Planning trips makes me happy. For reals, research says so.

I absolutely love to plan trips. I love researching new destinations, endlessly googling "things to do in ___________", and finding my next place to explore.

Researchers in the Netherlands found that taking a vacation boosts happiness, but the actual planning part of the vacation is what raises happiness the most. Interestingly, post peaceful vacations, people do not prove to be more satisfied. The anticipation of a vacation is what truly makes us happy. On average, we have increased happiness for the 8 weeks leading up to a vacation. Thus, The research concludes that planning several small trips during the year rather than a large trip will increase our happiness the most. So get out there and start taking some long weekends!!!

This fall off-season, I have several small trips planned: A weekend in SF to go to Treasure Island Music Festival and do some wedding planning with Jenna, a weekend in NYC to attend the International Hotel Show, and a short road trip to Pheonix to visit Ashley! I can't tell you how excited I am!!!

Best prank!!!

This prank made me smile!!!!! I love it when good things happen to good people!! Her reaction to the last "prank" was my favorite part.

Wedding Bliss

Weddings are one of my favorite things in the world. Mainly, because I love to plan extravagant events. But also, because they're adorable, emotional, and great parties!

I was the maid of honor in a wedding and attended a wedding of a Cornell friend this summer. Both ceremonies were absolutely beautiful in their own unique ways. I think both couples are gonna make it for the long haul :) These are a few of my favorite shots from their magical nights...

Father daughter dance, sunset across the ocean.

College trio... aren't the lights and decorations amazing?!

Highschool BFFs.

Lovers getting married in an Apple Orchard, surrounded in flowers.

Happy quote

With freedom, books, flowers, and the moon, who could not be happy?

Oscar Wilde

Cute Little Kids

I was sitting at the park listening to music, eating pad thai, enjoying views of the mountains, and totally zoning out when the cutest little girl came up to me and just stood right in front of me. She stared at me smiling. I immediately started laughing, and she did too. Apparently she thought I was her aunt. Over the next 25 minutes she kept running away from her mom, who was attending a wedding reception nearby, to come over to talk to me. We exchanged high fives, I explained that I was not her aunt, and we became funny friends. I can't believe how much she made me laugh. I love cute kids.

Snapped a pic of my new lil friend during one of her escapes from her mom.

Happy Quote

I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it.

Groucho Marx

I'm Cheesy

After writing my first blog post in months, I reread all my old posts. I realized I'm REALLY cheesy. It's kind of embarrassing. But then again, this a happiness blog, and it's hard not to be cheesy... so I'm just going to keep embarrassing myself.

Also, although I've written about it before, I definitely encourage you to write down your happy thoughts! Rereading my old posts made me so happy and laugh so hard. What's better than being able to relive all kinds of things that have brought you joy? Moreover, by writing down your positive thoughts, you focus on the positive things that happen in your life more.