Dig It Do It

I have been a little bit obsessed with Ted Talks lately. I can say (well, write) , without hesitation, any single Talk you click on to watch will be worth your time. I have been particularly moved by some such as J.K. Rowkling's Harvard Commencement Speech (which okay, wasn't technically a Ted Talk) and a quick one I watched this AM:
Matt Cutts' Try Something New For 30 Days.
I know this may not be a new concept. Actually, there is a Mom I know that did this with her kids. But, there is something about Matt's affable nature, approachability, every-man's disposition that makes me think "Hey, I can do that too." 

So, for the rest of May, (I'm starting a bit late, I know), I am going to
Snap One Picture a Day.
I chose something that couldn't be easier and, for me, that is the point:
how easily a bit of creativity can be added to your life!
I'll post the pics, as you would expect.













I'm seriously considering doing this again:


I'm a big fan of binge watching but recently I think I've taken it to the limits by simultaneously watching Breaking Bad, Orange is the New Black and In Treatment. Not a fan of any of these programs? You're wrong and you should be.


In a creative mood but don't know how to get started? Check out the Writer's Digest site. They offer creative prompts to get the juices flowing.




Have you ever considered using any of the apps available for weightloss? How about actually betting money - real, cold, hard cash - on yourself to achieve weightloss? Would it be motivitating or just another thing nagging away at you?
If it does peek your interest, check out healthy wager to shed some pounds or gym pact to hit the gym.


So, here are some of things I want to do at some point before the end of the year:

Learn how to make Macaroons.
Come up with a signature cupcake recipe.
Get a literary agent.
Spread the word about my blog.
Plan a 2015 trip to Portugal.


Add this to your list of sites you scroll through when you are bored. At least you'll learn something!

I discovered that You Tube has all these super easy instructional videos on drawing. If you find yourself with 2 or 3 minutes to spare (yes, for many that is all you need) give it a try! It's fun but also a break for your brain unless of course, you are actually an artist for a living! Below are some of the characters I was able to create. Got me to thinking about creating a children's book and learning how to really make my clothing sketches look less pathetic!



Super cute idea, huh? Turn an ordinary 8 x 11 calendar into a scrapbook. Cheaper, easier and just as adorable!



Love this:

Did you know that sugar makes nail polish clump? Supposedly, if you accidently drop some polish on a hard floor, just immediately dump some sugar on it and you will be able to sweep it right up!

Clever: Cut the bottoms off wine bottles to use for candle covers, keeps the wind from blowing them out when outside.



Check this out for a way to transfer photos onto tiles using nail polish remover. They make really cute coasters.

Used old towels to make this huge beach blanket. Add a vinyl tablecloth to the back: blocks sand, doubles as tablecloth. 

I really want to do become a professional organizer this!!
http://www.napo.org/

A groovy magazine, The Sun, does this really cool thing. They have this section titled "Reader's Write" in which (and this is a direct quote form them): 

they ask readers to address subjects on which they're the only authorities. Topics are intentionally broad in order to give room for expression. Writing style isn't as important as thoughtfulness and sincerity.

Even if you don't feel like taking pen to paper (which I really encourage you to do), take the time to browse the submissions. I promise it is worth your time.

Cute idea if you feel the need to get your craft on. Think it could work on a greeting card, to be framed, in the corner of a wall, etc.




It is BY FAR the most amazing workout and inspirational class I have ever taken. By for $35 per class our love affair is over.


I have the plain white mugs. I have the stencil. I have the contact paper. Now, I just need to purchase the dishwasher safe paint and I am on my way to my own custom-designed mugs.

Is there a lunchbeat near you?


Check out the Google Cultural Institute's Art Project. You can virtually explore more than 250 museum collections. Not a bad way to spend a rainy afternoon.



Contemplating if it is really worth forking over the $30 it costs to take the Self Authoring course. Their website indicates "a fascinating body of research...has linked written narrative to enhanced mental and physical health."  I also read it is a pretty daunting undertaking. Plus, I am totally broke!



Or, how about taking FREE online courses from Harvard, Georgetown or Berkeley?


According to psychologist Barbara Fredrickson Ph.D., 3 is the number of positive emotions partners need to feel for every one negative emotion in order for a relationship to flourish. Shit. I've got some work to do.

Read about FlexJobs.com. Thought it was my kind of website because it posts, yes...you get it....more "flexible" jobs meaning more flexible with your schedule, where you work (ie: from home), etc. And..check it below...doesn't their catchy logo just pull you in? They hooked me in. I found a few nifty looking possibilities. Turns out you have to pay a minimum of $30.00 to join. If I am dead broke and looking for a job why would I spend money to get a job? I would rather take the $30 and set it on fire before I gave it to them.

Girls on the RunThis is worth your time, isn't it?



What if I told you you could make a positive impact on the world BUT you could do it form your sofa, in your PJs? Interested? Check out helpfromhome.org to pick a charitable act that fits you & your lifestyle.