Nature MadeSAM-e Complete™**

Hi there! I have to say I'm impressed by all the creative contests and giveaways you guys have here.

Since I'm already involved in the blogging contest, I imagine I'm not eligible to win this one. However I'd still like to answer the question...just for fun =)

I have varied recipes for a good mood. Just like my eating preferences, they range from simple 1-ingredient options to more complicated dishes (which I may need Rachel Ray to walk me through.)

1-INGREDIENT GOOD MOOD RECIPES

-Yoga
-A walk through my local Japanese tea garden
-An hour of blog hopping through my favorites list
-A chick flick I've seen way more times than I care to admit
-An hour-long call home that sees the phone passed to my mother, father, brother, and sister

MULTI-INGREDIENT GOOD MOOD RECIPES

1. GOOD MOOD RECIPE, SUNNYSIDE UP

-10 minutes of lathering up on sunscreen
-2 hours lounging on the beach with music, magazines, and books
-1 hour of a group water sport, even if just chicken fighting
-1 old-school picnic lunch, complete with PB & J and kool-aid

2. GOOD MOOD RECIPE, BARBECUED

-1 afternoon barbecue with my friends and family
-1 group game, like volleyball—which I likely won't win but will enjoy nonetheless
-2 hours of playing with my friends' kids, because it's a valid excuse to use markers and glitter
-5 picnic table card games leading into the evening, with watermelon and beverages

3. GOOD MOOD RECIPE, ITALIAN

-1 Boston visit, with my big extended family squished around my grandmother’s small kitchen table
-1 feast of lasagna, meatballs, and Crystal Light—because no one makes it like my Grammy
-1 unnecessarily loud conversation, because nothing feels more like home
-2 hours watching home videos, remembering how much fun my cousins and I had as kids

I can’t wait to read everyone else’s recipes!

My 12 Days With My Dogs For Christmas

On the first day of Christmas my dogs gave to me...
tilting heads and sweet puppy eyes!

On the second day of Christmas my dogs gave to me...
2 bellies to be rubbed

On the third day of Christmas my dogs gave to me...
3 paw prints

On the fourth day of Christmas my dogs gave to me...
4 dog collars

On the fifth day of Christmas my dogs gave to me...
5 snout nudges

On the sixth day of Christmas my dogs gave to me...
6 begging paws

On the seventh day of Christmas my dogs gave to me...
7 milk bones

On the eighth day of Christmas my dogs gave to me...
8 tennis balls

On the ninth day of Christmas my dogs gave to me...
9 peanut butter kongs

On the tenth day of Christmas my dogs gave to me...
10 dog parkas

On the eleventh day of Christmas my dogs gave to me...
11 games of hide and seek

On the twelfth day of Christmas my dogs gave to me...
12 barks of love

:) Merry Christmas :)

I actually wrote this recipe about a year ago. I try to live by it best I can.

Mix craziness, stir in lots of love, a drop of anger, a Petrie dish of patience, a gallon of faith, continue throughout to add test tubes of fun and pitchers of laughter, a bit more love 2 LARGE beakers of patience, and simmer over the warmth of a Bunson Burner. Mixture has a high evaporation rate so constant attention is required. Make sure mixture does not get too hot, can be volatile when over heated. Repeat process the rest of your life making sure that you keep plenty of faith, love, happiness, patience, and laughter in your lab to add as needed. Remove all beakers and test tubes of self-pity (a/k/a/ "My life can't get any worse" tincture) because should you add even one drop of it then the whole mixture becomes unstable and all you have been through does indeed get worse.
Bath in this many times a day. Some days more than others.
Then trudge through the bad and overindulge in the good.

I have been following this contest from the start of the final voting, and am amazed and wondering how some of the contestants could receive such a huge amount of votes in such a short amount of time.
Surely honesty would also be a requirement for this job.

Moods are just moods, and are not indicative of my values or my value to others. From a dear friend, I learned something very important about moods good and bad: they're like the weather, they blow in and out. If I'm in a bad mood, knowing that it's temporary does a great deal to help lift it. If I'm in a good mood, I'm more aware and appreciative of it. If I'm largely content with my life, the moods seem to take care of themselves. If I'm not content, I can take action to change that.

2 kisses and hugs good morning from my girls
1 purring snuggle from my cat
1 warm shower w/ lavender shower gel
1 fluffy towel from the dryer

10 min of music while driving
Deep breathing and stretching at work

home again....

I'm
STILL pulling for Suzanne McMinn. Would somebody at Sam-e please explain how the two California gals were able to have such a HUGE increase in votes in such a short time? Hmmm,smells like something's rotten in Denmark! I also hope that HONESTY and INTEGRITY matter to the judges!

Hi! I am so hoping that Suzanne McMinn is chosen as Good Mood Blogger!!! Why? Because Suzanne's writing is unique and fresh! I can read about health/exercise/nutrition in any magazine I pick up at the store. Suzanne promotes a healthy, natural lifestyle that really appeals to me--and her column is NEVER a downer; it is always fun to read and she has such great ideas and stories that keep me coming back. One of the first things I do each morning is go to her site to start my day--and she is ALWAYS there with something useful and fun to read!

My good mood solution is order. When my life is in balance, I feel better and when Mama's happy, everyones happy (my kids, my husband, my dog, my boss, my co-workers).

How do I get balance, in many ways including:

Watching TV that takes my mind off what may be bothering me.

Reading a good book.

Playing with my kids.

Breathing!!!

Taking a really nice hot shower (I don't have enough time to take a bath).

Using essential oils.

Begging my husband for a back rub...and then getting one.

Sleeping in for a few more minutes.

These by all means don't completely cover the spectrum...I, in-fact, would love to walk thru a Japanese tea garden but I live in the cold north and no such things are available in a 50 mile radius (I could venture to say even a 100 mile radius) so I have to find things that are "do-able" with my circumstances and accept it because feeling good comes with accepting that you can only do what you can do and anything that feels as though you are going against the grain (like de-scaling a fish) probably isn't the right path to take try the other road and see if it's a little less bumpie.

So, take a deep breath and enjoy the ride.

p.s. remember to exhale once in awhile. :)

I would really like to win this contest. I know this is isn't flowery or hilarious,,but I take Nature Made S-ame 400
everyday. It has helped me tremendously! But I have lost my job and cannot pay for it anymore.

This meal is warm and simple and makes me smile, roll my eyes and say "ahhh".
Grate a hunk of cheddar cheese and a hunk of pepper jack cheese. Add enough mayo (I like the olive oil kind) to hold the cheese together. Add a pinch of kosher salt and a pinch of paprika, then pour in a jar or two of pimentos, liquid too. Mix together and slather a goodly portion on a piece of bread (sourdough is good, or any white bread), cover with another slice of bread and butter (or margarine) the outsides of the sandwich. Toast in a fry pan until golden brown on both sides. Serve with cream of tomato soup. It's a good, easy, winter mood lifter.

I am excited about trying Sam-E in the near future. But for now the best mood lifter I have found is holding my little two month old grandson and watch him gaze at the Christmas tree lights with amazement, the ceiling fan with fascination, or anything that grabs his curiosity. It is so calming to just enjoy cuddling him. I forget all about my troubles and feel like he's cuddling me, too. So we just sit back and watch the lights together.

I have not received my coupon for Sam-e. I ordered it several weeks ago as had enough points.I have been taking it for several years and do think it helps.

I always carry extra cash tucked away for "emergencies"....the only times I have used the secret stash is when someone ahead of me in the check out line is short on cash & is trying to pick & choose what to put back. The look on their face & the face of the cashier is such a reward when I immediately give whatever amount is needed so the person can take their goods home. Believe me when I say I have yet to find anyone who refuses to accept my helping hand. I feel wonderful when this happens & look forward to waiting in the check out line...as I never know when my "emergency" fund will be needed.

Good Mood Recipe:

Always start the day with doing right by you. Because if you're not satisfied you won't be able to pull it together.

Start off with a big smile!
Optimistic view
And if you're feeling low on energy: then a good diet, plenty of water, exercise can get you started in the direction you need to be
A good support of love of family and friends
Doing right by you will make you more effective by doing right for others...
Enjoy the joie de vivre!

What makes me feel good: in late afternoon taking a shower, getting into comfy clothes, turning on the classical radio station, picking up the current book I'm reading, and bracing myself for my LARGE cat (Bob) to jump on my lap and settle himself for the evening. This is especially gratifying in the winter if it's snowing. Life is good.

My good morning recipe is simple. I use SAM-e. No cure all, but almost for any rotton mood. I was gone away from my SAM-e for a few weeks recently & I felt the difference! Yuck! I got moody pretty fast. Funny SAM-e is something you don't neccesarily feel it working, but you feel good! But when you don't take it, you definately feel it not working.

I dont have a comment-just honestly can not live without my SAM-E!!!! It has been a godsend to my mind and body!!

I am usually in a good mood but too many days of clouds in the winter is when I wonder when we will see the sun again.

I wear the bracelet LIVESTRONG to keep me positive for my parents and their health right now.

My family lives in Georgia but here in Michigan I have friends who are my family.

Taking a walk, paying the bills, I am simple and made happy when I see the smile of my good friend Doodles.

Make something for someone else! Pick up crocheting/knitting and make a simple scarf or hat for someone else!

On sunny days in the Pacific Northwest, I drive with my top down to take in some natual Vitamin D. With the heat on and heated seats, there is plenty of warmth...and the winter views are great!

A dog licking your face
A good fire in the fireplace
Laying in bed watching a good movie while it rains outside!

Several things always make me happy: petting the cat and watching him play; playing the piano daily and listening to piano concertos and solo piano works; looking at my morning glories during their blooming season and all other flowers too; reading a good mystery

I try to stay optimistic along with vitamin d and fish oil

Especially during this time of year-is having family together including cats and dogs to enjoy the wonders of the season. Drinking hot chocolate, and eating holiday cookies. Let's all be grateful that we have each other to love and cater to. Have smiles,and wish good health and happiness to all.

During the Holidays it is especially hard to keep a focus and be calm. When stressed, and it is not the season to "stop and smell the roses", I take deep breaths let it out slowly and continue to let it out slowly as I count the # of times I am breathing. This takes your mind away from any at the monent stress situations as you concentrate and count your breaths. Soon your mind is clear and your heart beat has had a chance to recover.

My best friend has 2 little kids; lost her job just recently- and her husband is disabled- so she and I put our heads together and came up with a "Dickens" Christmas carol Christmas for her Children. I have a fireplace, so we plan to roast potatoes and apples, make popcorn balls and hot cocoa: Getting the costumes together will be the hardest part, but, THIS IS GOING TO BE FUN!!! :)

I love my living room warm and cozy with
walls the color of Belgium Waffles and
sofas covered with bunches of little
roses. The air is sweet with the scents
of apples and cinnamon this time of year
when I prefer to hear the seasons music
from the 1940's and 50's..Have Yourself
a Merry Little Christmas!

My recipe for happiness. I start my day with my Sam E and daily vitamins to help me to keep up with my autistic son,Kory. Our happy times are going on a cruise and to the beach together. He loves water,ships and people. He is my happiness.

Two things make a major help in my days.
A poem which we had on our garage door:

As a rule a man is a fool
When it's hot he wants it cool
When it's cool he wants it hot
What it is he wants it not...

that leads me to the following aphorism...

Things will be greater than or less than
But never the same twice...

Recognizing that we need to make a decision
and no decision is a decision

1 chilly rainy evening
1 romantic novel
1 hot lavender scented bubble bath
loads of candles

finish off with a big cuddly robe, a snuggle from hubby and a big purr and snuggle from your favorite furkid

Waking up and seeing the light of day puts a smile on my face. When the sun is shinning that smile grows bigger.

Recipe for a Good Mood:

Start the day with whole-wheat waffle bread - simply stir whole wheat flour, salt, baking powder and water (thinner batter is better), and pour into a cooking-sprayed waffle iron. Save the last one and take it with you on a nice long hike. When it is time to stop for refreshment, enjoy the bread, and also take a NatureMade vitamin pack and a SAM-e with your drink. I don't know why but this simple combination keeps me going for hours, loving on nature and nature loving on me :)

Low Tide/Low Mood Pic-Me-Ups a la Carte

- Slather on sunscreen
- Beach walking attire
- Flip flops
- Bike ride to beach
- Finding shark teeth or maybe even a whole sanddollar
- Bike ride back home
- Hot lavender bubble bath
- Cotton boxers and t-shirt with fuzzy flip flop slippers
- Glass of wine and chick flic
- Eight hours on pillow-top mattress

Directions: These simple ingredients should be mixed as frequently as possible.

I have always taken vitamins. Seems that it is harder to get the energy from them.

1. Go for a walk or use exercise bike.
2. Watch a favorite movie or TV show rerun.
3. Have some healthy popcorn.
4. And just smile and forget current situation.

Turkey, Pecan & Blue Cheese Salad
w/Honey-Tabasco Dressing
(author unknown)

Dressing
½ cup vegetable oil
½ cup chopped onion
¼ cup white wine vinegar
¼ cup honey
4 teaspoons Tabasco sauce
Salt & pepper
-Combine in blender & mix well

Salad
6 cups assorted greens (Romaine lasts longest)
8 oz. Smoked turkey (diced)
½ cup blue cheese (crumbled)
1 cup chopped pecans (toasted in oven)
1 avocado (peeled, pitted & diced)
-Toss all ingredients in large bowl
Add dressing when ready to eat – wilts quickly

I could really use thisto improve my mood. I have been out of work for 9 months and cannot get all of the vitamins and things I need. This would really help out.

To maintain optimal mood:

Try to wakeup early in the morning.
Sleep early and get adequate sleep.
Keep a positive attitude towards others.
Regularly meet with family & friends.
Have a routine of activities during break.
Try to be punctual.

By doing all this you will find positive change in your mood.

The very first thing I say in the morning is to Jesus Christ and thank Him for me waking up one more day. Then I go to the kitchen and make a steaming pot of fresh coffee and then I Make some kind of hot breakfast like pancakes to get me going for the day. It always seems to work.............

My favorite recipe for a good mood that works 100% of the time is to lie on my back in the middle of the living room floor and do a little back exercise that helps those lower back muscles. It is a simple drawing of the knees towards the chest and holding them there for 30 seconds. Okay, does not sound too exciting right? Well, that act is the INVITATION for my six cats to come hither to give me their version of hugs that are the best warm fuzzies in the world. But the end of those 30 seconds, they are all purring around me and checking out what Moms is doing. They bump me with their heads and brush along the length of my body and sniff my hair and lick my face and generally let me know that everything I do is interesting to them. Then I sit up and do a "blessing" of them. I say, "Let's bless the kitty cats"!. They know what that means and they truly line up to have me put my hands on their heads one by one and bless their health and temperment! If by chance one of them has been snoozing and missed the floor exercise, they hear the "blessing voice" I use and come a running. Who could stay down after that? If only humans could routinely take so much away from such a small thing!! I always feel recharged when I am through. And, so do they!!

When I feel lost like no one cares, That not matter what I do nothing will change anyway. I spend time at night looking up at the stars and realise that God is there. I can't see him but he there anyway. If he can create something that floats up there in space needs no money rent or anything to just be amazing. Than who am I to complain. The stars are there for us to be amazed by. That and a beautiful sunset..the smell of rain. Those things don't cost us a dime but are price-less none the less.

Thanks

I'm in the mood to feel better! Would love to win this 6 month supply of Sam-E

Just need to brighten my Life!

Just BE love and SEE love in everything and everybody.It's ALWAYS there if you have "eyes to see" and "ears to hear." xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

i would love to win so i can take sam-e

My recipe is one of my Mom's and being from Buffalo our winter's are nasty and gloomy which do not help your moods this honestly is something that has been passed on to our children and grandchildren and used by them all.

Gram's Warm Me and make me feel happy Juice:

Mix one 32 oz. can of Orange Juice
one 32 oz. can of Pineapple Juice
one 32 oz. of Water
Warm all the liquid and pour in 16 oz. of Honey. Pour into a cup, get under a fuzzy blankie.

If you don't feel well the warmth and sweetness of it all feels like Grams hugs and kisses and makes everything better.

My recipe for a good mood is a real pound cake given to me years ago.
3 c. plain flour
3 c. sugar
6 eggs beaten
2 sticks margerine & 1 stick butter
1 cup whole milk
1 tbs. vanilla Optional 2 tbs. Poppy seeds
beat sugar and margerine, butter together and add beaten eggs. Then add half flour and half milk
and then rest of flour and milk.
Bake 325 for about 1 hour until brown. Use bundt pan. Can also add lots of chopped nuts.

My recipe for a good mood is an aromatherapy recipe;

Take 1 8oz bottle of unscented shower gel and add the following:

10 drops orange or tangerine essential oil
4 drops spearmint or peppermint essential oil
8 drops rose or geranium essential oil
2 drops clary sage essential oil

Shake it up and enjoy. Try lathering up and just inhaling the vapors for 30 seconds (with the water off to conserve water)

You'll love it!

"Love doesn't make the world go 'round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.
Your attitude determines your altitude...

These are my quotes for each of my mornings...

At age sixty, I learned to ride a motorcycle after riding on the back of my husband's for years. Also it was after winning a casino jackpot!

Now, when I am riding along a country road, smelling the jasmine or honeysuckles along the road, I am smiling. (Thanks to Sam-e)

I am sixty-two now and have been riding for two years and still love every minute of it!

I just started taking Sam-e 400 by Nature Made and I feel happier and more confident in my life. When things are in balance I am
more energetic and will be outgoing in my socialty, bd things happen but if I can bounce back, pick myself up and try again, I am happy.

Great idea I am going to give it a try .

The recipe for a good mood is spending time with each of my family full of laughter and working together. Buying a gift for a friend and giving it to them. eating anything chocolate. A warm bath and a good book. I eat freshly popped popcorn with cheese sprinkles. so good and healthy.

My recipe for happiness is to get as much sunshine as I can during the winter and to keep up on my exercising through the winter.

Always heard about this stuff - heard it's really good for ya.Would like to try it. Will keep my fingers crossed. Thank you, Buzz. Happy Holidays.

My recipe for a good mood.
l. Hot oatmeal with blueberries & walnuts
2. Brisk walk
3. Sitting by the fire reading a good book
4. Knowing I am where I should be in life

Nothing makes me smile more than a sunny day and a walk with my two dogs, Charlie Brown & Lexi. Animals are certainly one of the best mood boosters!!!

Since all our children live across the country, I mail fudge to them in December. I don't need to give you the recipe; it is on every jar of marshmallow creme. Making and sending them fudge really starts me on the way to the Christmas spirit. One year I flew to Idaho to visit my son and family for Christmas. He was at work when I arrived. He called and asked if I had brought the fudge, not how I was or the flight was. By the way, his wife and I were on the way out to buy ingredients for fudge.
I feel the best "recipe" for Christmas is giving. Early each December I call a local nursing home and ask for names of residents who have limited family and friends contact. I then get recommendations for Christmas gifts for them. I go out and get these gifts, mostly nominal items. I then wrap them or place them in Christmas stockings purchased last year half price after Christmas. Christmas day my husband Peter and I go out and deliver these gifts. What a thrill! Folks want to know who we are, why we are doing this, etc. Then they talk and tell us their life history. Good thing Peter and I love to listen and talk. Last year was even more special. My grandson was home from the National Guard. He accompanied us, wearing his uniform. Wow, did he get a lot of positive feed back and comments.
We are full after our visits so go home to a simple lunch and, oh, yes, fudge for dessert!

Whenever I start feeling down I go right to the basic things that I have to be grateful for. 1st, I recognize that my Lord Jesus loves me so much that he hung on the cross at Cavalry for 3 hrs so that the gates of heaven could be reopened, so that when I,(& anyone else that accepts Him into our hearts & follows His ways,) can join Him there when my earthly pilgramage is over.I go into the wayback machine & remember other times when I was struggling to feel better & realizing that my Lord was trusting me & letting me have some growing pains so that I could become a better person. I think of all the people that don't know the Lord & I think how much more difficult times like this must be for them. I think about the people that go to bed hungry every night & don' have the means to do anything about it & have never known what it is to sleep in a comfortable warm bed. I think about the families whose lives have been torn apart because of their loved ones who have been shot down in the "jungle" of the streets here in this wonderful country of ours & also those who have lost loved ones in war torn countries around the world. I could go on & on telling you about the many other things that I bring to mind but I just want to add that as I have each thought I pray for all of these people, our President, whether I agree with him I still pray for the Lord to keep him safe & hope that he turns to the Lord for direction & guidance. God bless each & every one who reads my blog whether you agree with me or not Jesus loves each & every one of you & so do I.

Recipe for a good mood (from a stay-at-home mom with 3 boys, all under 4 years old):

Smiling little boys, waking up with happy hearts and a hug for Mama;
Nice little boys, playing well together;
Sleepy little boys, napping quietly for at least an hour;
Silly little boys, being their goofy selves;
Hungry little boys, eating what Mama made for you;
Inquisitive little boys, finding out how things work;
Lovey little boys, giving me and Papa kisses;
Nighty-night, little boys. We had a fun, yet peaceful day. Whew! Let's try that again tomorrow!

My recipe for a good mood is hanging out with good friends.

A Rose

A rose is a rose,
It does not try.
It just is.......

Beauty unfolds one petal at a time.
Life is like a rose,
It just is.......

Without effort live life,
each day new,
like a fresh rose.

One thing that always brightens my day is to bake something that my Mom and I used to bake together using one of her recipes. And one of my family's favorites is Peanut Blossom Cookies. The name doesn't express their wonderful flavor and the fact that they have Kisses in the middle (Hershey that is).

PEANUT BLOSSOMS by Mary Hathaway

1/2 Cup Shortening
1/2 Cup Peanut Butter
1/2 Cup Sugar
1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
2 Tbsp. Milk
1 tsp. Vanilla
1 tsp. Baking Soda
1/2 tsp. Salt
1 Egg
2 Cups Flour

Cream sugars and butters. Mix in all additional ingredients. Chill dough.
Roll into large walnut-sized balls. Dip tops in (colored) sugar if desired.
Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 12 minutes.
Remove from oven and immediately place a Hershey Kiss in the center of each.
Cool completely. Yield = 4 dozen

I start each day with a gratitude list.All the good things in my life. some days its easy,some days not.the list has to be different each day. Sometimes its just the quiet A.M. before the mayhem starts. I have never tried sam-e. I'm on social security so I watch my pennies. But I have wondered about it.

Hmmm, recipe for a good mood....
I guess I'd have to say that my 3 grandchildren are the first ingredient. Being around them elevates my mood tremendously! Next, I'd have to say volunteering at my local dog shelter. The unconditional love in the faces of these wonderful animals would bring a smile to anyone's face, along with a major stirring of the heart. Such a help for those muscles! Lastly, I try to keep up with my meds and vitamins, of oourse, Nature Made! I'll check with my doctor/pharmacist to see if the SAM-e is okay with my meds. If so - I'm THERE!! (for those days when I don't see the kids or puppies)
Thanks Nature Made!

I live in the mountains where it is extremely cold all winter and that tends to give me winter time blues and blahs. My recipe for a quick cure is to call a friend or family member and chat for a while or make up some little gifts and send them to friends who live a long distance from me. They often call or write to tell me the surprise gift cheered them up and it always cheers me up to hear that.Thinking of others is the best way to stop thinking about how miserable you are.

I end and start each day with lots of water, vitamins and Sam Energetic (SAM e).

hi my good mood will be taking a hot relaxing bath and curling up with a good book and sipping on some hot choclate with marmallows and enjoying the peace an quite for that day. now that sounds like a dream to me that will come true. smile

My Recipe for a Good Mood (Serves: Every person who comes in contact with you!)
- 1 beautiful smile
- 1 cheerful "Hello, how are you today?!
- 1 pat on the back
- 1 kiss on the cheek
- 1 big hug
- 2 helping hands for any chore you have
for me
- 1 feeling of "tired, but happy"
- 2 cups of hot tea
- 1 big "Thank you!"
- 1 big "You're welcome!"
Add together, one ingredient at a time.
Yield: 2 big smiles and 2 good moods. Repeat at least once a day for best result.

get out and exercise if you can! relax with friends!

I've been taking SAM-e for the last ten year's .I told my Wife one time that I was going to stop taking it and she said that I should think about moving out,that she did not want that monster coming back into our life's so I'm still taking it ever day and we our enjoying a greet life together . No more UP'S & DOWN'S just a nice even floe .

The HAPPY Recipe

SAM-e
Exercise
Healthy eating
Time with family and friends
Time to spend doing something you love

Begin with healthy eating, add SAM-e to breakfast, mix in daily exercise, then make time for family and friends, finally top with time spent doing something you love.

Bake at 98.6 degrees for 8 hours every night in bed.

* This recipe has helped me to get through some very stressful times in life. I recommend this recipe to anyone struggling through tough times.

I involve myself in many activities to help me keep my mood up. I exercise and eat right; I do things to focus on myself, when I able too. But I do think that Sam-e could help in addition to those things. I have looked at purchasing Sam-e, but with a limited money supply (I am a Job Corps student, I only get paid about $100/month) it's a bit spendy for me.

For me a cup of hot chocolate a fire in the fire place and a good book to read!! . I love the Sam -e I take it everyday and it helps so much.

My Feel-Good Recipe For Winter:

A nice swim in the heated pool at the YMCA (helps my knees feel good, too!)

A long online chat with my boyfriend

A cup of Sleepytime Tea with honey

A Bowl of steaming hot Grits with brown sugar

SamE

Thank you!
Deb

Two things: (1) Take NatureMade SAM-e daily; (2) use a bright, full-spectrum sun simulation light and make sure it's on in the early morning hours, to put me in the mood to get out of bed. (2) Daily, use a sunless tanning moisturizer in the deepest shade I can find. Takes the edge off winter for me!

A Good Mood Morning Walk

One hour of walking at dawn watching the sun rise begets the following delights:
listening to the birds sing,
hearing the rooster crow,
seeing and hearing the geese fly overhead,
noticing trees change color,
watching squirrels scamper up trees,
smelling trees and flowers,
smiling at everyone going to work,
and for that matter, the rest of the day...
I AM RETIRED FROM TEACHING MIDDLE SCHOOL!

relax

I would love to win a contest, never have won one. Joyce

Every Christmas season, I have my grandmother, who is turning 90 next year, my mother, and my mother-in-law over and we bake my grandmother's mother's nutroll recipe together. It's always a heart-warming, wonderful day with all of us together in the kitchen, cooking, laughing, and telling stories. The kitchen is warm not only because the oven is going, but because of the group of us working together. It's a warmth I feel and cherish for the remainder of the year and look forward to each and every year.

I love SAM-e, it is the best for a great life, and no stress, I tried all others, then I came back to SAM-e, thanks to how come out with this vitamin, nothing is better than SAM-e, try it and you will see, that your life will be much better with no stress, thanks to SAM-e, I love it, nothing is better than SAM-e.

Recipes for an outrageously good mood!!!!

(((For the Body))):

*Superfood Chocolate Dream Day Elixer*

-One half of a banana
-Half of an avocado
-Coconut Milk or other milk substitute
-Raw Cacao Powder
-1 Tbsp Coconut butter/oil
-1 tsp Lacuma Powder
-1/2 tsp Maca Powder
-1 Tbsp hemp protein powder
-1/4 tsp Passionflower extract
-Cardamom, Cinnamon, and Nutmeg to taste
-1/2 tsp Spirulina (or to taste)
-1/2 tsp bee pollen (if you aren't allergic!)
-1/2 tsp vanilla
-Stevia, Agave, Maple Syrup, or Honey to taste
-pinch of sea salt
-2 drops Orange Extract
-Hum a blessing for your day into the blender before mixing!
-Consume and feel radiant!

(Alternatively, you can make an herbal infusion overnight to use in place of milk. Depending on your mood, you may want to use calming herbs like chamomile or lavender, or if you're a woman and need more bodily nourishment: nettle, or raspberry leaf! If you want more energy, try adding Matcha powder!)

I consume this every morning and it makes me feel like I'm on top of the world!

(((For the Mind and Spirit)))

My ultra potent recipe for a good mood:

1. I wake up and immediately remind myself of everything that I am *grateful* for.
2. Next, I think of one thing that I can do that I really really want to do (as opposed to things that I *think* I should do).
3. Notice how my body and mind feel when I think of that thing.
4. Take small steps to achieve that reality, even if they seem insignificant.
5. Smile at a complete stranger, who cares if they don't smile back.
6. Go out of my way to make someone feel amazing.
7. Look at a gigantic old tree and fill myself with wonder.
8. Remember what it felt like when I was 5 and could run like the wind without feeling tired.
9. Allow myself to sit and connect with my breath, still my thoughts.
10. Last but not least, I go for a long walk in the forest and allow myself to sing at the top of my lungs, not caring who hears!!

May all Beings be Happy!!!

Vsiting Russian "banya" (type of sauna) and enjoying time with close friends! Try that!

I recently lost 3 men in my life,my father ,bother and my special friend. I had already lost,7 siblings and my job of 23yrs and my marriage. I didnt think i could ever get my old self back. TIME was the healer in my life. I brought back fitness into my life and read more,cried but let it go.Iam HERE LIVING and learned to find peace and harmony again,I learned to trust ME and try new things,change can be good so i moved to another state and started over...it has helped me go on.I blame know one,its things that happen in life and i had to learn to go on,I am now wrighting my biography. Staying positive and health are hand and hand.I am always looking to share information and volunteer in my area.

It always helps me keep things in perspective to DO something for someone else...Lots of volunteer work and my "job" is singing at nursing homes (sounds miserable, but I can't imagine any "work" more fulfilling!).

My son came up with baby laugh ringtone and everytime I hear that baby laugh, I smile. A few of my friends also liked it and for the same reason.....it makes us smile. Great thing for these winter blues we get in Missouri.

Great site. You have given me some very helpful ideas. Thanks.

Hi there,
My recipe is: take a dozen or so freinds - add to 89 to 90 degree pool water,
exercise to mix things up a bit, keep mixing for about 45 minutes to an hour, all while watching the wind blow the snow around just on the other side of the windows. When thru remove from pool, dry off and feel invigorated, relaxed, warm and toasty! Enjoy the rest of your day!

Living with psoriasis isn't easy, but I have learned that making time for play is necessary. Here is my recipe: I have two young active boys, who remind me that you are as young as you feel. I love playing with them, whether it's playdoh, pretending we're super heroes, chefs, out on an artic hike,(It's getting pretty cold here for walking and picking up my eldest from school).
I personally love hot chocolate, with a good book, movie, crocket,(which keeps my hands busy, and gives me time to think), or just playing free games on facebook...
Then again,my husband always finds ways to brighten my day. A back rub, or chat, a smile, doing the dishes for me, being a great dad.
Meditation and brief walks in the fresh air and sunlight works wonders...Of course whenever possible, I love, love, love, the beach. If anyone gets a chance to head to the beaches off Florida's western coast, that is paradise. Bradenton/Siesta Key Beaches.
Just something about the air, the waves, the feeling of the sand squishing inbetween my toes, watching my boys and husband play...When my family is happy, that makes me happy. I thank God for them everyday!...

Life is to short to be in a bad mood.When you do feel so down that everything seems hopeless you have to find someone whose problems are larger than yours and thank god for your blessings. Take care of you:)

getting on the internet to talk to friends and to see what is new, cutting a bunch of lavender and enjoying the pungent aroma.

I have just finished writing a small book on the philosophy of all aspects of Yoga. It has brought much satisfaction to my life, and it is going to be published shortly. I write under a nom de plume:
"Padma Sherab", which is a name that was bestowed upon my by my Tibetan Buddhist teacher, Khenpo Rinpoche, of the Nyingma tradition.
I live with two temperamental cats, each insisting always to have her own way; to which I had better cater or else. I also take great pleasure in putting food out on my patio for the stray cats, four of whom are my favorites. I also put out a large box with a cut out entrance into which they can go for warmth and security whenever they please. But, mostly they love sitting on top of the box cuddled together, or attacking my plants.
Have a very Merry Merry Christmas everybody; and may peace and prosperity return to our beloved nation.

The recipe - walk 30 minutes a day, plus Nature Made Fish Oil and SAM-e 400, and a cup of red wine... This helps my mood and shoulder pain gradually.

I get in a better mood when I pop in a moving CD and turn it up medium loud and do what I need to do around the house to the beat of the music.

My recipe for a good mood:

1) Waking up early in the mornings to enjoy a nice cup of coffee in silence!!

2) Listening to music while cooking! Kids laugh watching the food dance as its getting prepared!

3) ANYTHING CHOCOLATE!!

4) Watching a romantic movie (while husband complains thats its too girly) and watch him tear up at the end!!

5) Throwing the ball for our dog (Dixie) to fetch and watch her leap (over the toys in the yard )as if her life depends on it!! So funny!

6) Wearing heels!! Something about heels makes you feel sexier!!

7) Lathering up with a good smelling sugar vanilla lotion after a warm bath!! So yummy without the calories!

Life can get every stressful as a mother of two (one with special needs). I try to find enjoyment in the simple things. There are some days when the "not-so-good" mood monster takes over but normally those are the days when mommy's hidden chocolate stash has been discovered! LOL

My recipe for a good mood is simple. I think about Emma and Amie. They are my two 4-year old nieces. They are the sweetest little girls ever! One day, I was at their house, and I fell asleep on their couch. I felt a little hand on my face. I opened my eyes and saw Emma patting my face. Amie was putting a blanket over me. When they saw I was awake, they giggled and ran off. Just the thought of those two sweet babies puts me in a good mood. It puts a smile on my face.
The recipe is transferable. Just take it and apply it to your life. Think of a child whom you love. Think of what that child does to show love to you. Think of ways you can influence that child's life. Knowing you are in a position to make a difference in the life of a child can put you in a good mood.

I feel my best when I get quality time with my 2 best friends.My 2 dogs and my babys.Dogs add a quality of life and unconditional love that no-one can accomplish even with kids.I have grown up with kids for most of my life and they do not give to you what dogs do.Don't get me wrong I love kids but they do not give unconditonal love like dogs do.

I have heard good things about SAM-e.

When the world seems cold and lonely, when money's tight, when things aren't going your way or you just feel down, pick it up. Pick it up by smiling, pick it up by acting silly, pick it up and lift it up off your shoulders. Every day in every way make it better and better, from moment to moment. Pick it up with humor, good friends, frolicking children and raucous laughter. With animals and the warmth expressed in the little moments by those around you. Be active, be you. Make things silly, funny, ridiculous and free. Realize this sad or bad thing is just a moment, it doesn't define you or break you, it's just a cobblestone on the road of life. And you will rise and you will stand. You will stand again to face the future with the sun on your face, and a smile in your heart. And you know, whatever happens to you you will always be who you are, someone who is loved, liked, has friends and even secret admirers. And you know great things are just around the corner. How? Because you do. Because you're you.

I don't know if I'll be considered for the contest, but this is what works for me..making macaroni and cheese for my grandchildren, marveling at my 7-year-old granddaughter's newfound love of reading, remembering that their grandpa, who rides my daughter's kids around on his wheelchair, is still the handsome guy I married. Most important, I find time to give thanks for my blessings!

Boating & playing music

Good food - good mood, Good friends - all depends, Good pay - hooray, Good drink - in the pink, Good weight - that's great, Good love - heaven above, Good space - room to pace, Good kiss - in abyss, good life - with rife, good hair - all there, good health - that's wealth, good race - first place, good time - bust a rhyme, good deal - do feel, good night - all is right. That's all the goodness of my tale.

My Good Mood Recipe is:

30 Mins of relaxing time
30 Mins of conversation w/my daughters
1 Hour of Good Loving w/my sweety
1 Dose of Sam-e
This makes for Daily Happiness for me!

What puts me in a good moon is SLEEP.

What does SAM-e do? What are the benefits it can give? Is it the same as the Vitamin E?

taking walks in the park with my chihuahua and giving him car rides because he is very curious.

I DO TAKE NATURE MADE, BUT I HAVEN'T YAKEN THIS ONE (SAM-e) AND I SHOULD DUE TO I WORK NIGHT SHIFT, AND MY MOOD ISN'T ALL WAYS GOOD.
DK

Here in northern Maine, the sun sets before 4 PM this time of year. Nights are very long. My kitchen, parlor and living room, to make matters worse, are on the north end of the house. So I've started putting up "winter lights", not Christmas lights, early in November, in my kitchen and living room. This year we're also putting the Christmas tree in the kitchen; that's where we spend the most time in the winter, after all. Both these tactics remind me that the "dark time" is a very special quiet space for reflection- on what this year passing so quickly by has brought, and what taken away. The light will return soon enough, with its bustle and activity; I cherish this time of retreat and contemplation. I cherish also my ability to live in harmony with nature; unlike people in cities, everyone who lives up here knows that this time of year is "bleak midwinter".
SAM-e is certainly an excellent safe partial solution, but knowing that life is a series of cycles- light to dark, warm to cold, pain to joy- this can also help. After all, only Charlie Brown's Lucy can have "Ups and Ups and Ups!"

My recipe for a good mood is sharing morning coffee and hugs and kisses with the love of my life before he goes off to work, My wonderful soulmate of 34 years. And enjoying every moment I get with my 20 grandchildren and my 4 children.

Good mood is just doing a good job at work and the boss complimenting me on it...

My good mood recipe is remembering that in these times of struggle I have past memories to look back on and smile and laugh about and I mean laugh! That lets me know there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Tommorrow I'll rise with the sun and APPRECIATE yet another day that God has blessed me with and look forward to more laughs and love to come.

Gave them to my wife and I'll be darn, they seem to work. A six month supply would be good and may save my marrage.

Later

Marrage in Trouble

My Special Recipe for a "Good Mood":

When times are tough and sadness is weighing down my Spirit I simply rememeber all there is in my life to be thankful for and how so many others are suffering around the world. I get down on my knees and thank my God above for all the blessings I have received but especially for the precious gift of "just being alive" if only for today...

...and then, I smile.

feeling the sunshine on your face.The wind blowing your hair.feeling the snow with your hands.seeing the sunset.loving to walk in the mountains.Letting the leaves fly off your body as they come down.making bread on a cold day.Having a fire with the one you love.Having a pine cone fight with the grandson.Then coming in to a warm bowl of oatmeal with blueberries and rasberries with some chocolate mix in.Nuts on top .

use and love naturemade

My husband and I acquired 4 hens-a-laying earlier in the fall. He built them a "chicken tractor" to live in. All 4 are currently laying eggs. When I am feeling a little low, I bring out my lawn chair and a cup of coffee and open the door to the tractor. The girls come out and before you know it I have a happy heart and a smile on my face!

I know I must take my SAM-e
When life gives me a double whammy-
So to Starbucks I run
Double latte is fun
If blues hit me
like a tsunami!

The joy of Christmas needs to expand beyond this timeframe. We are all interconnected in life and all need the same commitment of care and tolereance that is shown more at Christmas. Let the holiday season not be limited to just this time of year. We have a lot to be thankful for. We have so many making sacrifices of not having their holiday with family to ensure that we are able to celebrate here at home. Let us remember pray for them and our allies since they are in direct harm's way. If you don't pray to a higher being than yourself please at least think of them and be grateful for the sacrafice being made on their part.

My Recipe for a Good Mood involves staying close to family and friends, getting some exercise every day, being involved in making a difference in people's lives, cultivating a positive attitude, and checking my ego at the door.

My Recipe for a Good Mood would include playing with my two four-legged boys, a walk for us in the park, getting at least eight hours of sleep at night, trying to be as healthy as I can be, and thanking God for all the blessings that have been bestowed upon me.

During the summer, from my tiny veggie garden, I chopped up and froze various summer veggies. Various colorful squash, tomatoes, herbs. Chopped up,bagged, & frozen. With our first winter storm, I took them out, steamed the different bright colorful veggies & covered them with my favorite pasta sauce & parm. cheese. My favorite is steamed zucchini & yellow squash covered with pasta sauce & mozzerella & parm. cheese & heat to melt.DELICIOUS!....makes me think of summer, & the relaxing time I had growing and harvesting my veggies...

How I get a good mood is to watch classic cartoons on boomerang channel, have a good cup of tea and read good books like "Think and Grow Rich". I allow myself to think postive thougths regardless of what happen today and the number one rule is be grateful for everything. I take my vitamins and my mood medicine. Pray and thank God for everything I have and what I have not. And that's how I lift my mood everyday.

My recipe for a good mood:

1) Waking up early in the mornings to enjoy a nice cup of coffee in silence!!

2) Listening to music while cooking! Kids laugh watching the food dance as its getting prepared!

3) ANYTHING CHOCOLATE!!

4) Watching a romantic movie (while husband complains thats its too girly) and watch him tear up at the end!!

5) Throwing the ball for our dog (Dixie) to fetch and watch her leap (over the toys in the yard )as if her life depends on it!! So funny!

6) Wearing heels!! Something about heels makes you feel sexier!!

7) Lathering up with a good smelling sugar vanilla lotion after a warm bath!! So yummy without the calories!

Life can get every stressful as a mother of two (one with special needs). I try to find enjoyment in the simple things. There are some days when the "not-so-good" mood monster takes over but normally those are the days when mommy's hidden chocolate stash has been discovered! LOL

i am so happy to take a walk in the snow and see the smile on my grandchildrens faces.

I would truly like to win this,because I love nature made vitamins.

Wow! I'm finding it hard to compete with some of the great recipes already posted here but here goes: What puts me in a good mood, Waking up to a beautiful South Florida day with the smell of coffee and the warmth of my sweet little dog under the covers with me. Breakfast and the morning paper along with a big hug from my Husband. A brisk walk with both of them. If that isn't enough, then a piece of good dark chocolate usually does the trick!

My message for a good mood (besides takeing Sam-e!!
is that Family & friends are very important!! & Whenever u get the chance to help or say a positive something to someone always do it!! (not only do u feel better for it u also help them to feel better about themselves)
Feeling blessed for what u have right now!!
I agree w/Martha Stellmach (take a deep breath and enjoy the ride)cause life is way toooooo short!!
Margi

This is my Grandma's recipe she passed down to me that is how to make a Good Mood - one day when she was in the kitchen and I walked through the front door all I could smell was something wonderful cooking...as I walked toward the kitchen Grandma greeted me with a beautiful smile and a sparkle in her eyes, she then gave me a loving hug and kiss on the forehead. As she explained to me it was not just the food in the oven that made her house smell so good and it was all the love she put into the recipe that made everything she cooked taste so good. Grandma passed down many of her secret recipes to me but the only time they taste the way she made them is when I add the most important ingredient; LOVE.

Creative escapes are the ticket these days. When funds are low, discovery of the joy in small things becomes a priority.

Setting aside a day for photography gives me an opportunity to be outdoors "chasing the light" in a kind of treasure hunt -- you never know what you will find. Even if there is only one moment of deep beauty that finds me, it has been worth the excursion.

Teaching belly dance class provides exercise, community, and fun with women who are discovering their inner beauty through dance. The inherent femininity of this dance form reminds us that we are sensual beings with all the riches of possibility, no matter what our age.

Treating myself to a favorite meal, something indulgent but still healthy (in moderation of course) like my pasta and white sauce-- the secret is nutmeg, also a warming and feel-good spice, pine nuts and sun-dried tomatoes. Follow it up with a fresh arugula salad and crisp, fruity white wine. Beautiful flavors, velvety textures of cream and roasted pinolas contrasting the sharp soapiness of the salad, and the crisp apple savour of the wine-- every sense is satisfied!

Soy-based candles in fresh fragrances of linen and sun-kissed beaches fill my private spaces with an easy and refreshing glow, warm and yet not cloying. A simple lotion or massage bar like the ones from Lush calm and soothe the skin. Scents of Neroli and Lavender tell my mind that it's time to relax and be renewed.

The only thing I'm missing is the chocolate. Until now...

As corny as it soumds, what puts a smile on my face is cooking a special meal for my family & having us enjoy it together.
At this time of year(Hanukah) it's latkes on the table & lit candles in the menorah.

I am taking StJohn's Worth and I found it to work but I heard that SAM-e could work even better. Could this be possible?

I found a short article over a year ago called, "The 7 List, Eat Your Way to Happiness" & I cut it out & posted it on my refrigerator..I try to incorporate the foods listed in my diet to increase my mood. Here's what is on the list: hot peppers, bananas, oranges, walnuts, chocolate, turkey, coffee

Here's my morning & afternoon recipe for a good mood..being a stay-at-home mother of 3 for the last 8 yrs takes a lot of energy!

Morning:
~Opening all the blinds to bring in the natural sunlight
~Yogurt with added banana
~coffee, tea or walgreens energy booster with added vit c, pink leomonade flavor & I do add a lil bit of splenda

Mid Morning:
~Zumba fitness...ditch the workout, join the par-tay..I've been doing zumba since last summer, became cerified a couple of months ago..going to be teaching soon! It is so much fun! It's basically working out to latino & international rhythms but it's also like going to a club to go dancing!

Lunch:
~Turkey sandwich for protein & rich in
tyrosine
~Orange

Quick pick me up, walnuts or almonds. I also enjoy celery w/ peanut butter on top & it's a childhood favorite snack. Sadly, my boys are allergic to it.

2nd snack=BUT OF COURSE, CHOCOLATE!!!

I truely believe that you will feel better eating foods that give you energy so that is why I still have that article on my refrigerator!

Dinner=kids home, hectic...I need to work that this part....lol...I still haven't gotten this part all figured out after all these years!

My recipe is a recipe. I purchase a new cookbook or rediscover an old one. Then I choose a new recipe for each of the days of the week and shop for the ingredients. I cook the meals as a gift for my family and even the exotic ones cheer me up. Forcing myself out of my comfort range and learning new skills really brighten my mood.

My cold weather good mood drink would be a half cup organic vanilla soymilk and a half cup filtered water heat together. Seep a decaf spiced chai teabag for 5 minutes. Add a bit more sugar, honey, or favorite sweetener if you like. Relax in your favorite easy chair. I like to put my feet up and cover my toes with my afgan. This recipe is also good with just organic vanilla soymilk minus the water or try fat free organic milk as a substitute for the soymilk.

I enjoy helping others any way I can. I "babysit" for the neighbors and don't charge them the going rate---because it's like watching my own grandchildren. I also helped set up a garden at our church in order to give fresh produce to those less fortunate/or those who can't always afford the fresh food--tomatoes, greenbeans, squash, broccoli, and fresh spices like sage, parsley, thyme, basil, etc. My dream is to be able to grow more vegies and spices, in order to help more people.

Good Mood Recipes for the Seasons

Winter: Sit in an easy chair by the fireplace sipping coffee, tea or cocoa with marshmallows, while reading Psalms of encouragement from the Bible. View the serenity of my fish gliding around their tank till it mesmerizes me & I'm as tranquil as they are.

Spring: Take frequent strolls through my yard to see each bud & blade & bulb & flower appear. Feel the hope for new life emerging in me & in the world. Play a beautiful lively song & feel the music in my body & dance.

Summer: Sit on my deck in absolute quiet & let the sounds of nature sooth my soul. Squirrels, birds, breezes & the warmth of the sun caressing my body. Let the earth give me strength.

Fall: Catch the last few rays of sunshine & savor the warmth while observing the harvest of flowers & foliage all around me. Or if its chilly, take a brisk walk, breathing in the fresh air untill my attitude is as warm as my body.

i love sam-e. that is all.

I've only been taking SAM-e for about two months, and I just love it, but also I to has lost my job and and can't buy it anymore.

My Recipe for Good Mood is:
Decorating my house
Playing with my Grandchildren
Baking Cookies with my Grandchildren
Sewing
Re-potting Green Plants
and Cooking
I take a break in between things, have myself a cup of Latte or Cappucinno and relax on the sofa taking deep breaths breathing in and out for about four times.
I will watch something on TV to make me laugh, But my most relaxing time of the day is when it's quite in my house and I read my Bible instead of just any novel, because it is more intense and I gain more wisdom.

My good mood recipe would be the following -
Eat healthy.
Get some exercise (we are still playing tennis in 35 degree weather over here).
Laugh.
Enjoy friends and family's company.
Don't take things in this life so serious but concern yourself more with the next.
Keep God first and focus on what is really the reason for this season - Christ coming to die for our sins in our place and if we come to Him in repentance, He will give us a new heart.
Say Merry Christmas; don't be a wimp.
Enjoy some foods that aren't the best for you after all it is time to celebrate just get that extra exercise in adn you will feel fine.
Take your Sam-e and get plenty of sunshine and plenty of the Son (Jesus).
Thanks for this opportunity to share.
God Bless and Everyone have a Merry Christmas!!!
Robert

I just like to sit down in front of the fireplace with a cup of hot spicey tea and a good book - something with adventure & romance like something by Sandra Brown. This makes my two cats Teddy and Tabby come running to sit on my lap which disrupts my reading but really causes me to relax and forget about the days troubles!

MY "GOOD mOOD" RECIPE THIS TIME OF YEAR IS...

1. DONT WATCH ANY NEWS SHOWS
2. ASSOCIATE ONLY WITH CHEERFUL PEOPLE
3. AVOID "GRINCHES" AT ALL COSTS
4. WATCH "KIDS" PROGRAMS
5. CUDDLE A CAT
6. PLAY WITH A DOG
7. RELAX AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE
8. PUT UP A CHRISTMAS TREE
9. DRESS SILLY AS MUCHAS POSSIBLE
10. HUG ALL YOU CAN GET AWAY WITH!

There is nothing better then being with the one you love. Just knowing that person is there for you in good and bad times, being able to hug and to be oh so close. I will be married to my husband, lover and friend for 56 yrs come Christmas day. When we married, we eloped. My Dad said it won't last, after 4 children and 4 Grandchildren, we have not lost the luster of love and respect.

It is difficult to be moody when you have someone to love. He still makes me laugh.

Nothing puts me in a better mood than saying something nice (but always true) to a complete stranger. They light up not only at the comments but at the thought that someone else acknowleged their existance.

My holiday recipe is easy. Though I don't have a lot of money I try to help older people with little things they might like to have but won't buy for themselves. Maybe a box of chocolate covered cherries will make an elderly person smile and remember a good time in the past;a cheery card just to say someone is thinking about them that day and that they are not alone. Just doing something nice for someone else will make you feel good too !

There are two neccessary components to my "good mood" recipe. Stop doing the thing that is causing the opposite affect, and replacing it with a wholesome activity that will improve my well being.

At my job, that's as simple as getting up from my desk, making a cup of herbal tea, going outside and taking a short walk around the building. That 15 minutes of redirecting my energy to an activity that positively stimulates all my major senses while hitting the "pause" button on those activities that were inducing stress, is just the right prescription to ensure a good mood... even if I have to return to my desk and resume work!

What puts me in a good mood during this season is turning on the lights on the christmas tree in a darkened room, turning on Christmas classics and singing along with my five year old granddaughter. Just watching the awe on her face and seeing her vibrate with excitement and anticipation does my heart good

1 C. of Christmas Cards
2 C. of Egg Now
3 C. of White Wine
4 C. of Decorating with Christmas Music
5 C. Holidazzle Parade
6 C. Traditional Dinner

Mix all together and cover with Family. You will never even need Santa.

Recipe for a good mood- get outside for some fresh air everyday, eat well( stay off sugar), spend time with friends and a good night's sleep.

My recipe for a good mood is to each day wake up and take a few moments to thank God that I am here another day. Our family has had so much sadness due to losing my grandparents and my father and father inlaw that I have had every reason to be down and blue. But instead I wake up thank God for the day and put a smile on my face and welcome and greet everyone I know with happy thoughts and in the end I am the one who gets the joy it makes you feel good to be good to others.

I am very active for a 79 year old. I have many quilt groups and friends from that field. I also sing in the church choir and that gives me more friends that I enjoy being with. The only thing that gets me down is that my husband of 47 years is no longer with me, but I started a widow's group in my church and that is very active, even though the qualifications aren't the best.

My best recipe for a perfect day is being able to do yoga and then running on the treadmill with my dog. She can run for about 10 minutes at 3.5 on a 2% incline, then she jumps off. It just makes me laugh the whole time she is on there with me.

I think that what puts me in a good mood started many years ago. It will be a work in progress until "The Pep Rally" that will celabrate the passing of Coach Cook (i will forever be a cheerleader) My good mood journey started at 12 years of age when coming home from school a class mate hurt my feelings. My grandmother who always had
soup, cookies, or even a new homemade dress waiting for me (my parents were farmers); oh and by the way dont complain about the price of food with your mouth full(i'm just sayn; back to my good mood now. My grandmother told me" lisa wake up everyday glad to breath, see, speak, and move. Be happy to choose your clothes and have shoes on your feet, be positive and look for the best in everyone. Remember that not all have the best of attitudes and sometime during the day that person or persons will try to change your mood for your life at the time. She was so right and i love her everyday for those words they set my good mood in some very trying younger years.
The high school years brought on a new respect for a good mood!! Peer pressure abounds and life affirming choices made but there i met a TEACHER (MS MICHAELS). She watched me become an athlete and my mood was one of confidence, hope, and looking to a future maybe even college. She told me "no matter what hold your head up; own the discision you make and never let anyone see you cry (you see i quit playing basketball cause the coach was not treating the team fairly and i thought making a point would make it better for the team) heart break can make for a good mood if you embrass that you learned from it and moving on is something we all must do in life.
In college i found a good mood in cheerleading.It was the way i could even attend college through the cheerleading scholarship at the local community college. Two years of self discovery!!The help i received there put my good mood in a state of I can be proud and achieve whatever the lord leds me to do and today i have been coaching for 15 years this is something i read when i need a good mood boost or I tell the cheerleaders who need a good mood boost: lisa these are what make you a special, wothwhile person: 1. you have a wonderful smile so smile often 2. you love a good book,movie,dance,song,poem 3.you are quick to lift up others so quickly lift up yourself 4. you deserve to be happy (grandmother told you so) 5.you are a beautiful person so be that! 6.you are what you eat; eat at the table of selflove and drink the water of life 7 you can only make a few happy so start with your self and others will follow a good mood is contagious 8 you pray, you listen, you pray, you wait, you pray! well, a military husband rearing 7 children 2 girls and 5 boys (2 by guardianship,2 biological, 3 step sons)and working with hundereds of students in the past 15 year i can honestly say my good mood is GREAT!!! FOR A GOOD MOOD - DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU- AND REMEMBER LEMONADE DOESNT TASTE SOUR WHEN SERVED WITH LOTS OF SUGAR!!

I like to relax by playing games online and doing construction projects that I feel good about.

chocolate chocolate chocolate

When my wife is in a good mood!!

Smile, its contagious! You'll be helping other too!

Practice saying, "I can do this." What ever your challenges are, personnal, mental, physical, financial. Make a personnal plan, take one step at a time, complete the task, move onto the next. You will shine.

My favorite recipe for relaxing is Chocolate Chai Tea. Start by placing the following spices in a tea strainer, coffee filter tied closed or a cheese cloth bag and simmer for 10 minutes in 1 quart of water:
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1 1" slice of fresh ginger
1 stick of cinnamon
10 whole cloves
10 cardamom pods
1 teaspoon fresh grated orange rind
5 whole star anise
After 10 minutes, add 4 bags of your favorite black tea and steep for 5 minutes.

Remove spices and tea bags and whisk in 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 quart of skim milk and sweeten with honey to taste.

The sweet spicy aroma and lucious taste is wonderful hot in your favorite mug or chilled over ice.

Makes me want to curl up with a good book and forget my troubles.....

When I'm feeling a little down, I try to redirect that focus and start cleaning and clearing. I take joy in finding things around my house and in the drawers and closets that I no longer need or want. I picture the joy on a homeless woman's face when she finds that "prize" that will fit her just right mixed in with all the other piles of clothes. I envision the smile that old stuffed bear will bring to a rosy-cheeked child. I imagine the satisfaction a parent who has had to continue to somehow care for his family this holiday knowing that the only "gifts" might come from something someone has donated. These pictures in my head help me clear away the clutter and hope I'm making someone else's holiday a little brighter, too.

Waking up each day seeing my beautiful childrens smiling faces, kissing my wonderful husband as he leaves for work, playing with my kids and hearing that wonderful laughter that makes me feel like everything is abosolutly perfect and then ending the day with a bedtime story and prayer...that is what makes up my recipe for an amazing day!!

The Happy Single Mom Recipe
With the stress and hard work of being a single mom, my recipe to having a positive mood is to be creative in my interactions with my children. In the morning I joke around with my son and daughter in order to get them as well as me better prepared for a happy day. The other half of my recipe is my concoction of prescribed medication which includes Sam-e. My daughter extensively helps me through the day as in the mornings we blow kisses to each other and pretend to rub them on our cheeks. This carries my happiness throughout the day as it makes me smile when thinking about it. My son also contributes as I am able to relax and prepare myself for the day while driving him to daycare. Before I go to work, we say our goodbyes by giving big hugs and kisses, which feels wonderful and makes it hard to leave him. I smile as I leave as I know my job will bring them a good life. In the afternoons the 45 minute excursion I take from work to pick up my daughter from school, drop her off at daycare, and arrive back to work has become a positive activity for me as I listen to her day at school and reminisce about the fun days I had as a student when I was younger. In the evenings we work as a team in preparing healthy meals. As I cook, my daughter will make salads and my son will help with putting cups and silverware on the table. After finishing our meal, we share in activities such as coloring or playing a game before turning in for the night. Sometimes we color pictures or my children will take turns on the stationary bike alongside me while I exercise on the treadmill. My children understand how busy we are during the day and occasionally we have fun while cleaning. All this contributes to my recipe to happiness each day.

My recipe for a good mood is a long hard work out. After-wards, a steaming hot bath, my bath tub pillow and one cup of lavender epsom salt. Of course, I can not forget soothing tunes. Perhaps,Chicago or Earth, Wind and Fire will complete the mood.

My recipe for a good mood is to be consistent in exercising, listen to upbeat music, read scriptures every day, take the supplements that my body likes, do things for others, and, of course, eat chocolate.

Spending time outside with my seven grandchildren is my receipe for a good mood.
I put the 4 & 5 month old girls in the swings, the 2&3 Yr.old girls,the 6,7,and 8 year old boys fill buckets with leaves and pile them as high as they can at the end of the slide. Then they take turns sliding into the leaves, raking the pile up after each child slides. What a joy to observe for me, Nana, and the 4 & 5 month olds. Laughter, taking turns, and having fun outside makes me happy.

My Recipe for a good mood is to take a hot bath, then make a soup called avocado tortilla Soup. The Recipe for that is....

1 Big Can Of Tomato Soup
3 or 4 Avocado's
1 Clove Of Garlic
Strips Of Tortilla On Top In Bowl

I go to lunch and shopping with a Girlfriend and We laugh and talk about everything or nothing? thanks for the contest

- I like to take long walks by myself and listen to feel-good music on my ipod
- I like to watch a funny movie and/or just have a good laugh about something
- Venting in my journal/having a person (or people to vent to)
- Playing with my animals
- Dancing/going out with friends
- Retail Therapy (with reasonable spending of course) :)

Spending time alone with God
Listening to Kenny G
Going to the park and listening
to the peaceful sounds of nature
Reading a good book
Playing with our dogs
Watching the birds eating from
our bird feeder
A trip to the mountains
Talking with a precious little child
Watching a newborn baby

We love to sit by the fire during the winter and drink chai. In fact, this recipe is one of our favorite picks for a good mood. Chai is the Indian word for tea. It is a blended beverage of mixed spices, milk and honey.

There are many different chai blends unique to their region of India but the original recipe was created out of the need for a medicinal and healthy recipe to combat minor discomforts for those without easy access to medical care. Chai can be useful for nausea, indigestion, gas, colic, parasites, headaches, and for eliminating mucus from the body. It is warm and stimulating to the body-- perfect for the average American diet during our winters. Below is our favorite recipe and you will be surprised at just how easy this exotic tea is to make. For a decaffeinated version, simply drop the black tea and substitute with rooibos. All of the ingredients can be found in your local health food store. yummy.

Ingredients

1 oz freshly grated ginger root
7 peppercorns
1 cinnamon stick
5 cloves
5 green cardamom pods or 15 decorted seeds
1 pint pure water
1 tbs black ceylon tea
1/2 cup unsweetened soy milk
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp vanilla extract
Honey to sweeten (optional)

Directions

In a stainless steel or glass pot add the first six ingredients together and bring to a boil.
Do not let boil and immediately reduce to simmer. Simmer 10 minutes. Add the soy milk and black tea and simmer 10 minutes more. Strain. Add nutmeg and vanilla. Serves 4. Let individuals sweeten with honey as desired.

What puts me in a good mood? Thinking about going to church every week, and knowing in my heart there is never an option not to go; not because I have to but because it is fun and I want to go. Then just showing up to a warm group of friends who come together and allow the Presence of God to show up. Jesus, not just in this season, is my Reason for a good mood every day!

I think what put me in a good mood is thinking positive.

I used to take Sam-e regularly before I got pregnant. My son was born last January, and since then I have struggled with keeping my mood up. There are things that I used to do that made me happy, but now there is little time to do them. As a stay-at-home mom, even if I do find the time now I just don't feel motivated. The things that used to make me happy were painting, reading, graphic design, and going to amusement parks. Don't get me wrong, because I love my son with all my heart and waited several years for him. I just need a little boost to deal with the stress I sometimes feel.

Mood picker upper:
2 kisses from my husband & daughter
2 giant hugs from my daughter & husband
1 great breakfast in bed
20 minutes in the bath tub relaxing

My recipe for Happiness is listening to gospel music.Or turning on the cornerstone Christian channell.

I got polio when I was 9 mos. old in 1944. My receipe for a good mood is - act the way you want to feel & before long that is the way you will feel. People don't like being around someone grouchy, so when you walk out that front door, put a smile on your face & smile at others when you see them. It becomes catching & makes you feel better.

Sam-e is good quality and helps maintain a positive attitude.

I like the varied tips you give, something for everyone.

I find being as good of a person as I can and going the extra mile for everybody....Friend or Stranger is the good mood maker for me. Holding doors for everyone. Make sure you say hello and smile when your in public. Try to help some one that seems to be unhappy or in a bad mood because you don't know what that person is going through. Listen to everybody stories and praise the great things they do. Maybe with your smiling face and the extra help you gave that person you made its life a little easier for that moment. Help out a child with a project. Ten when it gets a great award for it you will be in a great mood. Suprising a family member or a friend with a call makes me smile. Just paying it forward every chance I get makes my day and when its time to turn in I think all I have done and how wonderful life would be if everybody would do the same. I hope someone smiles at you today. Have a very happy Holiday Season and a safe and Prosperus New Year.

My recipe for a good mood ~

Surround yourself with:

1-Crazy Husband of thirty plus years
2-Hilarious Sons, who both served our Country! (USMC & USAF)
1-Loveable Grandson
1-Daughter-in-law
1-Son's New Girlfriend

Get them all together, after all your preparations are in order, and relax and enjoy the antics and good humor. From Wii bowling until 2:30 AM, to the sound of silly karaoke first thing in the morning; you will have the time of your life. Even though the house looks as though a tornado ripped thru it, how could anyone be in a bad mood? Laughter, fun, and family are the key to having a happy heart.

A good mood recipe should be something that makes you happy not something you do when you are already happy. If one were already happy then there would be no need for this recipe. Sure exercise and sunshine make a day bright, but if you’re curled up in bed and the sky appears gloomy what is going to brighten your sky?

The first and most difficult thing to do is accept that you have lost control. And if you are a person like myself who likes to control everything and I mean everything in life (such as where my boyfriend should park when he’s driving), then accepting that this characteristic that makes you part of who you are is gone, is just devastating to your entire existence. So with this gone and the grocery store being closed (like most stores that are closed during the wee hours of the night), you must borrow some from somebody close.

So you ask your husband or boyfriend, but perhaps they have no interest in cooking in the dark (because your power is out and you do not own enough candles to brighten your kitchen) or maybe they do not know how and do not want to learn at the moment.

So you go to your family and friends. For me, I go to my mom and my sister because they always have control of their own lives so I figure they can spare some for mine.
And if you are lucky to have that sisterly bond like the one I have then you may be able to sneak in a smile or a small giggle before the main course.

Then with the borrowed control on the counter and SAM-e in your hands, you combine the two and you create your dough of good mood, which is just the perfect consistency (not too thin as to separate, but not too thick as to harden before becoming a deliciously put together meal).

And now for the molding; you roll it out and as you are doing this the sun begins to rise, you place it on a cookie sheet and stick it in the oven (that helps to warm your home), then finally you hear the timer go off and your face begins to light up. You open the oven, pull out your concoction, and feast on happiness, laughter, sunshine, family, and friends. And from this day forward you vow to never go this long without following this recipe again!!! So the next time the power is out, you are exhausted, and the sky is grey, this recipe will not be as difficult to follow because with practice you can become an expert at making your very own good mood =)

My recipe for a good mood is doing something nice or helpful for others. I find that when I'm doing something for other people (especially shut-ins or those going throug rough times), it takes my mind off of myself and how bad I'm hurting. I've also learned that no matter how bad off we think we are, we just have to look around us to realize how blessed we really are--there are always others much worse off. I cook a lot in large quantities even though my husband and I are the only ones in our home, so I take a lot of meals, cakes, etc. to other people. One of my favorite things to fix this time of year is an Easy Homemade Vegetable Soup, which is a big hit with many. My Recipe: 1 can roast beef w/gravy, 1 envelope beefy onion soup mix, 1 - 15 oz. can tomato sauce, 1 - 16 oz. bag frozen mixed vetetables, 4 large potatoes (peeled & diced), 1 T. worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp. hot sauce, 1 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. black pepper, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 T. dried minced onion. Mix all ingredients in 4 qt. pot and cover with water to within 1 1/2 inches of top of pan. Cook until potatoes are fork-tender. Add 1 cup of elbow macaroni and cook until done, stirring occasionally. This is better the second day. Enjoy!

My recipe for a completely successful and fulfilling day:

-8 parts of uninterrupted, completely satisfying, awesome dream having REM sleep

-3 parts eating of a balanced and extremely delicious snack every hour, particularly fruit, and a healthy filling protein rich meal every 4 hours with plenty of fruit juice and water in between.

-6 parts unstrenuous activity like walking, swimming, yoga, skateboarding or anything of the sort to maintain a healthy muscle structure and a toned figure.

-3 parts relaxing resting and stretching in my hammock.

-2 parts strenuous activity like going to the gym, jogging, rock climbing or snowboarding.

-2 parts spending time with the people that mean the most to me

and of course 200 mg of SAM-e complete 3 times a day

If you are in a bit of a bad mood and need to get rid of it....Here's what works most of the time for me....
First, just accept it for the moment...
Sit down with some hot tea or a cup of coffee or cocoa... or... no, no booze now...and sit in the sun, if available.
Think about what is bothering you, "the incident" or "that thing that was said" or how exhausted you feel or ....
you get the idea. Take time to I.D. the source of feeling down.
Accept it...you can yell "life Sucks!" if you think you need to.You know, really own it!
Then think about all the stuff that went o.k...things that aren't so bad... no matter how small. Come on .. there's something...a lot of somethings actually.Take your time.....
Give yourself some credit....
life is hard for all of us.
And give yourself some time to get out of this bad mood....never force it! Getting some perspective is key.
And Sam-e is right....
there are recipes that just warm your thoughts just in anticipation. Here's Mine...
take a couple of big bags of salad croutons(the good ones,large croutons, lots of flavor)
a head of broccoli(you do have to chop this big item up into small pieces, well you don't to have to but...I'm just saying...) or a bag of frozen broccoli
a gob of cheese, any kind...(As much as you want really, that's a gob for me...)
a few big plops of salad dressing ( miracle whip type)
some butter
mix this all up,put in a baking dish, put more cheese( yeah I know..this is cheesy! Crucial as a feel better element)on the top and bake it, covered with foil, at 375'-400' till broccoli is tender.Then remove foil to toast that cheese on top for a bit.
This is simple and great for dark, cold winter days,real "comfort food"! And we all know that food does really lift our spirits!
And last but not least..Like me,
Try to win some Sam-e! That might be just the ticket! :)

Write down on paper, or picture in your mind, all the things you think are beautiful. I think of how beautiful freshly fallen snow looks, or how beautiful the rainbow is. My grandchildren's smiles, my Yorkies and their little faces. A gently flowing river or the beautiful rose in my garden. Soon, as you realize all the incredible beauty in the world, you start to smile and you realize life is indeed good and worthwhile.

1 c unconditional Love
1 T humor
dash of honesty
1/2 C forgiveness
Mix well and serve daily.