Finding Happiness In Gratitude

Happiness can not exist in the absence of gratitude.
If you are looking for happiness, you will not find it in the search for new experiences, nor in the absence of desire. Happiness is found within the moments of appreciation, the time when we stop and express with every aspect of our being, a deep felt thank you.
No need for a deity or special place, just a simple act of thankfulness for what is right in front of us, can be the most profound spiritual act of your daily routine.
Taking a few moments of deliberate gratitude throughout the day, not just a part of your morning routine, brings back a more level-headed approach to live. When there is so much recognition of what there is to appreciate, there is less worry, less stress, less fear.
At no point and time, does this imply not thriving for more. The opposite is more the truth. In these moments of gratitude, we make space for more, more life, more kindness, more openness for ideas, a deeper focus.
When gratitude is chosen, the happiness it brings with it can be life changing. All we have to do is start with a simple “Thank you”.

I recommend the following books about Happiness and Gratitude

Gratitude and Happiness by Bree Miller available on Amazon

 

This blog post is a part of the following blog hops

Celebrate The Small Things
Thankful Thursdays by PepiSmartDog
Thankful Thursdays by Frog Lilypad
No Rules Weekend Blog Party
Monday of Many Blessings
Be Inspired

Disclaimer: The above post contains affiliate links, see Disclosure page for details.

Finally – A Skin Care Product I Truly Enjoy

Disclaimer: I have received Valentia Clear Lift Revitalizing Serum free of charge, in exchange for an honest review. The following post also contains affiliate links, at no cost to you. See Disclosure page for details.

Finding a skin care product I can use, that is also cruelty-free is a hassle, and often fruitless. And even if I am not allergic
to the product, I find that I can either not stand the smell of it, or it is ineffective. Thankfully I received Valentia Clear Lift Revitalizing Serum in the mail recently, and now I am hooked on their cruelty-free product line.

Valentia Clear Lift Revitalizing Serum Available on Amazon Now!

A pleasant orange scent, that reminds me of orange essential oil (which happens to be my favorite), greeted me the first time I tried it on. Used after your evening cleansing routine, the soft and non-greasy serum immediatly left my face feeling refreshed, and properly moisterized without leaving an oily feel. I am not often impressed by beauty products, and even though the serum is in the  price range (about 35 Dollars on Amazon), I decided that I will give myself a small gift and switch a few more of my beauty products over to the Valentia product liine..

I must say, that for my vegan friends, I am not entirely sure if the serum or any of the other available products are vegan, considering that there are some ingredients that could be animal derived or not – but I have sent the company an inquiry and hopefully will hear from them soon, so I can update you as soon as I get an answer.

I love my adorable vintage style diffuser! Available on Amazon

If you are wondering why I love orange essential oil, let me tell you. Not only because of its fruity, clear fresh scent, it is als a mood lifter, and room brightener. I love adding a few drops to my diffuser, in order to lift the over all energy of any room.

 

 

 

Finding the same scent in a beauty product made my day.
Happy shopping!

Claudia

10 Journal Prompts To Start Your Year Off Right

Positive habits, like writing in our journal are a powerful way to increase happiness, reduce anxiety and to create focus. But what to write on a daily basis? While I suggest to always make a gratitude  list  a part of your daily journal routine, it does not have to, and should not be limited to that aspect of journal writing.

I have combined some powerful prompts for you, which you can use to expand your journal writing practice

 

Because it is Friday, I am sharing with you, what I am grateful for this week:

1. A quiet and peaceful New Years eve. Surprisingly New Years in Las Vegas is tame compared to some other cities around the world I have been in. A pleasant surprise.

2. I met some really nice new neighbors. Very friendly people and my dogs seem to like them too.

3. There has been a lot more sunshine. Still cold, but at least, the sun is shining. I can deal with that.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Claudia

 

Hey, I Designed You A Mug – Now Fill It With This

So you purchased yourself a designer mug, supporting independent artists with your choice. Good for you. We, the creatives behind these designs thank you. But now what? It is a specialty mug, so just pouring in some darn old coffee from the grocery store would not be fitting. No way. These cups ask for something special.

No worries, I did the work for you and found some really wonderful coffees and teas you should fill that special mug with.

Jacobs Kronung Coffee
This coffee is tradition and perfection in a cup. There is simply not a better roast out there, that does not cost you an arm, a leg and your first born. I grew up on this stuff, and it is the standard by which I hold each other coffee. Sorry, Starbucks, your coffee taste like pee water compared to this.

JO – Organic Fair Trade Coffee, Medium Roast
My favorite of the Fair Trade Coffee’s out there. Stick with the medium roast of this brand for best results. While it is not as fine and sophisticated in flavor as the before mentioned German coffee, it is still the best I could find so far in its category. And while drinking it, you can really feel good about yourself for being a responsible consumer (again).

Teekanne Rosehip and Hibiscus Tea
I simply love this tea, its tart, refreshing taste, even if you drink it as a hot cup of tea (which I prefer.)  It is my go to cup with a few cookies as part of a quick afternoon break. It tastes fruity and light, though I recommend to add your favorite sweetener, on its own it can be surprisingly sour.

Teavana Pineapple Berry Blue Loose-Leaf Tea
No list that includes teas is complete without having a pineapple flavored addition to it. At least that is my opinion. Hey, don’t knock it until you tried it, this tea is hot and cold a wonderful treat. Cheaper than a Hawaiian vacation.

Moonstruck Classic Hot Cocoa
Wintertime is hot chocolate time, and I prefer the classic, no fancy added flavored version of hot chocolates. This creamy, deep flavored, elegant milk chocolate cocoa mix does the trick here. It is a wonderful way to wind down a busy holiday day, and no December evening would be complete without it. I would recommend to get extra. Especially if you are a chocoholic like I am.

Now savor that hot (or cold) stuff!

Have a wonderful day!

Claudia

 Disclaimer: The above post contains affiliate links.

Bliss – A Haiku

one sweet, single look
into your eyes each morning
and my life is bliss

Copyright Claudia H. Blanton 2015

This post was inspired by today’s Daily Prompt “Two Right Feet“.

Coffee

Coffee – A Haiku

sweet, warm deliciousness
true perfection in a cup
morning’s liquid gold

Copyright Claudia H. Blanton 2014

Today’s daily prompt asked us, about what we are picky about, snobbish even, if you will, and for me that is my coffee. I like high quality, strong coffee, not bitter, added just enough sugar and cream to balance it, not cover the true flavors of the brew. I prefer to make my own, never use instant – which I find horrible.

What are you snobbish or picky about?

Here are some other bloggers answer to that question:

http://tuckedintoacorner.wordpress.com/2014/10/08/selectively-snobby/

http://onesahmscrazylife.wordpress.com/2014/10/08/putting-perspective-in-a-frown/

How to walk the city streets of New York

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