• 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

February 24, 2011

The Happiness Report – Week #5

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Yummly

It has been a great week, with a few warm days mixed in… gives me some hope that spring will truly be here sometime in the near future (of course, our weather is horrid today, but I’m trying not to think about that!)

My happiness this week has to start off with making homemade, fresh pasta noodles. I know that I’ve already written a whole post about it, but it made me so happy, it deserves a mention here too!

I stumbled upon the most beautiful blog this past week… I spent way too much time looking through the pictures, reading about life by the beach and dreaming. If you haven’t had the chance to take a peek at A Beach Cottage – Life by the Sea, head over there. It is a lovely and dreamy space!

Crema CoffeeAmy has a really cool, detailed post over on the GoSavor site about the Crema Coffee Shop in Nashville, TN. The second I saw this post it made me smile. When I was in Nashville a few weeks ago, Amy, Cheryl. Kristan and I spent some time in this coffee shop (which was formerly an automobile garage). It was the most quaint and quirky place I had been to in awhile. Just seeing Amy’s post reminded me of how much fun I had with those ladies that day!

I’ve been going to the gym happily and regularly for almost 2 weeks now, and although Leah hasn’t been a fan, I certainly am. I decided to start the Couch to 5K running plan as well. It would make me really happy to be able to run a 5K later this spring!

And finally, nothing makes me happier than having a reason to celebrate. Life is too short and we need more celebrations, don’t you think? My friend Carissa from the blog Good ‘n Crazy just hit 10,000 followers on Twitter and she is celebrating with a fun Twitter party and some really great prizes (Barnes & Noble Nook, iPod Shuffle, and more!) Make sure to hop over to her blog and check it out. She’d love to have you celebrate with her!

That’s it for me this week. I love reading your own happiness snippets each week. Thanks for sharing them in the comments section. Have a happy rest of your week!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Yummly

Filed Under: Previous Tagged With: Blog, dine & dish, happiness project, living, roundup, things I love

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Amy | She Wears Many Hats says

    February 24, 2011 at 2:17 pm

    Whoa! You’re doing a 5k? That’s so impressive. Makes me think about getting my hiney in gear.

  2. Nisrine, Dinners & Dreams says

    February 24, 2011 at 3:14 pm

    Love the positivity of your Happiness Report. The homemade noodles sound like a great way to keep happy.

  3. ErinsFoodFiles says

    February 24, 2011 at 3:16 pm

    I totally was like “WHOA!” That looks like the guy at my favorite coffee shop in Nashville!! Then I remembered, “Duh, it is!” LOVE Crema!

  4. Carissa says

    February 24, 2011 at 3:21 pm

    I made your list!! How freaking cool! Now I’m happy all over!! 🙂

    AND I just got the book!! Now I can be real with you!!

  5. begin with a Sunny Outlook says

    February 24, 2011 at 3:41 pm

    Just watched a Doris Day movie where her character in the movie was the spokesperson for a company who made ‘HAPPY’ soap. Wouldn’t it be great if that were an actually brand of soap…it just sounds so positive and cheerful!

  6. Robyn | Add a Pinch says

    February 24, 2011 at 4:23 pm

    What a great list! Can’t wait to hear all about the Couch to 5K. It sounds like what I need! 🙂

  7. Montanna @ Slab 2626 says

    February 24, 2011 at 4:41 pm

    You have a beautiful blog and I love reading!

    I would like to present you with the “One Lovely Blog “Award. Please drop by my site to pick it up when ever you are free.

    http://slab2626.blogspot.com/2011/02/one-lovely-blog-award.html

  8. begin with a Sunny Outlook says

    February 24, 2011 at 4:43 pm

    Accidentally hit the ‘submit’ button too soon. Your happiness list sounds great…it really is the simple things that are the best! Hope you get to run in the 5K – I’ll be rooting for you!

  9. Plain Chicken says

    February 24, 2011 at 7:55 pm

    Your happiness list is great this week! We are going to Nashville next weekend – we’ll have to check out that coffee shop. Looks COOL!

    I had a friend that did couch to 5K – it was hard, but she did it. Good luck!!

    My happiness this week was finding the perfect anniversary gift for my husband. Our anniversary isn’t until the end of March, but I am relieved that I have it ordered and I know he will love it!

  10. Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:05 pm

    I love the idea of “Couch to 5K”, getting involved with something that motivates people to exercise on a regular basis is fantastic.

  11. Shaina says

    February 25, 2011 at 12:24 am

    A 5K? I have to admit I do miss some things about my marathon days, but I don’t miss the races. 😉 Have a blast for me! More seriously, though, I really need to start working out again. It’s been far too long since I kept a steady routine.

  12. Alison Moore Smith says

    February 25, 2011 at 1:35 am

    I love this feature. Happy, happy.

  13. Kari says

    February 25, 2011 at 2:06 am

    I read A Beach Cottage.com on a daily basis as well!!! ♥ that darling lil site…

  14. Steve @ HPD says

    February 25, 2011 at 10:07 am

    Haven’t been back to Nashville in ages. Bongo Java was always my favorite coffee shop. Famous for the Nun in the Bun cinnamon roll, and their Eggs and Green Ham b’fast plate. Cheers!

  15. kristen says

    February 25, 2011 at 1:19 pm

    TGIF…love the things you listed. The little things do it for me!

  16. Katie | GoodLife Eats says

    February 27, 2011 at 1:01 pm

    I did something kind of crazy the other night and took both kids out for pizza in a restaurant while Eric was out of town. I was desperate to get out of the house but didn’t know if eating out was a good idea. They were so good! It was such a pleasant surprise and fun to do something special with them while daddy was away. We will definitely be doing this more often. I’m usually scared to do something like that alone with both of them for fear of public embarrassment if I can’t control them both. I had visions of them running all around the pizza parlor like wild and crazy people. Anyway, the fact that it went so well and we had a nice time (and used up a good couple of hours) made me very happy.

Trackbacks

  1. Tweets that mention The Happiness Report - Week #5 Couchto4K, Creama Coffee & Celebrations | Dine and Dish -- Topsy.com says:
    February 24, 2011 at 7:49 pm

    […] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Kristen, Robyn Stone. Robyn Stone said: RT @dineanddish: Sharing lots of happy things on my 5th Happiness Report (A Beach Cottage, The Couch-to-5K …) http://fb.me/Ng20JZh3 […]

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!

August 2011 Strut Your Stuff {Recipe: Bacon and Parmesan Pasta}

Bacon Pasta 3

My Book Recommendations

8 Great Books To Read, Stat

Collage of 8 books

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