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Dine and Dish

Food blog with family recipes

July 29, 2011

The Happiness Report #12 – Iced Coffee, Flowers and Moleskine

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I learned something today. When you think you aren’t happy… when you are in a funk… and you sit down and decide to write down recent things that have made you happy words seem to take over and you can’t stop writing. Little did you know, there is so much around you making you happy! Try it, seriously. Start writing down the things that make you happy and I bet you’ll have a hard time coming to a stopping point.

This week I didn’t think my happiness list would include all that much. I’m not going to lie… I’ve been in a “mood” – trying to get out of this funk I have been in. Trying to get a handle on life and what it is dealing us right now has not been so easy. So, I sat down and I looked around me and started writing. This is the shortlist of things currently making me happy, because little did I realize, when you focus on happy you will find an overabundance of happiness.

These roses were from this past winter. My aunt was here visiting when I was getting ready to throw them out because they were dying. She snatched them up, put some butchers twine around them and hung them out in our garage to dry. I totally forgot about them until I was getting our wagon out of the garage, looked up and noticed them hanging there. I would not have kept these roses, but now that I see how beautiful they are perfectly dried out, I am so glad my aunt had the foresight to do so.

Short and simple… Biscoff. If you haven’t had the chance to become addicted to these cookies and this spread, I recently found out you can order both online (and it is in many grocery stores too!) Incredible, addicting, happy stuff!

Moleskine notebooks – all sizes and all colors – make me happy. The perfect pen and a little notebook to jot my thoughts, grocery lists, to-do lists, happiness lists in make me very, very happy!

If you are a child of the, ahem, 70’s and 80’s, like I happen to be, you will find yourself laughing so much when you read the book Whatever Happened to Pudding Pops. I accidentally discovered it when I searched Google using the search terms for the title of the book… because I really did want to know whatever happened to pudding pops! Very funny, lighthearted book about the culture and trends of the 70’s and 80’s.

As a brand ambassador for Keurig, I have had the opportunity to drink a lot of coffee this summer. For the first time I’ve tasted Iced Coffee and much to my surprise, I’m totally loving it. Actually the other day I was up until 2am because I love drinking my iced coffee (and the Keurig makes it too easy) a little too much! My current fave is just a light roast K-Cup with a little caramel syrup and a splash of cream. I love the flavor the cream adds, but do you want to know why I really add the cream? It just looks so cool right after its poured in! It’s like coffee cream art.

Oh – and I’m happy to share a discount code for Tully’s K-Cup portion packs with you! This month (through August 20th) you can get 15% off all Tully’s K-Cup portion packs when you order through their website. (www.Tullys.com). The discount code specific to Dine & Dish readers is AM0003-3571. Make sure to like Tully’s on Facebook too so you can receive additional discounts directly from them.

Forcing myself to stop – but I really do have a lot to be happy with! Hope you will share what has made you happy lately too. Thanks!

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

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Filed Under: Previous Tagged With: biscoff, Blog, dine & dish, happiness project, iced coffee, moleskin, roundup, things I love

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. aida mollenkamp says

    July 29, 2011 at 4:14 pm

    what a lovely write up! i too am addicted to my moleskine journals and have a collection that’s over a decade worth of writing and growing.

    Reply
  2. TidyMom says

    July 29, 2011 at 4:15 pm

    I LOVE your Happiness Reports Kristen!!

    I need a Keurig…..so I can make iced coffee!

    Have a fabulous weekend!

    Reply
  3. Kathleen says

    July 29, 2011 at 4:17 pm

    This is a lovely post! I’m addicted to little composition notebooks!

    Reply
  4. Nisrine M. says

    July 29, 2011 at 4:18 pm

    I love the happiness reports and the iced coffee. Pretty pics as well!!

    Reply
  5. Lucy Lean says

    July 29, 2011 at 4:19 pm

    Love this post because we should all stop regularly and count the ways in which we are happy. My son went to bed last night saying “I am the luckiest person in the whole world because I have a pool, a basketball hoop and Coco [a guinea pig he is looking after for a friend].” it’s the simple things in life but think we will all be happier if we make these little lists, moleskins or not.

    Reply
  6. marla says

    July 29, 2011 at 4:48 pm

    Kristin, I always love the posts from your happiness project. They force me to slow down and take my own Happy inventory. Girl, there is so much to be grateful & happy for….I just need to stop and smell the roses (old or new) to do so 🙂

    Reply
  7. Kulsum at JourneyKitchen says

    July 29, 2011 at 4:58 pm

    I agree with Marla. Just happy thoughts and things make me slow down and look at my own. Love it!

    Reply
  8. Georgia Pellegrini says

    July 29, 2011 at 5:02 pm

    I love this series of posts, it’s so important to focus on the positive!

    Reply
  9. SMITH BITES says

    July 29, 2011 at 5:03 pm

    i think the happiness report posts might . . . and i say might because your blog was one of the first i started reading – and i love all your posts! but these happiness posts help me so slow down and think about my own ‘happiness’ list . . . even in the midst of life that sometimes isn’t fun . . . a reminder to be present is always good

    Reply
  10. Tara @ Chip Chip Hooray says

    July 29, 2011 at 5:22 pm

    What a great idea–I think that I’d be a lot less mopey if I did this more often! My boyfriend is addicted to Moleskine notebooks and Pilot pens, so that particular item on your list made me grin a little–thanks! 🙂

    Reply
  11. Bev Weidner says

    July 29, 2011 at 5:50 pm

    Aaaabsolutely! Just reading this made me happy. I’m naturally a positive gal, but it’s definitely important to remember to focus on the good things. I have to remind myself of that.

    This might have been the most serious-minded thing I’ve ever typed. Ever.

    Reply
  12. Cassie says

    July 29, 2011 at 6:08 pm

    Thanks for the great advice, I will keep it in mind!

    Reply
  13. Allison [Girl's Guide to Social Media] says

    July 29, 2011 at 6:39 pm

    LOVE this post. Thanks for enlightening me on Biscoff spread. Looks like a yummy treat!

    Reply
  14. Brooke @ Food Woolf says

    July 29, 2011 at 7:27 pm

    I love this post because it 1) makes me think of all the simple things that make me happy 2) makes me think I should write a smile-inducing happy post like this right now!

    Reply
  15. Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says

    July 29, 2011 at 7:28 pm

    “when you focus on happy you will find an overabundance of happiness ” – A beautiful thought and one we should all try and practice.

    Reply
  16. Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says

    July 29, 2011 at 7:32 pm

    iced coffee (i post about it and guzzle it daily!!)

    biscoff spread (i fly delta JUST for the biscoffs!)

    and the moleskin…

    fabulous post!

    Reply
  17. shelly (cookies and cups) says

    July 29, 2011 at 7:48 pm

    Just what I need a new cookie addiction!!
    Biscoff, great!

    Reply
  18. camille says

    July 29, 2011 at 8:06 pm

    Air Guitar national championships were this past weekend in Chicago, and my husband was invited to the Dark Horse competition (for people who didn’t win their city, but the tour organizers thought they deserved another shot, so the top 3 from that contest get to be in the finals as well), so we went – and AHHH SO MUCH FUN. He went into the second round tied for 3rd and ultimately finished the night at 8th, but the whole weekend was glorious, all the people there are fantastic and they love him and I love them. We’re going to the world championships in Finland at the end of August, too.

    Reply
  19. Kristi says

    July 29, 2011 at 8:23 pm

    Reading this made me happy, Kristin! I so appreciate how faithful you have been with making these posts. It helps me remember to keep focusing on my fledgling Happiness project.

    Reply
  20. Lisa says

    July 29, 2011 at 8:23 pm

    Pudding Pops . . . this is freaky, Kristen! Some weeks ago, I was wondering the same exact thing, “Whatever happened to pudding pops?” I didn’t Google it though; I just let the thought drift at the moment. I think it was within the next day or two, I checked the library’s new list and this same book was on it. It was freaky. 🙂
    And Biscoff has a spread? What does it taste like?
    I love that you add cream just because it looks cool! I just love ya!
    Love this post as always and hope you and your loved ones are all surrounded by love and joy….

    P.S. I think you and I need to do a culinary tour of Europe (or just one country in Europe will be fine; we should find out which airlines dish out the best snacks first, though!). 🙂

    Reply
  21. Ana F. says

    July 29, 2011 at 8:25 pm

    I am with you about the moleskines! I love love love them and have a lot of them! I also love this idea of writing down the things that make me happy. Great to look at when you’re feeling down!

    Reply
  22. Maria says

    July 29, 2011 at 9:39 pm

    Glad you found the spread! I made cookies with it today, they are incredible!

    Reply
  23. HeatherChristo says

    July 29, 2011 at 9:42 pm

    Great post! My husband and I are moleskin addicts- we have to color code- his are black and mine are red and pink. Love the list making! Hope you are having a happy weekend 🙂

    Reply
  24. Stephanie@PlainChicken.com says

    July 29, 2011 at 9:45 pm

    I also adore Biscoff!!

    Happiness this week – getting a pedicure tomorrow and getting 40% off at AnnTaylor.com this week! I love getting good clothes for a lot less $$!

    Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  25. Jennifer says

    July 29, 2011 at 9:57 pm

    Love the Moleskin notebooks…and love my Levenger Circa notebooks even more 🙂 The paper is divine and they are so easy to use. I’ve been a fan for a long, long time! As for happy thoughts…planning a dinner extravaganza for 10 tomorrow night. Great food + outdoor dining + friends = happy!

    Reply
  26. bridget {bake at 350} says

    July 30, 2011 at 7:19 am

    Love this post, Kristen!!!

    Reply
  27. Angela@RecipesFromMyMom says

    July 30, 2011 at 8:54 am

    Back to school time makes me happy! Although part of me is dreading my daughter’s senior year, I just love buying school supplies and the feeling of fresh starts. Your coffee drink make cool just by looking at it. Have a great weekend Kristen!

    Reply
  28. Amy says

    July 30, 2011 at 10:57 pm

    I LOVED pudding pops as a kid!!!

    I’m also a huge fan of iced coffee. I drink mine at 3 pm everyday (all seasons). Any later than that and I’m up all night.

    Thank God for the YMCA for the few moments of time I get to myself each week while my kids play in the play center. I’m also grateful for Clif Mojo Bars (all flavors), my flower garden, my macro lens, my Stearns and Foster pillowtop mattress, my yoga studio, my family and of course this wonderful country we are so blessed to live in!

    Hope things get better for you very, very soon!

    Reply
  29. theurbanbaker says

    July 31, 2011 at 8:55 am

    I love reading your happiness report. It makes me so happy! I too, love my moleskin notebooks. Must be the thin lined paper and the little band that wraps around the entire book. Each time you open them it’s like unwrapping a very special little present.

    Reply
  30. raquel erecipe says

    July 31, 2011 at 8:44 pm

    oh….I love your article, it inspires me, I sometimes felt that too, and I will try to think of happy things that happen to my life, which I know I have a lot but maybe I am more focusing on the funky one. =)

    Reply
  31. Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles says

    August 1, 2011 at 9:26 pm

    I love your happiness reports. “Blessings – remember to count them each and every day”, a little sign that can be found in our home, reminding me to focus on the good stuff. And I would truly like to know what happened to pudding pops! I was searching for some earlier this summer, thinking my girls would love them. But none to be found?!

    Reply

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  1. How To Make Dairy-Free Fudge Pops | Aida Mollenkamp says:
    August 13, 2011 at 4:30 pm

    […] down at the local cornerstore. But, I hadn’t thought about them for years until Kristen of Dine & Dish mentioned this book a few weeks ago. And then I had a craving. I mean, one of those cravings […]

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Kristen-125Hi friends, I'm Kristen! Mom of 4, Ambassador of Happiness, Coffee Lover and Connection Seeker. Come say hi! Read More…
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More than just a food blog, Dine & Dish has always been a place where I've shared what's happening in our life. These life posts tend to be my absolute favorite blog posts. Come get a taste of life as it happens in our house!
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happiness  HAPPINESS

I believe that in order to live a happy life, you have to make happiness happen through implementing simple things that make you happy into every day. Here are a few of the things that bring me happiness - I hope they do you too.

EXPLORE HAPPINESS

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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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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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E is for...Excitement!
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There’s a lot of excitement in Kansas City as our beloved @chiefs head back to the Super Bowl this weekend! #runitback 🏈
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It’s so strange because winning the super bowl last year was the last “normal” thing that happened before the pandemic hit. We went from a city full of excitement to shutting down and sheltering in place. Maybe when we win and bring the trophy home this year, it’ll be the start of something great. Let’s hope!
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Who are you rooting for Sunday? Chiefs, Buccaneers or tacos? 😂
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D is for... Dreary (and Dog)
February has always been my least favorite month. I have a special name for this month that may start with another not so nice F word...🤭.
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In Kansas, the sun usually doesn't shine that often, it's cold, and just kind of gray and blah.
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My indoor jungle makes me happy though...especially this space in my office. Houseplants almost makes me forget we’re in the “F” month 😂.
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Also, my dog (my favorite d word) would not sit still for a picture when I had my tripod set up, but I finally caught her sitting on her bed and had to catch a picture with my phone. Swipe and you’ll see she is much overdue for a haircut.
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C is for Coaching, Coffee and Crystals! Lots of C words today. My @rockyourhappy coaching practice has been the best thing. I am so lucky to be working with really great clients who are doing the hard work and making big changes in their lives. It’s been the perfect fit for me and I know it’s what I am meant to be doing. Coffee, of course, is my favorite C word and Crystals…my daughters got me into the energy powers of crystals and it’s been really fun to learn all about them.
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My beautiful, custom, Rock Your Happy bullet journal is from @maisielaneco . Coffee/espresso is from @mistoboxcoffee Fabulous photography backdrop is from @poppybeesurfaces . Crystals are from a wonderful local shop here in town.
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There’s still time to join in the @kimklassen_innercircle photography group, where this months theme is A-Z. Join us!
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#flatlayphotography #flatlayoftheday #bulletjournal2021 #bulletjournals #crystalsofig #coffeephotos #coffeephotography #kimklassen_innercircle #prettylittleinspo #cisfor
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B is for Books! Are you a big reader? I wasn’t really a reader growing up. Well, I take that back. In junior high I plowed through the Sweet Valley High series (anyone else?) 😊 And when I was in elementary school I would bust my butt to get to the highest level in the SRA Reading box before anyone else. But I wasn’t a kid who you’d find with their nose in a book, ever.
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It wasn’t until I was an adult, and my kids began to sleep through the night, that I started reading for fun. Now, I read all the time and it’s one of my favorite pastimes. I love talking books with people and sharing recommendations. I really don’t watch TV, so books, especially right now, is my main form of entertainment.
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This is why for the @kimklassen_innercircle A-Z photography challenge, I knew that Books would be my B. It’s my favorite B word (beating out Bullet Journaling, Bread, Blankets, Be Happy, etc).
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#simplepleasuresoflife #prettylittleinspo #bookcommunity #slowliving #cozyvibes #bookphotos #bookslove #beautyyouseek
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A is for Alone. I think one of the hardest things for me to get used to this past year is rarely being alone. My husband used to travel all the time. My school aged kids were in school all day while I worked. I’d even get several days a month in a hotel room by myself for my work travels. I like my alone time and it’s definitely something I miss.
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I’m easily distracted so you will usually find me working in complete silence…maybe just the hum of my essential oil diffuser and the sound of my fingers on my keyboard. I need the quiet and treasure silence.
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With that said, I’ve loved the extra time with my family - and we’ve all learned over the past several months how to give each other space and recognize when we need that space. As of today, my kids all are back to school full time in person 😢. Nick is still working from home and will be for the time being, but now the aloneness feels strange. I’m sure we’ll get used to this “new normal” yet again!
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This month in @kimklassen photography Inner Circle, we’re tackling the alphabet, with an A-Z photography challenge (interpreting that however we see fit). If you want to join us, check out this wonderful community of photographers at @kimklassen_innercircle 📷.
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#picturesofme #talesofthemoment #kimklassen_innercircle #homeishere #beautyyouseek #alonebutnotlonely #lightstreaks #itsthelittlethings #cozyliving
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