When momma's not happy, ain't NOBODY happy

At least, that's what THEY say. I was tagged by my friend Marisa to share a list of the things that make me happy. I don't think I'm too hard to please, as you will see by the following list! These are in no particular order, by the way...

1. Tattoos - I have 5, with plans of a 6th for my birthday this year (twin butterflies facing each other, I'm a Gemini). I got my first at 18. Partly cause I could, partly cause I was feeling rebellious and mostly cause I just thought they were cool. It's a sunflower on my lower back. They're my most favorite flowers (I was seriously obsessed with them at the time). The other didn't come until much later in life and now I just don't want to stop. I have Japanese Kanji symbols, one for mother and one for wife, on each ankle. I have my name in Cherokee (the only written Native American language) on my upper back. And, finally a half sleeve of a Foo Dog and water lillies. This is most special to me cause it's a tribute to my parents.


2. Anything the color orange - I am completely obsessed with orange. For the most part, I don't care what it is, if it's orange I want it! Case in point... meet Ethel. Did I need this? Nope, but it's orange so I had to have it!


3. Baking - Well, baking and then eating what I've baked! I actually find it relaxing and I LOVE sweet stuff! These cupcakes are really yummy! I'm pretty sure that most of the posts on this blog are dessert type recipes.


4. Reading - I LOVE to read. I really enjoy becoming someone else in some far off land. As far as genre's go, pretty much if it's about a vampire I'll read it! I'll give all the credit to becoming vampire obsessed to Anne Rice, that's where it all began for me! I do read other things though, I promise. I've almost made through every book that Dean Koontz has written, I also like Dan Brown, James Rollins and a few others. I have a bit of a collection of "classic" books going. You know, the Bronte girls, Jane Austin, Mark Twain. I don't read as much as I used to, but I really do love to!

5. Thrifting - This is something that really has taken off since moving to TX. Pretty much all the clothing I have bought since moving here has been from 2 area thrift stores. My favorite one has a special on Monday's where all items of a certain tag color are 99 cents! ANYTHING... furniture, clothes, shoes, purses... ANYTHING!!! I got this GREAT 50's burnt orange coat for 99 cents! SCORE! That's the one thing I miss the most about working full time, getting to the thrift store as soon as they open the doors on Monday and going nuts!

I got this (complete with the cabinet) for a whopping $25!

6. Manchego cheese - I've done an entire post to cheese before, naming this as my King of cheeses, but I figured I had to include it on this list cause it REALLY does make me happy! This is hands down the best cheese on the planet. It is a bit pricey, so I don't buy it often. Between the hubs and I we can devour a hunk in about 5 minutes!

7. Cutting up clothing - I bet you think that's weird! Why does cutting up clothing make me happy? Because after I cut up the clothes I make pretty fabric flowers out of them! They can be brooches, hair pins, necklaces and I have even started making rings! I could sit all day at my work table and make these non-stop!

My friend Lisa snagged this up REAL quick, but I'm working on more!

8. Reality TV - It's sad, I know... But I just can't seem to get enough. Survivor, American Idol, America's Next Top Model, So You Think You Can Dance, I just seem to get sucked in! I've even been to 2 live SYTYCD shows! I danced when I was little, so I'm really drawn to this show!

9. Music - I think this can be said for most people. I happen to have a VERY eclectic taste in music (kidna like having multiple personalities). On my iPod, you can hear everything from Harry Connick Jr, to Lady Gaga, to Linkin Park and Josh Groban. I'll pretty much listen to anything! Marisa turned me on to this band (they can also be found on my iPod)


10. Etsy - This site of handmade goodies can put a smile on my face anytime! I mean, honestly, what 's not to like about Indie crafted lovlies! I love it so much that I currently have 3 shops! Yeah, I'm an over achiever! I'm trying to scale down so I've got everything in photography shop marked down so I can close it. I'm not sure how much longer I can hang on to the other 2... But I will continue to be a frequent shopper!

So there you have it! I am gonna be a rebel and not tag anyone else though! Hope you enjoyed the peek into my happy places!