Lifestyle | Live Happy

Young couple watching a movie in theater.

5 Must-Watch Movies for the Holidays

Movies inspire and entertain us. They bring us together and keep us laughing (or crying) on a dark winter's day when it's too cold to go out and play. One thing good movies can also do is show us character strengths—those virtues or qualities that define us as individuals. The VIA Institute on Character has defined 24 character strengths—such as bravery, humor and integrity—which all of us have but use to varying degrees. This holiday season, try watching movies with friends and family and then talk about what’s most meaningful to you, or debate the best virtues of each character. 1. Frozen Since this is now officially the most popular animated film of all time, you’ve likely seen Elsa’s efforts to handle her “frozen” powers and Anna’s journey to save Elsa. What most people seem to miss is the “power” of Anna’s character strengths. We all can learn from Anna’s bravery and perseverance as she goes off into the wilderness, faces down wolves, the bitter cold and the unknown to save her sister. Anna is driven by the strength of love, as well as other strengths like fairness, teamwork, zest and curiosity. 2. Groundhog Day This unique comedy portrays an ungrateful, mean-spirited weatherman who finds himself trapped, repeating the same day over and over. Like a bad dream, he’s caught in the same routines and daily irritations, with no ability to do anything about it. It’s not until he begins to live fully and engage his strengths that he awakens from his autopilot experience. Look for the character strengths of gratitude, love of learning, kindness and curiosity. 3. The Blind Side Leigh Anne Tuohy’s strengths of authenticity, bravery and persevering kindness are on full display as she helps a young man who has been cast aside by society. She uncovers his suppressed talents and hidden strengths, bringing him into her family and loving him like her own son. She creates an environment for him to flourish and helps him navigate educational systems that would otherwise have failed him. 4. It’s a Wonderful Life It’s hard to imagine a holiday season without this cherished classic, which film experts call the single “most inspiring movie” in film history. The popularity of this film and its hero, George Bailey, has to do with its four key messages: It’s never too late to improve yourself; be grateful for what you have; prioritize family/friends; and when in doubt, be kind to your neighbor. Look for those and for George’s many character strengths such as forgiveness, perseverance, hope and kindness. 5. Joyeux Noel (Merry Christmas) While not for the entire family, this French drama tells the unbelievable true story of Scottish, French and German soldiers who call a truce and cease-fire on Christmas Eve during World War I. When the soldiers step across enemy lines and share family photos and champagne, we are reminded of the human connection we all share. Our own strength of wisdom builds as we see there is a common humanity that transcends even the horrors of war. Look for the character strengths of kindness, teamwork, fairness and perspective/wisdom. Ryan Niemiec is the Education Director at the Via Institute on Character, and co-author of Positive Psychology at the Movies and Movies and Mental Illness.

Lifestyle

Jewel: Pieces of Her

Jewel’s childhood was spent in the wilderness of Homer, Alaska. The singer/songwriter spent much of her teens traveling along the west coast, playing music to survive. Her career began to take shape in San Diego in the 1990s, while she was living in her van. Now, two decades later, the multi-platinum megastar has enjoyed years of well-earned success, the adoration of millions, and an amazing life story to share. This past fall, she released two of her most personal works yet: her back-to-her-roots album “Picking Up The Pieces” (featuring a can’t-miss duet with Live Happy cover girl Dolly Parton) and her long-awaited memoir, Never Broken. We spoke to Jewel about her ups, her downs, and how her life might inspire others to find their own smile. Live Happy: Was writing your book a way for you to set the record straight on many of the misconceptions about your life that have surfaced over the years? Jewel: I didn't do it so much to set the record straight. I've never really had a chip on my shoulder one way or another. … I did it really because I'm very, very aware of how much people hurt in the world and I think there are things we can do about it. I think people are waiting for permission from other people to live happy lives, and the only people we need permission from is ourselves. Live Happy: Obviously, your life is now somewhat of an open book, literally. Going back to the days when you were out struggling on your own, did you feel more guarded? Jewel: Shame lives in silence and it drowns you. The only antidote to shame is communication, and so I just started saying everything I was afraid of, that I thought was bad about myself. I started writing songs about it and singing in the coffee shops in San Diego, and a very bizarre thing happened. People didn't laugh at me or shun me. I felt peace and they felt peace. They felt the exact same way as I did. Really it was about the empowerment of being able to be honest about who and what you were with all of your flaws and allow yourself to be seen. If you're kidding yourself about what your fears and your shames are, you're not actually going to be able accept change in your life. I think that's a critical thing. I think people should share. I think people should have real debates about what's happened in their lives instead of being shamed and trying to hide it. Live Happy: How has the idea of happiness changed for you as you evolved from upstart artist to successful star? Jewel: I was just as aware when I was a kid that happiness is a learned skill, I think, and that some houses don't nurture happiness. When I moved out at fifteen, I started something called my happiness journal where I was going to figure out how to be happy, but it only makes you examine what happiness means because it's a very blanket statement. … For me I think a lot of times people think happiness is like a continent. They're like, "I found Europe, and I'm never leaving now that I found Europe." It's not like that. It's fleeting, and that's what makes it beautiful. There's nothing constant in our lives, and if you can't accept that you're going to be miserable because you have emotions in the same day that all switch between happiness and anxiety and fear and trepidation and courage. It's the mixed bag that makes us feel alive. I like that; I can handle that. I like noticing when I am happy just doing very simple things. In my book I talk about creating a home for happiness. You have to create an environment for happiness to live in your life. You can't have a disorganized, stressful environment in a home life and expect happiness to come. I really do talk a lot about building the foundation for happiness. Live Happy: When people read your book, will they be surprised by some of the events that made you happy? Jewel: The highest times in my life were always simultaneously the lowest times in my life, that’s a kind of strange thing about me. The heights of my fame were actually some difficult years personally. I think that will really surprise people reading about that. I think my lows, like being homeless, were the most fertile and educational times for me. I still really draw a lot from what I learned to turn my life around. I don't have any bad memories of it, and the main takeaway for me is just that the human spirit can endure a lot and you're not broken. Your soul isn't a teacup that breaks. You're intact, and it's really learning how to let go of the wounds and the damage that's happened to you, but it doesn't break you. It's more like an archaeological dig back to yourself. I really don't believe you're broken. I hope a lot of different survivors would read the book and agree. Gerry Strauss is a journalist specializing in entertainment and pop-culture features. He has interviewed everyone from actress Mayim Bialik to pro wrestler Paul “Triple H” Levesque.

Lifestyle

Lori Loughlin Leads With Her Heart

Lori Loughlin’s wholesome on-screen persona is more than just a role she plays. A fan favorite on the ’90s hit sitcom Full House—still popular in reruns today—the wife and mom of three is just as comfortable making dinner and cleaning clutter from her closets as she is starring in her Hallmark Channel series When Calls the Heart and as a leading lady in television movies like Northpole 2. (Look for her on spinoff Fuller House on Netflix in 2016.) Happy at the core “I’m a happy person at my core, and I’ve always tried to surround myself with people who make me laugh,” Lori says. “My husband makes me smile, giggle and laugh out loud. As a result of seeing us laugh and genuinely enjoy each other, we’ve raised happy kids, who have what I hope is a positive and realistic outlook.” Lori says she’s been blessed with a happy, healthy family and a successful career. But that doesn’t mean every day is sunshine and roses. When things get rough or don’t go exactly the way she wants, she takes a timeout. “I tend to see a glass half-full. So I step back to take a deep breath and try to focus on all the positives in my life.” Her grandmother’s remedy also helps. “It sounds so cliché, but I really love to rely on my grandmother’s answer for everything: Have a nice cup of tea,” she says. “There’s nothing like taking 10 minutes to separate yourself from the noise and quiet your mind. Every woman deserves to give herself that break now and then.” Just keep talking To guide her kids, Lori has stepped into a familiar role. “I use the same technique as my mom. She just kept talking to us,” she says. “As a teen, I was completely annoyed and thought, ‘Yeah sure,’ when she would talk about the same things over and over, sometimes in different ways. Now as a parent I can see she was totally right to never let there be radio silence when it comes to the important issues as well as staying connected.” Even if her own kids roll their eyes or seem uninterested, Lori doesn’t stop talking. “I don’t talk at them; I talk to them. Even if I’m white noise, just like my mom occasionally was with me, at least I know even a little bit is getting through.” Since family is her No. 1 priority, the secret to her professional success is choosing projects her children and their friends can watch. “I certainly don’t judge anyone who makes a different decision, but for me, happiness at work has come from taking roles I’m not embarrassed or ashamed to have my kids or my parents see,” Lori says. “Staying true to my heart has been what’s comfortable and what fits for me.” Managing a full house Household must-have: Furry friends. “We have a golden retriever, Bianca. We used to have two but lost one last year to cancer. I love my furry girl so much, she brings me—the whole family—so much joy. I’ve always had dogs and don’t know how I would exist in a household without pets.” Toughest parenting challenge: Social media. “When I was a kid if someone passed a note that was derogatory, it could be destroyed. It’s not like that for kids today. It’s a hard lesson for kids to learn—and for parents to watch—that anything you text, tweet or post on the Internet is permanent, and those mistakes and messages last forever.” A full heart: “I don’t think any of us ever dreamed Full House would have such staying power and tremendously loyal fans. It’s fun to be walking down the street and have a 7-year-old come up to me and call me ‘Becky.’ There is a whole new generation of viewers, and I’m truly blessed to have been part of that show.” Read more: Balancing a Full House Gina Roberts-Grey is an award-winning writer based in upstate New York.

Lifestyle

Take a Peek Inside Our December Issue!

Hello, Dolly! Dolly Parton does everything with joy and gratitude, from singing on-stage at the Grand Ole Opry to celebrating the holidays at home with her extended family. Meet the real Dolly—the one who grew up the fourth of 12 children under tough circumstances but always knew she was loved and blessed. She has a new television show being made of her early life, and she couldn’t be more pleased. The Gift that Changed My Life We all love giving and getting a gift. But have you ever received a gift that actually changed your life? As the holiday season approaches, nine individuals (some well-known, others just regular folks) reflect on gifts that did more than lift their spirits or decorate their homes—they actually changed their futures. Wrap it Up! Speaking of gifts, every year we all spend hours scouring our brains trying to figure out what to get Aunt Linda or Dave at the office. We’ve got you covered this time with a special section of adorable, happy gifts for under $15 and another two pages of gifts under $30. You will find something for everyone—from your UPS guy to hard-to-please Cousin Louise! Much more Forgive to Flourish Why you may need to bury the hatchet—even for grievous wrongs—for the sake of your own physical and emotional health. Building on Friendship Learn about a heartwarming and selfless act of friendship that occurs when one woman finds she is in need of help. Holiday Cookies with a Healthy Twist Who says cookies have to be a guilty indulgence? Try these three recipes that include healthy, mood-boosting ingredients for delicious treats that leave the guilt behind.

Lifestyle

Make Halloween Way More Fun

Halloween has become everyone’s favorite non-denominational holiday—kids and adults alike. It’s a time for everyone to get creative with costumes and decorations, eat too much candy and have lots of silly and scary fun.What if you could take that fun up a notch? Here are a few ways to increase your fun factor this Halloween. Enhance Halloween happinessWatch some (age-appropriate) scary movies with your family.Decorate your yard with ghosts, gravestones, spider webs and skeleton bones.Take a walk with your kids and enjoy the Halloween decorations in your neighborhood.Fill up that candy dish at the office.Go to a pumpkin festival and get some pumpkins to carve out or paint with your kids.Be the house that kids rememberDon’t you love to see kids get wide-eyed, gasp, or say, “Mom, look what I got!” Be that house.Hand out rubber bouncy balls that look like eyeballs along with your candy.Get into the spirit by dressing up yourself to entertain the trick-or-treaters.Buy some motion-sensor decorations like skeleton heads that talk; you will hear the kids shrieking with laughter (and a little fun fear).Make some spooky snacksForget black and orange cookies from the supermarket. On Pinterest, homemade spooky snack ideas abound. We’ve got many of them for you on LiveHappy’s Pinterest page. Enjoy making the creepy treats with your kids and indulging a little.And Halloween-themed drinksIf you are having a party, create a punch “cauldron” bubbling with dry ice, whip up some Candy Corn punch or Halloween spirits for the adults.Be a kid again and make your Halloween more fun. What’s your best tip for a Happy Halloween? Share away. We’d love to hear from you in the comments section, below, or on Facebook or Pinterest.Sandra Bienkowski worked as the national columns editor forSUCCESSmagazine for three years, and is widely published in print and on the web. See more about Sandra at The Media Concierge.

Lifestyle

6 Edible Gifts to Give With Love

During the holidays, making homemade treats to give to friends and family—or to that UPS guy who carries heavy packages to the top of your stairs—captures the spirit of the season. But with nearly endless to-do lists, time can get away from you. If you want to give something from your kitchen but don’t have the luxury of time, focus on easy DIY recipes that deliver on flavor, and try our foolproof packaging ideas to make it festive.In short? Forget about making hand-stamped wrapping paper and three kinds of complicated chocolate bark (unless that’s your specialty). Thoughtful giving is the point, not perfection! The best part of this whole idea? You’ll delight those around you and have time and patience to spare—a surefire way to end up with the happiest holidays ever.1. Go granolaWho wouldn't want to receive the gift of an easy, delicious breakfast? Homemade granola is foolproof to make (okay, just don’t forget to set the oven timer) and easy to package in self-sealing jars, which are practical, pretty and ideal for reuse.2. Quick breadsAnother great option is baking quick breads with decadent flavor twists that suit the season: cinnamon pumpkin, zesty orange studded with walnuts or double chocolate with dried cherries. To wrap a loaf, use parchment paper (it’s wider than waxed paper and folds more effectively), tie with kitchen twine, and attach a rustic craft paper label.3. Savory rubsBig batches of hand-mixed seasoning make a terrific gift that lasts long past the holiday. Whether it’s a spicy jerk rub, a flavorful barbecue blend, or a delicious Mexican fajita seasoning, your handiwork will draw oohs and ahhs when the fragrant spices are opened. It’s just the thing to help friends make an everyday meal of ribs, steak, chicken or fish into a finger-licking good dinner. Spice jars (think five ounces) are generously sized but not so large you can’t fill them to the top—if you’re feeling ambitious, nestle three together in a handsome rectangular basket.4. Holiday cookiesSugar cookies with festive sprinkles are a delicious classic but can be brittle and easily broken. As an alternative, try buttery shortbread or almond biscotti, which are sturdy enough to survive any hand-off and keep well in the pantry. Nestle the treats in tins lined with parchment simply tie them with a ribbon. Or, if your kiddos are budding artists, take advantage! Making high-quality custom stickers featuring a holiday drawing or photograph is easy through online vendors, and they make an adorable way to decorate tins.5. Delicious snacksCandied pecans with a touch of cayenne, whole almonds with fresh herbs, cashews with salt and chili powder—the only sure thing about snacks like this is that you’ll be asked to make them again! Package simply in mason jars or look for rectangular tins with hinged lids; the type with a clear window on top will show off your mouthwatering recipe. Savory popcorn salts are also an easy gift. Make a trio of options, like cinnamon sugar, savory herb and spicy Cajun, and package them in small ribbon-tied tins.6. Sweet toppingsIf you happen to have a stockpile of homemade jam in your pantry, package it for the ideal handmade gift. If not, don’t fret! Delicious dessert sauces, like hot fudge or even homemade Nutella (chocolate-hazelnut spread), offer another excellent option. Simple recipes are easy to find online, and making them takes a fraction of the effort of canning. Plus, they taste absolutely decadent! Package it in small clear glass jars with ribbon attached at the neck, and be sure to label whom it’s from so your handiwork doesn’t get lost in the shuffle.Kate Chynoweth is a former editor at Chronicle Books and Girl Friday Productions, and was the food editor at Pittsburgh Magazine. She has written several books on food and lifestyle, including The Bridesmaid Guide.

Lifestyle

The History of Smiley

It’s hard not to smile when you see this cheerful face. Since its creation in 1963, Smiley has become one of the most recognizable symbols in the world. How did it come about? In an attempt to boost low employee morale at the State Mutual Life Assurance Company of America, Harvey Ball, a young freelance graphic artist, was commissioned to find a solution. According to his son, Charles Ball, it took Harvey roughly 10 minutes to draw Smiley, and he was paid $45. Reflecting on his iconic creation later, Harvey said that a “smile is what we want to see when we look at someone else.” Charles now carries the torch as the managing trustee of the Harvey Ball World Smile Foundation. He says the reason for Smiley’s popularity is that the “icon crosses all the lines that tend to divide us: political, religious and geographical and goes to the core of our existence.” Celebrate World Smile Day with us on Oct. 2. Go out and do a Happy Act! Make yourself and those around you happy. Remember, smiles are contagious!

Lifestyle

Melissa Joan Hart’s Threads of Happiness

Melissa Joan Hart’s on-camera work has always reflected her own dedication to her family, both as a teen and as a wife and mother of her own three children. Whether she was everyone’s favorite sister and daughter on Clarissa Explains It All, our magical best friend on Sabrina the Teenage Witch, or mommy-in-training on Melissa & Joey, she’s always been someone we’d welcome to our dinner table.“I have children now, but I’ve always had little sisters and brothers running around,” she says. “I always gauged my work on whether or not I felt like they could see it, they could enjoy it. Now of course, I have my own children, so I use them to gauge.”Family friendlyMelissa’s dedication to family life isn’t limited to the on-screen roles she chooses. These days, it’s her off-camera work that allows her to devote plenty of time to her husband, Mark Wilkerson, and three boys, Mason (9), Brady (7) and Tucker (2). Her new children’s clothing line, cleverly named King of Harts, launched last spring with casual boys wear, and plans are already being made to launch a girls line. Trying to find clothes for their own three sons, the husband-wife team found inspiration from their own experiences to create “cool, casual and functional” options.“It’s been a new adventure for all of us,” she says. “It’s been exciting (and only slightly stressful) working with my husband, but it’s very fulfilling and gives me a reason to be home more, which is lovely.”Fun at the lakeSince Melissa and her family love spending time together at Lake Tahoe in California, her new fall collection out this August, titled Tahoe, features graphic T-shirts and camouflage pants that play off the rugged natural beauty of the area.“My husband and I always wanted to do some sort of a line of baby clothes, and we began to realize that there wasn’t a lot of cute boys’ stuff out there,” she says. “We decided to start small. We ended up with 12 styles for our first season. We couldn’t be more excited about it. It’s such a busy little business, but it’s something we’re really passionate about.”Paying it forwardMelissa also wanted to make sure that their new endeavor paid it forward. She says all of the proceeds from one particular item, a thermal shirt called “the Louie”—named after Olympic snowboarder and personal friend Louie Vito—go directly to Youth Villages, a private nonprofit group dedicated to helping abused and neglected children. “We did a lot of research, finding the right charity to tie with,” she says.Tailor-made“We really wanted it to be kid-related and nationwide, since we are an American-made brand. Youth Villages was the perfect fit for us because they give the support necessary to each family or individual for whatever their needs might be, whether they’re aging out of foster care or they’re adopted or their family just needs support counseling. These kids, they’re the kids that get lost, and [Youth Villages] is focused on making sure these children have the best future possible."Melissa is doing what she loves while spending time with the people she loves most, and that’s all she truly wants out of life. “I don’t hesitate every day to look around and see what I’m grateful for,” Melissa says. “When I do that, it really helps put things in perspective about what I truly need and what I truly want. When I realize that all those things are there, then I can just let go and be happy.”

Anthony Anderson on the cover of Live Happy

Lifestyle

Take a Look Inside Our October Issue!

This issue of Live Happy magazine features: A Joyful Juggling Act Multitalented black-ish star Anthony Anderson opens up about the challenges of growing up in Compton, California and the joys of being a husband, father and irresistible force of nature. The End of Bullying Live Happy looks at this hot topic from the point of view of positive psychology: what are the hidden causes of bullying, how can it be prevented and what are the lasting solutions? The Path to Purpose Lasting happiness entails finding real purpose and meaning in your life. Are you living in a place where you belong, connected to people you love, doing fulfilling work and pursuing it all with a sense of purpose? That's the good life. Find out if it's the life you're living. Start here and take this fun quiz, then read our fabulous feature article. More Than a Best Friend For many of us, a dog is more than a pet, they are a family member. Read about the love shared among canine companions and their families in this heartwarming article, complete with beautiful photos. And much, much more! Look for the new issue of Live Happy magazine at Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Sprouts, Whole Foods, and stores near you. Search hereto find the merchant closest to you that sells Live Happy. Get in touch and let us know what you think! Email at Editor@livehappy.com; find us on Twitter and Facebook.

Lifestyle

Top 10 States for Aging Happy

Since we are all living longer, it’s important to wake up every day in a place that makes us happy. In its ongoing series, State of American Well-Being, the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index recently ranked the top states for comparative well-being of Americans ages 55 and up. Of the five elements used to gauge well-being (purpose, social, financial, community and physical), Hawaii scored the highest for community and physical well-being, New Mexico topped the list for life purpose and Florida ranked highest in social well-being. North Dakota didn’t crack the top 10 overall, but it ranks first in financial well-being. “Older Americans who are thriving in well-being exercise far more, have less depression and have lower rates of obesity and chronic illness,” Joy Powell, president of Healthways Senior Solutions Division, says in the report. Research shows that we get happier as we age, and previous Gallup studies conclude that older Americans worry less about money, have better access to health care, eat more fresh produce and smoke less. Read More: What are America's top 10 most satisfied cities? The top 10 states where older Americans have higher well-being: 1. Hawaii 2. Montana 3. South Dakota 4. Alaska 5. Iowa 6. New Hampshire 7. Utah 8. Oregon 9. New Mexico 10. Connecticut Click here to find out how your state ranks. Read More: What are the country's top 10 most charitable states?

5 Must-Watch Movies for the Holidays

Jewel: Pieces of Her

Lori Loughlin Leads With Her Heart

Take a Peek Inside Our December Issue!

Make Halloween Way More Fun

6 Edible Gifts to Give With Love

The History of Smiley

Melissa Joan Hart’s Threads of Happiness

Take a Look Inside Our October Issue!

Top 10 States for Aging Happy

Store

Articles

Quick Links