Category Archives: Inspiration

iPhone case: the ultimate accessory.

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Skull Candy Aviator iPhone Case

Ah, Friday…nothing like a little retail therapy to kick off the weekend!  A friend came over the other day and I was majorly obsessed with her aviator-inspired iphone case (see left). Seriously, how cool is that?!

I need it.

I’m usually a one case kinda gal when it comes to my phone, much like I am with handbags. I love purses but I’ve never been the type to switch it up based on my outfits or mood (probably because I’m a bit of a Mary Poppins with a large bag full ‘o stuff!) so I usually keep the same one on my arm for years before defiantly finding another that I’m equally as excited about then stay devoted to that one until I’m bored a few years later.  Seeing as my phone is within arm’s reach all day every day and pretty much gets more visibility than my right earring, I think I’m going to start looking at it more like a statement accessory, one that I need to get better at having fun with.

Here are some iPhone cases on my “which one am I going to buy first?” list:

  1. A DIY case that you cross-stitch yourself to make a vintage-y fun pattern (you know how much I love all things “Grandma Chic”)
  2. Casablanca Purple
  3. Smart, Kind, Important
  4. Invincible Summer — not sure that I trust just a skin instead of a case…
  5. Ampersand
  6. Flowers in hand
  7. Aztec inspired
  8. Case-Mate’s tortoise shell case, coming this spring.
  9. Castegram – make your custom case with instagram photos – what?!  Yes!
  10. Clear case with peacock feather inside
  11. Upload your own photo/design to create a custom cover.

What about you? Are you a stick-with-one case kinda person or do you switch it out often?  Have any other cases you’d recommend for me?

Write this down

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It’s February already, my gosh, and by all accounts most people have given up on New Year’s resolutions and are surprised to see themselves swirled away by the busyness of 2012.  It’s a good thing to be busy, to be swept away, so caught up in doing things that we feel time has flown by.  But not noticing time has flown by also usually means that we’ve lost track of what is most important in our lives, so I’d say it’s also a great thing to make time for yourself and to commit to plans that get you to accomplishing the goals you have.  No one sets about making resolutions at the beginning of the year because they don’t want those things for themselves – they do want them! – it’s just that we are all guilty of getting caught up in the day-to-day ongoings of our lives that we sometimes neglect the big stuff for which we had the highest intentions and hopes. 

So, month two of 2012: Hi. Let’s get back on track with what we want for ourselves this year.  Here’s a quick little exercise to get your brain back in the mood:

My definition of happiness is _________________________. 

A checklist for achieving this happiness will include:
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________

I will encourage myself with confidence, bravery, recognition, and rewards by ______________________ when I ___________________________.

In my daily pursuit of happiness/health/success/wealth/love, I will commit to ________________________.

Maybe we also need to talk about what we’re not going to do?  Sometimes it’s positive to be negative.  Here’s some inspiration:

I will not sit back and “wait to see what happens.”
I will not put a to do list together without crossing at least one thing off of it, even if that one thing is “make a to do list.”
My happiness doesn’t look like anyone else’s so I refuse to rely on others to bring me success and happiness.

If you followed through on everything above to manifest happiness in your life would you be better for it?  The answer to that is probably a resounding yes.  It might even be a “hell, yeah!” or “you betcha” if that’s more your style.

People often say it’s the simple things in life that mean the most. Very simply, what means the most to you?  What brings you joy?  Find ways to concentrate on that joy and work towards increasing it every day. 

Wishing you happiness today and every day.

Welcome, 2012

Posted in Inspiration, Thoughts & Stories by

Well, welcome to 2012.  

I want to start by saying that I’m glad you’re here.  Whether we’re friends or strangers, whether you enjoy my writing or you’re here as an avid Bachelor recap reader or even if you found this blog by random Google search, I’m glad you’ve made your way here and want you to know how that I appreciate your contributions, your support, your banter, your wit, the challenges and the compliments.  In that spirit, I’d like to ask that you continue to not only read but also share – I love what you bring to this special place and value your opinions, thoughts, comments, and stories, and welcome them all.  

Today is Monday – the first workday of the year and based on the morning news, Facebook, Twitter, and the many blogs that I’ve read thus far today, it’s clear that everyone is optimistic, hopeful and eager to welcome all that this year will bring.  I’ve also noticed that right now much of the world is focused on resolutions and making goals for the year – most all of which are centered on living healthy and being happy…and isn’t that really what it’s all about? 

In thinking about the New Year, new starts, and new goals, I am reminded of this article in USA Today which discusses the difference between resolutions and intentions: “An intention is a direction – a course you set for yourself.  You can’t fail at an intention; sometimes you can just get off course.  And intentions are positive. Studies show that you’re more likely to succeed at goals that you feel positively about – getting healthy – than at those that are seen as negative, like going on a diet.”

So, this year, why not actually succeed at what you hope for?  Try establishing a set of intentions, and see to it that the things you do in your life this year help you get there.  Or, try this approach: blogger Tim Walker tried out a method used by social media guru Chris Brogan, who at the beginning of each year decides upon three words that will be his focused themes or mantras.  In Tim’s words, “There’s something to be said for this approach, as opposed to setting resolutions. Among other things, it helps you to think thematically about things that are important to you — a positive attitude, for example — rather than getting stuck in the technicalities (and attendant frustrations) of a particular goal, such as losing 30 pounds.” In 2011, Tim chose Calm. Clean. Bodacious. as his three words. Click here to see why he chose those three words and leave a comment below if you’re willing to share what your three words will be for 2012. 

One of my intention words for the year will definitely be Happy.  I like the idea of the word Bold too.  I haven’t quite nailed down a third but I know it will present itself. Probably in some version or form of Create or Share.

Again borrowing from Chris Brogan, I wanted to inspire you to think about your three words with this post about Paying Yourself First (or the idea of Filling Your Own Cup, which I wrote about here), the philosophy in which you give yourself the permission, time and space to do what serves you best so that you can restfully, happily, creatively, and usefully serve others.  It’s my wish for you, and for me too. 

Wishing you a happy, healthy 2012!

P.S. If you subscribe to my posts via email (thank you!), I apologize if you received this post via email twice. Consider the first one a subscribers-only sneak preview!

Great Gift Idea: Buddha Board

Have you ever heard of a Buddha Board? It’s a great gift for coworkers, kids, or anyone who likes creative expression and painting. Once you buy a Buddha Board, the only supply you need is water! I have mine in the office and it’s a great mind break for me to clear my head and spend a few minutes painting – really convenient too, because the painting disappears completely after about two minutes, leaving a blank slate for the next moment inspiration strikes you or for the next person to have their turn!

Here’s one of my recent creations – as you can see I’m quite the artist…

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