• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
  • The Reading Nook
  • The Happy Place
  • Recipe Index

Dine and Dish

Food blog with family recipes

March 12, 2011

The Happiness Report #6

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Yummly

It seems kind of wrong to be posting about happiness today. The tragedy and devastation going on in Japan is so sad. I’ve found it hard to tear myself away from the news and worrying about those people still searching for their loved ones. I can’t even fathom what they are going through, and I find myself glued to the news updates, hoping for some glimpse of a happy ending for at least some of the people over in Japan.

With that being said, if you are anything like me and get pulled into news stories so deeply that it effects your overall being, then maybe a little reminder of happiness is in order. What do you think?

strawberry salad with poppy seed dressing

To start off my Happiness Report, I have to say as much as I love soup, I am more than happy to see salad weather finally approaching us! Sun, longer days, fresh fruits and veggies are just around the corner and I can’t wait!

Comment from Nick

Another thing that made me smile in a big way happened this week. I have been blogging for close to 4 1/2 years and for the first time in Dine & Dish history, my husband made a comment on my blog! Something about the Being Irish post and sharing his Grasshopper cocktail recipe made him feel compelled to come out of the woodwork and make an appearance.

I bought these cute pink polka dot straws and some other products from an Etsy store called Hey YoYo. All of the products they have at Hey YoYo are smile inducing. From colorful polka dot straws to fun cupcake liners… even her business cards bring a smile to my face! If you love fun and whimsy, you’ll have to check out the Hey YoYo Etsy store.

Photo courtesy of Beth from the blog OMG! Yummy

Earlier this week on Twitter and Facebook, I asked some of you to share your favorite posts you wrote or pictures you took in the month of February. In return, I received links from many of you that really made me smile. One such post that stood out to me was a post by Beth from the blog OMG! Yummy. Beth’s post starts out with this picture of her Grandma and then goes on to talk about her Grandma’s Bubula recipe. It makes me happy to read about how food can evoke such strong memories in people. Beth went on to tell me that her sweet Grandma lived to be 100, and if this picture weren’t cropped you would see her holding her great-granddaughter, causing her to smile that precious smile.  I told Beth that I think I’m going to print out this picture of her Grandma and hang it up where I can see it everyday. How can you be grumpy when you see a sweet smile like that each day?

Reading your favorite posts from last month made me happy to. If you didn’t get the chance to share your favorite blog post or photograph from February, please share the link in the comments below. I’ll make sure to head over to take a look and comment.

Here’s to a happy week for all! Best wishes.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Yummly

Filed Under: Previous, Product Reviews Tagged With: Blog, dine & dish, grandmas, happiness project, hey yoyo, husband, living, roundup, Salad, things I love

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Beth (OMG! Yummy) says

    March 12, 2011 at 2:55 pm

    OHHH – Kristen! Reading this just made me cry — from happiness! Thanks for sharing my grandma and for sharing your other happy moments and also your real concern for our neighbors across the ocean in Japan. Despite the miles between our coasts, we certainly felt a little bit of their devastating crisis as we watched the waves roll in violently all along the coast of California yesterday. May the world have a peaceful weekend.

  2. Katie | GoodLife Eats says

    March 12, 2011 at 4:02 pm

    That salad looks soooo good!

    I am happy because I FINALLY got my passport application turned in for a trip to Greece with Eric (and no kids) this May. There was all kinds of stuff messing up the process that was out of my control – like they require a different format of your birth certificate if you were born in certain states, but they don’t put that info on the passport website. So the first time I went to turn it in they turned me away and I had to file to get the correct copy. Kind of a pain. But I am SO GLAD it is finally done.

    And Logan had a few great days in a row this week which is always a nice surprise.

  3. Nancy@acommunaltable says

    March 12, 2011 at 4:02 pm

    It is especially at times like this we need to remember that happiness exists – even in the face of great tragedy. I loved every single one of your “happy” things for the week!!!

    I think everyone should do this every week – we too often forget about the good in our lives!!!

  4. Wenderly says

    March 12, 2011 at 4:06 pm

    I love the Happy Report! Just makes me smile, like those darling pink polka dot straws!

    You make me smile too love, thanks! Smiling…it’s a nice thing to do after a long yuck-o week…

  5. Amanda says

    March 12, 2011 at 4:21 pm

    SUch a neat post… I totally agree about the happiness! And I LOVE the comment from your hubby. I am still waiting for my hubby to do that! 😉

    Blessings-
    Amanda

  6. Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says

    March 12, 2011 at 5:22 pm

    I love the comment from your husband as well, how sweet of him! And to think it only took him 4 1/2 years 😀

  7. Tracy says

    March 12, 2011 at 5:39 pm

    Loved reading your happiness post; it brought a smile to my face! Love the comment from your hubby too! 🙂

  8. teresa says

    March 12, 2011 at 8:16 pm

    HAPPY wishes to YOU Kristen!
    Those straws make me HAPPY and so does that YUMMM~O salad!
    How adorable that your hub COMMENTED on your blog!
    What a THRILL!
    G likes to read my comments…but he has never~ever commented!
    Your SMILE in your twitter pic makes me HAPPY too!
    HAPPY weekend to YOU!
    xo

  9. Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles says

    March 12, 2011 at 8:37 pm

    We all need to be reminded of the blessings and happinesses in our lives, and to have gratitude. And I would be really thankful if I could have a plate of that beautiful salad!! Those straws are way cute, too.

  10. Simone says

    March 13, 2011 at 3:15 am

    O yes we all need a little happiness these days and your post just brought a little happiness over here!!

  11. marla {family fresh cooking} says

    March 13, 2011 at 8:12 am

    Kristin, your happiness and lightness shines through in this post. Even when tough things are going on out there we need to find the good, happy and pretty. Smiles make things better, yes? I am gonna go break the bank at that Etsy store. OMG….xxoo

  12. susan says

    March 13, 2011 at 8:50 am

    Kristen, I love all that you do. You are an inpiration and I am “happy” and “grateful” to call you my friend. I missed the announcement on Twitter(I am guilty of not participating all that much), yet I am getting right on it. This post makes me happy!

  13. susan says

    March 13, 2011 at 8:57 am

    My favorite post from February 2011 was the Vanilla Bean Angel Food Cake. It’s my favorite becasue I am loving my virtual baking project that I share with my friend, Patricia from Technicolor Kitchen. It reminds me of how wonderful this community can be as well as how life takes us in directions that we may have never exptected.
    http://www.theurbanbaker.com/vanilla-bean-angel-food-cake/

  14. TidyMom says

    March 13, 2011 at 9:36 am

    I just love how you see the “happiness” in the little every day things Kristen!!
    I’m in love with those straws!

    My happiness for last week……Allison was struggling in her French class some and got her grade back up to a “B”!!

    Hearing the news that YOU, and another blogging friend are coming to visit with me next week!

    After 7 months of waiting Heather finally got news that the new salon is ready to open!

  15. Jennifer (Savor) says

    March 13, 2011 at 12:04 pm

    Happy bring in Yum Food & Fun for Kids this month!

  16. Gina says

    March 13, 2011 at 4:55 pm

    My favorite part is how sweet it is that your husband not only reads the blog but posted a comment on it too. What a lucky girl you are to have such a supportive & sweet hubs.

  17. Karen says

    March 13, 2011 at 9:09 pm

    What a great post! Wonderful things to be happy about…and congrats on the comments from your husband! He made you wait awhile!!!

  18. Laurie says

    March 13, 2011 at 10:58 pm

    Way to go Nick!!

  19. Alison Moore Smith says

    March 13, 2011 at 11:03 pm

    Honey, I’ve been blogging for over EIGHT years and my husband — as much as he adores me — has never commented on a single blog post. He reads most of my blogs, but he kind of feels like it’s my domain. 🙂

    That said, I seriously NEED the recipe for that salad. Yes, I can see chicken and strawberries and green, but I know it won’t taste like it should unless I have it exactly. Yes, I’m just that bad at cooking.

  20. Robyn | Add a Pinch says

    March 14, 2011 at 8:24 am

    I always love your happiness report posts and this one is my favorite so far!!! I love that Nick left that comment. So sweet.

  21. Feast on the Cheap says

    March 14, 2011 at 9:14 am

    What a sweet photo – made me smile for the first time all morning

  22. naomi says

    March 14, 2011 at 11:46 am

    I love these happiness post. I especially love the comment your husband left for you. That’s so sweet!

  23. Stephanie says

    March 15, 2011 at 9:52 pm

    I’ve been glued to the tv too watching the reports. It’s hard to focus on other aspects of your life when you start to imagine what everyone over there is going through. 🙁

    This is a great post

  24. Laura says

    March 16, 2011 at 9:16 am

    Sadly, it takes tragedies like what is happening in Japan, has happened in Thailand and Haiti, and closer to home Hurricane Katrina, to remind those of us physically unaffected because we live miles away just how many little things that we have that could go on our happiness report. This week I realize how happy and grateful I am for clean water, a roof over my head and good food to eat. It doesn’t matter that the water may be drank from mismatched glasses, that some of the furniture is a little shabby and that the food is nothing special.

  25. The Lucky Wife says

    March 16, 2011 at 3:30 pm

    LOVE that shot of your husband’s comment… you should have blogged about him sooner! 😉

    My favorite blog post from February… that’s a tough call because I loved the Raspberry Carob Chip Pancake post (now those make me really happy!), and I couldn’t leave out the soup recipe post that came from your Soup-a-Palooza party. But this one is what started our Star Recipes Collection, inspired from the popularity of the soup recipe post! And I enjoy seeing all the great new recipes that get added to the collection.

    Congratulations on 4 1/2 years blogging… you have made quite an impact on the world of food blogging! 🙂

Primary Sidebar

About Your Hostess

Kristen-125Hi friends, I'm Kristen! Mom of 4, Ambassador of Happiness, Coffee Lover and Connection Seeker. Come say hi! Read More…
Facebook    Twitter    Pinterest    RSS    Email Updates

Don’t Miss This!

Rigatoni with Sausage, Peppers, and Onions

My Book Recommendations

5 Books I’ve Loved Lately

A List of 5 Books I've Loved Reading Lately on dineanddish.net

Footer

food  FOOD

My love of how food connects people together runs deep. Explore a decade worth of Dine & Dish recipes, from sweets to savory as well as classic family favorites. Food lovers will want to check this out. Bon Appétit!
Crispy Chickpea Pantry Pasta with Spinach and parmesan cheese

EXPLORE FOOD

travel  TRAVEL

"I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list." I've always had a serious case of wanderlust, and traveling and exploring new places continues to be one of my favorite things. Come explore my favorite places with me!
5 Great Ways to Maximize Your Time at Walt Disney World Parks

EXPLORE TRAVEL

life  LIFE

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!
broken plant pot on the floor with dirt

EXPLORE LIFE

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

Open
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
Open
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
Open
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
Open
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
Open
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
Open
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
Open
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
Open
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
Open
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!
Open
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
Open
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
Open
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
Open
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
Open
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
Open
J is for...jam!
.
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. 🤢
.
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 🤗.
.
.
#homemadejam #eatcaptureshare #biscuitsandjam #homemadebiscuits #sundaybaking #easylikesundaymorning #foodphotograph #foodpics #slowsunday #breakfastathome #kimklassen_innercircle
Open
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.
.
Also, just noticed Instagram took away the like count on posts. I kind of like that...what do you think?
.
.
.
#pastarecipe #chickpeapasta #dinnerideas #dinnerrecipes #vegetarianrecipe #eatcaptureshare #slowblogging  #totallifechanges
Open
I is for Inspiration!
.
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.
.
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.
.
If you’re interested in the recipe you can find the link currently in my profile. Enjoy!!
.
.
.
@kimklassen_innercircle #kimklassen_innercircle #chocolatechipcookie #cookiestagram #foodphotography #feedfeedbaking #plateofcookies #cookiephotography #eatcaptureshare #recipeoftheweek
Open
H is for...high!
.
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.
.
I can’t wait until travel becomes a regular part of life again. I’ve missed it so much!
.
.
 @kimklassen_innercircle @southwestair @windowswap #cloudphotography #cloudsofinstagram #flightview #iflyswa #imisstravelling #skylove #planepics #myviewtoday #beautifulviews
Open
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.
.
.
#palmtrees🌴 #palmtreesfordays #blueskiesandsunshine #wintersun #texasskies #kimklassen_innercircle @kimklassen_innercircle #silverlining
Open
F is for...food photography.
.
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.
.
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!
.
.
#eatcake #eatcaptureshare #eatcakebehappy #lemoncake #cakecakecakecake #foodiegram #yahoofood #dessertsofinstagram #sweettooth #kimklassen_innercircle #fisforfood
Follow on Instagram
For our site policies, click here.

Copyright © 2006-2023 Dine and Dish | design by Feast Design Co | Wordpress VPS