To be happy at home is the ultimate result of all ambition, the end to which every enterprise and labour tends. — Samuel Johnson, the Rambler, No, 68.
That’s the very first quote in Gretchen Rubin’s brand new book, Happier at Home (affiliate link) which — like its predecessor The Happiness Project — is sure to be a blockbuster. The Samuel Johnson quote immediately hit home for me, because 
golly, isn’t this blog about finding happiness in our sweet little midcentury homes… about loving the house you’re in, instead of pining after what it may lack… and about giving our houses our tender loving care — so that they can give theirs back?
Crikes, sorry to get all mushy there. But in case you haven’t guessed, I am hugely enormously, gigantically, sentimental about happiness in house and home. It is kind of… all that I think about. I also just read Gretchen Rubin’s first book The Happiness Project
Now, Gretchen (I don’t think she will mind my familiarity) has followed up her first best-selling happiness book with a second one that focuses even more specifically on cultivating happiness within your home and with the creatures who may live there with you. UPDATE: Happier at Home has just hit #2 on the New York Times best-seller list, in just its FIRST week on sale. THIS BOOK IS A MUST-HAVE!
Three chances to win a copy of Happier at Home:
I have, in my hot little hand, an advance copy of Happier At Home mailed to me by publisher Harper Perennial. I have been carefully reading it. And, when I’m done, I will give it a kiss for good luck, and pass it on to a reader. Would you like to win it?
And it gets better, I’ve joined with two friends (a big key to happy) in the giveaway, so you can triple your chances of winning by visiting my friends’ blogs and entering there, too:
- Hi, Margaret Roach of A Way to Garden, wanna come out an play with me?
- You, too, Katrina Kenison of A Gift of An Ordinary Day, let’s have a tea party!
How to enter, now through Sunday (Sept. 16) night:
- Update: Comments now closed. Pam to pick a winner via random.org number generator.
- Leave a Comment — I don’t want to force you to be mushy, but if you would like to share a simple way to boost happiness that has worked for you, that would be lovely.
- You must be in the U.S., so sorry, blame the hassle of trying to deal with customs.
- Contest closes at 10:30 p.m. Eastern on Sunday, Sept. 16; Pam will choose a winner by random.org random number generator after the contest closes and then email the winner. Winner must respond within one week. If they do not, she will choose another winner. Rinse. Repeat.
- Pam will post the name of the winner at the top of this post as soon as they confirm.
Can’t wait for a contest? As I mentioned above, Gretchen’s book has skyrocketed to the top of the New York Times Best Seller list in just its first week on sale. I am sure you can get a copy front-and-center at any major bookstore. Or, you can buy it through Pamazon, oops, I mean Amazon *I get a little spiff if you use my link below… Gretchen gets our bump — we hope — to NYT #1. YOU GO, GIRL!
have increased my happiness at home by clearing out the things we do not regularly use, or truly love, or ideally, both. We have moved closet by closet, drawer by drawer, room by room, and released to others, to charity, to the curb so much that was cluttering our spaces. The result has been I believe, more clear thinking, more art making, more rest, more order and peace.
Oh, I’d love to win this book!
the mere thought of happiness keeps me motivated in down times. remembering happy moments seems to encourage me to bring happiness and lovely thought my way.
Spending a little time outside everyday boosts my happiness. Gotta get that vitamin D!
I’ve boosted my happiness at home by truly embracing my position here. I have a large family and many demands on my time. I think that happiness for me means doing it all and doing it well. That said, I’d better go catch up on my morning tasks. Can’t wait to read this book!
Each new day is a gift, yet so many treat it as a curse. Happiness is a choice anyone can make.
Remember that the people in my house are more important and deserve my attention more than anything else about it.
Frappucinos!
Lighting candles and soothing pandora music is good for me!
I think that being happy is a choice, you have to decide to be happy and it will happen.
My happiness seems to be disproportionate to the time I spend plotting and planning my happiness!
Homes should be everyone’s happy place. A house turns into a happy home when the inhabitants–people and animal–fully enjoy each space at some point during the day. That’s why “love the house you’re in” is such a fabulous manifesto; it reminds us to literally be here now and find joy within our four walls.
I stay happy by taking my time. Searching for the exact right thing for my house (instead of buying what’s available), cooking from scratch, playing gin rummy with my kid.
Taking walks in my neighborhood has really increased my happiness. It makes me feel more connected to my community and home.
I think doing as many things ourselves as possible has really made us happy in our home. A lot of the times things are not as flawless as I imagine they would be if done professionally and they certainly take much longer, but we take so much pride in them.
I’ll give a double dose of happiness inducing:
1. At home, I am actually happier during the day when I take the time to make my bed. I read about this tip in a home magazine. I am the least organized person in the world. But it totally works!
2. In life – just give in to the crap. I remind myself daily that there is very little you can control in life and it is ok to just do nothing about a situation. Some problems aren’t meant to be solved, just meant to change your perspective.
Would like to receive a copy of Happier at Home.
Happiness runs in a circular motion,
Floating like a little boat upon the sea.
Everyone is a part of everything anyway,
You can be a part if you let yourself be.
Four generations in our home presently. It wasn’t the plan 14 years ago when we bought our “family sized home” for our two growning teenagers. One mother-in-law suite, one military family move and three dogs later, we have literally, a full house. 5 adults, 3 kids under 7, 3 dogs.
I can attest to the daily challenge of finding my own space. My husband and I are pretty much set up in our bedroom as our work space/den/bedroom. My daughter and her husband (who just finished 8 years in the Marine Corp) are now living with us until he finishes his degree My mother moved in with us in 2001. 2 years of sharing a kitchen with her! She now has her own 1800 square foot house on our house. It’s her dream home.
I’ve never done so much pitching, packing, donating, organizing, planning, ice/heating my back or sweating. We are making it work. Family is everything.
I’m happier at home when the clutter is cleared (a weekly challenge), I’ve made jelly or jam, and my kitty Daiseymae is curled up in my arm, sleeping beside me.
thanks for the giveaway Gretchen.
There always seems to be a certain something that puts a kink in my goal of having a home free of dirt and drama, where all is well organized and running efficiently. Instead, I am learning to embrace it just the way it is. Not an easy thing to learn, by the way! I am happiest though when I know that I’ve done something daily to make it a great place to live – whether it is doing a load of laundry or cooking a new recipe for my family to try.
I’m happier when the cooler weather allows me to turn the oven on and crank out some home-baked goodness after a long summer of avoiding the additional heat. Nothing like a lived-in kitchen and the scent of fresh food to make a home feel happy.
I’m happy at home when things are quiet and I know everyone is OK, where ever they are.
I’ve been so curious about her first book!
My latest cheesy step — since I agree that happiness is most often a choice, and so we need to remind ourselves of that — is to keep a Bad Cat calendar at work and write on every day something that made me happy. I’m often surprised by how small those things are, but not at all surprised that they often have to do with my family
Count me in.
Retiring from my day job last year so I can actually BE home has made me extremely happy!
I LOVE being at home. As much as I enjoy what I do, I can’t wait to get back home. I’m always sad when I have to spend more hours during a day at work than I do at my house.
I am happier at home when I let some things go — I have found that nobody will actually die if I skip a day of laundry…and I have learned that vacuuming the dog hair up tomorrow vs. right away doesn’t really reduce the amount of dog hair! So the new motto is to “Let some things go!”
I am so looking forward to reading this book. Loved the first one. My key to maintaining my happiness is to be satisfied with the blessings I already have – both material and other. Sometimes it is a struggle but i am constantly trying. Being unhappy is more work and the end result is crappy
I’d love to win this book–sounds insightful.
For me, I’ve increased my happiness by minimizing my gardening chores after memorial day and before labor day. I really hate being out in the hot, sticky days of July and August, so I do only what I REALLY need to do then–and I maximize my garden time in the beautiful April, May, early June, and September/October weather instead.
Watching plants grow (or simply stay alive) always makes me happy at home.
Count me in!
I’m happier at home when I reduce my nagging.
Taking photos. It forces you to slow down and just observe.
Don’t worry…..be happy! Love the life you’re given and be grateful
Golly, I’m going to say that honestly being *validated* on your blog, that what we have IS enough, has made me happier.
Oh for once I don’t feel behind..I’m a kisser!
It definitely helps my happiness!
I’d love a copy – thanks so much!
My happiness at home includes the subject of this blog…BOOKS, BOOKS, and more BOOKS! I’m surrounded by them! And I actually had this new one in my hands yesterday while shopping and thought to myself that I needed to wait to make another book purchase. Maybe not…
Sometimes I struggle with trying to figure out what really makes me happy, but for some reason I am resilient and always stay positive and always look forward. I will say that getting enough sleep, try to eat right and having a pet (my German Shepherd) helps! Studies show that people with pets live happier, healthier lives. She’s always happy to see me!
I’m also a believer in “happiness is wanting what you have” and this blog definitely opens our eyes to that!! I heart RR!
I’m happier at home when I take time to stop and kiss and snuggle my dog. He seems to wait for these small acts of love and when I take the time throughout the day to share some warmth with him, I feel happier!
An email telling me that a new blog from Katrina brings me happiness. It forces me to slow the speed of life down in order to breath in new awareness, insight, and inspiration so that I can begin again with new appreciation of what I already have.
Owning a book you recommend would be great! I need to read the Happiness Project or Happiness at Home!
I love sitting in my living room with the lights off, watching the sun set. It’s especially pretty when the dusks are long, as this time of the year gives.
Retro = Vintage = Happiness.
Decorate happy.
I’m happier at home when I have a series of activities that allow me to pursue all my interests and have a balanced life. Thanks for the opportunity to win the book!
I am happier when I am fully present with my kids. I am trying to give then my full attention when they come home from school.
My pets make me happy
Count me in!
I have kept a gratitude journal, and now my family and I keep one by sharing our gratitudes – our joys aloud each day. Our motto is – try to find joy in each day and help someone who needs it. Be grateful. Be kind. Be strong. Repeat.
I put happy little trinkets, mementos and photos on my kitchen windowsill to trigger memories and smiles. I change them often. Mostly they are only for me, but whenever I or my family sees them, they smile and that makes me happy.
I am always happier at home when I get to retreat to my loft where I have created my “sanctuary”, my art/painting room. I can spend all day absorbed in my watercolors and once I’m finished I often find myself saying “wow…I did that!!?? I am an artist!”
We try to limit our commitments, focus on a few outdoor hobbies, and keep our possessions down to what we really use and love.
am working on being happier at home, and one of the ways I’m doing this is to make sure to park the car, and then pick up my children from school instead of zipping through the car pool line. Leaving the car behind, and greeting them personally allows for more hugs and kisses as we begin the transition back to home. This was an idea from another blog (can’t remember whose), and would love to have more happiness projects.
Believe it or not, I started doing laundry and dishes twice a week each. I’m a live-at-home college student who was never expected to do chores growing up. Both activities give me a really nice grounded feeling, and keep me from vegging out in front of either the tv or the computer.
Happiest home is filled with people I love. My goal is to make a home that is welcoming and comfortable. Of course, there is always more to learn. After reading your post, I want to read the Happiness Project!
I painted my entire house in warm neutral colors. People visiting for the first time always say the house feels warm and welcoming.
I’ve been trying something that I’ve taken for granted most of my life and have only recently come to appreciate. My aunt has always taken the time to really greet me when I arrive at her house to visit; and when I leave, she stands at her door, waving until she can’t see my car anymore as I drive away. It always makes me feel that she really “sees” me, and it’s a very different experience than when someone gives you a quick hello without looking at you. Her warmth and love greet me when I arrive and send me on my way when I go. I’ve tried to do the same with my guests, friends and family (though I don’t normally kiss my guests or friends!:)) It really does make a difference if you step away from what you’re doing to look your husband/sons/daughters in the eye and give them a hug and kiss when they arrive. It’s a true homecoming. I’m happy to hear about Gretchen’s new book. I really liked her first one.
Count me in. I’d love a copy. Thanks!
I just could use a little boost today. I’ll likely end up reading the book either way:)
Im happier at home when I leave the chores and mundane tasks alone for a moment and instead dance around the livingroom with my one year old daughter to 50s music.
I am happier at home when I accomplish the to do list and personal goals I have set out to do for that day,so then feel calmer and more put together to gather my kids and take the time out to read books, watch a movie,play polly pockets or just listen to my 4 kids as they talk about the joy and trials of their day, and then at the end of the day with a big sigh reflect back on the day and feel good that I don’t have many regrets of what I didn’t do and should’ve done…. that is happiness, peace and accomplishment.
I’m happy because the Bible Study I go to just started back up tonight, I came home to the fresh pear crisp I made earlier, I’m reading all the great comments on RR and I bought my dream 1950′s Monarch stove yesterday!
I listen to soothing music on Pandora and wear noise-cancelling headphones so I don’t hear unnecessary background noise.
Lucky you for that lovely shout out. We all like poking around on RetroRenovation.
This is Shelly from India (very different from your place indeed). As I live in a joint family (with my in-laws), I think that ADDS a lot of happiness to my life. I have an year old daughter and I feel content – she’s getting to be loved by her doting grandparents while living with them. And thats the fun-funda for my home
I wish I receive the book to make my place more beautiful, thanks.
I’m happier at home when I remember to Stop, Breathe, Look around me & allow myself to Feel every blessing in my life.
Oh – & Kissing does it for me as well!
xx
Count me in! I would love to have some ideas to help me create more happiness and peace in my home. I think I will start with more kisses…
i’m happier at home when everything is in it’s place.
Happiness washes over me the moment I step through my doorway. My home is my sanctuary, my base, my place of comfort and reflection. I venture forth each day to connect with nature and people, both very necessary to my well-being, and both sustained by the solidity of home.
I am happier when I remember to BE GRATEFUL!
I am happier when I stop to see what really makes my kids happy.
I’m happier at home when my rescue beagle gives me kisses.
I have recently found myself and my two boys in transition between homes, and as unsettling as it has been, we are able to help one another with understanding and kindness simply by listening to each other.
thank you for this beautiful and generous offering. our little tribe has decided to create space for daily quiet time, time together in silence and to gather daily for collective storytime (we have always done this, but with busy schedules our wholehearted intention is not always realized). we are inviting more happiness via silence and story (sweet togetherness).
Gratitude and forgiveness have proved to be two of the most important keys to happiness in my life. Years ago, my husband and I would start asking each other, especially in the most challenging times, what we were grateful for and we were amazed at the difference it made in our lives. And the forgiveness (of ourselves as well as others) part seems to be even more important. The alternative is a hard, bitter heart, which doesn’t go very far towards happiness!!
Those two things and working in my garden make for a happy home for me … especially when the latter yields a perfect heirloom tomato!
When I come home from work, as I get out of my car, I lightly brush off my arms and chest as if to brush away anything that is stuck to me from the day. It’s a small energy clearing gesture that makes me smile and sets the tone for me to enter my “sanctuary”. It reminds that it is my choice alone how I choose to be.
I’m happier at home when its fall and I can sit on the front stoop with my husband and kitty enjoying a mug of hot chocolate and watching the sun go down! Love the giveaway!
I am happier at home when I am cooking and “nesting”!
I try to keep the dining table clear. It stresses me out to walk in the door and see piles all over it!
I’m happier when I’m organized and have a gameplan to go by.
I am happy to enter for a chance to receive the book! Count me in!
I’m happier when I have free time to look forward to. Life is much less stressful that way!
I’m happy at home when everyone is home!!
I am happier at home when I follow the one minute rule (and when I can get the husband to follow it too!) – anything that takes one minute or less (to put something away, clean something up, etc.) is done right away. Then all those little things aren’t building up into a whole lot of things that I shouldn’t even have to think about again!
Count me in and thank you.
Count me in! would love a copy of the book!
I am happier when I take time to relax and play with my 2 dogs.
Count me in!
oh, wow I just “happened” upon this book last Sat. at the bookstore when I was walking by to the kid’s section. I picked it up and briefly read what the cover said and thought to myself that I needed to check this book out.
I like the idea of being happy in the place you have…mine is far from ideal & well, I live in the “armpit” of SoCal, but I feel a sense of responsibility to this little vintage house & want to keep it’s integrity. Ha, I “dream” of everybody wanting to do the same…that would be a miracle around here.
I’m happiest at the home in my mind — my childhood home on 47th Avenue in Gary, Indiana. It was build by my grandfather in 1954. My parents bought the house from him in 1961. We lived there until 1975. I remember it so vividly! It had the pine panel in the basement with the shuffleboard tile. And a big fireplace with a bar for entertaining across from the fireplace. My grandparents and parents entertained a lot! I remember the sights and sounds of the gatherings – the people laughing and drinking Hamms or Schlitz beer while Kenny Ball, Louie Armstrong, or Nat King Cole were playing on the stereo.
One of the upstairs bathrooms had the Mamie pink tile with the black bullnose trim. The kitchen had yellow tile with the black trim. It also had wooden cabinets with the metal trim along the counter!
I remember our Christmas tree every year had the vintage 50s ornaments, the giant colorful bulbs, and the silver tinsel every year!
I don’t live in the past, but I find comfort in my memories. That’s why I love this website. Many times things I see things on the site that take me back to my childhood when things were simpler and the pressures of work and life in general weren’t there.
I love my home now. I just redid my kitchen in the 50s style. My next project is to change my bathroom to the kind of pink tile that would make Pam proud!
Good luck to all of you on this contest. Happy memories!
I love to look outside early in the morning and see the flowers I have planted. I love to see the deer in the field eating. I moved back into the house I grew up in 3 yrs ago in the country. At first it was hard because I miss my family, but now it is comforting. I am happiest here, with my cat and dog (she was my brother’s dog, but when he died suddenly I made sure she stayed with me). I am happy here in the house I grew up in…so many memories, some happy, some sad.
We boosted our happiness by downsizing our apartment right before having our second child. Living in closer quarters with just the essentials helps us continue to grow as a love-focused family.
I would love a copy. I adore her book The Happiness Project. It is a great read1
I have increased my happiness at home by SIMPLIFYING everything. Less clutter, few decisions on what to buy (nothing… unless it replaces something worn out or broken) and hiring someone to do what I don’t have time for! It really works for me.
‘m happier at home because I am again appreciating all the moments I know won’t last forever. I am seeing my children and husband through new eyes and remembering to enjoy myself, my family and my life, NOW.
Oh, and I’d love to win Gretchen Rubin’s book!
I’m happier when I’m doing late night karaoke with a bunch of friends and a bottle of Makers Mark. I’m a simple kind of guy.
I am most happy when I am kind to others.
I guess that makes happiness a choice.
Be yourself and feel comfortable in your own skin. I have found great happiness now that I am old enough to know that who I am is fun and interesting; and I am at my best when I am just me and don’t care about anyone’s opinion.
I make time to sit and watch my child work. He has similar habits that i had when I was little. He sticks his tongue out a little if he’s really concentrated. I enjoy being able to witness myself in him and it encourages me to be a child again and live a less hectic lifestyle.
I’m happiest curled up with a good book!!
Happy when I look around the house and see so many memories and know that we are making new ones. Sometimes I just stop and take a breath and look around at Grandma’s antiques mixed with funky 50s furnishings from mom; art from places we’ve traveled mixed with framed art from the kids; all the little things that make a home happy.
I make sure I do something nice for someone every day
I’m happiest when we have places for things, and things are in their places. We are currently up to our ears in excess possessions, many inherited from my dear husband’s brother, whom we lost last year. The sale of his home has brought many useful, but unneeded items to us – we are very grateful for those items we are able to use, and to be able to share others with folks who can put them to good use. We’re slowly finding homes for many items which we don’t need duplicates for among family and friends, any by donation — we fervently hope to avoid the dreaded garage sale. As we slowly bring sanity and order back to our small home, I think Gretchen’s new book would be a delightful addition to those possessions which we have chosen to keep!
Here’s a tip from Gretchen’s 1st book that really makes a difference to home-happiness: never put off a chore that would take less than a minute.
Happiness seems to be a peace that says to your soul,”I am exactly where I should be, doing exactly what I need to be doing!” at home, it involves my loved ones: family, animals , self.
OXOX
I am happier when I look at everything that comes into my life as a blessing. By concentrating on blessings and welcoming them as gifts the Law of Attraction beings me more of what I want…serenity.
I’m happier after cleaning out the closet or basement and giving away things I no longer use.
It makes when happy when I buy something vintage. Not only is it retro-cool, but I’m reusing and reducing my waste stream.
This sounds lovely…
One fun way we’ve increased happiness in our home is that we recently adopted a dog and 2 kittens! I look forward to learning more ideas to incorporate into our lives.
I’m happier when I can make something I need rather than buy it.
I’m happier when my counters are clean.
Count me in and thank you.
Read the first book–loved it. Choosing to be happy through conscious selection of activities, acquaintances, and friends is key. Happy people flock together–hence why we all love RR. Pam doesn’t allow the U word or the U attitude. That makes visiting this site a joy. Thank you for making happy easier.
I love that: “Happy people flock together.” That’s us here for sure! <3
I loved your first book, The Happiness Project, and am really looking forward to reading the new one. Count me in. Thanks!
I would love the book to help me plan for the future.
I have been happier ever since I adopted a sweet dog from our humane society! My husband and I cannot imagine our home without him!
1) I actually saw a great youtube clip of the TED talk by Shawn Anchor with the keys to happiness. I found that the suggestions he offered really work.
You should check it out.
2) I actually am very happy to have a place to talk to fellow retro-renovators about awesome ideas. Thanks Pam for being awesome!
I’m happier when I am with my two cats.
I am happy when I’ve helped to make someone else happy!
One way I like to bring happiness into the home is baking with my kids. I love seeing them proud of themselves as they measure and dump the flour in the bowl, mix it up, and then pull the final product out of the oven. Plus, it smells happy afterwards.
I am happy when my 19 month old granddaughter comes over to stay with me.
I’m happy at home when I hear from my kids, who are away at school. It’s reassuring to hear they are doing well and thinking of their parents!
I would love to read Gretchen’s new book.
I am happier at home surrounded by fun retro stuff full of happy times!
i’m happier when I’m in the garden working the soil.
Awww! You read my mind again! I am organizing, throwing crap out (why did I save orange juice cartons? I’ll remember when they are all gone and I need one!) I am trying to select a new paint color for my front entry. I need a steel gray/bluish green. It won’t be that awful blue my neighbor used will it? Will it look good with a Christmas wreath, or an Easter basket or a Fourth of July banner? I’ve already overwhelmed myself and the paint chips are scattered across the front porch…. I’m happiest when someone else picks out the paint color!
I am happiest when I slow down with my camera in hand. Instead of looking at what is wrong with my garden, I stop to see what is beautiful. I ponder about which plants to move, leave alone or heaven forbid! Give up on! I gaze at it like I’m seeing it for the first time, and finally… I smile and chuckle. It never ends, but if I have just a few moments of this bliss, I can deal with it. I’m happiest when I just “let it be”.
I’m happy at home while relaxing with my animals.
Make room for whimsy. A ceramic frog in the corner, a favorite toy from childhood, a child-size chair.
I’m happy curled up on the couch with my three cats and a good book!
I’ve boosted my happiness at home by finally getting hot water after six years of living without. Suburban homesteading has made me appreciate a lot of things I’d taken for granted over the years…like having hot water!
I’ve boosted my happiness at home by resigning from my job, getting chickens, planting a fall garden, and writing about my encounters with nature.
It makes me happy to actually use those old linens I pick up at yard sales or that got passed to me from relatives.
I’m happier at home when my family is visiting.
I’m happy at home when it is a snow day. I can stay in my pj’s and cook pasta w my roasted toms stashed in the freezer. I can enjoy a little of summer and think of next year’s garden.
I’m happier at home when I can make supper with veggies grown in my own back yard, with flowers on the table picked from my own back yard, and my husband sitting next to me, who has just finished working with me in our own back yard
I am happy when all is its place…or when give-a-ways like this are offered!
I’m happier when we finally get a good soaking rain like last night. I can hear my garden & yard breathing a sigh of relief
I’m happiest surrounded by family and friends!
I am happiest when I have all the ingredients for my favorite vegegtable soup on hand and an unscheduled day to chop and simmer. Solo lunch on the porch and maybe a nap afterward would put the happiness grade over the top.
I am happier at home when I feel prepared – I know what is for dinner, something is bubbling on the stove or cooling on the counter, when we have had enough rain so my garden is not dying amidst watering restrictions, when I remember my 11th grade trigonometry adequately to help my nervous teen study for a big test. When I am prepared ‘I can be of service to those around me and that – with a good book and dark chocolate – makes me happy.
I love good smells in my home so I always have Yankee Candles burning, a row of cuttings on the table rooting, and beautiful music playing.
I am happiest when my bed is made and my house is straight. Not cleaned within an inch of its life – that rarely happens – but picked up. Visual order helps counteract whatever mental messes I’m in and the balance is important to a day well begun.
I often find myself grinning inexplicably while chopping vegetables. Sniffing the tulsi (holy basil), watering from my rainwater tank, and cuddling up with my man in the morning are all high on the happiness list.
I’m happier at home since I painted my bedroom red and put my clawfoot tub in the master bath. I love taking baths and my bedroom reflects who I am really. Now, for the garden…
The 30 second hug … it changes the structure of time somehow. Time that was whirling just settles in around you when you take just 30 seconds to hug someone special.
That was a beautiful post. I am on Gretchen’s email list and find her very inspiring. I can relate to just about everything Margaret said in that post… I am a true homebody and my husband always laughs that he drives my car more than I do! A perfectly successful day for me being home all day tending to the “home arts” especially my garden and then meeting my sister with my dogs for a long walk:). Home is where my heart is and when I am away I miss it!
How I laughed at the paper towels! This is the bane of my existence because it’s my husband’s job to stock them and he clearly thinks it’s OK to run out of them. I am always telling him—buy a year’s supply!!!! Yes. That makes me happy too!
I am happiest at home when I have a cat on my lap, I am reading a great book, watching a fun movie, my kids are playing nicely and humming along. Being by a window in winter on a sunny day and having the sun warm you is amazing. As is having a fall breeze cruise through the house just after a hot summer.
I’m happier at home now that we’ve moved house (just 3 weeks ago) and I have a garden that looks out onto the woods. From my bedroom’s tall French windows I can see small birds feeding on the yew’s red berries and wood pigeons sampling ripe elderberries. (I hope the pigeons leave us some for making into cordial – it’s supposed to be good for coughs). For the past week I’ve been ill, but staying home has acquainted me with all the activity out in the garden. Birds whose names I have yet to discover fly in and out, singing or calling out, as they peck at fruit or insects; one red squirrel (unlike American ones, European ones are red) hops and glides over branches, from a tall poplar over to a Juneberry (the first tree to sport coloured leaves) to search for nuts in the hazel hedge. My camera is ready to hand and I’ve photographed a wood pigeon and possibly a sparrow, but have yet to catch the elusive squirrel. Now that I’ve become more attuned to the wildlife in the back garden, I’m revising the all-wild-rose hedge I had initially planned to a mixed one of roses with big hips (Rosa glauca, Rosa sweginzowii macrocarpa), blackthorn, and other plants to feed and shelter them throughout the year, especially the winter. The blackthorn in particular will be much appreciated by nightingales, which I’ve read prefer to build their nests in it, and which I’m trying to attract back into this area, as the little lane where I live is named after them.
I’m happiest when our daughter is home!
I’m happy at home when it’s cloudy and cold outside and I’m in the kitchen working on a loaf of bread that I can slather butter all over when it comes out of the oven
The best thing I ever did was to quit caring about delighting other people with my home, and start delighting ME! No more magazine-picture standards. Comfortable, with the things I love and use the most easy accesible, and neat and attractive to MY EYES! Oh, and my husband gets a vote too.
I’m happy when I can open the windows WIDE, and let the fresh air in, after a summer of air conditioning, or a winter of heat. Ahhh.
I am happier when I channel my mother. She truly found happiness in the extraordinary in the ordinary.
I am happier at home now that I take time for myself.
I’m happier at home when I can see (and smell) my childhood teddy bear, so I keep him on a miniature chair on a bureau in our bedroom. I’m 43 years old with two sons and it *still* makes me happy to touch that bear.
I’m happier when I’m wearing socks. Warm feet make a big difference.
—–so happy when I’m making pesto with all of the basil in my garden and roasting my San Marzano tomatoes because I know in the cold of winter we’ll be savoring every bite!!!
I’m happiest at home when I’m gardening, cooking or reading a good book.
I am happier at home when I empty the wastebaskets!
I’m happiest when I have a dog on my lap and a book in my hand!
I’m happier at home with no schedules to meet and I can do whatever takes my fancy: quilting, gardening, reading, cooking.
I am happy when my kitchen counter is clean, evenly dry, dishes put away, sink empty–”clear the decks” as my grandmother used to say. It makes me even happier when it’s time to start my dinner creations.
I’m happier when I am surrounded at the dinner table by my grandchildren, my mom, my daughter and her husband and my husband, not particularly in that order, eating food that came from the garden and from the water around us.
I am happiest at home when I see bugs. It reminds me that nature endures, even in light of the billions of pounds of pesticides sprayed every year in every corner of the earth.
I’m happy when I’ve cooked something that tastes amazing for my family, knowing that I made it from a collection of ingredients that are nothing by themselves, but wonderfully delicious when blended together. Working hard to find tasty recipes for my family is one way that I show my love for them.
“Count me in”
I’m happy when I see the first glimpse of green sprouting from the soil where I planted seeds for my fall garden. I’m happier when the plants grow & thrive under my care. I’m happiest when I am able to harvest produce from the seeds I have sown & prepare a fresh, healthy vegetable dish for my husband to enjoy with me.
reading by candle light on my porch on a cool evening….bliss
I am happier at home when I have the opportunity to be there. I am 65 and I currently teach nursing Monday through Friday and run a small gift shop on weekends. Going home creates an “awe” moment for me.
I am happier at home sitting in my back yard swing with a nice glass of sweet tea, watching the birds at the feeder, and enjoying the sounds of children playing in the neighborhood.
I’m happier at home when clutter is picked up and surfaces are clean. Would love to read Gretchen’s latest book!
Hanging bed sheets out in the sunshine on a crisp day, taking the time to make French Press Coffee, and having household items organized all make me happier at home. <3
I am happier with the humidity of our southern summer abating!
I’m happier at home when I make my bed.
I’m happier at home when I return from a trip or even just an errand and realize how lucky I am to have this much loved home to come back to.
I’m happy when the weather is cooler and I think about making soup and apple crisp. The yard gets a bit messy as the leaves begin to fall, and it just seems right to accept some messiness.
I’m happier at home because we now have hardwoods in all but the bedrooms — feels cleaner, easier to clean, such a difference!
Happiness is forgetting all the worries and woes of life while looking at my sweet baby boy’s smile.
I’m happier looking out of clean windows!
I’m happiest when on my walk I see so many wonderful things that usually we are driving right past on a daily trip to and from wherever. I love seeing what others have done in there yards. Birds of every species, honey bees( we see so few anymore)leaves turning color and just the smell of fall. Love looking forward to the warm cozy nights at home with candles. I love candlelight. These are just a few thoughts of what brings me joy. Now back to tending my shop which also brings me so much happiness. Have a happy day.
This sounds like a great book! Fingers crossed.
i’m happiest when i’m actively being grateful for something and/or appreciating beauty in any of its myriad forms
I like to get out an do something different! Change my perspective and delight in the new. I try to engage all my senses – eat something, look listen, feel and smell the air around me. Always puts me in a good mood! Or put the top down on the convertible, weather permitting, and blast some favorite sing-along tunes!
It makes me happy when I am able to come home to a clean house because it eliminates the frenzy of cleaning after a long day at work. In addition it makes me most happy when my little baby cat, Lucky Dawg, comes to greet me at the door with his adoring meows!
I read a comment somewhere about “when I feel down, I go out and do something awesome!” I spend a few hours a week in volunteer work, this is a true way to make happiness for all.
My happiest is boosted when I do something for someone else and myself at the same time. For me thats having some alone time in the kitchen, cooking or baking something for someone else while listening to a podcast of the “Splendid Table” from NPR.
I’m happiest watching my three terriers romp around the house — over the furniture, on the bed, across the sofa– and in our backyard.
Happiness is a warm 1973 ranch style home!
Going for a walk in an uncrowded area always makes me feel better!
I’m happy at home when the sun is out and the birds are chirping.
I’m happiest at home when my living area is neatly arranged, there is no paper clutter around, surfaces are cleared off, and I can sink into a comfortable chair and read a library book. Oh, and there’s a cool breeze gently coming through the screens.
I love this quote from Roald Dahl, it always makes me smile! “If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.”
I’m happy at home when I’m with my loved ones and we have all that we take for granted everyday: food, a roof over our heads, health and love.
I’m happy at home when I can turn off all “noise,” open the windows, and listen to the birds singing and my weeping cherry tree swaying in the breeze (as I am doing right now).
Open windows with a soft breeze wafting in, clean house, quietness.
Even if I don’t win, thinking I might need to go get this…AND her first one!
Any time I can spend with my husband doing the things we love, that makes me incredibly happy.
When work and commitments make that difficult, I love to knit for my family. The very act of turning string into a garment, plus knowing I am making something for a loved one, makes me pretty darn happy.
I find that gratitude is a huge step towards happiness. Perfect life? No, but I have been blessed in so many ways. A loving family and friends, a cozy midcentury home, a cuddly dog is just the beginning of the list.
Our home is like a tree house, we love the shared landscape, the trees, birds and the night sounds.
A simple happiness boost? A brisk walk in the very early morning when the world is quiet and it seems to belong only to you.
I am happiest enjoying something that makes me and whoever I am with happy; it could be something trusted or something new. Shared memories. The best.
I am happiest when my dog, Sammie, brings his rope to me so we can play!
I am happiest when sitting on the back porch in my rocker with my first cup of joe in the morning- watching the birds and squirrles admiring the best things in life that are free– for the looker and listener.
My little tip – keep a positive attitude. Look for the good and feel blessed with what I have.
How you start your day is your choice. Most days, I choose to start it with gratitude and a hope that I can make the best Monday, Tuesday, etc. possible. It doesn’t work every day and sometimes you have a day that is just plain crap. But it helps to know that I have control over my attitude–and people and the universe seem to respond positively.
My happiness is augmented when piles of backed up reading have hit the recycle box and I’m laying in bed with my dog and 2 cats = serenity!
Yes, this is mushy but it’s the absolute truth: Happiness for me is when I get home from work and am greeted by my dog & 2 cats. Just the sight of them flopping on their backs, hoping for a belly rub, makes me smile! Silly little creatures… just so happy to have mom give them a quick scratch on the belly or behind the ears before heading into the house.
I am the most happy when at home in our midcentury modern with friends and family enjoying Puget Sound. It always brings a smile to my face!
Amen to the joys of mid-century lifestyle!
One way that I get happy is making art with friends. I do it with my sisters when we meet for our week together in the summer, with my German family as we travel- we make postcards, handmade books and doodle on whatever paper we can find. And I schedule art dates with pals like you and take a regular class because no matter how crazy my life is, as long as I keep the valves open with warm juicy creative energy flowing through, I can handle anything. I love your site and this blog is just one other thing on a list of many that makes me happy. Happy Friday! xo S
To maintain happiness, I have to create or cultivate…daily. It can range from taking ten (or much more) minutes to knit, sketch, write a poem or a blog entry, bake or cook something, work in the garden or just spread out the blanket on the floor of the living room and have a heart to heart with my hubby while rubbing the tummy of my insatiable dog.
Happiness for me is hearing my 2 year old giggle. I will do anything to see her smile or hear her laugh. Love the title “Happier at Home.” So true. Home = family to me.
I’m happy when I come home and my two dogs come running, so happy that I’m back. I’ve been slowly updating my house and the success of small projects, like painting a room, always feels good.
Happiness is seeing my special needs son smile. His smile has always been a delight and now as his abilities fade due to his terminal illness the smiles are not as frequent…but when he does smile it fills my heart with happiness that can only be felt from that wonderful moment when he does smile.
Happiness for me is when I remember how much my husband loved me, and how happy he would be to know I am still living in our Cozy Little House. Sorry very sentimental today. The anniversary of his death is Sunday.
I’m happy just to be alive, not because I was in a life-threatening situation, or anything….I wasn’t. I’m happy to be alive so that I get to see the beauty around me in so many things….the birds at my feeders, the clouds in the sky as they change shape, the pinks and purples in a sunset. So many people (myself included, at times) are so busy with the everyday dealings in their lives that they don’t stop to notice all the little and beautiful things around them.
I am happy undulating on the swing bed in my summer room, watching the dance of the gardens, with the changing seasons….knowing soon I will have to move inside to the warmth of winter, as the dance continues through the window glass…as the dance of the garden never ends…Gloria Gene
Happiness is working on my house. I am almost finished replacing all the baseboard molding & trim. Today I replaced most of the switch plates. Yup, simple things make me the happiest!
Happiness, yes, love, family, sunshine, a good book, my pets, and all that… but lately happiness has also been retrorenovating my kitchen, hopefully soon to be able to share photos here!
I am happy staying at home working on our midcentury home. I love the rush after finishing a project be it big or small!
Weekends make me happy.
Amen sister!
Getting my fingers in some paint has always lifted my spirit. And blowing bubbles with my kiddos nothing makes their faces light up like bubbles!
After an incredibly frustrating day… there is something about getting the Bar Keepers Friend cleaner out and turning your kitchen sink into a shining masterpiece… All that scrubbing, wiping, and rinsing your cares down the drain and then the soothing drying motions with a soft towel till you are standing there tired and satisfied: Ahhh… somedays happiness is a shiny sink.
And if anyone dares to put a water spot on it within the next 5 hours they’re dead meat.
The changing seasons, my Boston terriers, my 4 kids, my husband, and my 1958 house all make me happy.
Having a house of my own would be wonderful…but I have my family and my two granddaughters to fulfill my life.
Only 3 months into my 1-owner, never upgraded 1959 ranch I am in piggy- heaven! Lots to do and lots to discover – long winters for the inside, and great summers for the outside. Check back in 10 years!
One thing that makes me happy is when I can control ambient sounds. To be able to choose what music I want to hear–or to make a conscious decision to accept whatever the ‘”shuffle” command brings my way–allows me to manage my mood and my energy level. Further the sounds of the water filters on my fish tanks gives me an incredible feeling of “rightness” and synchrony with the universe.
Happiness is a choice we make every day. Focus on the beauty and amazing around you.
For the past 2 years I have belonged to a CSA farm. Although just going there has boosted my happiness, discovering how to use veggies I had never before prepared and exploring many new recipes has definitely contributed to my happiness.
I’m happier at home when I remember to stop and go out in my yard at sunset to watch my 4 hens go to bed. It’s an unspoken code among them, when the light level has gotten just low enough, they come out from where ever they’ve been pecking, sort of line up & march into the coop. They fuss at each other about who gets to roost where, then get quiet and seem very content. Makes me smile every time.
I boost my happiness by taking a daily walk with my friends. A great way to start my day.
Happiest doing what I am doing tonight…canning homemade tomato sauce, made from heirloom tomatoes that I harvested from our garden today. With more to come. Whoo-hoo!
I’d love to win this book.
In the past 20 years, my career as an international teacher has taken me all over the world and just about every continent (Antarctica doesn’t have any American schools, alas).
Now that I’m back and living in the Midwest, I find that one way to love my home/city/state is to avoid, at all costs, the uber-conservative rhetoric that abounds, resonating through all the church people who just love to hate anyone who doesn’t accept their beliefs.
So, my remedy? Just enjoy my life and home and husband and family and ignore the jerks! My house is filled with the findings of back alleys in India, and Buddahs from Asia, and art from big cities, and gems and joys from all around the world. I LOVE that!
I’m happy when the air is cool and the yard is full of goldfinches feeding on the coneflowers and stick verbena.
Count me in
I’m happy when I begin a new creative project. And even happier when I complete the garment, quilt, or decor item that I made. Since I love vintage – I use my talent to make items to suit my unique style.
I would love the book! I live in a 98 year old home and would love to find happiness in it. To find happiness I usually spend time with furry friends such as my dogs! Its hard to be unhappy around a happy dog!
Acceptance is the way I boost my happiness.
Accept a grimy sink full of unwashed dishes, a trash can full to overflowing, and a hallway littered with dirty laundry as long as I live with my grown son and husband. Accept that these are my triggers: my chest tightens, my breathing stops, and I want to scream accusations.
Instead, breathing in acceptance allows me to chose to clean again or not, and for now I chose acceptance to live with these two who otherwise make me very happy.
I’m happy at home when he is vacuuming!
My home makes me happy. Even though it’s not quite up to my standards, it’s the place where my whole family belongs.
The way I find true happiness is this: Look within everything and everyone to find that solid gold nugget of GOODNESS. It is always there, no matter how deeply hidden. Find it and latch onto it, it will make your heart sing.
Always look for the good in people, things and situations.
When I sweep my kitchen floor before going to bed. Walking on a smooth, clean floor in the morning — no crumbs or mystery stuff sticking to my feet (small children in the house…debris coating the floor daily is a given) — makes it easier to transition into the day.
I’m happier when I hug someone and we’re both wearing wool sweaters.
I’m happy with a hot cup of tea on a quiet morning.
I’m happier at home as each season changes into the next. I enjoy the transition from season to season. In spring, I long for summer. In winter I pine for spring…
I have a little slip of paper from a fortune cookie which says “Don’t pursue happiness, create it”. Since retiring, I am creating my happiness by working in my garden, volunteering at a nature center and running the local library used-book sale. New friends, new plants, new books to read….that’s happiness for me.
I’m always happiest at home. It’s where I belong.
happier when i get to watch the bats feed-flying at dusk.
Happiest when I am outside . Seeing something in my garden that I missed and welcome. Happiest when I easily find where I put my socks . Happiest when someone helps me figure out where else to put my photos besides in my old free standing window panes of two french doors in the garden.
I’m happy at home when it is warm and cozy, I can open my windows for a little fresh air, and the smells of real foods are simmering somewhere!
Happiness = crossword puzzle and coffee in bed on Sunday morning with my significant other, the dog and the two cats. (The dog is adorable but she never gets any crossword clues right.)
I retired from teaching this year. Never knew a September to be so lovely, so peaceful, so full of new wonders. I love being at home.
I am so much happier when I am either gardening, cleaning, organizing, cooking, baking, crocheting, sewing, crafting, painting or just entertaining my friends and family in my fabulous home. My husband and I just finished our brand new living room and we are so very happy how great it turned out with all the hard work and determination to make it look just right!
I am most happy when I bring the clothes in from the line and inhale the beautiful fresh air as I push my nose into the materials, I love the roughness of each piece in my hands and their sweet intoxicating scent; have 2 trashbags filled with clothes to take to goodwill after I have just cleaned out my closet; see the just vacuumed livingroom; and when my cats and dogs curl up together in the winter months creating the fluffiest and most unique living fur quilt.
I am happy when I am able to grow, cook and eat home grown vegetables.
Home is where I am loved and accepted unconditionally – who wouldn’t want to be there?
I’m happy at home when I have my health and can enjoy my family.
I’m am so happy to see your emails in my box again. It reminds me to visit your awesome blog more frequently. With the busy that comes with young kids and school starting, I to remind myself that I should do something just for me once in a while. Love You RetroRenovation!!
Thanks, Laura, I’m tryin!
I am happiest when I am working on projects to restore our 1913 Bungalow (almost it’s birthday!!). Believe it or not, I really enjoy stripping the layers of paint off the beautiful woodwork of the doors, windows, base boards, book shelves, etc. Once I discovered the hiding wood, I was hooked! I’ve repaired the double-hung windows with the enclosed weights (even the TOP windows can be pulled down). This is despite the Poo-pooing of friends and relatives that we should discard them and replace with new. The acts of bringing our home back to it’s original state is a happy and fulfilling, never ending joy!!
I’m happiest at home in our 100 year old house. I tell people, ‘I live in the past and I’m very happy there’. Every day is a gift…enjoy it!
I am happier when I stop to just be. We get so caught up in our never ending to-do lists, chores, errands and schedules. Sitting in my back yard smelling the basil in my garden while watching my large willows sway in the breeze at sunset brings an undefinable calmness. Pausing for a moment, I can fully appreciate the beauty of Earth and be thankful for my own little piece of this world.
I have heard great things about Gretchen Rubin’s books, and would love to read this one!