Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 01:53 PM

Things That Me Smile

Murphy makes me smile each and every day.

Just LOOK at that face!

IMG_8097

My husband also makes me smile everyday. He’s a goofball and we’re both kids at heart, so it usually doesn’t take much for us to laugh!

He’s also handsome, so that helps too! ;-)

IMG_6982

Awwww!

IMG_6988

My autumn decorations also made me smile today. Fall is my absolute favorite time of the year. I love apple picking, cider donuts, vibrant foliage, all things pumpkin, and celebrating both my mom’s and sister’s birthdays during the fall.

How cute are these “Newly Webs”? My mom bought them for Mal and me last year. It’s my favorite decoration.

DSC_0003.JPG

Breakfast

I scored some Pumpkin Flax Granola at the BlogHer Food conference, so I was excited to give it a try– as soon as possible! I mixed it with Chobani yogurt and a fresh sliced peach.

DSC_0010.JPG

Mal made the most delicious-looking iced coffee this morning, so I just had to have one too. Even though I’ve made the “switch” to hot coffee, some mornings are just iced coffee mornings!

DSC_0012.JPG

Lunch

Again, I made lunch in 0.2 seconds this morning, but it turned out much better than expected.

I started with these ingredients:

IMG_8105

And ended up with a yummy chicken salad sandwich with celery and tomato in a whole wheat pita. Not too shabby!

IMG_8108

My sandwich took just 30 seconds to prepare at my desk– and surprisingly, it didn’t make a mess!

IMG_8106

Lunch also included a KIND bar and a Honeycrisp apple from my mom. Honeycrisp are my favorite type of apple! :-D I can’t wait to go apple picking!

IMG_8114

I’m blogging at the Cafe Gato Rojo, so I purchased a pot of Vanilla Rooibos tea. I’m becoming quite a fan of tea lately.

IMG_8115

POM Harvest Tour

So, I have some exciting news for you guys! I was invited to join POM for their inaugural Blogger Harvest Tour! :mrgreen:

POM has invited a small number of bloggers to get a glimpse of the POM Wonderful World in Fresno, California during the peak of pomegranate season and harvest.

Harvest

On the trip, we’ll get to tour the orchards and the fruit processing and juicing plant, and enjoy a special dinner, which will, of course, include pomegranates.

Harvest Alt

Obviously, I’m super excited about the opportunity to visit the POM orchards and share my experience with the blog world. I’m actually sort of a dork and read the POM marketing book, Rubies in the Orchard, back in April, so I know how difficult it is to harvest pomegranates and turn them into juice. So, now I’m really looking forward to seeing firsthand what the process is all about.

P.S. Rubies in the Orchard is a great read, especially if you’re interested in learning more about brand marketing. There’s some pretty awesome stories inside.

row of pomegranate trees

Question of the Day

What has made you smile today?

Posted by: Tina 78 comments

Posted in: Uncategorized

Tags:

78 Comments on “Things That Me Smile”

  1. #1 Rachael Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 1:53 pm

    That POM blogger harvest tour sounds awesome! Congrats!

    And now I want some chicken salad :)

    Hey, we have the same computer!

    With regard to the question of the day: My hot cup of tea on this chilly rainy morning made me smile :) As did your blog. Love it!!

  2. #2 Food Makes Fun Fuel Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 1:53 pm

    I’ve been eyeing that granola on shelves for weeks now ever since the kind people at Nature’s path said they’d send some for me to sample and review. I can’t wait till it comes in!

  3. #3 Erica Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 1:54 pm

    Such a great reminder of all the wonderful things in life. Both of your guys are adorable! Things that are making me smile today: Josh, Frank, Coffee, the thought of running after work

  4. #4 Allyson Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 1:55 pm

    Murphy kills me! That dog is so freaking cute!

    Baseball is making me smile today! Though I’ve got to get through this double header with the Twins – being a hardcore Tigers fan is stressful! hehe

  5. #5 kalin Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 1:57 pm

    i’m babystting the cutest 2 year old in the world-that makes me happy!

  6. #6 Megzz @ Megzz Wins At Life Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 1:58 pm

    Newby Webs.. soooooo cute!!! I love fall!!

    My kick butt run this morning is making me smile! and my boyfriend!

  7. #7 Cynthia (It All Changes) Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 1:59 pm

    Today my doggies made me smile too. I woke up and they were both still in bed with me. Usually the get up when Hunni gets up and go watch the news with him but they lounged in bed with me until I got up late. Such cuties.

  8. #8 Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 2:00 pm

    i love the newly webs! how adorable! :) that pic of murphy is so stinkin’ cute. my dog also makes me smile everyday… so does sitting down to a nice dinner w/ my bf at the end of a long day at work.

  9. #9 Jessica @ How Sweet It Is Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 2:01 pm

    Those ‘newly webs’ are so freaking cute!!

  10. #10 Leah @ L4L Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 2:03 pm

    -Comments on my blog make me smile every time.
    -My fiance makes me smile. Every single day.
    -Watching the Biggest Loser makes me smile! I love seeing people accomplishing their goals, and even surprising themselves!

  11. #11 Julie @savvyeats Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 2:04 pm

    My fiance coming home after being out of town for a few days made me smile!

  12. #12 Lindsay @ bananaandchocolate Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 2:05 pm

    The POM Harvest Tour sounds very cool!

    I love the newly webs! Adorable!

    My dogs make me smile each and every day. This morning they were running around playing together and it made me so happy to see how much they love eachother!

  13. #13 Runeatrepeat Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 2:06 pm

    Looking at your pic of Murphy makes me smile :)

  14. #14 Jenna Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 2:07 pm

    My boyfriend cuddling with Sunny while he was sleeping this morning made me smile. It was the cutest thing EVER.

  15. #15 Samantha Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 2:07 pm

    I can’t say anything has really made me smile big today. Been a pretty mediocre day. Haven’t seen the BF yet, so maybe tonight I will get a smile in…..Correction, reading your blog makes me smile!

  16. #16 brandi Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 2:13 pm

    Murphy is too cute!

    That POM tour sounds amazing!

    Things that make me smile today:
    my husband
    good leftovers for lunch
    picking up some things for a fun blogger package :)
    gorgeous fall weather

  17. #17 Amber from Girl with the Red Hair Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 2:14 pm

    My kitty running around the house and acting silly this morning made me smile AND laugh!

    This blog post – love your cutie pup!!

  18. #18 Lauren Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 2:19 pm

    Aw, those pictures of Murphy and Mal are too cute. Precious!

    Much like you, my boyfriend and my puppy also made me smile today. So did a new photo of my 2-month-old niece. In addition, a pair of Tori Burch heels that I ordered last week arrived today, and made me smile very brightly :)

  19. #19 KT Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 2:21 pm

    Where does the Pom Tour take place?

  20. #20 christie, honoring health Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 2:25 pm

    Aw, that cute little picture of Murphy sure made me smile!

    Very exciting about the POM tour, I hope you have fun!

  21. #21 Lee Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 2:27 pm

    My Murphy (a golden retriever) and my (soon to be) husband make me smile too. We have lots in common, Tina!

    Also, the fact that it’s finally Fall in Atlanta and I’m wearing boots.

  22. #22 Tina Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 2:27 pm

    @KT: Fresno, CA.

  23. #23 Kat (Kat's Daily Plate) Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 2:28 pm

    The POM tour sounds awesome!! I’m so happy for you!
    BTW, Murphy is the cutest dog ever….

  24. #24 Mari Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 2:35 pm

    OMG I love that picture of Murphy! he is so cute…

    The leaves changing color made me smile this morning =)

  25. #25 MelissaNibbles Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 2:35 pm

    Wow Tina! Your life is so exciting! Enjoy the tour.

    I moved in with my boyfriend two months ago and coming home to him everyday has made me smile :)

  26. #26 Shannon Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 2:35 pm

    The POM tour sounds so exciting!

    Cooler weather has finally found it’s way to Florida (as in low 80s, ha) and that’s made me smile today! Also, your blog makes me smile. You seem like such a genuinely nice person, Tina :) .

  27. #27 Kathy Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 2:40 pm

    Ok, so I am more of a cat person but seeing a picture of Murphy makes me want to get a dog. He is so adorable :)

  28. #28 natalie Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 2:42 pm

    too cute! love all the pictures.
    Someone that made a really nice comment on my blog made me smile big today! :)

  29. #29 Whitney @ Lettuce Love Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 2:43 pm

    Hearing from my little sister today makes me happy! She has been in such a bad mood recently but I think she has snapped out it, finally!

  30. #30 coco Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 2:44 pm

    you announcement of going to the POM tour made me smile because I was invited too and I’ll finally meet you!!! :D

  31. #31 Carrie Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 2:47 pm

    How did you make your chicken salad? It looks so yummy! Seeing both my baby boys first thing this morning made me smile. And to end my day with smile, I love seeing how excited they are to see me when I pick them up at school and daycare.

  32. #32 Rose Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 2:51 pm

    Very cool that you were invited to the POM tour. So exciting :)

    I love the beginning of this post – so sweet.

  33. #33 Courtney Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 2:52 pm

    Murphy def. made me smile!!! All the sweet comments and emails I have been getting regarding completing my first triathlon have been making me smile so big the last few days!

    Courtney
    Adventures in Tri-ing

  34. #34 Bree Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 2:55 pm

    I need to go home and out out my fall decorations!

    The POM tour does sound exciting, can’t wait to read about it.

    Today I smiled looking at my wedding photos that we recently got back (we got married 8/28).

  35. #35 Janna (Just Flourishing) Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 2:57 pm

    You officially have the cutest little pug I’ve ever seen. He makes me smile.

    What else makes me smile? Delicious food and waking up to a sunny day.

    That’s so exciting about POM! I’m jealous!

  36. #36 Megan (The Runner's Kitchen) Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 2:58 pm

    Oh man, if I had a pug like Murphy I’d be smiling too! Love this positive post :-)

    My yummy pb-honey-banana sammie made me smile today. Especially since I brought it from home and didn’t spend extra $$ on lunch!

  37. #37 Nicole Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 3:00 pm

    What a great post! I’d have to say seeing my husband walk in the door today. He’s always in such a great mood and knows how to make me smile. Also, my bowl of hot oatmeal with chia seeds. And of course, my yoga class this morning. Yoga always puts me in a good mood!

  38. #38 Tasha - The Clean Eating Mama Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 3:06 pm

    Playing hide and seek with my little boy – he LOVES to find me! :)

  39. #39 Kristen @ frostingandfroth.com Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 3:13 pm

    That picture of Mal with Murphy definitely made me smile. :-) So cute! Besides that, seeing my husband’s smiling face this morning, my sweaty workout at the gym, and an e-mail from a friend have also incited smiles.

  40. #40 Courtney Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 3:20 pm

    That picture of the guy holding the pomegranate reminds me of the Twilight cover!! And that makes me smile. :)

  41. #41 Melissa Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 3:20 pm

    When my Welsh Corgi turns his head from side to side while I’m talking to him. I feel like he really understands what I’m saying.

    Plus I ALWAYS smile after finishing a run…no matter what the distance was!

  42. #42 chandra Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 3:21 pm

    My friend/marathon training partner helped me answer the question, “Why should you be chosen for this position? What sets you apart from other applicants?” Her response (in reference to me) brought tears to my eyes and a smile to my face… and gave me an answer to put on the app! LOL

  43. #43 Ali (food, fitness, fashion) Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 3:34 pm

    I received this e-mail from my friend Kara today:
    ” Want to know something crazy? The guy who invented the Chi is running for governor of Texas. I don’t think he has any political experience, but his hair looks great.”

    It made me laugh out loud, I have been going through a difficult time the past couple days and it was the first time I laughed/smiled in almost two days.

  44. #44 Jenna Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 3:35 pm

    i also love fall and apple picking :) such a great time of the year!
    jenna

  45. #45 Susan Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 4:00 pm

    My son!!!

  46. #46 Jacqueline Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 4:11 pm

    I live just outside of Fresno…if you plan on doing a meet up please let me know…I’d love to meet you! Also what day is the event?

  47. #47 Megan Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 4:13 pm

    This beautiful weather we are having in New Orleans today…the 70’s!!! Sunny & breezy…loving it :)

  48. #48 The Healthy Apple Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 4:23 pm

    OOO how exciting..I love POM..what a wonderful opportunity!!!!
    I love this beautiful fall weather…it’s amazing!!!!

  49. #49 Amari Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 4:25 pm

    Wow what a great opportunity that will be to get to witness first hand the harvesting on pomegrantes! How fun! The weather in Chicago is starting to get that crisp fall feelign in the air as well, its almost too cold to make smoothies anymore! I have resorted to hot coffee, soups, and tea. Where do you go apple picking? That sounds like so much fun!

  50. #50 Maria Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 4:47 pm

    My hubs always makes me smile. Others: smell of fall, photos from Blogher Food, emails from friends/family, and comments on my blog.

  51. #51 Sarah @ The Foodie Diaries Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 4:50 pm

    Those POM pics are gorgeous! I’m so jealous that you’re going on the tour! And Murphy makes me smile too haha

  52. #52 Sabrina Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 4:51 pm

    Thanks for posting about the POM book. I work in marketing and am always searching for new reads to better myself. I just bought it on Amazon… along with Outliers: The Story of Success. It’s WAY to easy to buy from Amazon, geesh :o )

    Buying new books made me smile!

  53. #53 rhodeygirl Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 4:58 pm

    Ahhh I want newly webs too! Where did she get that? TJ’s???

    I have really wanted to read the POM book but haven’t gotten to a bookstore. I heard it has some great marketing strategies as well. Am I correct?

    Happy Tea Day!

  54. #54 Lynn (The Actors Diet) Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 4:58 pm

    my hubby and puppy make me smile too. :)

  55. #55 Cates Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 5:04 pm

    Congrats on the successful blog presentation last night! I’ve been toying with the idea of starting a blog for ages, mainly because I enjoy your blog and others like it so much. I wish I could have been there, but I don’t live in Boston. :-)

    What made me smile today? A kid at work who wanted to show me his computer work during “reward time.”

  56. #56 Joy Winner-or-Winner Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 5:32 pm

    I love how you captured the essence of nature and the beauty of fresh produce. You may want to check out my peice on health bars if you eat them frequently.

  57. #57 Emily (Healthy Fit Mama) Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 6:36 pm

    Great lunch! It doesn’t get much easier than that.

    The sound of my 6-month-old baby girl laughing made me smile today! :-D

  58. #58 Stacey Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 6:43 pm

    Waking up next to my long-distance boyfriend visiting from Seattle made me smile. Drinking a hot mug of coffee made me smile….
    And that was just the beginning!!

  59. #59 maria Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 6:57 pm

    How cute are those photos of Mal and Murphy? Awww! I love this post, too. Such a positive way of thinking.

    *newly webs*… cheesy but adorable!

  60. #60 Jessica (Sidewalk Theologian) Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 6:58 pm

    Homemade tomato soup for dinner with my son, a good run this morning and my newly painted bright red finger and toenails for fall!

  61. #61 Emily Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 7:11 pm

    Your puppy is too cute for words!! :)

    My husband makes me smile every day too!! :)

  62. #62 Emily Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 7:45 pm

    Your puppy is too cute for words!! :)

    My husband makes me smile every day too!! :)
    P.S. – Sorry, forgot to tell you great post!

  63. #63 barbara Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 7:53 pm

    Finishing a tough as nails workout made me smile:)..so did my new “Stephanie Plum” novel:)

  64. #64 angieinatlanta Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 8:07 pm

    I love tea right now too! I think it’s because drinking it makes me feel lady-like, which does not happen very often!

    My students make me smile every. single. day. even when they are little boogers!

  65. #65 Britt Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 8:11 pm

    I’m loving my Sweet Almond tea right now from Portsmouth Tea Company, so delicious!

    We had a meeting today on our annual giving, it made me smile to know that I can get a match from my company and make my donation dollars go even further! :)

  66. #66 Joelle (The Pancake Girl) Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 8:22 pm

    Love your fall decor! Nice people on the subway made me smile today. :)

  67. #67 Meghan Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 8:31 pm

    That Pom event looks amazing! I had my annual review at work today and that was smile worthy :)

  68. #68 Christy Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 8:51 pm

    my run as made me smile!! & the nice, breezy weather :-D

    that pita w/ celery & such looks delish!

  69. #69 skinnyrunner Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 8:59 pm

    congrats on being asked to be involved, how fun!
    my puppy made me smile today too, so stinkin cute. and frozen yogurt, my new obsession. yum.

  70. #70 back to the nest Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 9:02 pm

    This got me super excited for fall! :)

  71. #71 Lizzy Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 10:06 pm

    congrats on goin to the POM event! that sounds like such a great time! :)

    Posting an Operation Beautiful note made me smile today :)

  72. #72 BroccoliHut Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 11:11 pm

    So jealous of that Honeycrisp apple…and your adorable pug! I just want to give him a hug:)
    What’s your favorite KIND bar?

  73. #73 Deb Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 11:35 pm

    The photo of the two of them- precious. Smile? A funny post on abbyhasissues from yesterday. So funny I included it on my post today- funny photos of food art- amazing and hilarious!

  74. #74 bobbi Reply to this comment
    on Sep 29th, 2009 at 11:40 pm

    ok so how do I get asked to to go to something so amazing?! That Pom festival sounds amazing!!! Lucky Lucky girl :) Oh and yes the doggy and hubby are too cute!

  75. #75 Bridget Reply to this comment
    on Sep 30th, 2009 at 7:32 am

    I’m right there with you with all things Fall!! Murphy makes me smile too :) Went apple picking last weekend and it was perfect!
    That is so awesome about the POM tour!!! Congrats!

  76. #76 emily Reply to this comment
    on Sep 30th, 2009 at 8:35 am

    Murphy’s picture made me smile. I just want to smoosh that little face!
    Man, I wish we had apple picking here. I think the deep south misses out on so much fall fun stuff. It sounds like fun!

  77. #77 Pam (Highway to Health) Reply to this comment
    on Sep 30th, 2009 at 12:00 pm

    Cute pictures!! That chicken salad looks phenomenal!

  78. #78 Laura@FindingAHealthyBalance Reply to this comment
    on Sep 30th, 2009 at 1:35 pm

    Your Pug is adorable!!! =)

    Also, love the web……..Halloween is so fun!

    Yummy, Pita sandwich, I am going to try that next week.

    =) Laura @Finding A Healthy Balance

Leave a Comment