10 things to make you happy

In an effort to try and chill out this year I want to concentrate on some of the things that make me happy.
If you've been feeling a bit down recently, I hope some, if not all of these will help you perk up a bit too. 

Some of the people/things that make me happy.

10 things that make me happy.

1. Exercise

This past week I have felt really down and have lacked motivation. But what I noticed that really picked me up was, exercise. I have started a new exercise class called Bunny Hop, which I go to once a week and I also go to two different Zumba classes each week. So no, not huge amounts of exercise but I still noticed the difference in my mood after each class had finished. We all know that exercise releases endorphins (happy hormones), so go out and exercise if you're feeling a bit down in the dumps. 

2. Cuddles with  my cats

It is no secret to my family and friends that I LOVE my cats. Just seeing them as I walk through the door after a tiring day at work brings a huge smile to my face. I am pretty much obsessed with them. My friend recently admitted that since she had her two cats, her and her boyfriend hadn't argued nearly as much as they did before. See, that is proof. Cats make people happy. Well I'm it is the same for any pet. So go cuddle your pet if you're feeling a bit low.

3. I love you texts

You might have been with this person for years but you still smile every time you see those three little words. Ok cringe, I'm going to stop now.

4. Spending time with my family

Seeing my family always make me happy. Visiting my nan, dad and siblings that live a hundred miles away from me and seeing my gorgeous nephew growing into a cheeky little man, always puts a smile on my face.

5. Spending time with my friends

Having a good old gossip, going shopping or going on a night out with my friends is truly the perfect recipe to get rid of a bad mood.

6. Making plans for my weekend (or days off)

Yes I know they seem like forever away and then when they do eventually arrive they go so fast. But if I make plans (even if it is to just chill and catch up with Breaking Bad) then I get excited at the just the thought of this. 

7. Pamper myself

I like to have a Sunday night pamper session and also try and fit one in mid week, usually hump day. It's such a great way to relax and have a bit of me time. Bubble bath, check. Magazines, check. Face mask, check. Ahhhh perfection.

8. Food

I love my food and I am always thinking about my next meal. I absolutely believe that food can make you happy but saying that it can make you sad as well. When you're feeling down and head for the ice cream, then just be careful not to have to whole pot, as then you will just end up feeling sick and even more depressed. It sounds so obvious but everything in moderation, that is the key. 

9. Flowers

I love flowers and I especially love receiving them from my loved ones. But if you're feeling a bit down, don't wait for someone else to buy you flowers. Just pick up a bunch when you're next out and they will definitely bring happiness to your day. Unless you have hay fever I suppose. 

10. Quotes

I love a good quote, whether it's from a movie, book or just something I have found on Pinterest. Uplifting and positive quotes really do give me inspiration and keep me feeling happy.

So I'm going to concentrate on doing all of these ten things as often as I can to keep me feeling happy.
What kind of things make you happy? 

Mars Bar Krispies

These Mars Bars Krispies are so simple to do and taste amazing! Lucy, my sister first introduced them to me probably about a year ago now and since then I have made loads. Yes they're simple but everyone I know loves them. Why don't you give it a try?!

So here's how you make them... 

Ingredients...

5 Mars Bars (chopped)

150g butter (cut into cubes)

100g Rice Krispies or Coco Pops (I use Coco Pops - more chocolate never hurts)

75g milk plain chocolate (break up into pieces)

Get started...

1. Use a 20cm square tin (or if you're like me just use any flat medium sized tin you've got lying around).
Rub small amounts of butter in each corner and in the middle of the tin. Then line the tin with cling film, the   butter will help the cling film stick to the tin and not slide around and the cling film will allow you to easily lift the krispies out when chilled.

2. Grab a heatproof bowl and place it over a saucepan of simmering water (don't let the base of the bowl   touch the water).

3. Add the chopped Mars Bars and cubes of butter into the bowl and stir until melted. If you're thinking it is taking ages to melt, don't worry give it time - but keep an eye on it.

4. Pour the melted Mars Bars and butter into a separate bowl and add the Rice Krispies or Coco Pops and mix until completely covered.

5. Spoon the mix into your tin, making sure you press the mixture into all corners and ensuring you have a flat layer.

6. Use the same heatproof bowl over the simmering water to melt the plain milk chocolate.

7. Once melted drizzle the chocolate over the krispies and ensure you cover the whole surface.

8. Leave on the side to cool down before placing in the fridge until set. I normally leave it in the fridge overnight, but if you just can't wait then just leave for a couple of hours.

9. Using the sides of the cling film, lift the krispies out of the tin and cut into squares, then serve on a plate and tuck in!

I have used BBC Food Recipes as a guide, see below for the link.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/chocolate_crispy_cakes_25316