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Surf dogs, sweet dads & ancient snacks 🍯🐶🏎️

Your good news roundup from Happily!

Hello dear readers👋 

Archaeologists just uncovered a sealed jar of ancient Greek honey — 2,000 years old — and somehow, it’s still golden! This week’s edition is full of moments like that: unexpected, beautifully preserved, and sweeter than you’d expect.

Let’s jump right in👇

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Quick Lifts ❤️

Feel good stories from Happilynews.com guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Father Overjoyed by F1 Birthday Gift He Could Only Dream of as a Child

He used to race bottle caps in the street pretending they were Formula 1 cars. Now, this father’s emotional reaction to unboxing a model F1 car from his son is the kind of pure joy you can’t fake.

Surfing Rescue Dog Who Once Faced Abuse Now Teaches Kids to Love the Ocean

Chia was found covered in fleas and fear. Now, this unlikely surf pup helps kids overcome their fear of the ocean — riding waves and winning hearts along the way.

Daughter Surprises Nurse Mom by Posing as Patient on 50th Birthday

This mom thought she was treating a regular patient — until her daughter pulled down her mask and revealed the real reason for the visit. Her reaction? Utter disbelief and joy.

Happy Headlines 📰

It’s not all doom and gloom out there. Here’s some positive news items from publications around the world.

📚 This librarian brings books, resources to homeless people on Skid Row. Now she's gaining national recognition

🦮 “Clear the shelters” is back this month to match rescue pets with forever families — learn how to help

🦸‍♂ Dog trapped underground for four days rescued

🫶 He couldn't free her from the car — so he held her hand until help came 

💸 Gates Foundation commits $2.5 billion to 'ignored' women's health

🦏 Scientists have a new way to halt illegal poaching in South Africa: Turning rhino horns radioactive

🚗 This capital city went a full year without a traffic death thanks to better planned streets, lower speed limits

🍽️ Teenage workers save restaurant as owner spends months in hospital

🐶 Dog heroically leads stranger to 2 unconscious people in need of help: ‘He definitely saved some lives’

Live Life Happily 😃

We round up the latest in lifestyle, health, and wellness news to help you live a happier, healthier life.

🧘 Wellness

This simple brain hack helps boost focus and lower stress
According to experts, the key to clearer thinking might be... doing nothing. The “attention restoration” theory says letting your mind wander — especially in nature — can improve brain health and lower burnout.
👉 Learn how it works on The Independent

8 small health tweaks to feel better this week
From beating tech neck to boosting energy with eggs, these simple expert-backed tips are easy to fit into your routine — and might just make your week a whole lot better.
👉 Try them out on Yahoo Life

🧠 Health

Let big trends like creatine and fibermaxxing shake up your routine
2025 wellness buzzwords — creatine and fibermaxxing — are spreading fast. Here’s what these trends really mean and whether they’re worth exploring.
👉 Read the full list on The Guardian

💪 Fitness

Experts share 5 easy ways to level up your daily walk
From interval walking to weighted vests and hill routes: these expert-approved tweaks make your walks more effective and heart-healthy.
👉 Read the full story

🍲 Food & Drink

15 easy lunchbox combos that beat the lunchtime blues
Whether you're packing for kids or yourself, these mix-and-match lunch ideas are anything but boring. Think fresh, fuss-free, and totally doable — perfect for busy weeks ahead.
👉 Get inspired with the full list on Modern Honey

Blueberry lattes are the iced drink craze lighting up social
This purple-hued iced latte trend is simple, visually stunning, and made entirely with real blueberry syrup — and home baristas love it.
👉 Get the low down

26 low-carb dinners that don’t taste like cardboard
Craving comfort food without the carb crash? These easy dinner ideas are satisfying, full of flavor, and won’t make you feel like you’re missing out.
👉 Browse the full roundup on The Honour System

💵 Wealth

Using ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’? Read this first
With more Americans turning to services like Klarna and PayPal Credit, experts share smart tips to stay on top of payments — and avoid surprise fees or debt spirals.
👉 See the expert advice on The Independent

Six easy financial steps women should use to feel empowered
A fresh guide for women on building financial confidence — covering investing early, planning, automating savings and more — no jargon, just clear steps.
👉 Read the full story on Kiplinger

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The ancient honey that’s still sweet — after 2,000 years 🍯

Some of the honey that archaeologists discovered in the bronze jars found at Paestum. ©Luciana da Costa Carvalho

Turns out, the world’s oldest sweet tooth belonged to the ancient Greeks — and they had great taste.

Archaeologists in southern Italy recently unearthed something pretty extraordinary: a 2,000-year-old terracotta pot filled with honey. Yes, actual honey. Still preserved. Still golden. Still technically edible (though we’re not recommending it for your toast).

The discovery was made in Paestum, a coastal site that was once a thriving Greek city before becoming part of the Roman empire. Inside what they believe was a ritual offering pit, archaeologists found the honey sealed in a small, lidded vessel alongside other ceremonial items. When tested, it showed clear traces of beeswax and pollen — confirming its ancient origins.

One of the bronze Greek jars discovered at Paestum, pictured alongside the substance that was found inside of it, now known to be honey. ©Journal of the American Chemical Society 2025

The truly jaw-dropping part? Thanks to its low moisture content and natural acidity, honey is one of the only foods that can last forever — as long as it’s sealed from moisture. And clearly, these ancient Greeks were ahead of the curve when it came to airtight containers!

Before You Go…A Serotonin Booster* 📺

This kids reaction to finding out he’s going to become a big brother is everything ❤️

*Studies show that watching cute, heartwarming videos can boost your mood. So sit back and start your weekend positively!

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Have a great weekend!

~ Team Happily 😊

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