#HAPPYANDHEALTHY

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Robyn Arteaga

MY NAME IS ROBYN, SOME CALL ME RO. I’M 20 YEARS YOUNG — CURRENTLY A STUDENT, JUNIOR PUBLICIST AND FREELANCE STYLIST. I LOVE TO TRAVEL, BE OUT IN THE SUN, AND ALWAYS LOOK FORWARD TO A GOOD TIME!

#HAPPYSONG

 LET’S DANCE - DAVID BOWIE!! NOT MY TYPICAL TASTE IN MUSIC, BUT THIS SONG JUST MAKES ME WANT TO STOP WHATEVER I’M DOING AND DANCE! I USUALLY BREAK OUT INTO SOME KIND OF DANCE MOVE WHENEVER I GET HAPPY ABOUT SOMETHING. MY CLOSER FRIENDS TEND TO KNOW THIS ABOUT ME… (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE) 

#HAPPYMEAL

TO BE HONEST, I LOVE A GOOD BOWL OF GRANOLA WITH A LITTLE BIT OF YOGURT OR ALMOND MILK. REALLY, I JUST LOVE A CRUNCHY TEXTURE IT MAKES A QUICK & HEALTHY SNACK TOO!

#NOMORESADTIP

CRUISING THROUGH SOUNDCLOUD TENDS TO BE A GOOD DISTRACTION WHENEVER I’M SAD. PUTTING SOME DARIUS ON SHUFFLE HELPS TOO. OH, AND A GLASS OF WINE AND FRIEND BY MY SIDE WITH THAT NEVER HURTS EITHER LOL

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Stella Fernandez

IM A BGIRL, REPRESENT HEART BREAKERZ CRÜE. AN INTERNATIONAL FEMALE BREAKERS & ARTISTS CREW. I ALSO CREATE GEMSTONE JEWELRY: (SOULGEMZ.BIGCARTEL.COM) I WAS BORN IN BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA. MOVED TO THE US AT THE AGE OF 3. I STARTED BREAKING MAY 2003 IN FL & GREW A PASSION & LOVE FOR THE HIPHOP CULTURE SINCE. I'VE HAD THE PRIVILEGE TO TEACH INTERNATIONALLY & I AM STILL ACTIVELY ENTERING COMPETITIONS AS I CONTINUE TO LEARN & GROW IN MY ARTISTRY. 

#HAPPYSONG

PRINCE - I WANT TO BE YOUR LOVER. THE SOUND AND LYRICS MAKES ME MOVE! #HAPPYMEAL

I REALLY LIKE EATING MANGOS AND PINEAPPLE. SO MESSY AND FUN TO EAT! #NOMORESADTIP

GET UP & KEEP IT MOVING! DANCING/MUSIC IS HELPED ME GET THROUGH GOOD TIMES AND BAD TIMES. IT’S MY OUTLET.

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Jacob Kowalczyk

I AM AN EMCEE/LYRICIST UNDER THE MONIKER WONDERMAXX AND A BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU PRACTITIONER LIVING IN BLOOMINGTON, IN 

#HAPPYSONG 

MY HAPPY SONG IS "HIGHER GROUND" BY HUDSON MOHAWKE AND LUNICE ON THEIR COLLABORATION PROJECT TNGHT. THE MESSAGE OF REACHING FOR A NEW LEVEL AND THE HEAVY DRUMS AND BASS MAKE FOR GREAT WORKOUT/TRAINING MUSIC. ITS ALSO MOSTLY INSTRUMENTAL MAKING IT GREAT FOR FREESTYLE RHYMES! GETS ME IN THE ZONE EVERY TIME. 

#HAPPYMEAL 

THE MEALS THAT MAKE ME HAPPIEST ARE THE MEALS THAT I KNOW ARE GOOD FOR MY HEALTH. I LIKE TO KEEP IT SIMPLE AND NUTRITION ORIENTED IN THE KITCHEN.. A TYPICAL HAPPY MEAL FOR ME COULD LOOK LIKE CHICKEN/TURKEY STRIPS, STEAMED KALE/SPINACH, STEAMED BELL PEPPERS, BROCCOLI, CUCUMBERS, ZUCCHINI, HOWEVER MANY VEGGIES I CAN FIT IN MY STEAMER! COMBINE ON YOUR DISH AND CHOW DOWN INDISCRIMINATELY, KNOWING EVERYTHING ON YOUR PLATE IS GOOD FOR YOU!

#NOMORESADTIP 

FOR CONQUERING SADNESS, I FIND ITS BEST TO HAVE AN ARSENAL OF NEGATIVITY I THWARTING STRATEGIES. IF ONE ISN'T WORKING TRY ANOTHER. ONE OF MY FAVORITE WAYS TO CURE SADNESS IS TO GET THE HEART RATE UP WITH SOME SIMPLE EXERCISE AND GET THOSE ENDORPHINS COURSING THROUGH THE BRAIN!

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Briana Cheng

HII, I WORK IN ARTIST RELATIONS AND I WRITE ABOUT THINGS THAT MAKE ME EMOTIONAL, MOSTLY SENSITIVE DANCE MUSIC

#HAPPYSONG

I LIKE THIS PITBULL REMIX TO TAYLOR SWIFT’S “BLANK SPACE” BECAUSE THE FIRST TIME I HEARD IT WAS WHILE EATING A WHOLE FRIED SNAPPER AT THIS HAITIAN RESTAURANT IN MIAMI. MY BEST FRIEND AND I WERE THE ONLY TOURISTS AND THE CHEF THOUGHT WE WERE FOOD BLOGGERS, HE WAS EXTRA ACCOMMODATING AND SWEET -- BUT ALSO THIS IS A TRACK WITH PITBULL AND TAYLOR. I DON’T KNOW WHAT/WHO MR.WORLDWIDE IS, THIS IS THE EXACT SAME SONG WHEN I HEARD ON THE RADIO. HTTPS://SOUNDCLOUD.COM/JAMSPLAY/TAYLOR-SWIFT-FT-PITBULL-BLANK-SPACE-MR-WORLDWIDE-REMIX

#HAPPYMEAL

SOUP! ANY/ALL TYPES OF SOUP. IT’S EASY TO MAKE AND IT’S LITERALLY A BOWL OF WARMTH. MY GO TO AS FAR AS A PERSONAL RECIPE IS CHICKEN AND VEGETABLES. YOU CAN ADD WHATEVER BUT I USUALLY JUST THROW IN SOME CELERY, CARROTS, POTATOES. CHICKEN, ONIONS, AND CILANTRO.

#NOMORESADTIP

I LIKE TO LISTEN TO 2000’S HIP HOP LIKE JA RULE AND ASHANTI AND WATCH A LOT OF CHEESY ROM COMS. IT WORKS BETTER IF YOU HAVE MORE PEOPLE TO DO IT WITH.

Twitter: @banacrisp

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David Beltran

DIY TIL I DIE OR GO STRAIGHT TO HELL

#HAPPYSONG 

OS MUTANTES - BABY

I DUNNO PORTUGUESE, BUT THE CHORUS BABY BABY I LOVE U.....SO SIMPLE. LOVE IT. ALSO IM IN LOVE AS FUCK WITH MY BABY.

#HAPPYMEAL

GRAPEFRUIT GUTTED IN A BOWL WITH CHILI POWDER AND SALT. ITS SO TASTY! MEXICAN FOOD VENDORS ALWAYS SELL FRUIT WITH CHILI POWDER ON IT, CUCUMBERS OR MANGOS, SO I STARTED DOIN IT ON MY GRAPEFRUITS. I EAT IT EVERY MORNING.

#NOMORESADTIP 

I LOOK IN THE MIRROR AND SAY "A BETTER PERSON IS HAVING IT WORSE RIGHT NOW" I ALSO LIKE TO THINK OF MY FRIENDS AND THE FACT THAT WELL ALL BE DEAD SOON. TIME IS NOT A RENEWABLE RESOURCE SO ITS BEST TO TRY AND BE OPEN MINDED AND POSITIVE AS OFTEN AS I CAN.

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Gillian Nguyen

I’M A TRANSPLANT FROM TORONTO CURRENTLY LIVING IN BROOKLYN WORKING IN THE CATERING BUSINESS. I SPEND MY FREE TIME WATCHING KUNG FU FLICKS ON RAINY DAYS, DISCOVERING NEW JUICE BARS, FINDING NEW TUNES ON SOUNDCLOUD & TRAVELING TO NEW PLACES IN THE WORLD. #HAPPYSONG RICK ASTLEY – NEVER GONNA GIVE YOU UP I FEEL LIKE THIS SONG HAS THE ABILITY TO MAKE ANYBODY LAUGH AND SMILE. NO MATTER WHAT MOOD I’M IN, IF I HEAR THIS SONG I CAN’T RESIST THE URGE TO BURST OUT IN A SILLY DANCE OR A GIGGLE. I GUESS I’M RICK ROLLING MYSELF, BUT HEY AT LEAST I’M HAPPY! #HAPPYMEAL I ALWAYS FREAK OUT WHEN I SEE CUPCAKES. THEY MAKE MY HEART FEEL GOOD. THEY’RE SWEET AND USUALLY DRESSED UP IN COLORFUL ICING AND SPRINKLES. WHENEVER I WOULD FEEL KIND OF BUMMED OUT, MY MUM WOULD BUY ME A CUPCAKE TO CHEER ME UP. I THINK IT STUCK WITH ME, BECAUSE EVERY TIME I SEE ONE, I FEEL A STRONG DESIRE TO BUY IT! #NOMORESADTIP LOVING YOURSELF & PRAYER! WHENEVER I FEEL SAD, I USUALLY PRAY FOR GUIDANCE, REASSURANCE AND CLARITY. I THANK GOD FOR WHAT I ALREADY HAVE. I ALSO PRAY FOR THE STRENGTH TO DO WHAT I CANNOT DO ON MY OWN. THEN I SPEND THE REST OF MY TIME LOVING MYSELF BY DOING THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY LIKE KICKING IT WITH MY FAMILY & MY FRIENDS, WATCHING MOVIES, LISTENING TO SOME SOULFUL HOUSE MUSIC, WORKING OUT AND TRAVELING. I’M MY HAPPIEST WHEN I’M ABLE TO FULLY LOVE AND NURTURE MYSELF UNCONDITIONALLY.

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Vlad Stoian

I'M A FREELANCE MUSIC BLOGGER AKA WARMER CLIMES. I ASK SUPERSTARS AND NEWCOMERS TO WRITE INTIMATE SOULFUL THINGS ABOUT 10 SONGS THEY LOVE. IGGY AZALEA, GOTYE, DISCLOSURE AND 1400 MORE CONTRIBUTED FOR ME EXCLUSIVELY ALREADY. I'M GAY, SAD AND SOMEHOW FOREVER LONELY, HOPING FOR A BOYFRIEND AND HAPPINESS AND THE SILENCE TO CONTINUE THIS DREAM CALLED WARMER CLIMES. #HAPPYSONG BJÖRK | STONEMILKER FROM VULNICURA. BECAUSE I'M FEELING ALIVE IN HER EXPRESSIVITIES. AND BECAUSE THIS IS A DIRECT CALL FOR MUTUAL COORDINATES AND EMOTIONAL RESPECT. PRETTY MUCH ALL I NEED RIGHT NOW. TO FIND ACCESS WAYS INTO ANOTHER HUMAN BEING. AND TO FEEL KEPT. #HAPPYMEAL PEPSI AND PIZZA FOR LIFE. MY TRIGLYCERIDES ARE HIGH SINCE BEFORE CHRISTMAS 2014 SO TIL SUMMER 2015 I PLAN TO QUIT MY MAD HABITS INTO DIABETES-ESQUE UNHEALTHINESS AND LOSE SOME KILOS.

#NOMORESADTIP SURFING TONES OF INFORMATION FROM ALL MUSIC BLOGS, ASKING HUNDREDS OF MUSIC MAKERS DAILY TO CONTRIBUTE EXCLUSIVELY FOR MY BLOG, WATCHING 50 AMERICAN & BRITISH TV SHOWS IN THE SAME TIME, LISTENING TO BJÖRK, ALANIS MORISSETTE & THE VERVE ON A DAILY BASIS, SLEEPING, OPENING EMAILS FROM SUPERSTARS AND REALIZING HOW FAR AND UNCONTROLLABLY MAGICALLY FAR THIS BLOG OF MINE GOES DAY AFTER DAY. SHARING PICS AND SONGS ON MY FACEBOOK AND TWITTER WALLS AND FEELING LIKE PRODUCING AN UNDECLARED ONLINE ART FOR MY FEW 10 000+ FRIENDS AROUND THE WORLD. MUSIC IS MY CURE FOR SADNESS. COMBINED WITH MY FAVORITE PAIR OF HEADPHONES EVER: PHILIPS SHP2700. CAN'T FIND THEM IN ROMANIA ANYMORE! PLEASE SEND ME AS MANY PAIRS AS YOU CAN!!! I WANT TO HAVE THEM IN DUPLICATE VERSIONS TIL THE END OF MY LIFE. SO I CAN HEAR ALL THE TIME THE INFINITE BEAUTY OF THIS PLANET...

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Joey Ng

I'M IN THE BUSINESS OF MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE.

MARKETING DIRECTOR AT AMERICAN APPAREL / FORMER SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR AT RED BULL MUSIC ACADEMY.

#HAPPYSONG

RIGHT NOW, IT'S FRANK OCEAN'S COVER OF AALIYAH'S COVER OF THE ISLEY BROTHERS' 'AT YOUR BEST'/'YOU ARE LUHH'. IT'S EVERYTHING I LOVE BEST ABOUT MUSIC. SPARSE, HEARTFELT, R&B. THE LYRICS ARE SO ENCOURAGING: 

'AT YOUR BEST, YOU ARE LOVE. YOU'RE A POSITIVE MOTIVATING FORCE WITHIN MY LIFE.' 

I FEEL LIKE DURING THE WINTERS IN NEW YORK, IT'S EASY - ALMOST ROMANTIC - TO RETREAT AND LET YOURSELF BECOME A BIT BLUE, BUT THIS SONG IS A GREAT REMINDER TO PUSH FORWARD, ACHIEVE YOUR BEST, AND THAT SOMEONE, SOMEWHERE, LOVES YOU. 

#HAPPYMEAL

PARTICULARLY, VERY SPICY NORTHERN CHINESE FOODS WHICH REMINDS ME OF MY MUM. GENERALLY, ANY MEAL MADE WITH LOVE AND SHARED WITH FRIENDS!  

HERE'S THE RECIPE FOR A HEARTY CHICKEN SOUP I MADE LAST SUNDAY WHICH FED MYSELF AND 3 OF MY FAVOURITE GIRLFRIENDS WITH PLENTY TO SPARE OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS. 

JOEY NO GOOD'S HEARTY CHICKEN SOUP (6-8 SERVINGS)

INGREDIENTS:

1 TABLESPOON OF BUTTER

2 GARLIC CLOVES - FINELY CHOPPED

1 YELLOW ONION - DICED

1 ROTISSERIE CHICKEN (ALREADY COOKED, FROM THE GROCERY STORE)

WATER

4 TOMATOES (I PREFER THE ONES ON THE VINE, THEY HAVE A SHARPER TASTE)

2 CARROTS - PEELED AND CHOPPED INTO 1/4" SLICES

3 WHITE POTATOES - CUBED

1 CAN OF CHICKPEAS/GARBANZO BEANS (I LIKE TO PEEL THE SKINS OFF EACH BEAN, BUT THAT IS OPTIONAL)

4-6 TABLESPOONS BALSAMIC VINEGAR (LESS OR MORE TO YOUR TASTE)

8 LEAVES OF FRESH BASIL

CELTIC SEA SALT

GROUND BLACK PEPPER

ITALIAN HERBS SEASONING BLEND

CHICKEN BROTH

OPTIONAL:

HOT SAUCE

INSTRUCTIONS:

- MELT BUTTER IN A LARGE SOUP POT.

- ADD DICED ONIONS AND MINCED GARLIC. SPRINKLE WITH SALT AND PEPPER AND SAUTÉE UNTIL GOLDEN.

- REMOVE ANY STRING OR PINS FROM THE ROTISSERIE CHICKEN AND PLACE IT INTO THE POT.

- ADD ENOUGH WATER TO COVER THE ENTIRE CHICKEN.

- COVER AND BOIL ON HIGH FOR 20 MINUTES, ADJUSTING HEAT DOWN IF IT BUBBLES OVER THE POT.

- AFTER 20 MINUTES, SKIM ANY FAT OR SKINS OF OIL FLOATING ON THE TOP OF THE BROTH.

- ADD TOMATOES, CARROTS, POTATOES, AND CHICKPEAS.

- SIMMER ON MEDIUM UNTIL POTATOES ARE SOFT, AND TOMATOES HAVE MELTED AWAY (ABOUT ANOTHER 15-20 MINUTES). STIR OCCASIONALLY THROUGHOUT. 

- SKIM AGAIN FOR FAT OR BUBBLY SCUM FLOATING ON TOP OF THE BROTH

- IF YOUR SOUP HAS REDUCED TOO MUCH FOR YOUR LIKING, TOP IT OFF WITH A LITTLE BIT OF READY MADE CHICKEN BROTH.

- ADD BALSAMIC VINEGAR, BASIL LEAVES

- SEASON HEAVILY WITH SEA SALT, BLACK PEPPER, ITALIAN HERBS SEASONING TO TASTE.

- STIR AND TASTE. ADJUST CONDIMENTS UNTIL HAPPY. 

- SERVE!

#NOMORESADTIP

1 BOTTLE OF BARBERA D'ASTI + 1 BEST FRIEND + A LOT OF BITCHING 

FOLLOWED BY A FEW YOUTUBE CLIPS FROM MY FAVOURITE STAND-UP COMEDIANS, LOUIS C.K. TJ MILLER, OR CHRIS LOCKE = NO MORE SAD.

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Nicholas James Concklin

I'M A VERBOSE, BEARDED MAN GALLIVANTING ABOUT AS A RADIO PRESENTER, LABEL DIRECTOR AND ARTIST MANAGER.

#HAPPYSONG

AT THIS PRESENT MOMENT MY HOTTEST FLING IS ROOK MILO'S REMIX OF "THROW SOME D'S" PRIMARILY BECAUSE OF THE MODULATION IN THE FINAL VERSE. HTTPS://SOUNDCLOUD.COM/ROOKMILO/DEEEES

#HAPPYMEAL MY HAPPY MEAL IS DEFINITELY MY QUICHE, BOTH IN PREPARATION AND CONSUMPTION. THE PARTICULAR STYLE THAT HAS MY HEART AT THE MOMENT IS MY JALAPENO POPPER QUICHE. I MAKE MY OWN CRUST WITH 2 STICKS OF DICED, FROZEN BUTTER. I PUT A LAYER OF CREAM CHEESE ON THE BOTTOM OF THE PIE AND POUR ON TOP OF IT A HEARTY MIX OF EGG, HEAVY CREAM, HALF POUND OF BACON, 2 LARGE RED ONIONS DICED AND CARAMELIZED IN THE BACON GREASE (PLUS SOME BROWN SUGAR), HALF A BAG OF SPINACH (STEAMED AND DICED), SHREDDED CHEDDAR AND 5 DICED JALAPENOS (GIVE OR TAKE A FEW VARIABLE INGREDIENTS). AND, OF COURSE, A DECENT LAYER OF SHREDDED PARM ON TOP. PLUS, QUICHE IS A SOCIAL FOOD, LIKE A BOURGEOIS PIZZA. IT'S MEANT TO BE SHARED, WHICH ONLY MAGNIFIES ITS HAPPINESS FACTOR.

#NOMORESADTIP

I HAVE A FEW DIFFERENT CURES FOR SADNESS DEPENDING ON THE KIND OF SADNESS. THE SADNESS OF METROPOLITAN COMPRESSION & CIRCADIAN ENNUI IS THE COUNTRYSIDE- A CHANGE OF ENVIRONMENT THAT CAN RESET PERSPECTIVE. EMOTIONAL SADNESS IS BEST CONFRONTED BY CREATIVITY AND THE JOY FOUND IN THE ACT OF CREATION. THE FEELINGS ARE FUNDAMENTALLY INEFFABLE; THIS IS WHY ART EXISTS IN THE FIRST PLACE. MAKE ART. FOR DAY-TO-DAY, FLEETING SADNESS & STRESS, A CUP OF REALLY NICE BLACK TEA CAN DO THE TRICK QUITE NICELY I'VE FOUND.

P.S. SOPHIA GRACE ALSO MAKES ME REALLY HAPPY. THAT GIRL RULES.

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Chippy Nonstop

YOUNG GIRL TRYING TO HELP MYSELF SO I CAN HELP THE WORLD BE A BETTER PLACE, BUT I GET LOST ALONG THE WAY WITH OBSTACLES LIKE FEAR, JEALOUSLY AND SADNESS, BUT TRYING TO OVERCOME BY MAKING MUSIC AND ART AND SPREADING A POSITIVE MESSAGE THE BEST I KNOW.

#HAPPYSONG

CLARITY, BY ZEDD ALWAYS AND BEEN. I DON'T KNOW I JUST LOVE IT, MAKES ME FEEL SOME TYPAWAY.

#HAPPYMEAL

I LOVE THAI FOOD A LOT. I ALSO REALLY LIKE THE FEELING OF COOKING THOUGH, MY FAVORITE THING TO COOK IS PROBABLY INDIAN FOOD.

#NOMORESADTIP

DANCING AND LISTENING TO REALLY LOUD REGGAETON/MOOMBAHTON/DANCEHALL SONGS.

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Cody Campbell

I LIVE IN AUSTIN WITH MY DOG AND PRODUCE ELECTRONIC MUSIC AS SUPRAMAN. #HAPPYSONG THIS IS A REALLY HARD ONE TO ANSWER, BUT I THINK I'D HAVE TO GO WITH DJ RASHAD - LOVE U FOUND. NOT BECAUSE IT'S A PARTICULARLY HAPPY SONG (IT ISN'T), BUT BECAUSE IT'S JUST STONE-COLD PERFECT. RASHAD WAS ONE OF MY BIGGEST INFLUENCES--AND I KNOW THAT IT'S KIND OF LAME TO ANALYZE TRACKS LIKE THIS, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU HAVE TO TAKE THEM GROSSLY OUT OF CONTEXT TO DO SO--BUT I THINK THAT "LOVE U FOUND" IS COMPLETELY TRANSCENDENT, ON THE LEVEL OF LONNIE JOHNSON'S "GOT THE BLUES FOR THE WEST END" OR THE BEACH BOYS' "GOD ONLY KNOWS." ITUNES ALSO SAYS IT'S THE MOST PLAYED TRACK IN MY ENTIRE LIBRARY, SO THAT'S GOTTA COUNT FOR SOMETHING. HONORABLE MENTION GOES TO ANY OF MY CLOSE FRIENDS' TRACKS. BEING CONSTANTLY SURROUNDED BY SUCH CREATIVE AND PRODUCTIVE AND INSPIRING PEOPLE MAKES IT A LOT EASIER TO KEEP YOUR CHIN UP, YOU KNOW?

#HAPPYMEAL

PROBABLY MY CHILI RECIPE, BUT THAT'S A CLOSELY GUARDED SECRET. GOOD CHILI IS A LABOR OF LOVE (AND A LOT OF EXPERIMENTATION), SO THERE'S SOMETHING INCREDIBLY SATISFYING ABOUT GETTING IT JUST RIGHT. ALSO MY MOM MAKES THE BEST FRIEND SHRIMPS IN THE WHOLE DAMN WORLD, AND THEY ALWAYS MAKE ME FEEL BETTER NO MATTER WHAT.

#NOMORESADTIP HANGING OUT WITH MY DOG, WORKING ON MUSIC, GOING SOMEWHERE I'LL BE SURROUNDED BY GOOD FRIENDS, CALLING MY FAMILY, GOING ON A BIKE RIDE, TAKING A MOMENT TO REMIND MYSELF OF HOW FORTUNATE I AM, COOKING SOMETHING NEW, DIGGING UP FORGOTTEN TRACKS ON YOUTUBE, AND SOMETIMES JUST GOING TO BED EARLY AND LETTING IT PASS.

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Jonas Lion

HELLO, I'M JONAS LION (REAL NAME). I'M A NORMAL GUY FROM ANTWERP, LIVING IN GHENT, BUT WORKING IN BRUSSELS (THE 3 BIGGEST CITIES HERE, SO IN A CERTAIN WAY I'M THE ULTIMATE BELGIAN). I FILL MY DAYS AS A PROJECT MANAGER FOR A MUSIC WEBSITE AND MY NIGHTS AS A DJ. #HAPPYSONG

 SURFACE - HAPPY

YES I KNOW IT'S CHEESY AND EXTREMELY OBVIOUS, BUT THIS TRACK REALLY DOES THE TRICK. SIMPLE 80'S MUSIC AT IT'S BEST IN ORDER TO PUT THAT SMILE ON YOUR FACE. I REALLY LIKE THE R.KELLY COVER TOO. ACTUALLY ANY R.KELLY SONG MAKES ME HAPPY AS WELL. HOW COULD ANYONE SAY NO TO ROBERT SYLVESTER?

#HAPPYMEAL

ANY DISH MADE BY YOURSELF FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME, SHARED WITH FAMILY OR FRIENDS. IT NEEDS TO BE THE FIRST TIME YOU TRIED THE RECIPE: I LIKE TRYING NEW STUFF AND THE FACT THAT YOU DON'T KNOW WHETHER IT WILL SUCCEED OR NOT MAKES IT ALL THE MORE EXCITING WHEN IT DOES. AND EVEN IF IT DOESN'T, YOU'RE STILL GONNA HAVE A GREAT TIME WITH YOUR LOVED ONES. #NOMORESADTIP I'VE NEVER EXPERIENCED REAL HEAVY SADNESS IN MY LIFE TO BE HONEST, SO I CAN ONLY TELL WHAT I DO WHEN I FEEL A BIT DOWN. IF (MAKING PLANS FOR) A TRIP IS NO OPTION, THEN THIS USUALLY WORKS FOR ME: A LONG AND RELAXED SATURDAY AT HOME, FILLED BY CLEANING UP THE PLACE WITH FRESHLY BOUGHT VINYL ON MAX VOLUME, ACTUALLY DOING STUFF THAT HAS BEEN ON MY 'TO DO LIST' FOR AGES, FOLLOWED BY A GREAT NIGHT OUT WITH FRIENDS OR A LOVED ONE.

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Rachel Karp

MY NAMES RACHEL KARP, SOME PEOPLE CALL ME RAYRAY. I'M AN ACTRESS AND DESIGNER. I'M A FIRM ADVOCATE OF ONLY DOING THINGS THAT MAKE YOU HAPPY, AND FOR ME THAT'S ANYTHING CREATIVE...I THINK LIKE A DESIGNER IN THAT WHEN I'M ACTING I'M DESIGNING A SITUATION...IN THE SAME WAY THAT IF I'M DESIGNING A FASHION ACCESSORY FOR EXAMPLE I AM THINKING ABOUT THE OBJECT'S ROLE OR PURPOSE, OR WHO MY CUSTOMER IS. BOTH FIELD'S ARE SO CONNECTED TO ME BECAUSE IN EITHER CASE YOU HAVE TO FIND A PURPOSE, OR CONVICTION, AND SOLVE SOME SORT OF PROBLEM...AND IF YOU CAN FIND A PURPOSE AND FIND SOMEONE WHO BELIEVES IN IT, THAT'S WHEN YOU'VE SOLVED THE PROBLEM AND THAT'S WHAT BRINGS SUCCESS, WHICH USUALLY COMES WITH HAPPINESS. 

#HAPPYSONG

LIKE SMELLS, SONGS ARE REALLY GOOD AT TRIGGERING MEMORIES AND SOME OF MY HAPPIEST MEMORIES ARE FROM THE TIME I SPENT LIVING IN PARIS. I THINK IT IS WAS THOMAS AKA THE ONE AND ONLY DJ SLOW (WHOSE PLAYFUL ENERGY AND UP BEAT DJ SETS ALWAYS MAKE ME SO HAPPY) WHO HAD POSTED THIS SEVYN STREET MUSIC VIDEO FOR "IT WON'T STOP." I STARTED LISTENING TO THIS SONG ON REPEAT LAST FALL IN PARIS AND TO THIS DAY IT'S STILL MY "HAPPY SONG"...IT JUST TAKES ME RIGHT BACK TO PARIS (AND MAKES ME WIGGLE MY BUTT). **ALSO SPOILER ALERT, THERE’S A LITTLE FRENCH BULLDOG PUPPY FEATURED AT THE END OF THE VIDEO...WHAT CAN MAKE YOU HAPPIER?

#HAPPYMEAL 

MY MOM'S HOME COOKING MAKES ME HAPPY BECAUSE YOU CAN LITERALLY TASTE THE LOVE THAT SHE PUTS INTO EVEN THE SIMPLEST OF DISHES LIKE MALAWACH FOR EXAMPLE WHICH IS A TRADITIONAL ISRAELI/ MIDDLE EASTERN FRIEND DOUGH THAT MAKES ME SO HAPPY BECAUSE YOU SERVE IT WITH A BUNCH OF SMALL SALADS LIKE ISRAELI SALAD WHICH IS JUST CUCUMBER, TOMATOES, AND LEMON JUICE. PLUS TUNA SALAD, COTTAGE CHEESE, AND HARD-BOILED EGGS. I LOVE THIS MEAL BECAUSE WHEN I COOK FOR MYSELF I USUALLY KEEP IT HEALTHY AND SIMPLE. MALAWACH IS DEFINITELY MY "HAPPY MEAL" BECAUSE IT'S SO EASY AND FRESH YOU JUST TOSS THE FROZEN DOUGH ONTO A PAN TO FRY (FRIED FOOD ALSO MAKES ME VERY HAPPY) AND SERVE IT WITH THE SMALL SALADS. IT'S ALSO REALLY FUN TO SEE HOW EVERYONE EATS THIS MEAL IN THEIR OWN WAY...SOME DIP THE DOUGH IN EACH SALAD ONE AT A TIME, OR SOME LIKE TO MIX THEM ALL TOGETHER AND EAT IT LIKE A TACO. IT'S HEALTHY IT'S UNHEALTHY, IT'S VERSATILE, IT'S CULTURAL...IT'S PERFECT. 

#NOMORESADTIP

AFTER SOME TIME LIVING IN NEW YORK CITY AND PARIS AND THEN MOVING BACK HOME TO LA WHERE NO ONE REALLY WALKS ANYWHERE I REALIZED HOW HAPPY WALKING MAKES ME...FOR ME WALKING DOES NOT ONLY CURE SADNESS, BUT ALSO IT CURES HEADACHES, OR TUMMY ACHES, OR CREATIVE BLOCKS...WHICH ALL LEAD TO SADNESS IN THE END. A NICE LITTLE WALK EVERY DAY WILL PROBABLY INCREASE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE AND JUST MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER AND HAPPY IN GENERAL.

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Dyzee

MY NAME IS DYZEE, BORN OF THE SUPERNATURALZ CREW IN TORONTO CANADA, I'M A RETIRED COMPETITIVE BBOY 10 TIME INTERNATIONAL CHAMPION WHO NOW FOCUSES ON THE PROFESSIONALIZATION OF THE BBOY (BREAKDANCING) CULTURE BY DEVELOPING THE ART AND BATTLE (SPORT) TOWARDS A SELF SUSTAINING INDUSTRY FUTURE. #HAPPYSONG

MY HAPPY SONG IS A SONG CALLED "OCEANS" BY HILLSONG UNITED. GIVES ME THE COURAGE TO STEP OUT INTO THE WATERS AND HAVE FAITH IN WHERE MY HEART IS LEADING ME. #HAPPYMEAL

I GUESS MY HAPPY FOOD IS KOREAN BARBEQUE WITH SOJU. IT'S THE REASON WHY I FELL IN LOVE WITH KOREA IN 2004. IN 2005 I MET MY WIFE (WHO HAPPENED TO BE KOREAN), AND NOW WE BOTH LIVE IN KOREA! IF THERE'S ONE THING I CAN EAT EVERY DAY, ITS KOREAN BBQ. #NOMORESADTIP

MY OWN PERSONAL CURE FOR SADNESS, IS SIMPLY PRAYER, BECAUSE EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING, CAN BECOME THE CAUSE FOR SADNESS ONE DAY. FOR EXAMPLE, BREAKIN MAKES ME HAPPY AND CURE SADNESS, BUT SOMETIMES I CAN BE INJURED SO I BECOME SAD. THE ONLY THING THAT TAKES AWAYS MY SADNESS, IS PRAYER.

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Phi Unit

MY NAME IS PHI UNIT. I'M A DJ, EMOTIONAL PRODUCER, EMOJI KING, AND CEO OF BUILDING BEATS. 

#HAPPYSONG 

JAKATA - GOLDEN GIRL - I JUST LISTENED TO THIS SONG THIS MORNING AND IT MADE ME FEEL LIKE A GOLDEN GIRL. 

#HAPPYMEAL

PHI UNIT'S NO JERKS ALLOWED JERK CHICKEN STEW - WHENEVER I'M SAD, I LIKE TO MAKE THIS TO CHEER ME UP. IT REMINDS ME THAT #HATERSGONNAHATE BUT #THATZOKAYANYWAY.

  RECIPE: CHICKEN, 1 MODELO BEER, RED WINE VINEGAR, GARLIC, ONION, CARROTS, CORN, SQUASH, GREEN BEANS, POTATOES, TOMATOES, JERK SAUCE, CURRY SPICE, A LIL BIT OF LEMONGRASS, LEMONS AND SOME SALT. COOK THE GARLIC, ONION, QUARTER OF THE JERK SAUCE AND A PINCH OF SALT TIL BROWN. ADD THE CHICKEN AND ANOTHER QUARTER OF JERK SAUCE. ADD POTATOES AND CARROTS. ADD IN VINEGAR AND MODELO BEER. ADD IN ALL THE OTHER VEGETABLES. IF NECESSARY ADD A LITTLE BIT OF WATER. STEW AWAY FOR 35-45MINUTES ON MEDIUM HEAT. ADD PEPPER IF U WISH.

#NOMORESADTIP 

#YESMORERUNNING = #NOMORESAD. RUNNING OR ANY OTHER PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IS HOW I GET RID OF MY BLUES.

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Ashley Akunna

I AM A JANE OF ALL TRADES IN THE ART WORLD, CURRENTLY FOCUSING ON FILM AND MEDIA PROJECTS, WITH A SPLASH OF MUSIC.

#HAPPYSONG 

MY CURRENT HAPPY SONG HAS TO BE "SODA" BY AZEALIA BANKS. IT'S A SONG ABOUT SELF-MEDICATING AFTER A BREAK UP, BUT YOU WOULDN'T KNOW IT BECAUSE IT HAS SUCH AN AMAZING CLUB BEAT. IT'S REAL AND RAW. AND I CAN RELATE. IT MAKES ME SMILE THROUGH THE PAIN :)

#HAPPYMEAL

MY HAPPY MEAL WOULD HAVE TO BE FIVE GUYS BURGERS AND FRIES. IF YOU HAVEN'T HAD ONE, ITS A MUCH MORE UPGRADED VERSION OF THE BIG MAC AND FRIES. IT'S SO BAD FOR YOU, BUT SO GOOD ON THE TASTE BUDS. LITERALLY, AFTER A LONG AND STRENUOUS WEEK, IF I CAN JUST SIT DOWN WITH A BURGER AND A MOVIE, I AM A CONTENT AND PEACEFUL WOMAN. CAN I PICK MORE THAN ONE? I FEEL LIKE I SHOULD GO WITH A HEALTHIER OPTION LIKE QUINOA AND VEGETABLES. LOL. 

#NOMORESADTIP

IT'S INTERESTING BECAUSE I'VE ENTERED INTO A NEW STAGE IN MY LIFE WHERE I'VE BEEN DEALING WITH BOUTS OF SADNESS AND UNCERTAINTY. WHAT HAS HELPED ME, HAS BEEN SPENDING TIME WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY. AS TRITE AND OBVIOUS AS IT MAY SOUND, IT’S TRULY THERAPEUTIC TO BE AROUND PEOPLE WHO YOU LOVE. AWAY FROM THE DEADLINES, EXPECTATIONS, AND MISSTEPS, BEING IN THE MOMENT AND HAVING A GOOD TIME WITH PEOPLE WHO YOU ACTUALLY ENJOYING BEING AROUND CAN HEAL WOUNDS YOU DIDN'T EVEN KNOW WERE THERE. HOWEVER, DEALING WITH SADNESS ALONE IS A WHOLE BEAST WITHIN ITSELF. I BELIEVE IN MEDITATION, PRAYER, JOURNAL WRITING, AND OVERALL SELF-REFLECTION WHEN TRYING TO BEAT THE BLUES. IT'S A PROCESS. BUT WHEN YOU BREAK FREE, NEW HORIZONS AWAIT.

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Anjali Bahl

#HAPPYSONG

“MISS CAMARADERIE” BY AZEALIA BANKS. IT IS AN EXAMPLE OF OTHERWORLDLY ELECTRONIC MUSIC THAT BRINGS ME BACK TO BEING A KID IN THE 90’S IN CHICAGO AND HEARING 90’S DANCE MUSIC AND JUST WANTING TO BE OLD ENOUGH TO BE AT THE CLUB, TO DANCE, TO BE WHERE ALL THE COOL PEOPLE WERE, BUT IT’S SO FRESH AND CURRENT WITH HER BITEY, SNAPPY VOCALS AND AIRTIGHT PRODUCTION. I HAVE VERY VIVID INTENSE LUCID DREAMS THAT TAKE ME TO ANOTHER WORLD, A PARALLEL UNIVERSE. I DON’T HEAR MUSIC OFTEN THERE BUT WHEN I DO, THIS IS HOW IT SOUNDS.  

#HAPPYMEAL 

MY SMOKY CHIPOTLE CROCK POT CHICKEN CHILI IS VERY COMFORTING ON COLD BRUTAL CHICAGO NIGHTS. IF I LIKE A BOY, I WILL MAKE IT FOR HIM, AND I LIKE TO MAKE IT FOR MY FAMILY. IT WORKS ON EVERYONE. IT WARMS EVERYONE’S SOUL. THE MEASUREMENTS ARE APPROXIMATE. I KIND OF JUST WING IT EVERY TIME. 

- 2 TBSP BUTTER OR OLIVE OIL (I LIKE BUTTER ;) ) 

4 CLOVES GARLIC, FINELY CHOPPED

1 WHITE OR YELLOW ONION, CHOPPED 

4 BONELESS SKINLESS CHICKEN BREASTS CUT INTO CHUNKS

1 CAN DARK RED KIDNEY BEANS

1 CAN PINTO BEANS

1 CAN BLACK BEANS

1 CAN SWEET WHITE AND YELLOW CORN

1 CAN DICED TOMATOES 

SLICED PICKLED JALAPEÑOS TO TASTE (USUALLY ABOUT A HANDFUL)

SLICED CHIPOTLE PEPPERS IN ADOBO SAUCE

VALENTINO HOT SAUCE 

2 CUPS CHICKEN BROTH 

SHREDDED MEXICAN CHEESE BLEND (CHEDDAR, JACK, WHATEVER)

2 PACKETS CHICKEN TACO SEASONING 

HEAT YOUR OIL OR BUTTER IN A PAN AND ADD THE GARLIC AND ONIONS. SAUTE THEM ENOUGH JUST TO RELEASE THE FLAVORS A BIT. TURN OFF HEAT. PUT GARLIC AND ONION MIXTURE ALONG WITH ALL CANNED ITEMS (INCLUDING SOME OF THE ADOBO SAUCE AND A LITTLE OF THE PICKLING JUICE FROM THE CHIPOTLE AND JALAPEÑO PEPPERS) INTO A LARGE CROCK POT. STIR SEASONING PACKETS INTO CHICKEN BROTH. ADD TO CROCK POT. ADD CHICKEN. COOK ON LOW 6-8 HOURS OR HIGH FOR 4-5 HOURS DEPENDING ON YOUR MACHINE. I PREFER LONG AND LOW, UNTIL CHICKEN CAN BE SHREDDED WITH A FORK. SHRED CHICKEN. THROW SHREDDED CHEESE AND HOT SAUCE IN AT THE END TO TASTE.

#NOMORESADTIP 

ELECTRONIC MUSIC, ART, WORKING OUT HARD, BEING IN NATURE, BONDING WITH ANIMALS AND PLANTS, PICKING UP INTERESTING ROCKS, LONG INTENSE WALKS REGARDLESS OF WEATHER OR TERRAIN, AND SPENDING TIME WITH SWEET PEOPLE WHO MOTIVATE ME AND ARE MOTIVATED THEMSELVES :) I AM ALSO PRONE TO SPONTANEOUS WACKY DANCES. THOSE HELP. FOR SURE.