Day Two of Giveaway Week — Happier at Home!

by Katy on February 4, 2014 · 281 comments

Happier at Home paperback

Today is DAY TWO of The Non-Consumer Advocate’s GIVEAWAY WEEK! 

Today I have three, count ’em three paperback copies of Gretchen Rubin’s Happier at Home: Kiss More, Jump More, Abandon Self-Control, and My Other Experiments in Everyday Life.

Rubin wrote this book as a companion to her wildly successful The Happiness Project, and it’s just as enlightening as its predecessor.

“As she conducted the year-long project that became The Happiness Project, Gretchen Rubin realized that her home, in all its aspects, was the most crucial element influencing her happiness.

So, starting in September (the new January), Gretchen dedicated a school year—from September through May—to concentrate on the factors that matter for home, such as possessions, marriage, time, parenthood, body, neighborhood. How can she control the cubicle in her pocket? How might she highlight her family’s most treasured possessions? How, for so long, had she overlooked the importance of the sense of smell? And it really was time to replace that dud toaster.

As in The Happiness Project, each month has a theme and finds Gretchen experimenting with several concrete, manageable resolutions meant to boost her happiness. With her signature blend of memoir, research, and experimentation, Gretchen’s passion for her subject jumps off the page, and reading just a few chapters of this book will inspire readers to find more happiness in their own lives.”

I first read this book in 2012 while on a non-stop flight from Oregon to New York for my Today Show appearance, and was happy to find myself thoroughly engrossed. (Flying is so boring!) I was lucky enough to meet up with Gretchen for dinner, where we discussed the book, our lives and blogging in general. She is a very astute individual, both as a writer and in person.

I thoroughly recommend Happier at Home for anyone who is looking to become more in control of their own happiness.

How to Enter: Write your name and one small thing that makes you happy in the comments section.

U.S. Residents only, enter one time only. I will randomly choose three winners Sunday, February 9th at 9 P.M.

Click HERE to enter Monday’s giveaway for a copy of TurboTax.

Katy Wolk-Stanley

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”

Click HERE to follow The Non-Consumer Advocate on Twitter.
Click HERE to follow The Non-Consumer Advocate on Instagram.
Click HERE to join The Non-Consumer Advocate Facebook group.
Click HERE to follow The Non-Consumer Advocate on Pinterest.

Disclosure: I was given one review copy of Happier at Home as part of this giveaway.

{ 281 comments… read them below or add one }

patti February 4, 2014 at 9:54 am

Sewing makes me happy. I totally zone out when I do.

Reply

Kristin February 4, 2014 at 9:58 am

My 28-day budget makes me happy. Doing a budget the coincides with our income cycle makes budgeting so much easier.

Reply

Diane C February 4, 2014 at 9:58 am

My new home and my family inside it make me happy every day.

Reply

kathi February 4, 2014 at 10:01 am

Cooking from scratch makes me feel great.

Reply

SUnny February 4, 2014 at 10:07 am

Riding my bike makes me happy!

Reply

A. Marie February 4, 2014 at 10:07 am

Even after 35+ years, my darling husband still makes me very happy indeed. (Actually, he’s not a small thing, but I hope he still counts?)

Reply

Eliza February 5, 2014 at 12:47 am

This made me giggle (and also, an ‘aww’).

Reply

Amy O February 4, 2014 at 10:09 am

Reese’s peanut butter cups.

Reply

Elizabeth V. February 4, 2014 at 10:10 am

My name is Elizabeth and one small thing that makes me happy is organic grass-fed whole milk 🙂

Reply

Reese February 4, 2014 at 10:11 am

Getting a text message in the morning saying, “Good Morning” from someone who obviously cares enough to take the time out of his day to think about me.

Small things <3

Reply

melissa February 4, 2014 at 10:12 am

My name is Melissa and babies make me happy!

Reply

Val February 4, 2014 at 10:13 am

A spontaneous hug from my 14 year old son makes my heart hum. 🙂

Reply

Sarah February 4, 2014 at 10:16 am

Playing with my dogs

Reply

Gigi February 4, 2014 at 10:18 am

My pets make me happy. All 5 of ’em.

Reply

Elizabeth February 4, 2014 at 10:19 am

Watching my 14 year old girl and 16 year old boy play competative soccer

Reply

Karen3848 February 4, 2014 at 10:21 am

Karen – meeting my Goodreads Goal for books read for the year makes me happy!

Reply

Linda M February 4, 2014 at 10:21 am

My family and friends make me very happy:)

Reply

Diane February 4, 2014 at 10:23 am

Diane – baking makes me happy!

Reply

Colleen February 4, 2014 at 10:23 am

Find a few minutes every day to read makes me happy. I need to dedicate more minutes to this, actually.

Reply

Julie February 4, 2014 at 10:23 am

Julie – My friends and family make me happy!

Reply

Colleen February 4, 2014 at 10:24 am

Finding a few minutes every day to read makes me happy. I need to dedicate more minutes to this, actually.

Reply

Michelle W. February 4, 2014 at 10:28 am

Michelle W. Taking photos makes me happy.

Reply

Sara S February 4, 2014 at 10:30 am

good conversation 🙂

Reply

Linda February 4, 2014 at 10:33 am

That my children love playing board games as much as I do.

Reply

Kristin February 4, 2014 at 10:35 am

Snow days make me extremely happy! 🙂

Reply

Chris B. February 4, 2014 at 10:36 am

weather makes me happy – it shows me every day that I am part of this beautiful big world.

Reply

Rachel S. February 4, 2014 at 10:40 am

Rachel. Seeing my foster dogs go to their new homes makes me very happy!

Reply

NMPatricia February 4, 2014 at 10:41 am

A clean bathroom.

Reply

Leslie Dye February 4, 2014 at 10:45 am

My children make me happy!

Reply

Megyn February 4, 2014 at 10:45 am

Baby kittens…nothing better!

Reply

Jennifer Meadows February 4, 2014 at 10:48 am

Jennifer. Getting up early to enjoy some reading time while our house is still quiet makes me happy 🙂

Reply

Jennifer Meadows February 4, 2014 at 10:49 am

Jennifer. Getting up early to enjoy some reading time and a cup of coffee while our house is still quiet makes me happy 🙂

Reply

Gloria February 4, 2014 at 10:50 am

Singing makes me happy!

Reply

Kate February 4, 2014 at 10:56 am

A favorite song popping up on Pandora.

Reply

Gail F February 4, 2014 at 10:57 am

Knitting makes me happy.

Reply

Jennifer February 4, 2014 at 10:58 am

Bare feet. I can’t stand wearing socks indoors, even in the winter. My toes need to be free! 🙂

Reply

Hannah February 4, 2014 at 11:01 am

Bad pun jokes make me happy. Cackling-with-laughter happy. For example:

“Did you know that when coral gets stressed, it dies? If I were coral, I’d have been dead years ago.”
“What does coral have to be stressed about?”
“Current events.”

^_^

Reply

Little Miss Moneybags February 4, 2014 at 11:05 am

Soy chai latte. Perfect for those cold winter days.

Reply

Becky February 4, 2014 at 11:06 am

My name is Becky, my weekly zumba class that I get to take with my best friend makes me happy!

Reply

Maggie February 4, 2014 at 11:06 am

Snuggles from my 19-month old son make me very happy!

Reply

Sarah February 4, 2014 at 11:11 am

Sarah L. homemade comfort foods simmering on the stove.

Reply

Angie February 4, 2014 at 11:13 am

The smell of freshly-mown grass makes me happy!

Reply

Jenn February 4, 2014 at 11:14 am

Making homemade soap makes me happy!

Reply

Bonnie February 4, 2014 at 11:18 am

My 4 year old son saying “Mom you’re my BFF”

Reply

Cristie February 4, 2014 at 11:23 am

My silly, awkward, clumsy Saint Bernard makes me happy.

Reply

TraciFree February 4, 2014 at 11:24 am

Happiness is overhearing your husband brag to his friends about that awesome hat his wife found at the thriftstore, for only $1!

Reply

Sarah February 4, 2014 at 11:27 am

Hugs from my three year old makes me happy. Even happier when they’re accompanied by kisses (without teeth) :).

Reply

Sweta February 4, 2014 at 11:31 am

Spending time with friends.

Reply

lisa February 4, 2014 at 11:34 am

Pets <3

Reply

Kristen February 4, 2014 at 11:41 am

Sewing makes me happy.

Reply

Rebecca February 4, 2014 at 11:42 am

I love using up leftovers in the fridge to make a new and different meal.

Reply

Katy February 4, 2014 at 11:49 am

I am loving all these comments, they are what’s making me happy today.

Katy

Reply

Erin February 4, 2014 at 11:52 am

Yoga makes me happy!

Reply

tena February 4, 2014 at 11:52 am

Tena h. , wintery days and hot cocoa

Reply

Brandi February 4, 2014 at 11:55 am

My (now 7 year old) kitty makes me happy!

Reply

Judy Chapin February 4, 2014 at 11:57 am

Lovely smelling candles (perfect for the forthcoming snowstorm tonight) make me happy! Thanks for the giveaway.

Reply

April Sanicola February 4, 2014 at 12:09 pm

My little dog Tinker!!

Reply

Lesley Parent February 4, 2014 at 12:13 pm

Streaming Netflix makes me happy!

Reply

Susan February 4, 2014 at 12:28 pm

Picking up all the stray pieces of paper all over the house and putting them away makes me happy. I would love this book!!

–Susan

Reply

Emma February 4, 2014 at 12:28 pm

Going for bicycle rides makes me happy. Also, reading your blog makes me happy.

Reply

kristin February 4, 2014 at 12:29 pm

using my instant hot faucet to make tea in my favorite mug.

Reply

Jenny February 4, 2014 at 12:44 pm

It makes me so very happy to laze around in my hammock while people-watching at the neighborhood park. I can’t wait for the weather to warm up so I can do this again.

Reply

Alyson C. February 4, 2014 at 12:46 pm

Curling up on the couch with a blanket and a good book (from the library, of course) makes me happy.

Reply

Susan K February 4, 2014 at 12:50 pm

When I overhear my two boys being sweet to each other, it makes me happy.

Reply

Elizabeth B February 4, 2014 at 12:51 pm

Elizabeth Bales-Stutes

Seeing my bed all neatly made makes me happy.

Reply

Lisa February 4, 2014 at 12:55 pm

Snow days! 🙂

Reply

Jane February 4, 2014 at 12:58 pm

Our new furnace that was installed last summer! So we’re nice and warm this cold and snowy winter!

Reply

Sarah G. February 4, 2014 at 12:58 pm

Sarah G.
Quality time with my husband definitely makes me happy.

Reply

Megan M February 4, 2014 at 1:07 pm

A hot bath and plenty of time to sit in it.

Reply

Mary C. February 4, 2014 at 1:09 pm

Fan-girling over Benedict Cumberbatch in Sherlock with my eleven-year old daughter makes me happy!

Reply

Laura February 4, 2014 at 1:09 pm

Having about 2/3 less stuff that we did a year ago makes me happier than I ever imagined!

Reply

Jenny February 4, 2014 at 1:12 pm

Baking makes me happy!

Reply

Susan February 4, 2014 at 1:29 pm

Susan
Somebody else doing the dishes

Reply

Kelly February 4, 2014 at 1:33 pm

Kelly
My daughters kisses. They fill my heart with enough joy to face anything. Thank God she is generous and sweet!

Reply

Oma Chastka February 4, 2014 at 1:34 pm

friends make me happy

Reply

Sadye February 4, 2014 at 1:50 pm

My cats 🙂

Reply

Stacey February 4, 2014 at 1:52 pm

The look on my dog’s face when she comes into the room with a toy and I start to play with her makes me very happy.

Reply

Anne Burner February 4, 2014 at 1:55 pm

What makes me happy is being curled up on the sofa with hot chocolate, with classical or jazz playing on the radio as I read a good (library) book. Double points if a cat joins me. ^_^

Reply

Debbie Weaver February 4, 2014 at 2:00 pm

The grateful, happy, excited faces of all the dogs when I do an early-morning volunteer shift at the animal shelter. 🙂

Reply

Barb @ 1SentenceDiary February 4, 2014 at 2:08 pm

Reading a really good book makes me happy. Also, listening to my kiddos laughing.

Reply

Michele Daggar February 4, 2014 at 2:14 pm

My daily Diet Pepsi makes me happy!

Reply

Barb @ 1SentenceDiary February 4, 2014 at 2:20 pm

Reading a good book makes me happy, as does listening to the sound of my kids laughing.

Reply

Dani February 4, 2014 at 2:22 pm

Going home to leftovers for dinner is making me happy today!

Reply

Michelle February 4, 2014 at 2:24 pm

a bright moon on snow makes me pause and be happy!

Reply

Dawn T February 4, 2014 at 2:24 pm

All my chickens running across the yard to greet me every time I go outside!

Reply

K D February 4, 2014 at 2:31 pm

The ability to take dawdle in a hot shower, what a luxury.

Reply

Brittany February 4, 2014 at 2:31 pm

A cup of hot tea makes me happy!

Reply

rebecca February 4, 2014 at 2:34 pm

my dog Lola

Reply

Cynthia Reimer February 4, 2014 at 2:42 pm

Tea in a pretty teacup.

Reply

Brenda February 4, 2014 at 3:03 pm

An empty laundry basket!

Reply

Amanda S February 4, 2014 at 3:05 pm

Something that makes me very happy: when I’m sitting down and my cat crawls into my lap and lays her head on me and wraps her arm around my pregnant belly. It’s so adorable.

Reply

Kim A February 4, 2014 at 3:07 pm

Savings money makes me happy.

Reply

Chrissy February 4, 2014 at 3:13 pm

Happiness is a cuddly baby.

Reply

Jacqueline February 4, 2014 at 3:15 pm

Friends and family

Reply

Zoya February 4, 2014 at 3:19 pm

sunshine! 🙂

Reply

Savannah L February 4, 2014 at 3:21 pm

A cup of hot strong coffee in the morning makes me happy and functional! 🙂

Reply

LuAnn February 4, 2014 at 3:24 pm

Being safe in my home and watching the snow fall. Thanks.

Reply

Christie February 4, 2014 at 3:29 pm

A warm cup of coffee, curled up with a good book. Ah, that is my true happiness! 😀

Reply

mb welch February 4, 2014 at 3:36 pm

Mary Beth is happy when everybody is home together.

Reply

Maureen February 4, 2014 at 3:40 pm

Homemade chocolate chip cookies. Made by me.

Reply

Jessica February 4, 2014 at 3:42 pm

My kids make me happy.

Reply

Carrie Dennett February 4, 2014 at 3:43 pm

Waking up when my body says it’s time (instead of when the alarm clock says it’s time) makes me happy!

Reply

Susy February 4, 2014 at 3:46 pm

Sewing makes my soul happy!

Reply

Becky February 4, 2014 at 3:49 pm

Oooh! I loved Gretchen’s first book. Thank you for the chance to win this one.

Today I’m feeling happy because, after several months of unemployment, I’ve been offered a job! And though that’s a big thing, the bit that actually delights me most is that the job will be in a beautiful building on a lovely body of water. After a career of jobs in ho-hum locations, I am looking forward to lunch hours spent looking at a pretty view (and feeding the ducks)!

Reply

Connor February 4, 2014 at 3:49 pm

Using the bowl that my late grandmother gave me when I’m kneading bread.

Reply

Andrea Schott February 4, 2014 at 3:50 pm

Sunshine!

Reply

Carol February 4, 2014 at 3:56 pm

Sunny days in winter make me happy.

Reply

Laura February 4, 2014 at 4:07 pm

When my kids squeal when I say “my friend Katy from Portland” when they ask me where I learned such and such. : )

Reply

Cheryl February 4, 2014 at 4:17 pm

A clean kitchen

Reply

Kristi Taylor February 4, 2014 at 4:17 pm

Yes, please enter me to win this book – it sounds fabulous!!

Mornings when my little guy (4 yrs old!) sleeps in with me are some of my happiest moments; waking up slowly, snuggling & playing little “wake up” games we invent each morning. Pure joy!!

Reply

Carol February 4, 2014 at 4:24 pm

Thrift shopping makes me happy!

Reply

Beth February 4, 2014 at 4:32 pm

30 minutes of morning time before anyone else is up, alone with tea, journal, and a view out my front window is the happiest way to start my day!

Reply

Theresa Palmer February 4, 2014 at 4:40 pm

My husband makes me happy!

Reply

Marianne February 4, 2014 at 4:49 pm

Having a child. I never knew it would be this much fun or the joy she could bring me and my husband. We both agree this is the happiest time in our lives. 🙂

Reply

Kerrie February 4, 2014 at 4:50 pm

Reading old favorites to my kids makes me happy 🙂

Reply

Karen fr/ NE February 4, 2014 at 4:50 pm

Watching the birds at our bird feeder and bird bath (with heater) gives me much pleasure. How do they stay warm when the wind chill is -26!

Reply

michelle d February 4, 2014 at 4:53 pm

Listening to my boys play and make up stories. Some wild imaginations around here.

Reply

Julie Long February 4, 2014 at 4:55 pm

I love crawling into bed with warm blankets on cold winter nights like this one, and feeling so incredibly blessed and grateful that I have that opportunity.

Reply

Julie Long February 4, 2014 at 4:55 pm

I love crawling into bed with warm blankets on cold winter nights like this one, and feeling so incredibly blessed and grateful that I have that opportunity.

Reply

Nina Nelson February 4, 2014 at 5:00 pm

Drinking a cup of lavender earl grey tea while reading a great book.

~Nina Nelson

Reply

Sarah February 4, 2014 at 5:01 pm

My daily afternoon cup of tea and its accompanying reading material make me unreasonably happy for such a small thing!

Reply

Linda February 4, 2014 at 5:03 pm

Waking up early and having a quiet house to myself to read and drink coffee.

Reply

Debbie February 4, 2014 at 5:19 pm

Watching the morning news and drinking my first cup of coffee with my pug dog snuggled beside me — that makes me happy!

Reply

Mary Ann February 4, 2014 at 5:26 pm

A slice of freshly made bread with butter.

Reply

Sandy February 4, 2014 at 5:31 pm

Coming home from work and having my pets greet me so happily at the door! It’s wonderful after a hard day at work to be greeting with such love!

Reply

susan February 4, 2014 at 5:32 pm

Walks on our deer trail with my small, very sweet rescue dog make me happier than anything else in the world!
She is my very 1st dog (I’m 60!) and my joy with her is endless – no amount of money can replace this.

Reply

Amelia February 4, 2014 at 5:33 pm

Singing along to music in my car makes me happy.

Reply

Tara February 4, 2014 at 5:36 pm

Coffee and naps.

Reply

Christina February 4, 2014 at 5:41 pm

Sitting still in the morning, hands curled around a warm cup of coffee and breathing in the possibility of a new day.

Reply

Jennie February 4, 2014 at 5:47 pm

What makes me happy is starting the weekend sitting by a window (in the winter) or on the porch (warm days) with a cup of tea and writing in my journal.

Reply

Melissa February 4, 2014 at 5:58 pm

Looking out at the snowy landscape makes me happy.

Reply

jennifer g February 4, 2014 at 6:06 pm

I can name two, sleeping past 8 AM and a fresh cup of hot coffee

Reply

Melanie Fuller February 4, 2014 at 6:18 pm

A good cup of coffee!

Reply

Terri W. February 4, 2014 at 6:29 pm

My Bible study group!

Reply

Tish Oberley February 4, 2014 at 6:31 pm

My boyfriend and I live far away from each other. I am happy when we send each other spontaneous e-mails during the day.

Reply

Ani Mia February 4, 2014 at 6:33 pm

a good book and an hour of quiet.

Reply

Michelle February 4, 2014 at 6:37 pm

Dancing in our small kitchen with my four young kids to the tunes of ABBA! We laugh so much – it always amazes me 🙂
Thanks for the chance to win this book – I loved The Happiness Project!

Reply

JJ Horan February 4, 2014 at 6:44 pm

Watching the doves landing on the top of the fence outside the kitchen window makes me smile inside with happiness because they are finding what they need to live in the area.

Reply

Katharine February 4, 2014 at 6:46 pm

Watching my son play with toys that were mine when I was a child makes me happy.

(And I loved Gretchen’s other book.)

Reply

lene February 4, 2014 at 6:48 pm

My name is Lene, and I’m happy right now, in fact. My husband and son are safe here at home, we’re all enjoying our nightly mugs of tea, and I have both my knitting and my touchpad full of books (with large fonts for my old eyes) within grabbing distance. Can’t get better than this!

Reply

Rebekah February 4, 2014 at 7:01 pm

Cooking dinner with my teenage daughter makes me happy.

Reply

Cheri February 4, 2014 at 7:02 pm

My nice cozy bed makes me so happy.

Reply

Linda February 4, 2014 at 7:07 pm

My morning coffee.

Reply

Lea February 4, 2014 at 7:09 pm

Baking!

Reply

Kim c February 4, 2014 at 7:20 pm

My hubby makes me happy, definitely!

Reply

Adrienne February 4, 2014 at 7:21 pm

Music! Adrienne

Reply

Gina M February 4, 2014 at 7:22 pm

When my kids play together happily… that makes me happy.

Reply

Jennifer February 4, 2014 at 7:24 pm

seeing the doves outside the kitchen window……knowing they have found what they need to live near

Reply

Laura February 4, 2014 at 7:26 pm

Browsing the used book store or the new releases section of the library. Even if I don’t go home with anything, you get all new ideas and get excited about reading some neglected books at home.

Reply

Deborah C. Williams February 4, 2014 at 7:32 pm

Taking care of my FAMILY!

Reply

Jennifer February 4, 2014 at 7:40 pm

watching the doves outside the kitchen window…..knowing they have what they need to live near

Reply

JOAN WIBERG February 4, 2014 at 7:43 pm

CHOCOLATE. (MILK CHOCOLATE….HERSHEY BARS….MANDmS…

Reply

Charlotte February 4, 2014 at 7:44 pm

Waking up before the sunrise!

Reply

Marina February 4, 2014 at 7:51 pm

Snuggles with my puppy make me happy.

Reply

Tammy February 4, 2014 at 7:59 pm

What makes me happy:
The feel of the velvety softness of a horses’ nose. I enjoyed that today on a walk with a neighbor. There were horses in a field next to the road we were walking on. They came to inquire about the noisy dogs we were walking. We were able to get close enough for a few moments of enjoyment.

Reply

Janelle February 4, 2014 at 8:02 pm

The smell of homemade bread baking.

Reply

Pam February 4, 2014 at 8:19 pm

Having breakfast with my husband and baby son every morning.

Reply

Lia February 4, 2014 at 8:21 pm

Staying present in each moment….scratch that. Attempting to stay present in each glorious, horrifying, gratifying, painful and beautiful moment without losing sight of purpose.
And my son-in-law’s home-roasted (in a converted retro popcorn popper!) coffee.

Reply

kathleen February 4, 2014 at 8:23 pm

Making Valentines!

Reply

Lia February 4, 2014 at 8:25 pm

A freshly ground & pressed cup of my son-in-law’s home-roasted coffee, enjoyed with my darlin’ daughter as we catch up on our lives!

Reply

Morgan February 4, 2014 at 8:37 pm

Making a yummy, healthy, from scratch meal at night for myself and my boyfriend makes me really happy. Us having together at night makes me really happy after a long day!

Reply

Amy February 4, 2014 at 8:51 pm

Amy’s small thing – watching my cat and dog play and chase each other around the apartment!

Reply

mollyblock February 4, 2014 at 8:56 pm

Living in the moment.

Reply

Amie February 4, 2014 at 8:59 pm

Zero bars. Yummmmm….

Reply

Jessica February 4, 2014 at 9:00 pm

Sitting down to enjoy an espresso every morning before driving to school.

Reply

Patti Powell February 4, 2014 at 9:02 pm

My family

Reply

Leslie February 4, 2014 at 9:13 pm

Pancakes and sausages for supper on a snowy evening.

Reply

Barb February 4, 2014 at 9:14 pm

I’m so happy I don’t have to go out in this crazy snow storm we’re having in the midwest!

Reply

Laura Heitkamp February 4, 2014 at 9:19 pm

A small thing that makes me happy: I went to the thrift store with the goal of buying a coffee mug because I broke one of my two mugs today. I found one with dandelions on it (my favorite flower), it’s perfect and I love it.

Reply

Kandace February 4, 2014 at 9:25 pm

Snow cream! (Trying to make lemonade out of this snowy, icy lemon of a winter.)

Reply

Cherie February 4, 2014 at 9:36 pm

Hot baths, good books and my family make me happy 🙂

Reply

Barbara February 4, 2014 at 9:43 pm

My 2 little guys and my daughter … I just love how much they have fun together with their friends, and how innocent and sweet their pretend games are.

Reply

Erica February 4, 2014 at 9:45 pm

Making things from scratch make me happy.

Reply

Elizabeth February 4, 2014 at 10:13 pm

Days when I get to sleep late.

Reply

Suzanne Perkins February 4, 2014 at 10:54 pm

I just checked this book out from the library! I read her first book and would love my own copy!

Reply

Celeste S February 4, 2014 at 10:56 pm

the morning cup of coffee before everyone wakes!

Reply

Jacci February 5, 2014 at 2:43 am

A few minutes of quiet time before hubby and the kids wake up!

Reply

Judy February 5, 2014 at 3:09 am

Seeing and playing with my grandchildren!

Reply

karen February 5, 2014 at 3:21 am

I learned two things from observing my grandmother as a child that greatly contribute to my happiness level: eat out on Friday nights (who wants to cook after a week at work?) and have a cleaning lady!!!!
The third thing I discovered on my own – get a pedicure. For me, these three things are worth the money investment for their happiness return!

Reply

April Schroeder February 5, 2014 at 3:24 am

Pistachio Gelato!

Reply

melinda harbaugh February 5, 2014 at 3:45 am

Seeing my husband and our children goof around and be silly….very much the simple things in life!

Reply

Erin B February 5, 2014 at 3:48 am

My dog makes me very happy!

Reply

Carol Doane (@TheClassicCarol) February 5, 2014 at 3:57 am

A clean basement and I don’t have one.

Reply

Carol Doane (@TheClassicCarol) February 5, 2014 at 4:01 am

A clean basement and I don’t have one

Reply

Marcia February 5, 2014 at 4:41 am

Coming home from the library with a stack of books makes me happy. I get so psyched to borrow them and it also thrills me that after I read them I return them and get the clutter out of my house!

Reply

Emilie February 5, 2014 at 4:48 am

My cat’s sweet face always makes me happy

Reply

Paul N February 5, 2014 at 4:57 am

Getting together with friends makes me happy.

Reply

Sarah February 5, 2014 at 5:21 am

Sarah. My dogs.

Reply

Sharon February 5, 2014 at 5:23 am

Sharon R. is happiest at home with her family, especially when there’s nowhere to go and no chores to do!

Reply

Jean February 5, 2014 at 5:30 am

The peacefulness of knitting, sewing, needlework and seeing what can be created with a piece of string (yarn, thread) and a square of fabric and quietly reading give me happiness and enjoyment within my home.
Thank you.

Reply

Pidge February 5, 2014 at 5:44 am

Being warm and cozy at home with my family on a snow day!

Reply

Sharon February 5, 2014 at 5:55 am

When I’m home with my family with no place to go and no chores to do. Just to spend time together doing the simple things.

Reply

Linda February 5, 2014 at 6:01 am

Playing with my grandson.

Reply

Ann February 5, 2014 at 6:10 am

Going to one of the many great parks here in my town and painting a landscape — really looking at what’s before me and trying to capture for others (and myself) the essence of what it is I’m seeing and feeling at that moment in time.

Reply

Ann Y. February 5, 2014 at 6:31 am

My husband ! Thanks for the offer – Ann Y. Please excuse multiple posts on the underwear posts….my computer kept saying it timed out. Had to change browsers, did not know they went through. Sorry !

Reply

Christine C February 5, 2014 at 6:35 am

My happiness is snuggles from my family, especially after a bath. Smell + sight + touch = joy.

Reply

Elizabeth February 5, 2014 at 6:46 am

Sunshine and warm weather…reading a book outside. (Oh, someday spring will come…)

Reply

Maryanne February 5, 2014 at 6:49 am

A hot soak in the tub after a 5 mile run!

Reply

Tracy February 5, 2014 at 6:59 am

Tracy Neumire

Reading!

Reply

Karen Z February 5, 2014 at 7:15 am

A nice hot cup of coffee in my kitchen in the morning.

Reply

Karen Z February 5, 2014 at 7:19 am

Having a great cup of coffee in the a.m. in my kitchen.

Reply

Kat H. February 5, 2014 at 7:24 am

Right now, getting an outdoor workout in despite winter weather.

Reply

Cheryl February 5, 2014 at 7:27 am

Snuggling with my son.

Reply

Katie February 5, 2014 at 7:30 am

Eating two clementine oranges and a piece of peanut butter toast for breakfast makes me very happy.

Reply

CP February 5, 2014 at 7:36 am

A clean and organized house is making me happy right now (if only I had it)!

Reply

stephanie girard February 5, 2014 at 7:43 am

Stephanie g
My kids helping each other pick up their toys

Reply

Yvonne February 5, 2014 at 8:02 am

Date nights with my husband are a must for my happiness!

Reply

claudia February 5, 2014 at 8:47 am

Watching my crazy poodle jump for a thrown tennis ball–she’s so joyful!
Claudia K.

Reply

Shea February 5, 2014 at 9:04 am

People being nice to each other on NYC subways and busses always makes me smile.

Reply

Carol F February 5, 2014 at 9:11 am

Dishes are done and sink is clean!

Reply

Jens February 5, 2014 at 9:25 am

Making a nice pot of soup out of bits from the freezer when it’s snowing outside!

Reply

Kay February 5, 2014 at 9:47 am

Chatting online with my niece who lives to far away to visit regularly!

Reply

Linda from mass February 5, 2014 at 10:00 am

Cooking for my family and friends always makes me happy!

Reply

Linda from mass February 5, 2014 at 10:05 am

Cooking for my family and friends!

Reply

Linn February 5, 2014 at 10:05 am

Crunching leaves with my feet. Linn Y.

Reply

Nancy K. February 5, 2014 at 10:07 am

The first sip of the first cup of coffee in the morning. Ahhhh!

Reply

Ashley Kinsinger February 5, 2014 at 10:34 am

I LOVE her first book – can’t wait to win this one 🙂

Thanks!

Ashley Kinsinger

Reply

Kiersten Hyman February 5, 2014 at 10:45 am

Kiersten Hyman- What’s making me happy right now? Watching my 16 year old daughter shoveling snow in our driveway- she’s providing us some funny entertainment as she fights the snow and also clearing our driveway for us. Win-win!

Reply

Sarah February 5, 2014 at 11:28 am

Though I love my boyfriend more than anything, I can really be happy about having a night alone. 🙂

Reply

Kathy Magee February 5, 2014 at 12:20 pm

Kathy Magee–Helping my granddaughters with crafts,gardening, etc. makes me happy.

Reply

Lorraine February 5, 2014 at 1:01 pm

Good tea

Reply

Amy February 5, 2014 at 1:04 pm

Working on a crochet/knitting project while catching up on Dr. Who!

Reply

sarah k @ the pajama chef February 5, 2014 at 1:21 pm

running makes me happy – Sarah Keil

Reply

Tammie February 5, 2014 at 1:52 pm

getting to spend each and every day with my kiddos whom I homeschool!

Reply

J.D February 5, 2014 at 2:06 pm

The pat, pat, pat of tiny feet running across the kitchen floor makes me very happy. Julia

Reply

Tami February 5, 2014 at 2:28 pm

Unseasonable sunshine in Seattle!

Reply

Jody February 5, 2014 at 3:19 pm

Happiness is spending time with my family who all live far and wide!

Reply

Kim from Philadelphia February 5, 2014 at 4:24 pm

A nice, hot, cup of dark coffee with a dash of cream.

Reply

Kim February 5, 2014 at 4:36 pm

Looks like a good book.

Reply

Lisa Brooks February 5, 2014 at 5:25 pm

An early bedtime!

Reply

Martha February 5, 2014 at 5:26 pm

Yoga class!!

Reply

Gina Bello February 5, 2014 at 5:30 pm

My bull terrier, Coco:)

Reply

Kathy Felton February 5, 2014 at 6:54 pm

Looking at a beautiful sunrise

Reply

Denise Kirk February 5, 2014 at 7:28 pm

A warm sunny day, bright blue sky, and a wonderful warm breeze!!

Reply

Katrina February 5, 2014 at 7:56 pm

Sewing something requested by kids and them loving the final product

Reply

Kim February 5, 2014 at 8:13 pm

That each day the sun sets a little bit later than the day before! That means every day I’m 1 day closer to summer!

Reply

Cara February 5, 2014 at 9:22 pm

Cara
The movie “Before Sunrise”.

Reply

Emily February 5, 2014 at 9:24 pm

Being still–even if just for a moment–makes me happy 🙂

Reply

Jenny February 5, 2014 at 9:24 pm

Jenny S.
my first cup of Earl Grey tea in the morning!

Reply

Henria O. February 6, 2014 at 4:34 am

Group hugs with my children! 🙂

Reply

Sandi February 6, 2014 at 6:22 am

Saturday mornings, cup of tea, catching up on your blog from the week brings deep contentment to my heart.

Reply

Paige February 6, 2014 at 6:39 am

Canning and making my household more efficient while teaching my kids the same.

Reply

Erin Mazur February 6, 2014 at 7:29 am

Erin M. 🙂

Reply

Kori Jock February 6, 2014 at 7:40 am

Kori Jock; looking out the window at falling snow.

Reply

Bernadette February 6, 2014 at 7:50 am

Dance parties with my 7 year old daughter.

Reply

Jean February 6, 2014 at 8:05 am

The chance to win Gretchen’s new book makes me happy–I gained a lot of insights from the first one!

Reply

Gretchen February 6, 2014 at 8:21 am

Using things up! Empty bottles, leftover containers, fabric scraps, spools of thread = bliss

Reply

Allison February 6, 2014 at 8:28 am

Drinking tea out of a beautiful, porcelain teacup from the one teacup I kept from my grandmother’s antique teacup collection. Something about fine, old china makes the tea taste 100% more delicious!

Reply

Christine February 6, 2014 at 9:16 am

Perfect cup of tea makes me happy:)

Reply

jacqui homer February 6, 2014 at 9:23 am

Going thrifting in Chicago with my daughters!

Reply

Christy February 6, 2014 at 9:44 am

Snuggling on the couch on Friday night after a long week of work with the dogs, cats, and hubby.

Reply

LH February 6, 2014 at 10:28 am

I am a huge fan of Gretchen’s website and would love to win a copy of her newest book!

Reply

Amy S February 6, 2014 at 11:11 am

Hot coffee with cream. heaven. Amy S.

Reply

Bonnie February 6, 2014 at 12:54 pm

Sunshine when it’s 0 degrees here in WI

Reply

Susan February 6, 2014 at 3:25 pm

Spending time with my dear husband and 8 fabulous kids!

Reply

Lee Broom February 6, 2014 at 3:40 pm

My husband and children make me happy!

Reply

Lee Broom February 6, 2014 at 3:43 pm

Lee Broom – My husband and children make me happy!

Reply

Patricia Davis February 6, 2014 at 4:39 pm

It makes me really happy when I fill the coffee pot the night before and set out my breakfast dishes. In the morning it makes it super easy to slip into the new day! (This is my first entry ever.)

Reply

Elisabeth Golub February 6, 2014 at 5:43 pm

Hanging out with my 2 month old in bed when she first wakes up in the morning!

Reply

Karen February 6, 2014 at 6:04 pm

Karen

Reply

Koliti February 6, 2014 at 8:29 pm

It makes me happy to work on little art projects with supplies I already have.

Reply

Julie February 7, 2014 at 8:02 am

Julie Walton

Reply

Amie February 7, 2014 at 8:45 am

Warm sun on a cold day makes me happy!

Reply

Andrea February 7, 2014 at 9:57 am

Andrea G

Reply

Leigh February 7, 2014 at 12:00 pm

Riding my bike on a quiet summer morning. 🙂

Reply

Katie A February 7, 2014 at 3:14 pm

Beaches – Katie A

Reply

CarrieP February 7, 2014 at 7:54 pm

One thing that makes me really happy is reading.

Reply

siobhan cravens February 8, 2014 at 5:30 am

I read her other book and would love to read this one

Reply

Marcy February 8, 2014 at 5:57 am

One small thing that makes me happy in the winter is freshly washed flannel sheets! -Marcy

Reply

JennH February 8, 2014 at 6:18 am

Jenn H – winning a book would make me super happy!

Reply

Alice February 8, 2014 at 7:35 am

Alice; and happening upon the local gluten-free bakery last night made me very happy (as did their awesome raspberry-chocolate cupcake).

Thanks for hosting such a fun week!

Reply

Marge February 8, 2014 at 1:30 pm

What a great sight. i’d love to win the book!

Reply

Chris Smith February 8, 2014 at 3:16 pm

Chris Smith

Reply

Laura February 8, 2014 at 3:16 pm

A hot cup of tea in the evening makes me happy.

Laura

Reply

Sally Turnipseed February 8, 2014 at 7:23 pm

Can’t wait to read! I love the concept of happiness linked to our home..

Reply

Stephanie Hudspeth February 8, 2014 at 8:34 pm

My baby girl who was born February 3 is the greatest joy in my life.

– Stephanie Hudspeth

Reply

joyce howden February 9, 2014 at 4:29 am

I would love yo win.. Joyce Howden

Reply

Sandi February 9, 2014 at 7:24 am

A quiet Saturday morning with a cup of decaf and catching up on your blog posts from the past week always give my soul a chance to say Ahhhhh……

Reply

Classic Carol February 9, 2014 at 7:39 am

Classic Carol 🙂

Reply

Shannon B February 9, 2014 at 6:17 pm

Shannon B – it makes me happy knowing that eventually it will thaw out here!

Reply

Lara B February 10, 2014 at 7:20 pm

Lara B

Reply

Leave a Comment

Previous post:

Next post: