A Very Happy Life

MY BLOG IS MOVING!!

2009-12-02T16:03:00.004-06:00

Hey everyone! I have decided to try out Tumblr as my new blog host. Blogspot has been great but I think that Tumblr will be an easier platform to blog from, which means more posts from me and more flexibility in what I can post!

I will continue to keep this website up and running, but from now on please follow me at averyhappylife.tumblr.com.

Thanks so much for your readership and please be sure to update your bookmarks!

xoxo, Lauren

Monkey Love

2009-12-01T12:00:00.000-06:00

{via}

C'mon guys! Let's go play!

2009-12-01T11:55:00.000-06:00

"Love Me Baby" by Johnny "Guitar" Watson

2009-12-01T11:52:00.000-06:00

Cute animal post for 12.01.09

2009-12-01T11:50:00.000-06:00

{via}

Sinusoidal Door

2009-12-01T11:47:00.001-06:00

"This door by the architectural firm Matharaoo Associates is designed to resemble a sine wave. Now in the home of a diamond merchant in Surat, India, the door measures 5.2m high and 1.7m wide and is made from 40 blocks of teak. Thanks to 160 pulleys and 80 ball bearings, it pushes open easily, despite its weight. More pictures at the link." {via neatorama}

2009-12-01T11:46:00.000-06:00

“I can choose either to be a victim of the world or an adventurer in search of treasure. It’s all a question of how I view my life.”

- Paulo Coelho (Eleven Minutes: A Novel)

2009-12-01T11:44:00.000-06:00

{via}

Fabulous pillows

2009-12-01T11:42:00.001-06:00

Pillows by Rachael Cole. Shop here. Found here.

To celebrate my "Blogiversary" (I just made up that word), I thought I'd re-post my favorite video of all time.

2009-11-30T16:39:00.002-06:00

I just don't think this ever gets old! Cheers to a year of cute animals (and other stuff)!

TODAY IS MY BLOG'S 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!

2009-11-30T16:36:00.003-06:00

I started this blog one year ago today. I started it because I was bored at work and kept reading other people's blogs to pass the time. When I began, I never thought I'd keep up with it very long but it's already been a full year!

Thanks for continuing to read my random thoughts and happenings and findings from the web. I really enjoy keeping this thing and I hope you enjoy reading it! xoxo, Lauren {pic}

2009-11-29T15:43:00.000-06:00

{via}

So I just got home from Sephora and I bought the Bare Minerals starter kit.

2009-11-29T15:39:00.004-06:00

Have any of you ever used Bare Minerals (the brand)? What do you think? I'm still skeptical about all the steps and the process, but I'm hopeful that the result will look even and natural. Anyone tried the stuff? Do you like it?

pic 1, 2

My mom went shopping last week and after unloading her goodies, I came back in the room and discovered Muffin like this. She wouldn't get out!

2009-11-29T15:35:00.009-06:00

2009-11-29T15:28:00.000-06:00

{via}

Maru the Cat performs a magic trick

2009-11-29T15:27:00.001-06:00

2009-11-29T15:24:00.001-06:00

“On the whole, the happiest people seem to be those who have no particular cause for being happy except that they are so.”

- William R. Inge

Cute animal post for 11.29.09

2009-11-29T15:20:00.001-06:00

Hold me closer tiny ~~dancer~~ drummer.

{via}

Do The Wave

2009-11-29T15:18:00.003-06:00

{via}

Kenyan contortionist Lazarus Gitu

2009-11-29T15:16:00.001-06:00

This is really freaky. {via}

"Sick Feelin' Blues" by Gary Clark Jr.

2009-11-29T15:10:00.002-06:00

Cute animal post for 11.28.09

2009-11-28T17:46:00.000-06:00

{via}

I already love the Avett Brothers, but their new hilarious music video for "Slight Figure of Speech" makes me dig them even more.

2009-11-28T17:43:00.003-06:00

The Avett Brothers - Slight Figure Of Speech - watch more funny videos

2009-11-28T17:41:00.001-06:00

“When you live your life with an appreciation of coincidences and their meanings, you connect with the underlying field of infinite possibilities.”
- Deepak Chopra

The cutest animal video I've seen in a LONG time. AAAHHH!!!

2009-11-28T17:30:00.002-06:00

Days like today make me forget it's fall. It's 70 degrees and gorgeous out! Although I think the rain and dreary days are expected back tomorrow.

2009-11-28T17:28:00.002-06:00

{via}

The Muppets do Bohemian Rhapsody. Amazing.

2009-11-27T19:53:00.001-06:00

Cute animal post for 11.27.09

2009-11-27T15:54:00.000-06:00

{via}

I'm going to see the Band of Heathens tonight at Momo's and I'm quite excited about it.

2009-11-27T12:21:00.003-06:00

I love their Americana sound.

Cheers to good live music in Austin!

Thanksgiving is over already?!

2009-11-27T12:05:00.001-06:00

I wish it wasn't only once a year. I love Thanksgiving food.

{via}

2009-11-27T12:04:00.000-06:00

"If it’s the beaches’ sands you want
Then you will have them
If it’s the mountains’ bending rivers
Then you will have them
If it’s the wish to run away
Then I will grant it
Take whatever you think of
While I go gas up the truck
Pack the old love letters up
We will read them when we forget why we left here”

- The Avett Brothers, If It’s The Beaches

"9 Steps Down" by Band of Heathens (live at the Kerrville Folk Festival)

2009-11-27T11:58:00.000-06:00

National Geographic's International Photography Contest 2009

2009-11-27T11:41:00.008-06:00

Here are just a few of this year's entries:

See more in full size here, or the full lot at National Geographic's website here.

Who else is feeling a little like this today after the carbo-loading feast of yesterday?

2009-11-27T11:11:00.002-06:00

I know I'm still feeling pretty gluttonous.

{via}

2009-11-26T11:35:00.002-06:00

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday! I know I have a lot to be thankful for, including all of my awesome family and friends who read this blog! xoxo, Lauren {pic}

2009-11-26T11:31:00.000-06:00

{via}

2009-11-26T11:30:00.001-06:00

{here}

Cute animal post for Thanksgiving, 2009!

2009-11-26T11:26:00.000-06:00

{via}

2009-11-26T11:25:00.001-06:00

(That's so not true. I don't even like the turkey. I'm here for the side dishes and rolls!)

{via}

Happy Thanksgiving, Charlie Brown!

2009-11-26T11:24:00.001-06:00

I wish this wasn't an ABC commercial. Sorry 'bout that!

I think I need this type of shoe warmer.

2009-11-25T18:36:00.000-06:00

{via}

Cornell Hurd Band

2009-11-25T18:29:00.002-06:00

My cousin Allen is the sound engineer for the Cornell Hurd Band, an Austin honkey-tonk group that is the perfect music for some good old-fashioned two-steppin'. Tonight I'm off to Jovita's to hear the band and spend time with my family that are in town for Thanksgiving! If you ever get a chance, you should check out the Cornell Hurd Band. They're a bit of a motley crew, but they put on a good show!

My new chair

2009-11-25T18:24:00.002-06:00

The "Wassily" chair by Marcel Breuer was designed in the 1920s at the Bauhaus in Germany.

Although I don't currently have a home to put the chair in, nor is it exactly my design style, I couldn't resist this chair when my mom found it for a steal at a friend's moving sale. I think once I get settled in somewhere, this chair could be a very cool statement piece. What do you think?

Read more about the classic Wassily chair here, or check it out on DWR's website here.

"Sea of Heartbreak" by Roseanne Cash ft. Bruce Springsteen

2009-11-25T18:22:00.000-06:00

Cute animal post for 11.25.09

2009-11-25T18:19:00.000-06:00

{via}

I love this.

2009-11-25T18:17:00.001-06:00

The three wise monkeys always remind me of my grandmother who also had a thing for them. I think this updated version is pretty cute.

{via}

2009-11-25T18:15:00.001-06:00

“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.”
- Dalai Lama

If Earth had rings like Saturn...

2009-11-25T18:13:00.000-06:00

here, via

2009-11-24T23:45:00.001-06:00

{via}

"November Rain" by Guns N' Roses

2009-11-24T23:43:00.001-06:00

Luckily the rains this month have stopped... for now.

2009-11-24T23:42:00.000-06:00

“Love life and life will love you back. Love people and they will love you back.”
- Arthur Rubinstein

Cute animal post for 11.24.09

2009-11-24T23:40:00.000-06:00

{via}

The most incredible gymnastics I've ever seen

2009-11-24T23:34:00.003-06:00

All Japan Gymnastics Championship.

Even if you aren't a fan of gymnastics, I recommend watching this video in its entirety. It's an incredibly impressive feat of athleticism and skill! I just can't get over how amazing it is.

{via}

Well, Helloooooooooo!

2009-11-23T19:05:00.000-06:00

{via}

2009-11-23T19:04:00.000-06:00

{via}

2009-11-23T19:03:00.000-06:00

{via}

The McCarty Nephews

2009-11-23T18:51:00.010-06:00

Yesterday we celebrated an early Thanksgiving with the McCarty clan and it was so much fun seeing the three nephews interact. Despite a few hiccups during the day, it was an overall wonderful holiday and the boys were precious!

Hot air lanterns at the Chiang Mai Yi Peng Festival (Buddhist holy day in Thailand)

2009-11-23T18:49:00.001-06:00

I bet this was beautiful to see in person.

via

2009-11-23T18:46:00.002-06:00

{via}

2009-11-23T18:46:00.001-06:00

“Be kind to unkind people - they need it the most.”
- Ashleigh Brilliant

Cute animal post for 11.23.09

2009-11-23T18:43:00.001-06:00

{via}

"Pinball Wizard" by The Who

2009-11-23T18:12:00.000-06:00

Oh Fats Domino, so sad but so true!

2009-11-23T18:10:00.001-06:00

“A lot of fellows nowadays have a B.A., M.D., or Ph.D. Unfortunately, they don’t have a J.O.B.”
- Fats Domino

In response to Elizabeth:

2009-11-23T15:11:00.004-06:00

Your post made me realize I hadn't checked PostSecret yet this week. And guess what? I saw a familiar face too! Haha. Our group is too cool for school.

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

2009-11-20T13:55:00.002-06:00

I'd love it if someone went and painted the sky blue for me today.

{here}

Baroo?!

2009-11-19T21:37:00.001-06:00

{via}

"Come To Jesus (acoustic)" by Mindy Smith

2009-11-19T21:35:00.000-06:00

2009-11-19T21:23:00.000-06:00

{via}

Pow! Pow!

2009-11-19T21:22:00.001-06:00

2009-11-19T21:11:00.000-06:00

“The most important thing is to enjoy your life—to be happy—it’s all that matters.”
- Audrey Hepburn

Cute animal post for 11.19.09

2009-11-19T20:59:00.000-06:00

{via}

How well do you know your words?

2009-11-19T20:44:00.002-06:00

Below is a link for a quiz to test your knowledge of the most commonly used words in the English language. I was amazed I wasn't able to guess all 100 in the allotted time. In fact, I was only able to get 72 of them. How do you fare? QUIZ HERE. {via} {pic}

2009-11-18T15:02:00.001-06:00

{via}

Good luck, Jeffrey!

2009-11-18T14:23:00.001-06:00

Jeff's on his way to a very important interview in Houston right now. Please send good thoughts his way! It would mean the world to us both!

2009-11-17T22:46:00.000-06:00

“The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, nor to worry about the future, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly.”
- Siddhārtha Gautama

Cute animal post for 11.17.09

2009-11-17T16:50:00.000-06:00

Itty bitty puppy stretch!

{via}

"Crazy (Acoustic cover)" by Shawn Colvin

2009-11-17T16:47:00.001-06:00

This cat is obviously not amused by freaky-double-jointed-hind-leg-splits action.

2009-11-17T15:45:00.002-06:00

"Case of kitten curiosity for Taylor officer"

2009-11-17T09:48:00.002-06:00

By David C. Doolittle (Austin-American Statesman)

"...Keith Urban, an officer with the Taylor police department, had an unusual run in with a kitten during a traffic stop a few weeks ago on County Road 112 near the Taylor city limits, the Taylor Daily Press reported.

During the stop, which occurred in the driveway of an old farming lot, a kitten prancing in the field around the stopped vehicle begins playing with Urban’s ankles, eventually climbing up his side and onto his shoulders. After Urban gently drops the curious kitten to the ground, the cat again climbs Urban’s pant leg, making it again to Urban’s shoulders and tries to get on his head.

While giving the driver a ticket, Urban drops the cat to the ground and moves it away with his foot..."

Read full article here. Thanks to Jeff!

Let's catch up on the past couple of days.

2009-11-16T21:31:00.009-06:00

First off, I spent all day today in Houston babysitting my best friend's 9-week-old chocolate lab puppy. Poor Mr. Clunkers is really sick right now with Kennel Cough and since Ellen and Cal had to be out of town today and couldn't leave him alone, I went down to stay with the little dude.

Isn't he just precious?! He has the DEFINITION of puppy dog eyes!

My lovely friends!

2009-11-16T21:19:00.004-06:00

The whole gang on Saturday at Sarah's wedding. Sadly, three of our lovely gals couldn't make it into Austin because of delayed flights in NY, but we'll all catch up together over Xmas!

Saturday was so much fun! :)

It finally feels like fall!

2009-11-16T21:14:00.005-06:00

The weather has finally cooled down significantly and it's really starting to feel like fall. Yesterday my nephew celebrated by playing in piles of leaves in the front yard. He was precious running through them and tossing them in the air all around him!

Kissy, kissy

2009-11-14T16:12:00.001-06:00

{via}

I absolutely adore hydrangeas.

2009-11-14T16:11:00.000-06:00

{via}

I'm in a romantic mood today.

2009-11-14T16:10:00.002-06:00

Going to weddings will do that to you.

{via}

Off to a wedding tonight!

2009-11-14T16:06:00.003-06:00

Our friend Sarah is getting married tonight and I expect it to be a very lovely affair. I just love weddings. You get a reason to get all dolled up, get some free champagne, and get to dance. I'm excited!

"Comes Love" by Billie Holiday

2009-11-14T16:04:00.000-06:00

Cute animal post for 11.14.09

2009-11-14T16:02:00.000-06:00

{via}

2009-11-14T15:58:00.000-06:00

“We can only learn to love by loving.”
— Iris Murdoch

Happy Friday the 13th! Anything spooky happen to you today?

2009-11-13T10:31:00.002-06:00

{via}

Sickly Sweet

2009-11-12T20:53:00.002-06:00

{via}

2009-11-12T20:53:00.001-06:00

{via}

2009-11-12T20:51:00.000-06:00

“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.”
- Roald Dahl

Cute animal post for 11.12.09

2009-11-12T20:44:00.000-06:00

{via}

Trey McIntyre Project

2009-11-12T20:33:00.002-06:00

Jeff took me to see the Trey McIntyre Project at Bass Concert Hall last night and it was amazing! The tickets were my birthday present a couple weeks ago and it was so nice just having a night out at the theater. The Trey McIntyre Project is a contemporary ballet company and last night they showcased four extremely unique and provocative mini-ballets. I definitely recommend checking them out if the TMP comes to a city near you!

Here's a short clip I found of the first act from last night called "Like A Samba." It was my favorite act in terms of movement and music. I only wish the clip below was longer and got to the more dramatic lifts and solos later on in the piece!

A patriotic bunny for Veterans Day

2009-11-11T15:57:00.000-06:00

{via}

"So Easy To Love" by Billie Holiday and Cole Porter

2009-11-11T15:27:00.001-06:00

This looks like a nice place for a nap

2009-11-11T15:26:00.000-06:00

{via}

2009-11-11T15:24:00.000-06:00

“Contemplation often makes life miserable. We should act more, think less, and stop watching ourselves live.”
- Nicolas de Chamfort

2009-11-11T15:23:00.000-06:00

{via}