Things That Me Smile
Murphy makes me smile each and every day.
Just LOOK at that face!
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! 
Awwww!
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.
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.
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!
Lunch
Again, I made lunch in 0.2 seconds this morning, but it turned out much better than expected.
I started with these ingredients:
And ended up with a yummy chicken salad sandwich with celery and tomato in a whole wheat pita. Not too shabby!
My sandwich took just 30 seconds to prepare at my desk– and surprisingly, it didn’t make a mess!
Lunch also included a KIND bar and a Honeycrisp apple from my mom. Honeycrisp are my favorite type of apple! 
I can’t wait to go apple picking!
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.
POM Harvest Tour
So, I have some exciting news for you guys! I was invited to join POM for their inaugural Blogger Harvest Tour! 
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.
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.
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.
Question of the Day
What has made you smile today?
Tags: POM Harvest Tour
Rachael — September 29, 2009 @ 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!!
Food Makes Fun Fuel — September 29, 2009 @ 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!
Erica — September 29, 2009 @ 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
Allyson — September 29, 2009 @ 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
kalin — September 29, 2009 @ 1:57 pm
i’m babystting the cutest 2 year old in the world-that makes me happy!
Megzz @ Megzz Wins At Life — September 29, 2009 @ 1:58 pm
Newby Webs.. soooooo cute!!! I love fall!!
My kick butt run this morning is making me smile! and my boyfriend!
Cynthia (It All Changes) — September 29, 2009 @ 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.
Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers — September 29, 2009 @ 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.
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is — September 29, 2009 @ 2:01 pm
Those ‘newly webs’ are so freaking cute!!
Leah @ L4L — September 29, 2009 @ 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!
Julie @savvyeats — September 29, 2009 @ 2:04 pm
My fiance coming home after being out of town for a few days made me smile!
Lindsay @ bananaandchocolate — September 29, 2009 @ 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!
Runeatrepeat — September 29, 2009 @ 2:06 pm
Looking at your pic of Murphy makes me smile
Jenna — September 29, 2009 @ 2:07 pm
My boyfriend cuddling with Sunny while he was sleeping this morning made me smile. It was the cutest thing EVER.
Samantha — September 29, 2009 @ 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!
brandi — September 29, 2009 @ 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
Amber from Girl with the Red Hair — September 29, 2009 @ 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!!
Lauren — September 29, 2009 @ 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
KT — September 29, 2009 @ 2:21 pm
Where does the Pom Tour take place?
christie, honoring health — September 29, 2009 @ 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!
Lee — September 29, 2009 @ 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.
Tina — September 29, 2009 @ 2:27 pm
@KT: Fresno, CA.
Kat (Kat's Daily Plate) — September 29, 2009 @ 2:28 pm
The POM tour sounds awesome!! I’m so happy for you!
BTW, Murphy is the cutest dog ever….
Mari — September 29, 2009 @ 2:35 pm
OMG I love that picture of Murphy! he is so cute…
The leaves changing color made me smile this morning =)
MelissaNibbles — September 29, 2009 @ 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
Shannon — September 29, 2009 @ 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
.
Kathy — September 29, 2009 @ 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
natalie — September 29, 2009 @ 2:42 pm
too cute! love all the pictures.
Someone that made a really nice comment on my blog made me smile big today!
Whitney @ Lettuce Love — September 29, 2009 @ 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!
coco — September 29, 2009 @ 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!!!
Carrie — September 29, 2009 @ 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.
Rose — September 29, 2009 @ 2:51 pm
Very cool that you were invited to the POM tour. So exciting
I love the beginning of this post – so sweet.
Courtney — September 29, 2009 @ 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
Bree — September 29, 2009 @ 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).
Janna (Just Flourishing) — September 29, 2009 @ 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!
Megan (The Runner's Kitchen) — September 29, 2009 @ 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!
Nicole — September 29, 2009 @ 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!
Tasha - The Clean Eating Mama — September 29, 2009 @ 3:06 pm
Playing hide and seek with my little boy – he LOVES to find me!
Kristen @ frostingandfroth.com — September 29, 2009 @ 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.
Courtney — September 29, 2009 @ 3:20 pm
That picture of the guy holding the pomegranate reminds me of the Twilight cover!! And that makes me smile.
Melissa — September 29, 2009 @ 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!
chandra — September 29, 2009 @ 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
Ali (food, fitness, fashion) — September 29, 2009 @ 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.
Jenna — September 29, 2009 @ 3:35 pm
i also love fall and apple picking
such a great time of the year!
jenna
Susan — September 29, 2009 @ 4:00 pm
My son!!!
Jacqueline — September 29, 2009 @ 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?
Megan — September 29, 2009 @ 4:13 pm
This beautiful weather we are having in New Orleans today…the 70′s!!! Sunny & breezy…loving it
The Healthy Apple — September 29, 2009 @ 4:23 pm
OOO how exciting..I love POM..what a wonderful opportunity!!!!
I love this beautiful fall weather…it’s amazing!!!!
Amari — September 29, 2009 @ 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!
Maria — September 29, 2009 @ 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.
Sarah @ The Foodie Diaries — September 29, 2009 @ 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
Sabrina — September 29, 2009 @ 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
)
Buying new books made me smile!
rhodeygirl — September 29, 2009 @ 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!
Lynn (The Actors Diet) — September 29, 2009 @ 4:58 pm
my hubby and puppy make me smile too.
Cates — September 29, 2009 @ 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.”
Joy Winner-or-Winner — September 29, 2009 @ 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.
Emily (Healthy Fit Mama) — September 29, 2009 @ 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!
Stacey — September 29, 2009 @ 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!!
maria — September 29, 2009 @ 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!
Jessica (Sidewalk Theologian) — September 29, 2009 @ 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!
Emily — September 29, 2009 @ 7:11 pm
Your puppy is too cute for words!!
My husband makes me smile every day too!!
Emily — September 29, 2009 @ 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!
barbara — September 29, 2009 @ 7:53 pm
Finishing a tough as nails workout made me smile:)..so did my new “Stephanie Plum” novel:)
angieinatlanta — September 29, 2009 @ 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!
Britt — September 29, 2009 @ 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!
Joelle (The Pancake Girl) — September 29, 2009 @ 8:22 pm
Love your fall decor! Nice people on the subway made me smile today.
Meghan — September 29, 2009 @ 8:31 pm
That Pom event looks amazing! I had my annual review at work today and that was smile worthy
Christy — September 29, 2009 @ 8:51 pm
my run as made me smile!! & the nice, breezy weather
that pita w/ celery & such looks delish!
skinnyrunner — September 29, 2009 @ 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.
back to the nest — September 29, 2009 @ 9:02 pm
This got me super excited for fall!
Lizzy — September 29, 2009 @ 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
BroccoliHut — September 29, 2009 @ 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?
Deb — September 29, 2009 @ 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!
bobbi — September 29, 2009 @ 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!
Bridget — September 30, 2009 @ 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!
emily — September 30, 2009 @ 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!
Pam (Highway to Health) — September 30, 2009 @ 12:00 pm
Cute pictures!! That chicken salad looks phenomenal!
Laura@FindingAHealthyBalance — September 30, 2009 @ 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