Inspired by a fellow blogger, I've compiled a list of things that make me truly happy. No matter what might be going wrong, these few things remind me that some things in life really are simple, easy, and wonderful. (Of course none of these things are living people or animals ... but there are a few of those that have the same effect on me!)
1. Matchbox cars -- When my brother was little, he had tons of these things. Millions. And I 
hated tripping over them and finding them all over the house. But now that I have a little boy (who doesn't watch TV or movies, mind you), I adore Matchbox cars. First, because they are small and portable. You can squeeze up to 10 of these things into a regular purse if you are doing a mad dash to the store or the doctor's office. Also, they can be found EVERYWHERE. Publix, Kroger, Target, Walmart, CVS ... all the stores you frequent with tired, hungry, and/or rowdy kids. And you can get them for as low as 99 cents!
hated tripping over them and finding them all over the house. But now that I have a little boy (who doesn't watch TV or movies, mind you), I adore Matchbox cars. First, because they are small and portable. You can squeeze up to 10 of these things into a regular purse if you are doing a mad dash to the store or the doctor's office. Also, they can be found EVERYWHERE. Publix, Kroger, Target, Walmart, CVS ... all the stores you frequent with tired, hungry, and/or rowdy kids. And you can get them for as low as 99 cents!2. Laughing Cow cheese -- As a bagel lover, I had a really hard time when I started Weight 
Watchers. Bagels are about 6 points or so (if you east a regular size one), and that's completely plain. Add the cream cheese and you're looking at 1/2 your points for the day. So I was forced to either give up bagels all together or find something else to put on them. Luckily, WW makes their own bagels; while a little more expensive, they are tasty and only 2 points a piece. So I had a replacement bagel, but still needed a replacement condiment. I use peanut butter occasionally, but I happened upon this wonderful cheese called Laughing Cow in all kinds of fun flavors. It comes in a round package, and the triangles are individually wrapped (so you're portions are separated for you). And each triangle is only 1 point (if you buy the light). It is soft, ergo easy to spread, and creamy. Yum. It can also be melted over pasta sauce for a quick fettuccine snack!
Watchers. Bagels are about 6 points or so (if you east a regular size one), and that's completely plain. Add the cream cheese and you're looking at 1/2 your points for the day. So I was forced to either give up bagels all together or find something else to put on them. Luckily, WW makes their own bagels; while a little more expensive, they are tasty and only 2 points a piece. So I had a replacement bagel, but still needed a replacement condiment. I use peanut butter occasionally, but I happened upon this wonderful cheese called Laughing Cow in all kinds of fun flavors. It comes in a round package, and the triangles are individually wrapped (so you're portions are separated for you). And each triangle is only 1 point (if you buy the light). It is soft, ergo easy to spread, and creamy. Yum. It can also be melted over pasta sauce for a quick fettuccine snack!3. The Grocery Game -- I've already gone on and on about how much I love this game. My savings are about $100 a week; that goes a long way these days. And by making it a game, grocery shopping is kinda fun again.
4. Buckle Jeans -- Several years ago I was at a get-together with my sorority sisters, and everyone was talking about their jeans. What kind of jeans they were wearing ... I am an idiot 
when it comes to these things. They kept talking about "Sevens," and I was clueless. I kept thinking, "There's no way they all wear the same size? A size 7?" Anyway, long story short, I've always been the girl who wears the cheap Old Navy jeans. I refuse to spend lots of money on jeans ... mostly because I spend the money on my kids' clothes instead. So I heard another friend mention that she likes the jeans at Buckle, and Tim and I went shopping for new jeans this weekend. I suggested we try there (he's pretty damn picky about his jeans too). Love it!! Of course, it is impossible not to find one pair of jeans that look good on you and you like; they have millions of styles/colors/sizes to choose from. And the prices aren't outrageous, even when they aren't on sale. So I got a great pair of jeans, Sabrina's. No, they still weren't as cheap as Old Navy, but they make my butt look darn good. And I didn't have to sell a kidney to buy them.
when it comes to these things. They kept talking about "Sevens," and I was clueless. I kept thinking, "There's no way they all wear the same size? A size 7?" Anyway, long story short, I've always been the girl who wears the cheap Old Navy jeans. I refuse to spend lots of money on jeans ... mostly because I spend the money on my kids' clothes instead. So I heard another friend mention that she likes the jeans at Buckle, and Tim and I went shopping for new jeans this weekend. I suggested we try there (he's pretty damn picky about his jeans too). Love it!! Of course, it is impossible not to find one pair of jeans that look good on you and you like; they have millions of styles/colors/sizes to choose from. And the prices aren't outrageous, even when they aren't on sale. So I got a great pair of jeans, Sabrina's. No, they still weren't as cheap as Old Navy, but they make my butt look darn good. And I didn't have to sell a kidney to buy them.5. Fiber 1 original -- I swear by this stuff. Also a Weight Watchers staple, I use Fiber 1 cereal for 
breakfast, for baking, for herb-crusting chicken. For a huge cup and a half, you only have to give up 1 point. And while it looks like cardboard sticks, it does have a slight cinnamon taste when mixed with milk, so you don't feel like you're chewing and swallowing cardboard!
breakfast, for baking, for herb-crusting chicken. For a huge cup and a half, you only have to give up 1 point. And while it looks like cardboard sticks, it does have a slight cinnamon taste when mixed with milk, so you don't feel like you're chewing and swallowing cardboard!6. Color Wonder paints/markers -- The person who created these fabulous markers and paints
should be sitting at the right hand of God, as far as I'm concerned. Those of you who are not parents yet or have not been exposed to crayon and marker on your furniture and walls, you have to know that these Color Wonder markers only mark on their designated Color Wonder paper. This is a Godsend for sure for any parents who have kids like Tanner, who forget to cap his markers before running through the hallway to chase the dog.
should be sitting at the right hand of God, as far as I'm concerned. Those of you who are not parents yet or have not been exposed to crayon and marker on your furniture and walls, you have to know that these Color Wonder markers only mark on their designated Color Wonder paper. This is a Godsend for sure for any parents who have kids like Tanner, who forget to cap his markers before running through the hallway to chase the dog.7. Big Comfy Couch -- I used to babysit a little boy when I was home for the summers in college.
He always watched this show in his swing while I cleaned up after lunch before nap. I loved it then, and I love it now. Kendall has watched this show since she was small, and now Tanner has taken a liking to it. It is quick moving, teaches some good lessons ("Who made this big mess? I did? Well, I just have to clean it up. It's only fair."), and keeps the fear of clowns at bay. It comes on PBS at noon, right before Word World. I highly recommend it.
He always watched this show in his swing while I cleaned up after lunch before nap. I loved it then, and I love it now. Kendall has watched this show since she was small, and now Tanner has taken a liking to it. It is quick moving, teaches some good lessons ("Who made this big mess? I did? Well, I just have to clean it up. It's only fair."), and keeps the fear of clowns at bay. It comes on PBS at noon, right before Word World. I highly recommend it.8. Barenaked Ladies Snacktime -- Anyone with kids will attest to the fact that we get really 
tired of listening to kids music. ("Take Me Out to the Ballgame" is blaring in my playroom right now.) I was very excited when Barenaked Ladies, one of my favorite bands, came out with a CD last year called Snacktime. It is a collection of humorous, loud, silly songs geared towards kids. My kids love it ... and I don't get a headache listening to it. Added bonus -- I can blare it with the windows down in the carpool line and still feel cool.
tired of listening to kids music. ("Take Me Out to the Ballgame" is blaring in my playroom right now.) I was very excited when Barenaked Ladies, one of my favorite bands, came out with a CD last year called Snacktime. It is a collection of humorous, loud, silly songs geared towards kids. My kids love it ... and I don't get a headache listening to it. Added bonus -- I can blare it with the windows down in the carpool line and still feel cool.
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