CHIP CHIP HOORAY!

Hey, it's finally summer. And that means BBQ's and all the goodies that go along with it. We're thrilled to see that Lay's Potato Chips has used happiness as their tagline. "Happiness is simple" they say, and truly, opening a bag of potato chips and digging into the salty delights -- well, it doesn't get much happier than that on a sunny day. http://www.fritolay.com

TRY THIS FOR HAPPINESS

Now, there's a website called happiness.com. Take a free optimism test..and get happier. Use science to wisk away the blues and grudges...and improve your mood. Why not give it a shot? http://www.happier.com/form.htm?rc=402

RANDOM HAPPINESS

Here are a whole lot of ways to get happier, courtesy of the Abundance Blog at Marelisa Online.com...try few out this next week. http://abundance-blog.marelisa-online.com

GIMME SOME MORE

This summer seems to be a little more rainy than sunny so far, at least here in the East. Why not set up a tent in the living room for the kids and make kitchen S'Mores? It will have to do until the summer kicks in and you can get out of town! http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Smores/Detail.aspx

OUR HAT'S OFF TO YOU

Now that summer's on it's way, please protect your face with sunscreen and a hat. Buy a cute, inexpensive one anywhere from Target to a flea market. With the sun's intense rays getting stronger and stronger, a little self-made shade is a great idea. This is a super stylish hat from Buy.com for $19.99. http://www.buy.com/reta...

READ IT AND CREEP

All kids love scary stories. Make some up, or read them a classic. They never seem to get tired of the ending, even when they already know it! Try "Tell Me a Scary Story...but Not Too Scary" by Carl Reiner, and James Bennett at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316002607

JOIN THE SWINGERS

Uhhh... we keep it wholesome here. Get a backyard swing set and watch your kids go crazy day after day. They'll keep you amused with their antics, tricks and boundless energy. Take a look at this one: http://www.gorillaplaysets.com/

LIVE LIKE THE FRENCH DO

Well, the French do love their frites. So order up a big plate of French Fries and go at it. As long as it's not a frequent indulgence, there's nothing like the salty, crunchy flavor. Add some exotic sauces for fun. Get some inspiration here, http://www.seriouseats.com/talk/2008/07/what-to-dip-my-french-fries-in.html

LEAVE A PAPER TRAIL

For some really festive backyard entertaining, or rooftop entertaining, as the case may be, get some paper lanterns. String them up and watch them sway in the wind during the day or brighten up the BBQ at night. Check out the selection at http://www.paperlanternstore.com/

CUPCAKES - A SIMPLE TREAT

>We love cupcakes! But we think Crumbs Bake shop said it best with their slogan, where they "believe in celebrating the simple everyday things in life. In a world where we move too fast, a cupcake is the exception. They add something so small, and so needed to our lives. Maybe what they really do is remind us that the best things in life really are so simple and easy." Yum, yum.
They can ship these goodies, too! www.crumbs.com

PLAY CROQUET

All it takes is a backyard, piece of green grass or patch where you can set up the match! Croquet is simple, fun and sooooo easy to play. Whack that mallet through the hoops, and see who comes in first. http://www.croquet.com

SMELL HAPPY

Fragrance can uplift your mood. And happy is just a spray away. Get to Clinique, online or in the department store and try it. Happy from Clinique.
http://www.clinique.com/templates/products/mpp/index.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY4884

ROPE TRICK

Jumping rope. Try it for 3 minutes, and know what boxers know….your heart will be pumping, you will burn calories, and you’ll be happy when it’s over. So happy. Check out http://www.jumprope.com/

BROWNIE POINTS

We’re agreeing with Duncan Hines new TV spots. They’re proposing that brownies are good! And that the “greatest luxuries in life are always the simplest." Add some special ingredients like crème de menthe, bourbon, or espresso and get creative.
http://www.cooks.com/rec/search/0,1-0,duncan_hines_brownie_mix,FF.html

COLOR YOUR WORLD

Watch the sunset. We don't know where you live, but we know it's nice out. Now is the time of year when the sunsets are spectacular. You don’t have to be on an island in Greece to see fantastic clouds and color, just look up at the sky and watch. Amazing!

HOLD THE MAYO

Grab some avocados and whip up some guacamole to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.
Try this fresh and simple recipe: http://www.guacamolerecipe.net
For margaritas, you are on your own.

PS. The Mexicans defeated the French, it’s not Mexico’s Independence Day.

BOOK 'EM

Always Looking Up is a memoir of this last decade struggling with Parkinsons disease. Amazon says, “with the humor and wit that captivated fans of his first book, Lucky Man, Michael describes how he became a happier, more satisfied person by recognizing the gifts of everyday life.”

http://www.amazon.com/Always-Looking-Up-Adventures-Incurable/dp/1401303382/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1240928572&sr=1-1

FRENCH LESSON

Is there anything more gorgeous than a French tulip? A bouquet of these beauties will give your home or apartment, or trailer park for that matter, a touch of class. They will make even the most humble abode something really special. http://www.flowerbud.com/french-tulips

LOL

Pass by a schoolyard in your neighborhood. The sound of children screaming, laughing and playing is one thing that never gets old.

BLOW HARD

Get some balloons. Blow them up. Attempt to make balloon animals. How hard could it actually be?

STIR IT UP

Buy some inexpensive swizzle sticks, like these fun ones from http://www.theswizzlestickstore.com. Pop them in some drinks, everything from iced tea to Tanqueray will take on a light-hearted note.

BLANKET STATEMENT

Set up a picnic in the living room...maybe for dinner. Get out a blanket, some pillows, and pick up some KFC, get your mouth watering at http://www.kfc.com. And they now have grilled chicken. Or make some deviled eggs, or sandwiches, or whatever you crave for summer comfort food. Ants not invited.

RUM FOR IT

Next time you’re having friends over for some drinks, why not buy some cute paper umbrellas and stick them in there? Fun, festive and almost as good as jetting to Jamaica for the weekend -- if you stick them in a Rum Punch and wear a sarong.

CHILL OUT

There’s still a chill in the air at night, so brew a little tea after dinner. Experiment with a new one, the tea section of the supermarket is bursting with crazy new flavors, caf and non-caf alike. Everything from chai to chocolate and caramel flavored, to a taste of exotic Africa is waiting for you. TryAfrican Rooibos tea from Twinings of London. http://www.twiningsusa.com or Strawberry and Kiwi from http://www.elainebiss.etsy.com.

YO..MAMA!

Celebrate Earth Day today. Just go outside and marvel at a tree, a flower bed, a garden, a bird, the clouds, stuff that you see everyday, but might not SEE. Stuff you take for granted. Try today to recycle what ever you can and help Mother Earth out. Check out Life After People on the History Channel to see what the earth will look like without people. http://www.history.com/minisites/life_after_people

CATCH A WHIFF

Smelling real, homemade food cooking in the kitchen just totally takes us to another planet. Log onto How To Cook Like Your Grandmother. Then make these simple, easy croutons and sprinkle them on some soup. They’re the antidote to packaged, preserved, plastic wrapped stuff. Give your kids something to remember you by. http://blog.cooklikeyourgrandmother.com

HOT AND WET

Can’t shake off the blues? Try a hot, wet steamy shower with a touch of "optimism." Optimism Aromatherapy Body Wash, from Bath And Body Works. This new scent will wash away troubles, and uplift you with jasmine and tuberose essential oils. Or try it in a candle, body lotion or scrub. http://tinyurl.com/dbdepy

ARE YOU JUICED?

Not feeling too sunny these days? Then go to the market and buy a dozen oranges and put them in a pretty bowl on the kitchen counter. It’s an easy way to add good “chi” energy to your home, according to Feng Shui expert Marie Burgos of Manoblue Design, www.manobluedesign.com. Orange signifies playful, lively conversations and cheerful good times. So get your orange crush on.

CHOCOLATE LOVE

We’re loving Nesquik’s new “Happiness” advertising campaign, plastered on posters all over construction sites in town. Grab a glass of milk, and make this recipe. Put it in a gorgeous antique tea cup, or big mug with funny photo on it, and sip your way to a smile. Try Nesquik Amaretto Cappuccino. Find it and more, at http://www.nesquik.com

THERE'S POWER IN FLOWERS

Yes, today is sure to be "a little taxing”….so pick up a cheap bunch of daffodils, (around $3.00) and let their cheery color lift your spirits. Supporting Uncle Sam is no picnic, but just glancing at the bright floral blooms on your desk at home or at the office, is sure to make you pause at the wonder of nature.

WE LOVE PUFFY

We think things are looking up -- so why don’t you? A glance upward can reveal a wonder of formations, puffy white clouds in shapes and sizes that are sure to intrigue. No matter what the day is doing, or how you are feeling, just seeing the clouds reminds us that things are constantly on the move and are destined to change.

CONSIDER THE ALTERNATIVE

Today, we're recommending that you take an alternative route. Whether it's from the office, to the gym, to the market, or on the way home, take a detour. Go down a street you've never walked before, take the side roads when you drive your car home, let the GPS lead you a different way, but mix it up a little and you might see some new sights...you never know where this new direction will lead you.

WE KNOW YOU CAN NAIL THIS ONE

Steer clear of high priced brands at department stores, and pop into your local drug store to buy an inexpensive bottle of nail polish in a shade you’ve never, ever worn. Maybe it’s a bright coral, or a clear red, a sparkling silver, or a kooky primary color, but looking down on ten shiny toes will surely give you a lift.

EGG-ING YOU ON

Spring is coming, although it should of been here by now. The eternal symbol of Spring renewal, the egg, is much in evidence this week. So, boiled, painted, colored, chocolate, dipped, decaled, crayoned, hidden or in plain site, the wonderous egg reminds us of where it all started.

WE'RE WAFFLING ON THIS ONE

It’s Wednesday, and you NEED a little mid-week pick me up. If you’ve been exercising and eating salads like you’re supposed to, why not take a tiny dietary detour and get ONE truly rich scoop of real ice cream, waffle cone and all?

Take a tip from hilarious "Housewife of NewYork / Skinny Girl" Bethenny’s Naturally Thin book, and just eat three bites…. http://tinyurl.com/cx9xyr

YES, IT WILL CURL YOUR TOES

Time to search out a patch of green grass and just walk on it. Maybe it's at lunchtime, or after work. Leave the stilettos behind (honestly, who was really prancing around in them anyway?) and sink those ten toes into something really, really cushy and comfortable.

CHERRY'S THE BOMB

Here at Everyday Happiness, we love pink, it’s so cheerful. So, we’re happy to announce that the cherry blossoms are in bloom. If you don’t have any in your vicinity that are bursting with color, check out the Bloom Watch: http://tinyurl.com/c9w5n3

ANY WAY YOU SLICE IT

There is nothing like the smell of fresh, baked bread. Why not stop by a bakery and get a real loaf? Health, rye, or raisin pecan studded....it's worlds away from the grocery store stuff, healthier and it acknowledges the artisans who still use their bare hands to make a product.

GOT A TICKET?

Yes, we know yesterday was April Fool’s. So today’s the perfect day to make a fake lottery ticket and give it to someone who needs a bit of good luck. Xerox, scan, or cut and paste, but get ready for squeals (for a limited time only until they find out) of delight!

TWEET TWEET

No, we don’t mean 140 characters of anything --we mean one park bench and one little brown sparrow. Go to a park and see if spring is sprung in your ‘hood.

GIVE 'EM THE FINGER

Remember fingerpainting? It was fun, messy and cheap. Get some paper and some paints and let your inner Picasso come out. If you’ve got little ones, all the better. They'll become modern day modern artists as well.

GOLD DIGGERS

Scrounge around that old jewelry box and come up with some cash. Now’s a good time to sell jewelry, and make some extra money. Most jewelry stores are taking trade in, so try to gather as much as possible at one time, as it goes by weight. Honestly, my friend came up with $1100 last week when she piled up the scale with her old 18K and 14K.

SOMEONE WILL READ THEM

We know reading a real book is poised to go the way of the dinosaur, what with twittering, texting, facebooking, IMing, and Kindle, etc. So, do a good deed and clean out and clear out all the old books you no longer read, use or refer to (hello Google!). You’ll be donating to charity, making someone else happy, and leaving some room in your home for some fresh, new energy to flow into.

Resources

• Make cash with old things

BUY A BAGFUL OF PENNY CANDY

Yes, we know penny candy is a victim of inflation. But pop for a half a pound and mix and match all the favorites you had when you were a kid…sweets, sours, gummis, licorice, chocolates – go for your personal spin around the sugar shack. Then, share some with the next kid you see, and watch their eyes light up.

TEST DRIVE AN EXPENSIVE CAR

Get behind the wheel of that BMW or Jag. Stop by a dealership, and put your hands on the steering wheel, turn the key and take the car of your dreams for a test drive. It's free. It's fun. It's a way to turn the fantasy into reality.

LEARN A MAGIC TRICK

Dazzle the decades younger crowd....kids love magic. They'll laugh their heads off if you perfect a card trick, dangle a spoon on your nose, or pull a quarter out of your ear! You'll feel like a genius.

TIP REALLY BIG FOR ONE DAY

Today, just for fun, tip really big. Maybe it's the jar in the place where you get your latte, or the coffee shop where you had your sandwich, but for once just FEEL like you're a big spender. Add a little more to the standard tip, and make believe you're totally flush, really rich, rolling in the bucks, or Mr/Ms.Moneybags!

HAVE A TV FREE DAY

Don't touch that dial! Just for today, turn off the television and lose the news...it's all bad these days anyway. A few TV free days will make you feel much better. Call some friends, send some fun email, text to say hi, but catch up with old pals, and we guarantee that you'll feel more positive, less depressed.

BLOWIN' IN THE WIND

A cheap kite can STILL give you a childhood thrill. Stop by a hobby store, then off to a neighborhood park, and yes, it’s still fun to see it go up and stay up -- (unlike the recent stock market’s ascent and dive).

DON'T GO COMMANDO

Hey, we’ve got a lot on our mind, too, these days. So we think that Days of the Week panties are an idea whose time has come…again. One less thing to worry about.

Be happy!

STRIDE WITH PRIDE

You know how fun everything in a dog's life is? The ball, the stick, the walks, the food, the hydrants...take a dog (or several) for a walk, and see how just one look in their loving eyes can make you feel like you are their hero.

Be happy!

Go Stargazing

Whether you live in the city or the suburbs this is an activity you will enjoy.
Make a date with a friend or just by yourself and enjoy all the wonders of the universe, right here on planet earth.

Be happy today!