Things that make me say "Ahhh"*

*A fair amount of this is more fantasy than reality

A linen closet brimming with freshly laundered organic cotton sheets, shams and extra duvet covers; a selection of cozy quilts and comforters; a stack of thick bath towels and fluffy robes made from Egyptian cotton; and woven baskets filled with soy candles and aromatherapy sprays.

A laundry room with baskets for sorting clothes and a table upon which to fold them, plus plenty of extra allergen-free laundry detergent and lavender-scented dryer sheets.

A bathroom well-stocked with a bevy of shampoos, bubble baths, shower gels, and fancy French milled soaps.

A refrigerator loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables from the farmers market; several tubs of Greek yogurt; eggs; milk (soy, almond, or rice, plus organic skim); several varieties of cheese (goat cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, fontina); hummus, spinach artichoke dip, guacamole, and salsa; free-range chicken and fresh salmon for grilling; fresh scallops, shrimp, and mussels; some cured meats like prosciutto or salume (to throw together appetizers for impromptu guests); packs of Vitamin Water and sparkling water; neatly stacked containers of fresh prepared deli items from Whole Foods (for nights that I don't feel like cooking); every manner of condiment; ginger beer; plus several bottles of champagne and white wine. A freezer boasting several kinds of cooking stock (chicken, vegetable, etc.) to thaw and use in recipes, frozen fruit to use in smoothies, Amy's frozen meals to grab when I don't have time to pack a lunch; several types of Ciao Bella gelato plus Ben & Jerry's for Jason.

A pantry with oatmeal; granola; dried papaya and Medjool dates; cashews, pistaschios, and almonds; at least three different kinds of Yogi tea; several tins of Illy coffee; cans of San Marzano tomatoes; tomato sauce; canned garbanzo beans, black beans, and artichokes; dried bread crumbs; cous cous; basmati and whole grain rice; quinoa; a high-quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar; raw honey; an assortment of dried spices plus fresh ginger and garlic; blue corn chips and pita chips; whole grain bread, pitas, and crackers; olives and capers; cashew and almond butter; a variety of pastas (spaghetti, papardelle, soba noodles); a full arsenal of baking supplies; several bars of organic chocolate; and red wine, of course.

Electronics that are fully charged, with a drawer of chargers neatly organized and extra batteries at the ready. A cabinet full of extra toilet paper, Kleenex, paper towels, light bulbs, and cleaning supplies. A floor that is vacuumed and mopped, counter tops wiped clean, and other surfaces dusted. Papers and bills filed in attractive file folders; magazines in cute display cases; important receipts and warranties in a labeled binder.

Dresser drawers filled with impeccably folded t-shirts, tank tops, and other basics, in an array of neutral colors, with rose and vanilla-scented sachets nestled within. A walk-in closet that holds a collection of beautifully tailored high-quality dresses, hats, scarves, blouses, sweaters, and pants, always fresh from the cleaners, never in need of mending or tailoring. Shoes that are shined, with nary a scratch or scuff.

A desk with a well-edited supply of beautiful stationary and notecards for every occasion, notebooks and journals, office supplies, art supplies, pens and pencils.

A good book waiting for me on my nightstand.

A Gmail inbox sorted into folders, and devoid of spam; a calendar with important dates and friend's birthdays; an up-to-date and steadily shrinking to-do list.

A purse that is free of random receipts, old sticks of gum, and other clutter, and always contains my wallet, keys, cell phone, sunglasses, iPod, lip gloss, and green tea mints.

Freshly manicured fingers and pedicured toes, hair recently blow-dried and straightened, teeth flossed (I've become religious about flossing actually), skin moisturized, and muscles relaxed from an intense yoga workout.

Walls decorated with beautiful art; fresh flowers in pretty vases; orchids that are watered and well-cared for; an almond-scented fragrance diffuser in the foyer that greets me with a yummy smell.

An iPod programmed with playlists of my favorite music, suited to different activities, occasions, and times of day, and several interesting new podcasts.

A big bottle of water that I bring everywhere I go.

What about you? What creature comforts make you breathe a small sigh of joy?

Image via Martha Stewart.