Until I moved to New York, I hadn't a clue how often it rained. I assumed that the weather was either hot and humid or cold and snowy (two scenarios I'm completely OK with). The wet weather and dark sky get me down a bit, especially when the city goes days without sunshine. On the premise of cheering myself up, I've decided to make a list of things I'm thankful for...Things that make me happy.

• Brand new soy-wax candles

• Anything and everything lavender

• Dishes' breakfast buffet (just to visually admire its beauty)

• Welch's Grape Juice

• Having an abundance of DVR'd TV shows to watch

• The season's first snow

• Fresh flowers

• Spending at least one weekend night at home

• Brunch

• Learning that a friend's love conquest/story has actually worked out

• Babies

• Dogs

• Anticipating a vacation

• Wine club

• Watching in awe, from the gas station across the street, as jets touch down on the runway at the San Diego Airport

• My new job

• Each and every time I get to use my NY State driver's license...Because it reminds me that I'm here

• Central Park

• Homemade lemonade

• My Chanel purse

• Gerritsen Beach Bagels

• Listening to stories about my grandmother

• November and December in Manhattan

• Swimming in lakes

• Pate de Fruit from Bouchon Bakery

…

Until we eat again,

The Lunch Belle