those dogs could have been my 2 🙂

    Even though I didn’t get picked for the traveling book club I can still participate right?

    Have a great snowy Presidents Day. Did you guys get much?

    Shannon (gidgetgrlreading instagram)

    Reply
  7. Jenny Flake says

    February 16, 2015 at 1:45 pm

    Thanks for sharing! I wish I could get myself motivated to start journaling. You’re a great inspiration 😀
    Loved the dog video, too!!

    Reply
  8. Amy @ Thoroughly Nourished Life says

    February 16, 2015 at 9:05 pm

    I have a total fangirl moment whenever I see your journalling pages! I need to get started pronto! The Huffington Post article about kids free time and activities is super interesting, even though I’m not a parent (one day hopefully). I think we’ve all become so focused on filling up free time and becoming ‘accomplished’ at every age that we’ve forgotten what beautiful, creative, intelligent things can happen in the quiet spaces.
    A great round up as always 🙂 Have a wonderful week!

    Reply
  9. Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles says

    February 17, 2015 at 2:44 pm

    After finally upgrading my DSLR just recently, it’s so hard to spend more $$ on another camera, but I’d love to get a really good compact, too – thanks for the link to the one you chose. A girlfriend has been singing the praises of Audible.com, so happy to get more “reading” under her belt. I’m def warming up to the idea. And that Huffington Post article…so excellent.

    Reply
  10. Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says

    February 19, 2015 at 9:47 am

    Kristen, I’m always up for a little happiness (or a lot!). I love this post so much!!! first off, ok, I just spent 20 minutes on Monica Potter’s site. . she was my fave too!!! I just watched like 5 videos on there and I’m still crying about Parenthood. . oh my gawd, love the pepper and twine IG feed and thank you so much for the HuffPo article. . what a great read!

    Reply
  11. Coco in the Kitchen says

    February 19, 2015 at 6:04 pm

    They’re so cute. Kids really are the key to happiness. My husband & I didn’t know how happy we could be until our li’l lady bug came along.
    My sister lives 5 minutes away, but I’ll bet you see yours more often! Busy days.

    Reply
  12. The Healthy Apple says

    February 20, 2015 at 12:01 pm

    OMG I absolutely adore your work and this blog is amazing. You are such a fabulous mom and this happiness report is such a great idea. Love what you are doing. Hope you are fabulous; sending you big warm hugs from NYC and hope to see you soon!
    xoxo

    Reply
  13. kellypea says

    February 21, 2015 at 9:30 am

    Loved all the fun links in this post — especially the Instagram journal/lettering. It made me want to dig my calligraphy pens and ink out of the nether regions of my dusty art box. Quiet mornings make me happy — my new floor, which has inspired me to be more tidy. As for weeping over 18-year-old birthdays, I just tidied up my youngest son’s bedroom — the one I always avoid after the holidays because he has returned to where he now lives and is trying to get a job now that he is finished with college. Now *that* is sob-inducing.

    Reply
  14. Marly says

    February 23, 2015 at 8:16 am

    What’s making me happy right now is reading this post. Love it!

    Reply
  15. Ethel says

    August 6, 2015 at 9:18 pm

    I constantly spent my half an hour to read this
    blog’s posts daily along with a cup of coffee.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Our Friday News Roundup + I Like Giving - Petit Elefant says:
    February 13, 2015 at 2:15 pm

    […] are you?  I mean really, truly happy.  My friend Kristen is writing about something weekly called The Happiness Report, where every week she shares what’s currently making her happy.  It’s pretty beautiful […]

    Reply

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New ink inspired by a quote in my friend @andiemmitchell amazing memoir “It Was Me All Along”. 

I tend to be an all or nothing person and look at long term and get overwhelmed instead of just taking things one day at a time. I’ve said her quote to myself multiple times a day for years. Now I’ll have a permanent reminder. 

The full quote: “Can you do it today? Can you make it through today without bingeing? Just today, and tomorrow we’ll reconsider?”

I need to go back and get a couple missed spots filled in but I love it. Thanks Rob at @irezumitattookc 🎉

#typewriterfonttattoo #tattooinstagram #inspiringtattoos #quotetattoo #gentlereminder #wordstoinspire #wordstoremember #wordstoliveby
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My snow and mountain loving, free spirited, book reading, laugh inducing, amazing friend @mountainmamacooks wrote a cookbook. It’s beautiful and just so perfect! I’m sharing all about it on the blog today and I also gave her Crispy Kahlua French Toast recipe the double dip treatment.

Find the recipe and get a peek into her book over on Dine & Dish! (PS I miss you tons, Kelley!)

#apresallday #frenchtoastrecipe #brunchideas #cookbooks #mountainmama #skiingislife
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Here’s a fun fact I heard on the radio several years ago…October 5th is the most popular day to be born (9 months prior is New Years Eve-ish). 🎉 

Happy birthday to all my many many birthday twins out there! It’s the big 4-8 for me…although this past year as a Covid long hauler I feel like I’ve aged 20 years in the past 1. But things are looking up! I’m excited for the next 365 days of my life. I’m blessed and so thankful to still be here, chugging along.

This picture is from last week when @kellykdoyle and I were visiting colleges in Colorado. If I have any followers with ties to @coloradostateuniversity or @cuboulder I’d love to chat! 

#october5th #birthdaytwins #gardenofthegods #birthdayweek #coloradosprings
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I love being a parent of teens...but I miss the days of parenting kids who loved going to school, who didn't struggle with major anxiety, who loved their bodies, and were confident about how they looked. I miss pre-covid days where lunch wasn't distanced, kids had the opportunity to connect and socialize at school, where mask-wearing wasn't even a topic, let alone one that divides. 

The past 2 years have changed my kids. They have gained so many positive things, but they've also gained a new kind of anxiety that wasn't there before. And I hate it for them. They've seen first hand how long haul covid has changed our family. They've seen the selfishness of others in ways they haven't seen before. They've had to grow up faster, worry about things they shouldn't have to worry about, and learn the hard way how this world can really be. And it hurts my heart for them. 

I have a new senior, sophomore and 6th grader here at home. Missing my sophomore in college a ton. I hope the world is kind to them and they are kind to the world. I want nothing more than for them to be happy and to be surrounded by good people who love and accept them for who they are and who also push them to live a full, rich and happy life. I pray every day for them - and for your kids...and pray that we are all raising a generation of empathetic and kind changemakers.

#loveoneanother❤️ #parentingteens #momofteens #anxietyawareness #backtoschooloutfit #changemakers #parenthood_moments
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These two small business owners had a successful launch day for their new clothing and accessory brand, @impatient.us I’m so proud of my daughter @kellykdoyle & daughter from another mother, @kyleemdunn for making the time and financial commitment to launch their dream brand! They’ve done it all so independently and have navigated starting a small business way better than I could have at 17! Thanks to everyone who sent words of encouragement and showered them with support. It’s means so much! 

Follow their journey at @impatient.us and shop the link in their profile!

#smallbusinesslaunch #clothingbrands #teenentrepreneur #launchday #launchparty #teenbusiness #shopsmallbusinesses #proudmoment
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I was a “houseplant lady” before the pandemic, but I think since the pandemic I get to add the word “crazy” to that title. So. Many. Plants. I’m not mad about it!

This weekend @kctinygreenhouse I picked up this beautiful Monstera Peru as well as a bag of Jeff’s Jungle Mix. You know when a new to you potting mix has you super excited, you’ve crossed the line into la la land 😂 Swipe to see how pretty it is!

What pandemic hobby did you pick up?

#plantmomlife #crazyplantpeople #houseplantlove #monsteraperu #pottingmix #plantobsession #plantcollectors #plantsmakepeoplehappy
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Yesterday we spent a few hours down in the West Bottoms visiting the grand opening of @kctinygreenhouse newest location . KC Plant fam, head there. Just trust me! Plants loved and cared for with the best good vibes, all ready to join your crazy plant person home. You’ll find goodies from local KC artisans as well, like @pigeoncandles 

Come for the plants, leave with a heart full of happy!

#westbottoms #tinygreenhouse #plantfamily #pandemicprojects #shoplocalkc #happyplants #plantvibes #summerofyes
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Last night in the suite @kcroyals ...I almost cried. Man it feels so good to be doing normal things. I’ll never take this for granted! Making this the summer of yes...I’m going to say yes to as many events/outings/opportunities as possible! Who’s in? #summerofyes
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Ella is 15 today! Those of you who have been with Dine & Dish since the very beginning have been a part of Ella’s life since the start too! 15 years sure does go by in a flash, both with businesses and babies.
Happy birthday @ella.r.doyle 💕💕💕 We love you!
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I want to live in the big city, yet also want to live in the country. I want to live by the beach, yet also want to live in the mountains. I either need multiple lives or multiple homes! 

#farmlifeisthebestlife #chickensofig #barnlife #iwantitall #hensofinstagram #citygirlcountrygirl
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I’m officially one step closer to reaching peak plant lady status! 🪴

I’m welcoming these plant cuttings from the Hello Kathy Plant Etsy Shop to my already booming collection. When I saw people rave about her “Mystery Box” of plant cuttings I knew I had to buy one. 2 things I love...mystery boxes and plants!

Now I need to figure out how to keep them alive. Any advice? 😃 🪴

#plantladyisthenewcatlady #plantladylife #plantcuttings #newplants #etsyshopping #shopsmallbusinesses #plantloversofinstagram
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Hi, friend! I Thought I’d just say “hey” and check in and add some pretty flowers to your feed.

We’re over here dragging ourselves across the school finish line...so close to done physically, but over done, mentally. Can you relate?

My coaching business is going great, I’m working with some truly incredible, inspiring women right now which makes me so happy! I’ll be launching 2 new group coaching  classes (for women and entrepreneurs) in a few weeks so be sure to follow @rockyourhappy if you are interested in being updated on those!

Jacob comes home from college this week and my parents are coming to visit for a couple of weeks as well. And it’s almost my favorite time of the year, summer!! 

How are things going with you? What’s going good and making you happy? Or what do you need a hand or listening ear with? Touch base! I’ve missed you!

#pinkflowers🌸 #happyday💕 #touchingbase #spreadhappiness #thursdaytherapy #lifecoachforwomen #springflowersmakemehappy
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Book Lovers Giveaway (read to the end)!!! ⬇️ ⬇️ 

Supporting my local independent bookstore @rainydaybooks looks a lot different than it used to these days. Temporarily gone are the days of lingering in store, browsing the shelves, walking out with an armful of books I didn’t expect to buy. The pandemic has made independent bookstores pivot in ways they’ve never had to before, but I’m so happy to say they are CRUSHING IT! And as we virtually celebrate Independent Bookstore Day on 4/24, I wanted to share a way you too can help keep Independent bookstores afloat now (and in the future).

You know I’m a huge fan of @librofm , the absolute best audiobook alternative that gives money back to the independent bookstore of your choice with your audiobook purchases. Well, to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day on 4/24, they are giving YOU a free audiobook! Here’s what you need to do…

Spend $15 or more at your bookstore between April 24th and 26th. Submit your receipt at libro.fm/ibd and Libro.fm will email you a link to your free audiobook by April 28th! Easy peasy, right?

Wait! There’s more! 🌟 I’d love to give one Dine & Dish follower the chance to win a 3 month @Librofm audiobook membership. To enter, simply tag your favorite independent bookstore here and tell me what you love the most about it! That’s it! Winner will be chosen at random on April 27th. Yay, books!

#indiebookstoreday #indiebookstore #bookstoreshoutout 
#booksbooksandmorebooks #bookgiveaway #audiobook #librofm #independentbookstore @indiebookstoreday
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Can’t believe we’re doing the college tour thing already with my second baby! 

So question for any of you who sent your kids to out of state schools or went to out of state schools...how did you do it? She wants to get the heck out of Kansas (I’d like to go with her!). We have money saved, she’ll most likely get a scholarship or two, she’s paying and has money saved as well...but even with that out of state tuition is a beast of an amount. So, did you just assume that student loans were going to be part of that life? And is that worth it to give your kids a shot at a new life outside of your home state? I wish I would have left Kansas for university, and have been here since I was born 😩. I want different for her if that’s what she wants but also just don’t have any experience with how people do out of state college! Any tips?

#collegetour #bestlifenow #outofstate #studentloans #junioryear #kansasstate #adviceneeded
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J is for...jam!
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My friend @wakschmale makes the best strawberry jam...and I completely forgot about a jar she gave me last year until this morning. Which then inspired me to make my favorite buttermilk biscuits. So so good. Are you a jam, honey, just butter or plain biscuit fan? I love biscuits allll the ways, except with gravy. I have super bad memories of biscuits and gravy growing up. 🤢
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I’m still slowly making my way through the alphabet for @kimklassen_innercircle a-z photo challenge. I’m bound and determined to finish. It may just take me a little longer than I originally anticipated 🤗.
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#homemadejam #eatcaptureshare #biscuitsandjam #homemadebiscuits #sundaybaking #easylikesundaymorning #foodphotograph #foodpics #slowsunday #breakfastathome #kimklassen_innercircle
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It took me 2 months to get this Crispy Chickpea Pantry Pasta recipe up on the blog. 🤦‍♀️But it’s there now! You can find the link in my Instagram profile.
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Also, just noticed Instagram took away the like count on posts. I kind of like that...what do you think?
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#pastarecipe #chickpeapasta #dinnerideas #dinnerrecipes #vegetarianrecipe #eatcaptureshare #slowblogging  #totallifechanges
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I is for Inspiration!
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The “long haul” effects of having Covid back in December are really presenting themselves lately. The continuous persistent headaches are taking a toll and the connection between the brain fog and word retrieval function of my brain has been extra challenging. I had no idea a couple months out, the cognitive effects would still be hanging around.
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With that said, when I get a burst of inspiration I’m grabbing on for dear life. I made our favorite chocolate chip cookies recipe yesterday and felt the desire to update the blog post photos from 2007! We make these cookies all the time, so I’m not sure why it’s taken me so many years to give that poor post some new photos.
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If you’re interested in the recipe you can find the link currently in my profile. Enjoy!!
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@kimklassen_innercircle #kimklassen_innercircle #chocolatechipcookie #cookiestagram #foodphotography #feedfeedbaking #plateofcookies #cookiephotography #eatcaptureshare #recipeoftheweek
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H is for...high!
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It was so strange being on a plane again. I’m so thankful I have the antibodies because the flights were full, which seemed wrong, but everyone around me did seem to keep their masks on, so that was good.
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I can’t wait until travel becomes a regular part of life again. I’ve missed it so much!
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 @kimklassen_innercircle @southwestair @windowswap #cloudphotography #cloudsofinstagram #flightview #iflyswa #imisstravelling #skylove #planepics #myviewtoday #beautifulviews
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G is for...oh so grateful!

I flew to South Texas yesterday to visit my parents whom I haven’t seen in 2 years. They live around 17 hours away from us. We typical get to see each other a few times a year but with the pandemic and other health issues it just wasn’t able to happen and I’ve missed them soooo much.

Grateful to have had COVID last month. Although it was not at all fun, it gave me the antibodies to make this trip possible. My dad is having surgery tomorrow so I’m helping with my mom so my dad can recover without having to worry about her.

Kansas is enjoying frigid temperatures and snow. I picked a great week to head south.
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#palmtrees🌴 #palmtreesfordays #blueskiesandsunshine #wintersun #texasskies #kimklassen_innercircle @kimklassen_innercircle #silverlining
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F is for...food photography.
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This time of year especially, food photography (and I guess all photography actually) is a tug of war with time and light. I had planned on making and photographing a delicious pasta recipe, but my grocery delivery ran a couple of hours late because of snowstorm. So, at the eleventh hour I decided to make a cake...that took over an hour to bake and I had about 90 minutes of natural light left...leaving me with about 30 minutes of ok light to work with.
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Anyway, this wouldn't work for a client shoot because the cake, although delicious, didn't turn out looking so great. But it will work great for today's F photo for the @kimklassen_innercircle A-Z photo project:) Lemon Citrus Yogurt Cake from this weeks @cabotcheese newsletter. So good!
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#eatcake #eatcaptureshare #eatcakebehappy #lemoncake #cakecakecakecake #foodiegram #yahoofood #dessertsofinstagram #sweettooth #kimklassen_innercircle #fisforfood
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