Happy Sweet Week - Gearing up for Valentine's Day

It takes some effort to dig out of the snow, if you haven't yet, and prepare for Valentine's Day. We actually have a few reasons why we celebrate. We've got young kids, birthdays and school parties this week, so you can understand our house is happy Heart Day is coming. I know others don't feel the same and that's fine for them, but try not to rain on our Valentine's Day parade. 

Here are a few things you might consider doing this week to make it more fun for everyone:

1. Share some chocolate. Who doesn't enjoy getting special treats every now and then? Besides, it has to last you until the furry guy comes in April. 

2. Share some wine with someone over 21, preferably your spouse, significant other, or a friend. 

3. Can't or don't drink? Try sparkling cider, it'll do the trick. 

4. Take a bath. Who gets to do this anymore? It's totally indulgent and really worth it to relax. Why not make it ultra luxurious? Light a couple candles and play some soft music while you soak. 

5. Make hot chocolate and throw in some marshmallow hearts. You can make your own with this recipe, I have no idea if they're good. I just thought they'd be cool to try. I'll be too busy with school party/birthday celebrating, so I'm trying the bagged stuff.

6. Enjoy a romantic getaway. Seriously. You can do it even this late in the game. Pick a spot and go. Too busy? Take five minutes one early morning and stare out at the quiet snow with a loved one. 

7. Send a selfie. Draw an 'I love you' sign. Hold it up. Snap a pic. Send it to your sweetie and see what happens. 

8. Hug or kiss somebody you love. 

9. Hug yourself. Do it. Then take a selfie and share it with all of us here. It'd be funny!

10. Smile. Share. Be Happy. Repeat.

Happy Earth Day!

Early spring bloom by K. Gibson

It’s nice to see the sun shining on such a cool spring morning. After a week, or more of really sad news (does anyone show good news anymore?) I welcome a celebration of the earth.

If you can help a person smile, plant a tree, or show your family how much they are loved, maybe the good vibes will spread. I mean, it’s pretty hard to smile if you’ve just been cut off in traffic, feel ignored while your parent or partner’s preoccupied with techno gadgets or your boss just laid into you for an honest mistake. So, let’s get this earth turning a little more happily and start spreading some cheer!

If you like to pay it forward. Try your own act of kindness or get inspired by others like Ann Curry’s #26acts. Here’s a link to the project and a few examples of people being good. Now there’s some news! 

Feeling green? Plant a tree. If you live somewhere warmer, plant one today! If you’re like me, you’ll have to wait, but don’t let it stop you from shopping. Visit your local garden center to discover what’s new. You can find out what grows well in your “hardiness” zone. Here’s the USDAHardiness zone map. You may even find an indoor plant to make you smile. 

If you’re not in the mood, or have the time. Why not try smiling? At yourself in the mirror, which may lead to making funny faces and laughing. Couldn’t hurt, right? Or try smiling at someone on your way to work, at the office or school, or just around the neighborhood. BTW, get outside if you can. Unplugging and experiencing nature on your own, or with loved ones can do wonders!

Happy Earth Day! Here ‘s a link to Earth Day Network. 

4 Simple Secrets to Feeling Happier Every Day

Lucy Danziger, SELF Editor-in-Chief, shares a few steps we can all take to improve our happiness. I especially enjoyed this from her post – “Have fun here, or wherever you may be. This is it. Now is the moment. Enjoy it!”

It’s time to take her advice and enjoy the moment. Maybe I’ll start with a little chocolate treat and see where it leads.

You can read her post online at http://health.yahoo.com/experts/healthieryou/16006/4-simple-secrets-to-feeling-happier-every-day/

SYOAS - See you online again soon!