So, for my list of the ten things that bring a tremendous amount of happiness into my life:  Whittling it down to ten, as anyone can imagine, was a bit difficult, but I tried to only include those things that I couldn’t live without, that feed my soul and make me smile even on the most wretched of days.  So here we go!

My boys – Oscar (left) and Norman.  Animals truly bring into my life a happiness that can’t be replaced by anything else.  With their loyalty, unconditional love, constant smiles and kisses – happiness is inevitable.

I can remember the first magazine I ever subscribed to – Instyle – back over fifteen years ago when it first began being published. Being a visual person, I am constantly ripping out articles, images and such, stuffing them into my folders because I just know I’ll need their inspiration at some point.  Some of my favorites to receive in the mail – The English Home, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Vanity Fair, Vogue and Town and Country – and those are just a few!

If I am not able to get a regular workout in, my mood isn’t lovely – let me tell you.  The experts, your personal trainer, the articles you’ve read, are right – exercise is an instant mood booster, stress reducer and perfect antibiotic to eliminate your chances for having to go to the hospital. Four to five times a week I am engaged in aerobic activity and at least twice a week strength building exercises because for me it’s not an option – it can’t be, because without it happiness isn’t attained.

Walking into a Whole Foods, Elephant’s Delicatessen, or any grocery store with endless displays of beautiful food is almost as enjoyable as clothes shopping.  The magic that comes alive in the kitchen – sipping a bit of wine as you concoct your creation, slicing and dicing, and tasting the end result – I lose all track of time.  I apologize to those that are waiting for the meal, but the cooking process for me is utter happiness.

I have five lovely ladies in my life that I can count on to give me a reality check, support me and always help in joining in on the laughter or lifting my chin if ever necessary.  Without Alex, Judy, Elsa, Nancy and Marthe, my life wouldn’t be nearly as easy to navigate.  Oh, and I can’t live without a bit of chit chat either.

I know when I wrote my post on enjoying a rainy day, some of you may have thought I was a bit crazy, but in all sincerity I find serenity in rainy days.  Partly because I adored living in Portland where it rains quite often, but also because of what it does for my yard and my soul.  Pure pleasure.

I had to lump all of my favorite three things to drink into one category because I couldn’t leave any of one of them out.  Water, Wine and Tea. At least one is suitable any time of the day.

Shopping for me is cathartic, mood lifting and therefore, absolutely necessary.  Ever so often, I will channel my inner Carrie and head out to update my wardrobe, and more times than not, I’ll at least bring back one or two things that I can’t imagine living without.

Another place I can lose track of time is in my yard.  Bringing color in and adding foliage lifts my spirits immediately.