Isn't this sweet?

In order to appreciate happy things, and in order for some happy things to even occur, bad or sad things sometimes have to occur. This is a sweet story that I have seen on news outlets lately that might make you smile:

via Huffington Post:

It has been reported by numerous news outlets that an elderly couple remarried after 48 years of being divorced.

Roland Davis and Lena Henderson, both 85- AP photo/David Dupree

 Awww. Everyone loves a happy ending, and you can read all about these two crazy kids  senior citizens and their love story via this link : Huffington Post- couple remarries.

This could make for a really good movie I think!

Exercising Makes me Smile!

 Exercise makes people happy. It's weird, because I dread workout at times, but once I am finally there, drenched in sweat, heart elevated....I absolutely love it. Working out releases chemicals that can make you feel happier and if you do it enough, your body will really craze exercise. I will touch on exercise throughout my blog, because it is something I am passionate about. However, today's happy fitness blog is about my favorite fitness DVDs. I like DVD's because they are affordable, you do not have to drive anywhere or be seen by anyone, and you can even work out naked if you want. I recommend a support bra though, lol. I find that a lot of DVD's really motivate you and are kind of like having a personal trainer. Workout DVD's today can truly challenge even the most athletic of individuals. If you do not like the music, go to Pandora and play a station you do enjoy. You can try out all types of fitness styles to so you do not get bored, or so you can find your niche. Pressed on time? Many DVD's have shorter workouts that still burn killer calories. Most workout DVD's require little to no equipment. Since workout DVD's are something I love so much, I compiled a list of my favorites!

1.Jillian Michaels- all DVD's may seem mean, but she truly makes me happy. Why? I own all of her relatively inexpensive fitness DVD's, along with a vast array of other fitness DVDs. Jillian whips me into shape, and matches my style of exercise. I want to feel like a bad ass when I work out, and Jillian does that. She has about 10 fitness DVDs out there, maybe more. My favorite is ripped in 30, which has 4 30-minute workouts that increase in difficulty. The motions are always new, so you do not get too bored, and it is short for those of us with busy lifestyles. Your cardio and strength will absolutely be noticeably different after a few days.

2. Jari Love- LOVE Jari Love! Her workouts have good music, are challenging and burns lots of calories. I like her 1000 calorie burn DVDs. They incorporate strength and cardio. Look her up on Amazon and read all the great reviews. I am intermediate to advanced in fitness, and these workouts do challenge you but can also be modified.

3. TurboJam- Chalene Johnson's DVD's have the best music and beats out there right now, and her DVD's are fun. I have found her DVD's to target cardio more than strength and toning, but they do still incorporate that. Her Dvds are through BeachBody (Insanity & P90X), so they do cost a bit more..but well worth it, and you get a set of workouts.

Things that make you go awwwwww

Happy yet?

credit: creative commons from SabianMaggy                credit: creative commons from Ed Yourdon

credit: creative commons from image_still

Things that make me happy

I think everyone should make a list of all the things that make them happy, and try to incorporate as many of those things into your life on a daily basis. What things make you happy?

Some things that make me happy, and in no particular order:

•  coffee
•  comedy
•  smiles
•  really old people in love, silly, or just happy
•  babys
• imaginations of children
•  animals
• shopping for the home
•  day dreaming
•  trip planning
•  budgeting
•  bargains
• family
• friends
• husband
• being silly
• wine
• good food
• dining out
• cooking in
• baking cupcakes
• blogging
• sketching
• my dog
• entertaining
• music
• exercising
• reaching goals
• losing weight
• happy news
• weddings
• beaches
• outdoors
• word games

and many more!

cupcakes I baked for a baby shower and my sweet dog, Pawlie!

What the heck this blog is about...

I am a pessimist. I see the cup as half full. I completely dwell on the past and future, but never live in the moment. I am well aware that there are those with issues far more profound than mine, but can't stop dwelling on things not going right for me. I like comedies, but I also have an love for sad stories and  movies. I peek at sad news stories. I am a pessimist (although like most pessimists, would consider myself a realist). However, I also know there is far too much sadness, and heartache, and pessimism in the world. The news is a sad, scary place. 

My blog is to post all things happy. It is to be a virtual zen studio for my guests to come to for a quick pep talk or cheer up. My blog will include all things good, positive, and happy. This will include sweet and cute pictures, happy news articles and stories, tips for happiness and optimism, songs, movies, and tv shows that I recommend for cheering up, daily ideas, ways to help make others happy, links to other happy places on the web, and products that make me (and could maybe make you) happy. I encourage anyone who comes to my site to come with an open mind and to only spread love and be positive. 
Love to all :)-Kristin

photo used under creative commons from MikeBaird