How To Be Happy

There’s a novel idea! Be Happy. Easy enough to say isn’t it? I’ll tell you a little secret that most people either don’t know or don’t believe. Here it is. Each and every morning that you wake up take a moment to decide, right there and then, what kind of a day you would like to have.

That’s it. You can actually decide or choose to be happy. Set the tone of the day right away before something happens to deter you from your goal. Once you have made the decision, stick with it.

Something happened to me the other day that almost knocked me off my feet. If I hadn’t already decided to have a great day I would have been really peeved. (Mildly put, of course.) I was about to explode when I looked at the situation from another point of view and loudly proclaimed, “HAH”. That sounded enough like a laugh to force me to say it again and again until I was actually laughing.

Needless to say, that really took the sting out of the situation. Laugh your tears away. It gets rid of them for good.

If you pause for a moment and think of sitcoms on TV that make you laugh and think again about YOU being in that very same scene having the catastrophe happening to you, you probably wouldn’t laugh at the time. BUT, you might laugh later in the telling of the story.

I love well done slap-stick. One of my favorite movie scenes from “My Cousin Vinny” is when Vinny, played by Joe Pecci, gets out of his convertible after spending the night sleeping in the car in the rain. This was the morning of the day that he had to appear impeccably dressed in front of the judge. Needless to say as soon as his foot came out of the car it landed in a huge mud puddle. For a second he was airborne and then landed flat on his back in the mud. I fell off the couch laughing so hard.

To make matters worse, when he tried to stand up he only flipped over face first in the mud so there wasn’t a clean speck on him. The only way to avoid dieing on the spot is to laugh long, loud and hard at yourself. I would be willing to wager that they had a grand time filming that segment.

Before you pooh-pooh the whole idea, try it. It only has to work once, even for half a day, for you to try it again. What’s the alternative? And why, in the name of heaven, would you purposely choose a rotten day?

Be brave. Take a stand. Why get yanked around by a chain that someone else is holding and pulling? If you are here living a life you may as well enjoy yourself. It’s been said that laughter is the best medicine. It is the cheapest and is guaranteed to make you feel better.

I don’t know about you, but, I’m having a great day! I woke up on the right side of the grass.

2011 Wedding Trends

The expected 2011 wedding trends have recently been released from The Knot. Here, I share their top 11 trends for 2011:

1. Prohibition-Era Elegance: The most stylish new show is Boardwalk Empire and brides are noticing. From dusty nudes and lace dresses to wing-tip men's shoes, couples are falling in love with the dapper fashion of the 1920s. And it wouldn't feel like the Prohibition without alcohol. Couples are serving "moonshine" and Prohibition "bathtub gin" in their very own speakeasy bar, all while guests dance the night away to jazz music.

(Love this ideas? Consider renting the Speakeasy lounge in Janesville, WI for your wedding celebration.)

2. The Redefined Princess: With a royal wedding around the corner, Kate Middleton is going to alter what princess style is all about. Steer away from the ball-gown skirt, the new princess silhouette will be body-skimming but with a bold train. Add statement-making headwear such as a tiara and cathedral-length veils. Princess details such as sophisticated sequins and beading will be showing up on everything from the wedding dress to floral arrangements and the cake.

3. Sultry Ballerina Style: This look is inspired by Black Swan. Feature the look in feathered headpieces, shredded fabrics, airy plumes, and a color palette of pale pink and black.

4. Ivy League Chick: Preppy chic is back in a big way, seeping into everything including wedding style. Brides will be channeling their inner Blair Waldorf (Gossip Girl) or Ali MacGraw (Love Story). The style will peep through in chic details such as plaids and stripes.

5. Exotic Indian Inspiration: From Katy Perry's Indian wedding and Eat, Pray, Love, India will be the "it" country for wedding inspiration. This inspiration will translate through vibrant color palettes such as purples, reds, and golds; lavish decor elements like beading and rich drapery; and exotic, spicy dishes.

6. Wedding Man Caves: Blackjack tables, brandy bars, PlayStations, and stogies. The man cave has officially moved from the home to the wedding. Expect to find male guests in the new "groom's corner" at the reception.

7. Pre-wedding PJ Parties: Before the big day, brides will be planning a night of pampering and bonding via slumber parties, complete with matching PJ's.

8. Food Truck Fun: The desire for gourmet food trucks has seeped into weddings. Brides will be embracing this by requesting makeshift sidewalk carts during the cocktail hour or food trucks for the wedding after-party.

9. Haute Desserts: Blame it on the popularity of Top Chef: Just Desserts, Amazing Cakes, and Cake Boss. Desserts and wedding cakes will be taking center stage with unique gourmet flavors.

10. Video Guest Books: Building on the popularity of "wedding photo booths", wedding guests can expect confessional-style video booths as the newest way of wishing well to the happy couple. After the wedding, the couple will easily be able to share the creation online via YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.

11. Surprise Honeymoons: Couples will be taking a cue from Chelsea Clinton's wedding and have the groom plan a surprise honeymoon.