Welcome to the next installment of “What’s Making Me Happy,” a monthly series about the things that are brightening my life! And boy, does it need brightening this month. I need pepping up every time I turn on the news or look at social media.

I couldn’t live without my… Himalayan Salt Lamp

I recently moved this lamp from the living room to the bedroom. In the living room, I’d thought I felt a difference in my levels of calmness and focus, but I wasn’t sure. But the difference in the bedroom was immediate and definite. I wake up feeling so much more refreshed, as if there’s more oxygen in my lungs (and I suppose there is, or at least cleaner oxygen). I highly recommend these lamps for– well, everyone, but especially those who have issues with sleeping, anxiety, depression, or a lowered immune system.

Funny story about how I obtained the lamp. A few weeks before Christmas, I emailed my husband an article I’d read about the benefits of salt lamps, and asked for his opinion. He never wrote me back, which was unusual, but we were both very busy, so I didn’t press him. On Christmas morning, the first package I opened from my husband was the salt lamp! He’d bought it before I’d even heard of them and was afraid to write me back in case he gave the surprise away.

I’m luxuriating in my… Origins face cream and wash.

I discovered Origins over the summer when my usual Korres night cream went way up in price. Origins is much cheaper and I love it even more. Every product I’ve tried has been amazing. I love the citrusy smell of the day cream, the silkiness of the night cream, and the perfect amount of foam in the face wash. I’ve also tried a charcoal face mask in a sample package, and it made my skin feel amazing. Treat yo’self!

I’m eating my… “Leanne” sandwich. (“Leannewich?”)

I invented a sandwich after Thanksgiving, and I’m kind of obsessed with it.

Ingredients:

• Bread- either rye or potato, something that grills well
• Butter spread for the outside of the bread
• Swiss cheese, 2 slices
• Turkey, 2-3 slices (preferably thick)
• Spinach, a handful
• Cranberry sauce with whole cranberries (preferably homemade)
• Bonus: a few strips of bacon

Assemble with cheese and turkey on each side with spinach and cranberry sauce in the middle. Grill until golden. Serve with baby carrots and pickle chips on the side.

I make this sandwich at least twice a week. It’s so yummy. I named it after myself because I couldn’t think of a better name. It’s sort of a Thanksgiving ingredient sandwich, but without the mashed potatoes or stuffing or gravy (mmm… gravy). Any suggestions for a better name?

I’m watching… Gilmore Girls

I finally started watching this series because Netflix would not stop telling me that I’d like it, based on my viewing history. And it seemed like all of my book-loving friends were kind of obsessed with Rory’s books. I’m enjoying it. But it’s not a favorite series on the level of How I Met Your Mother or Friends, because I like the acting but I’m not in love with the writing. The comedy writing is great, especially for Lorelei, but the dramatic plot points don’t fully deliver on their potential. Tension lags, and there’s some repetition when something happens to Rory, and we then have to watch her describe it to Lorelei, or vice versa. But it’s fun and light, and I could use that right now. I’ve just started season five.

I’m taking… Mommy and Me yoga.

I love this class, taught by the same yoga teacher who led my prenatal yoga classes. We do yoga while holding the babies, or over them (picture doing a downward dog with a smiling baby looking up at you from the mat) and we give them a few stretches as well. The babies love it, the mommies feel good, and it’s great to have some time with fellow newborn moms to discuss all the things that are pressing in our lives right now (nursing problems, sleep regressions.).

What’s making YOU happy right now? And have you needed more things to pep your mood lately?