Reason to Smile #20

Dogs

So, I know that not everybody is a dog person, but I absolutely love dogs. To quote VeggieTales (Queen Ester Episode), "Puppies are cuddly, puppies are cute; they're never nasty or mean. I'd give a home to all the lost puppies - if ever one day I were queen!" They do the silliest things for no apparent reason, not only making me smile, but also laugh. They love you unconditionally and with ever fiber of their being; they just want to love and be loved . There is a type of dog out there for everyone: small dogs, big dogs, hairy dogs (for those who are allergic), furry pups, working dogs, and show dogs. I could include at least 10 more types of dogs, but I think my list will suffice. While I prefer dog in real life, mere pictures of them can make me smile. Try it, go google dogs and let me know if when you come back you aren't smiling (doggo memes are hilarious). Sometimes dogs will even smile. When I go new places or visit peoples homes I am always on the look out for dogs and their wagging tails (or rumps). Dogs don't just make me smile for a moment, but they bring joy to my whole life. They can teach us many valuable life lessons like the responsibility of caring for something else, to play everyday, get excited to see the people you love, and just like I hope this blog is doing they can teach us how to find joy in little, everyday things.
Dogs = wagging tails, unable to contain their joy smiles

Reason to Smile #19

Skipping Stones

I must admit that I was terrible at skipping stones when I was a kid. I had a record of zero skips, which really means I was just good at throwing rocks - plunk! My dad was the one to teach me how to skip stones, but it took quite some time and practice to master the skill. I can now say that the most skips I have gotten is around 10. What I love is that skipping stones is something you can do as a break from an adventure or it can be the whole purpose of an outing. Best part yet is it doesn't require any bought or brought item, just find some water that has stones and wallah! Perfectly flat stones are the best and easiest, but how often is it that you find a completely smooth and flat rock? I have skipped rocks on the ocean, on lakes, in streams, and even in a pasture's pond. When skipping rocks with friends it becomes a competition of who can get more skips. Always be safe and make sure that no person or animal will be in the path of the thrown stone. Here are some simple instructions:
1. Select a rock. Best if flat and about the size of your palm (I have skipped rocks the size of my face, but that is a lot of work to perfect)
2. Make a C shape with your hang while holding the rock.
3. Face the water sideways, bend your wrist back, and flick the rock over the water's surface.
4. Follow threw.
5. Repeat and enjoy!
Skipping Stones = a ripple effect of smiles

Ashland University Dietetics Blog

I am only an amateur blogger, but while I was an undergraduate student I had the privilege to write several posts for the Ashland University Dietetics Blog. Below are the links to the post I wrote, all written for pleasure and because I was interested in the topic of research. They do not follow any sort of pattern and are not related to one another in any way, but they are all written off of scientific, evidence based articles.

Flavorful Grilling
Functional Foods
No More Midnight Munchies
Healthy Holiday Parties
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apples and Cranberries Recipe 

I would like to thank Dr. Vanata and Professor Reed for being inspirations to always be on the look out to discover something new. Just because I am done with my schooling does not mean I am done with my learning.

Reason to Smile #18

Farmers Markets

It's that time of year, where every Saturday you can find communities gathering together to buy and sell fresh produce at pop-up markets called "Farmers Markets." Some places have lovely weather year round and can host Farmers Markets outside of summer, but I am blessed to live somewhere that experiences all four seasons so sometimes I call summer farmers market season. Sometimes I'll go "shopping" at the farmers market and not even buy anything. I love how every weekend there is a different variety of fruits and vegetables being sold as things ripen up on the vine/tree to be picked and the eaten as is or turned in to a scrumptious dish. In my town they don't have set places for the stands so each week people rotate and sometimes you have to hunt to find the booth you are looking for. There is more than fruits and veggies to be found, you can buy jams & jellies, baked goods (my favorite is the zucchini bread), homemade towels, local paintings, sweet scented lotion & candles, all these and more if you just choose to explore. The best part about it all is that it is local, and decently priced (although most do require you pay with cash). As a future dietitian, I love the concept of "farm to table" and farmers markets help make this possible.
Farmers Market = farm fresh smiles

Reason to Smile #17

Mugs

I am not a coffee drinker, and today someone asked me if that makes me a tea drinker which I am also not. One doesn't have to drink coffee or tea to enjoy a mug, plenty of other liquids (including soups) can be drank from a mug. I love mugs, I wouldn't say I collect them because I only own 5 . . . well now that I said that it almost sounds like it could become a collection. Each mug is unique and has its own story: one has a lid and was given to me by my bother, another is from my grandma's house, and another is from my roommate that is my favorite color. Mugs can have words of wisdom on them, I always catch myself reading the quotes on mugs. Mugs can have cute animals on them, real pictures or paintings. Mugs can have flowers on them, they can also have flowers in them; whenever I can't find a vase a mug can do the job. They come in all times of sizes from small to large; some are tall and some are short, some have handles and some don't. Even mugs that are broken can find a purpose. Has a crack? Turn it into an indoor plant's pot. Handle fell off? Use it as a pencil holder for an office desk. Sometimes I have to stop myself from buying a new mug anytime I venture to the store because they really do make me happy and bring a smile to my face.
Mugs = raise your mug to mugs, toast, and smile.

Reason to Smile #16

Smiley Face Fireworks

It's a week after the Fourth of July and I luckily got to enjoy plenty of fireworks this year. I can probably write a whole blog post  about how much I love fireworks (with tons of pictures too). Some would say I'm a bit of a pyromaniac, but it simply because fireworks including fountains and sparklers and army tanks that light up make me smile. I love the sight, the sound (only if not too close), even the smell of fireworks. My favorite firework this year that always instantly put a smile on my face was a smiley face firework. How can you not smile when you she a face smiling at you in the sky? I wonder who invented that one, and if it is hard to make such a happy explosion.
Smiley Face Fireworks = an exploding smile

Reason to Smile #15

Drive-In Movie Theaters

First I’ll give a tip, bring a radio - it’s all fun and games until you kill your car battery. Going to the drive-in always makes me smile because it seems like so much more than going to the movies. Normally they play a double feature, which means two movies for the price of one, a true deal that can’t be beat. You have to go early if you want to get a good spot which means spending time in the car with people as you wait in lines to get in or playing hide and go seek after you’ve parked or visiting the snack shack to get popcorn. Tip two, bring lots of pillows and blankets to keep comfy in the back of the car, fold up chairs are a must as well. When you arrive the sun hasn’t even set and when you leave it is in the wee hours of the morning. 

Drive-In Movie Theaters = double features and double smiles