Surprises and Prizes

I came back from New Jersey to quite a few surprises. 

First of all, when we left the Jerz, it was hella cold and windy, but there was no snow to be found.  The further north and west we drove, the more snow there was.  Actually, snow might be an understatement.  This was blizzard like.  We got home to snow up past my knees, with no signs of stopping.  It’s still snowing.  I am fairly certain it might never stop.  No joke.  Snow FOREVER. 

Done with the cold.  Done with the snow.

Someone who isn’t done with the snow?  Rufio.  In his little schnauzer world, snow is the greatest thing EVER.  He loves to jump up and try to catch flakes in his mouth, and loves to bark at it.  He also jumps into big piles, and makes little paths in the snow.  Something about it reminds me of a shark.  He’s just so ridiculously adorable.

Now he’s all bundled up in his camo sweater under a fleece blanket because he was shivering.  Poor pup!

Another surprise waiting for me came from the awesome people at Popchips!  This was sent to MA, but made it’s way to me finally!  I adore popchips and reviewed them way back in the early days of my blog.  I love potato chips, and love that these are a legitimate healtheir option (rather than those chips full of that olean stuff or whatever it is).  Plus their flavors are fantastic!  Thank you so much  Popchips!

I came home to another few surprises, but you’ll have to wait for me to share them because they deserve their own reviews.  BTDubs, one involved a giveaway (I love me my giveaways!)

One more surprise I want to share was a gift from the fabulous Leiba!  I had mentioned a few weeks ago that I can’t find kosher marshmallows anywhere, so she offered to send me a belated Chanukah gift!  I see a lot of hot chocolate in my future 🙂

Leiba also awarded me a bloggie award

Now I have to share 10 things that make me happy, do at least one of them today, and share the love with 10 other bloggers.  Here goes:

1. My family.  The family I have always been with, and my new family I married into.  The little family Solomon and I have made.  Solomon makes me so happy.  Knowing we will have a family of our own one day makes me really happy too!
2. Rufio: could he be any cuter?  SERIOUSLY.
3. Cooking and Baking: I LOVE being in the kitchen (can you tell).  It makes a bad day better, helps me be creative and is always fun for me!
4. My nephews and niece: They are amazing.  My 4 year old nephew Alex, and 2 1/2 year old Adam are both turning into incredible little people.  6 month old Charlie knows how to make me smile, and baby Vivien is so beautiful, and I can’t wait to meet her!
5. A good workout: Nothing better to start a day off well than by making my heart pump.  Whether it’s yoga, running, rock climbing, swimming or whatever I’m in the mood for, a good workout always makes me happy.
6. My friends: Where on earth would I be without any of them?  All of my friends (both in real life and via the blog) challenge me, make me want to be a better person and make me smile.
7. Red wine: I love red wine, love it.  Good stuff.  Love it.
8. A good book: There’s nothing quite like getting wrapped up in an amazing story.  Non fiction, fiction, mysteries, classics.  There’s not much I don’t love.
9. Travel: Even a day trip is enough to make me ecstatic.  I love seeing new places and exploring.  I want to see the world one day!
10. Nice shoes and purses: I could wear jeans and t shirts every day, but shoes and purses are what matter to me!  I unfortunately have expensive taste, and like to treat myself when I can.  When I’m in a bad mood, I’ll just put on a pair of my favorite shoes and they always put me in a good mood!

Weird list, huh?  Meh, what can you do?  Now it’s my turn to give this award.  I would love to give it to all of you, but I also want to make sure I take the time to recognize some blogs I really enjoy, some I have been reading awhile, and some are new to me!

1. Genesis
2. Nicole
3. Kalin
4. Jessica
5. Julie
6. Sana
7. Nicole
8. Chrysta
9. Meg
10. Lee

You ladies all inspire me in your own way, so thank you!

Don’t forget about the sweet Chocomize giveaway!

What makes you happy?  Have you gotten any surprises lately?