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Dine and Dish

Food blog with family recipes

May 28, 2015

The Happiness Report #37

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Tattoos, styling wands, hand painted aprons, 1 second a day videos and more… here are a few of the things making me happy lately!

be happy tattoos on dineanddish.net

Hi friends and happy summer to you! We’ve been out of school for a little over a week and have had some super fun days so far. The weather has been iffy on cooperating but we are squeezing out ever sunny moment we can and are taking full advantage of it!

Many of you have asked about our Summer Bucket List for 2015 and I think we’ve decided not to do one this year… unless we change our mind, we’re going to be crazy and navigate the summer without a list. Oh don’t worry… that doesn’t mean my kids will be sitting in front of the TV all summer. I have plenty of ideas for ways we’re going to have the best summer yet… I just am not adding them to a list. You can find our 2014 Summer Bucket List Here, our 2013 list here, and our 2012 list here. I hope you get some inspiration for a fun summer from those lists!

be happy tattoo on dineanddish.net

A few weeks ago, I went to my friend Cheryl’s  house in St Louis and we did something we’ve been planning on doing since last October. We both got tattoos! We had been inspired by our “Be Happy” tattly tattoos we got at Chopped Conference in October and decided to make it permanent! I absolutely am in LOVE with my new tattoo! It didn’t really hurt at all to get it and was over and done in about 10 minutes. James, from Saint Louis Tattoo Company worked his magic and did an amazing job! hair wand

Cheryl (aka TidyMom) also introduced me to the magic of a Curling Wand. You’ve probably seen these at mall kiosks for a $100+ but Cheryl uses a $30 Remington brand curling wand. I ended up buying one off of Amazon and absolutely love it! It’s so easy to use and I love how softly styled my hair is now. Good hair days make me happy!

hand painted custom apron

My friend Renee is so talented. She recently sent me this gorgeous, custom hand painted Dine & Dish apron! Isn’t it amazing? As someone who has zero skills when it comes to drawing I am always extra impressed with those who have that talent. You may remember Renee as the artist who hand painted my #HotMess wine glass for me, which I still love and use all the time. Well, she now does hand painted aprons and sells them over at her Etsy Shop. Kudos Kitchen Paints. Make sure to check out her store and see what kind of custom job she can do for you! Her items make great gifts!

KitchenAid Waffle Baker

Some things are definitely worth an extra big happiness report shout out. KitchenAid sent us one of their new Dual Waffle Bakers and I couldn’t be happier with it. Do you know what having a dual waffle maker means when you have a family of six? It means twice the waffles in just a short amount of time… which means I may actually get to eat hot waffles someday! (PS – if you haven’t tried my brothers favorite waffles, you must give this recipe a try!)

This is another Cheryl find, but we’ve been doing the One Second Everyday video project… you guys, I love this so much! We started on May 1st, so only are just a little bit into it, but I highly recommend doing it if you want to capture more video of your life! It’s such a fun way to look back on time in short video snippets and the One Second Everyday App makes it so simple to do! (Not sure why the You Tube quality isn’t good on it, but in the app it’s really a great quality video!)

Finally, a few final happy things…

I was interviewed for the Season with Sass Podcast and had so much fun chatting with Peabody and Kita! Check it out!

The baby goat videos on this Instagram account make me ridiculously happy.

This beautiful blog makes me happy.

I’m heading to Portland this weekend to speak at the Indulge Conference. Make sure to follow me on Instagram for all the fun behind the scenes happenings!

I think that’s it! Now it’s your turn… what’s been making you happy lately? Share in the comments below!

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

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Filed Under: Happiness, Life Tagged With: be happy, happiness, happiness report, life, photography, tattoo

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Melanie @ Nutritious Eats says

    May 29, 2015 at 12:08 am

    I am so excited to finally meet you! I saw you on the Indulge speaker list and wanted to double check that you were going. I think it will be a super fun conference. See you there!

  2. Liz @ The Lemon Bowl says

    May 29, 2015 at 6:03 am

    So much good stuff in your happiness report!! I have that same curling wand but never have as much luck as I do my curling iron. You’ve inspired me to try again! What’s making me happy? My oldest is finally out of diapers and in 9 days we’re heading to Asheville on a family vaca!

  3. Jennifer says

    May 29, 2015 at 9:49 am

    I just downloaded the One Second Everyday app and I’m so excited to start using it. This is going to sound stupid but I watched the movie Chef a few months ago, which features the chef’s kid using the app and it was so cool but I didn’t realize that it was an actual app in real life!! 🙂

    Thanks for the fun,

    Jennifer

  4. Audra says

    May 29, 2015 at 11:01 am

    I love love love your tattoo! I might have to copy you 🙂

  5. Shannon says

    May 29, 2015 at 11:53 am

    cute tattoo and they don’t hurt, never really got why people say they hurt so bad. Maybe it depends on location I guess ribs might hurt since they are boney.

    Do you know if Shawnee Mission Park has 4 person pedal boats? I think this would be perfect for father’s day.

    Will have to get a itunes card so I can get that app. Would be fun to make them this summer. Do you know is it all private or is the public allowed to see the videos?

    Hope you have a wonderful Summer! I’ve unplugged this summer no social media. But still read my fave blogs 🙂

  6. Terri A. says

    May 29, 2015 at 12:08 pm

    how long do the Tattley Tattoos last? Do they wash off in the shower? I might be copying you.

    • Terri A. says

      May 29, 2015 at 12:11 pm

      never mind – I just saw it on their website.

  7. kellypea says

    May 29, 2015 at 12:12 pm

    You always make summer so fun! Love your tattoo and pretty hair. Me? Leaving for vacation — hiking in the Alps this year. Very happy about that!

  8. TidyMom says

    May 30, 2015 at 9:43 am

    that app is so fun isn’t it!! I have just 2 more months to go to finish are year! Allison wants to start one when she moves to Mizzou! Its such a fun way to look back!

    So much fun and happy in one post!! Miss you! xoxox

  9. Sneha says

    June 5, 2015 at 7:31 am

    Heyya.. You always make summer so fun! Love your tattoo and pretty hair. Me? Leaving for vacation hiking in the Alps this year. Very happy about that and I just downloaded the One Second Everyday app and I’m so excited to start using it. This is going to sound stupid but I watched the movie Chef a few months ago, which features the chef’s kid using the app and it was so cool but I didn’t realize that it was an actual app in real life!! 🙂 Thanks for sharing a kweel update.. 🙂

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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.

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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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