I have really come to love the NPR app on my iPhone. My weekend usually consists of a lot of kitchen time, and I don't think I would nearly enjoy it as much without a playlist of NPR programs and my trusty Jambox (both featured below, naturally). One of my most-played programs, after Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me! of course, is Pop Culture Happy Hour -- a weekly podcast that dives into various topics round-table style. I love Linda Holmes, the host, and the cameos from a myriad of other NPR personalities. What I love the most, however, is that they close this show with each host declaring what has made them happy that week. It's a small moment, one that reminds me that there are endless sources of joy out there. So, as I update my blog and prioritize the type of content I'll be sharing here, I decided what is better than my own weekly happiness.

I'm somewhat of an internet addict, so there will be plenty of links here-- maybe viral videos or articles I loved-- but also some other sources of happiness. I can't wait to share the recipes we try, the wine I just finished, the shirt I keep wearing or the show I can't stop watching. I'll try to come up with three or four things a week; but this being the first post of this nature, I have quite a few, off the top of my head, that I must share. I hope this inspires you to take stock of the moments each week where you find yourself smiling. I can't wait to hear what's making you happy, as well.

1. As mentioned above, the NPR app for iPhone (also available for Android and other devices) is my favorite thing. I love that it updates weekly with the latest episodes of my favorite programs, but I also enjoy streaming my local NPR station live. I have also used this app to find the call numbers for local NPR stations while driving through other states (nerd alert?)
2. Going hand-in-hand with my podcast obsession is the BIG Jambox by Jawbone. I've had this since last Christmas, but it occurred to me, since I have never really done a "favorite things" post, I haven't officially announced my feelings for this Bluetooth speaker. Let me tell you, I fucking love this thing. I really cannot tell you how often it is used, how phenomenal it sounds, how long the battery lasts, or just how convenient it is to not have to find a cable every time I want to connect. Even if it's the smaller model, you should really get yourself one of these. Your days spent in the kitchen will never be the same (gone are the days of an iPhone in a coffee mug to amplify its sound!)
3. I'm a bit behind here, but Hello, Ladies on HBO is hilarious. Like, really funny. Like, watch the whole season in one Sunday funny. Trust me. 
4. Fun fact about me: I was a Bath and Body Works sales associate in college! I worked at the BBW in Boston's Downtown Crossing for quite a few years, occasionally working at the Loop in Methuen when I was home on school break. I spent pretty much whatever I made at the store and other Limited Brands ventures (Victoria's Secret errythang!) but it was still quite an enjoyable experience. One of my biggest product affinities that I still carry with me to this day is a love for their candles. Once known as White Barn Candle Co., Bath and Body works has always carried some of my most favorite scents. Also, these candles are vegetable-wax-based, which makes them burn evenly and not turn the glass gross and black while in use. Upon my most recent trip to BBW, yesterday, I discovered it was their first ever buy-three-get-three-free-sale on everything in the store. Naturally, I can home with six mason jar candles in various holiday scents. As I type this, my real-Christmas-tree-less home smells of delightful pine (or "fresh balsam," if you will) and I couldn't be happier. Other favorites are the Twisted Peppermint, currently going in my kitchen, and Sparkling Icicles, which smells super-clean, acting as a nightlight in my bathroom. These last a while and put out a ton of scent for their small size.
5. When I was debating launching a blog a few years ago, I did my fair share of "research" first-- also known as stumbling upon as many food and lifestyle blogs as possible and taking notes on what I loved, what seemed to work, and which ones I wanted to visit time and time again. One blog that I continue to visit regularly is Bon Appétempt. This site features beautifully shot photos and videos of delicious things, many of which author Amelia wouldn't have dreamed of being able to make a few years ago. Her progress in the kitchen gives me hope for myself. And while I have yet to try and shoot any cooking videos, Amelia is inspiring me in that regard, too. (Stay tuned in 2014, if you will?) She is absolutely hilarious, with a deadpan delivery and intentionally lackadaisical demeanor. I loved watching every one of her YouTube videos.
6. I have recently been on a big plain t-shirt kick. Once upon a time I had very limited t-shirts in my dresser without a logo or some sort of screenprint on it. Perhaps I'm growing up, or it's just a shift in the trend-tide, but lately it seems I cannot have enough soft, oversized (like, can facilitate-leggings-as-pants-because-my-butt's-covered oversized) logo and tag-less t-shirts in my closet repertoire. I have picked up one of these Mossimo tees almost every time I have been through Target lately, and cannot stop wearing them. They are super, super soft and the length is fantastic (I have bought larges for aforementioned ass-covering purposes) without the shirt being super-baggy for that size (I am, IMHO, not a large, but this doesn't look like I'm wearing my boyfriend's shirt or something equally unflattering.) Also? Lately they've been marked down to, like, $7. I spend more than that on a latte sometimes. Practically free! Buy it! NEXT!
7. Say what you will, but I still enjoy watching SNL these days. Usually I will throw it on in the background while I do some work, only to be pleasantly surprised by a sketch or two. One of my most favorite things Kristen Wiig used to do on the show was the "weird sister" with the huge forehead and little hands. She recently made a cameo to resurrect that character and I was so amused and delighted that I watched this entire episode hoping she'd show up again (she didn't, but that doesn't make the cold open any less hilarious.)
8. Finally, as with the Jambox, I realized lately that I am quite the consumer (my roommate recently remarked that I am "single-handedly keeping the economy going") and I have plenty to say about some of my more substantial purchases. I bought this printer (the Canon MG6320-- in white, which is gorgeous) a few months ago as I was really sick of never really having tangible photos (and having to print everything from recipes to boarding passes at the office). The Pixma has been a game changer. I am suddenly doing things like printing labels and magnets, and filling every empty frame around with photos-- photos that print as clearly as they appear on my MacBook with vivid color and tons of detail. If you're a photographer or just general crafty person, this is a fantastic investment you will use more often than you imagine.