Byrant Park, New York City
I actually discovered this wonderful little park on my own when my husband was off having a meeting, but I took him back there later on. It’s simply gorgeous with its outdoor library and copious amounts of places to eat and drink. A glorious setting for lovers or happy people!
The cliffs next to Griffith Park, just north of Dee Why, Sydney, Australia
I don’t know the actual name for this location – but short of giving you its co-ordinates, the above description is the best I can do. I spent five weeks in Australia at the start of 2008 and had a gorgeous picnic in the sunshine here (although we did get a puncture driving to it).
The Ivy, London
I just love this place so much… it’s where we tend to go every anniversary. We’re creatures of habit – once we know we like somewhere, we tend to stick to it!
Venice, Italy
I used to go to Venice all the time as a child. However, it’s not somewhere I’ve ever been as a couple. It’s quite similar to Paris in the sense that it’s all about walking down little streets, eating great food and drinking lovely wine. It sure sounds romantic!
Giovanna’s Top 10 Things That Make Me Happy
Aside from my husband, family and friends …
Smiles
Just like yawns spread, so do smiles. I can guarantee that if you smile at a stranger it’s highly likely that they’ll pass that smile on to someone else … how lovely.
Hugs
Not from strangers (that’s just weird), but there’s nothing better than a good old hug from a friend or Hey, maybe I’ll start up a hugging club … want to join?
Chocolate
Any type of chocolate makes me happy; that is a simple fact that I cannot shake. But if I had to say one type in particular, I’d have to go with Ferrero Rocher – I find them highly addictive and regularly need to hide them from myself if they’re in the house. I’d actually go as far as to say that Ferrero Rocher is one of the best things about Christmas as we always have them in a big bowl in the centre of the coffee table … I’m pretty sure I’m the only one who munches through them!
Nutella
Ahhhhhh … Some might be dubious about the inclusion of hazelnut spread on this list – but it seriously makes me happy. I could eat it by the spoonful. That’s actually how I reward myself after a good day of writing – around four or five o’clock I head into the kitchen, deliriously salivating as I pull out a spoon and reach for my little jar of heaven. Ha!
Elderly People
Okay, this might sound like an odd thing to include, but there’s nothing lovelier than taking some time to talk to an elderly person. They’re more experienced in this game called life than the lot of us – and such conversations (which always seem to be naughtier than I’m expecting) always leave me with a smile on my face.
Children
Yes, from one extreme to the other. I love children. They’re so innocent, truthful and funny. If I’m at a wedding I’d much rather hang out with the children, pulling the craziest moves I can muster, than being all civilized with the adults.
Music
Music is so emotive and freeing – whether you’re bashing (some sort of) rhythm out on the drums or screaming along to your favourite band as you do the hovering. It’s fantastic. Obviously there are happy songs and sad songs, but bizarrely even the sad songs make me happy … funny how they do that. Sometimes wallowing in self-pity is actually quite nice. As long as it’s not a regular thing, of course!
Cats
When people are sick and tired of you giving them hugs (it’s happened) you can always count on a feline friend to sacrifice themselves for your pleasure. Judging by their purring they get a lot out of it too!
Pictures
Whilst I believe that people should make the most of every moment and not be looking at life through a camera lens, capturing special moments is so wonderful. I have loads of photos around my home of my loved ones laughing and being silly – or places that hold a specific meaning. Catching glimpses of them really helps to brighten my day.
Books
From a very young age I’ve been happiest when my nose is buried in a big book. I love reading about people’s relationships, about their hopes and fears, their dreams and aspirations … books are wonderfully inspirational and I couldn’t imagine my life without them!
I haven’t included cake … but I love cake. Cake makes me VERY happy. If a cake happens to be reading this, don’t you worry your fluffy little insides – I love you millions. My love for you knows no bounds. My love for you is limitless.
AND SEEING TWO MAGPIES! This is something that makes me SUPER happy … seeing one just turns me into a crazy nutter.