Things I Love Thursday

Happy Thursday! And happy sum-sum-summertime to youuuu! Why are you inside looking at the Interwebs instead of picnicking, sailing, or napping in a hammock? Oh, right. You’re probably at work, procrastinating.

Well, procrastinate away today. I’ve got some fab-o links for you to peruse, read, and get inspired by. Check ‘em out! Then get outside for some fresh air and sunshine! Promise??

1. Cheap chic ruined us, via Salon

An interview with the author of a new book,  Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion, in which she discusses the massive environmental and emotional disaster that is the result of literally tons of cheap clothing sold in the U.S. It’s a very thought-provoking subject, one that’s close to my heart. In 2010, I went a year without buying clothes and learned a lot about my own consumption habits, while vowing never to buy cheap, crappy, ill-fitting, emotionally draining clothes again. So far, so good. You can read all about my year without buying clothes here. But click the link above to check out the Salon interview, too! It might get you thinking about doing something similar.

2. Olympic Cyclist Evelyn Stevens talks about her journey from Wall Street to London, via Outside Magazine

Such an exciting and inspiring story! Stevens only started racing in 2008, and didn’t even quit her Wall Street job until 2009. And now, this summer, she’s an Olympic cyclist! It boggles the mind and inspires the quads, I tell ya.

3. Decorate with octopi! Via CasaSugar

Octopus is the new owl. Trust me on this.

4. An Olympic logo a day

Brilliant, creative, and adorable ideas.

5. Make a hula hoop chandelier, via Dollar Store Crafts

File this under: Why Didn’t I Think of That?!

6. Stressed and online? Visit Calm.com for 2 minutes of relaxation. Via Mashable

Got two minutes? CTFO, baby. (chill the f out, natch )

7. An updated list of lesser-known editing symbols, via Janet Reid

For professional use only. Be sure to click the link above to see them all.

8. Sci-fi film posters re-imagined as pulp fiction book covers, by Timothy Anderson (via Boing Boing)

Swoon-worthy!

9. Iconic ’70s skateboarder Cindy Whitehead, via Tomboy Style

The definition of rad. Click for more killer images.

10. Finally, What it’s like to live without money, via SavvySugar

An introduction to Heidemarie Schwermer, the subject of a new film called “Living Without Money.” A native German, Schwermer house-sits, travels, and does odd jobs while successfully living sin dinero (errr, I mean, ohne Geld). She’s no spring chicken, nor is she a dumpster-diving hipster. Read through and re-think your life. Dare ya not to.

Well, friends, that’s all for now Have a wonderful weekend!

What are some great things you’ve seen this week?

Got any fun plans for the weekend?

Things I Love Thursday

Happy Thursday!

How’s your week been?

Feeling good?

Eating your veggies and getting enough sleep?

Feeling like you just want to skip the small talk and head right into link love? Sometimes, it’s just the right thing to do.

With no further ado…….

1. From Retrospace, a fun gallery of Parties I Wasn’t At:

via Retrospace

Back in the days of film cameras (do you know what those are? ), a real treat was finding an undeveloped roll of film and discovering someone else’s photos. That happened to us in Mexico once, and the pics we developed included some pretty funny (but not very sexy) bathing suit pin-up shots of what looked like someone’s mom or grandma. “Funny” not because we were laughing at her ~ heck, I think whatever it takes to keep things spicy at any age, go for it! ~ but because she was so awkwardly posed, contorted between boulders and balancing on the balcony, that I wonder how much Mexican tequila had fueled the photo shoot! Ah… those were the days.

2. The Mommypotamus shared 18 Ways to Help a New Mom:

Whether or not you’re a mom yourself, you probably know at least one woman who’s pregnant or new to motherhood… and if you’re young and bright-eyed, just wait! There will come a time when it seems like everyone you know is having babies and you’ll want to know what you can do to help.

Mommypotamus lays out some excellent advice for ways you can help out those friends who are in the early stages of mothering. Around here, my friends and I usually use Care Calendar, which helps the friends and the new mom/parents to know who’s coming by, when, and with what (casserole, salad, paper towels, etc.).

But other tips, like straightening up the house, running errands, and not overstaying your welcome are fantastic advice!

3. How to Design Your Life ~ an interview with web designer & author Mike Monteiro, via Gizmodo:

San Francisco guy Monteiro is one of those designers who is not only brilliant with concept and execution but in putting it all into words. In this Q&A, he talks about his book, Design is a Job, by explaining that:

[I]f you’re going to earn a living practicing your craft you have to get comfortable with the business side of things, and this is terribly underserved in design programs… the book isn’t about any particular method or system, it’s about getting you comfortable in your own skin. There’s a lot about being confident and honest and communicating directly, which is obviously good to do in all aspects of your life.

He’s also one of those guys that calls bullshit on the starving artist stereotype by reminding us that if we want anyone to take our work seriously, we need to start by taking it seriously ourselves… and that includes NOT working for free!

He talks about “design,” but his concepts and philosophy are translatable to any art: writing, music, whatever. I agree with everything he says and recommend checking him out for some inspiration and a kick in the pants!

4. The Children Medieval Band cover Rammstein (via Boing Boing):

Yes!

Those kids are rad

5. Salon reviewed the new book, “Swim: Why We Love the Water”:

Written by “20/20″ correspondent Lynn Sherr, this book explores our fascination with pools, the ocean, and swimming as well as with our evolutionary connection to being immersed.

As someone who believes she was a mermaid in a past life and uses that as an excuse for taking salt baths 4 times a week, I’m curious to hear a more scientific explanation I haven’t read the book yet, but it’s in my TBR pile! If you’ve read it already, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

6. Seven Common Problems Solved by Owning Less, via Becoming Minimalist:

How often to we fill emotional space with “things” that aren’t nearly as fulfilling as experiences?

How clear-headed and relaxed do you feel after spring cleaning, de-cluttering, giving away possessions, or visiting the beach/mountains/forest in their simplicity?

You need less than you think you do. Owning less has been a lifestyle change of mine and my partner’s for the last five or so years. The less we strive to “have,” the more we experience a depth and richness with what we do have. Less junk, more quality. Fewer things, more time, energy, health. Less “stuffed,” more full.

7. The Fit Cookie shared Grain-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies:

Yum! What a good lookin’ cookie!

I want to try these but I don’t have all the ingredients and am staying away from sugar… may have to trial-and-error some substitutions… cacao nibs in place of chocolate chips, perhaps?

8. You Are Not So Smart schooled us on ego depletion and decision fatigue:

It’s a very long post but hugely interesting!

Ever wondered why your willpower weakens over time? Ever wondered why sometimes you just feel zapped and don’t care about the results of the decisions you make?

Good tips include: Take breaks. Make sure you’re properly fueled. Plan ahead to stave off poor decisions.

But there’s more to it than that. Bookmark the article if you need to come back, but check this one out. It’s worth your time!

9. Make these laced high heels, via Craft:

via Craftzine

HAWT!

Got my eyes open now for some thrift store heels I can lace up…

10. Finally, Sharing a Coke, via Logo Design Love:

via Logo Design Love

By Ogilvy & Mather China, seen in Shanghai.

Now that, my friends, is good design.

That’s all for now ~ have a wonderful weekend!

What are some great things you’ve seen this week?

Got any fun plans for the weekend?

Photo-A-Day April 22: The Last Thing I Bought

Pearl Izumi cycling jacket (50% off!)

Things I Love Thursday

Happy Thursday! The past couple of weeks have been spring-loaded! I’m happy to say life is progressing happily, healthily, and heartily onward and upward. I know that’s vague, but it’s also true. We’ve been living well around here: I’ve been working, pulling together submissions for my novel, cooking, writing, and training. I’m in the final countdown to my 18-mile race on May 12 (a month away!), followed by my June 9 sprint triathlon, and then my July 29 marathon. Needless to say, I’ve got this body moving!

Of course, rest and relaxation are a humongous part of training, and I have no qualms about lazing around on the couch if my muscles need it. So sit back, put your feet up, and enjoy this week’s round of Things I Love Thursday. You can consider it part of your training.

1. A Real Food Lover shared a recipe for Raw Coconut Fudge with No Sugar:

Okay, sweet potato?? Simply brilliant. I made this with pumpkin and it turned out equally awesome. Stay tuned for photos soon!

2. Whole Foods to stop selling unsustainable seafood, via NPR:

Starting on Earth Day, April 22nd, all Whole Foods markets will drop all seafood rated red, according to the Monterey Bay Aquarium / Blue Ocean Institute’s Seafood Watch rating system. (Somewhat related: did you know Seafood Watch is available as an app? Never leave home without it!)

I’m not one of those people who solely shops at WF, but I am a huge supporter of moves like this. WAY TO GO!

3. This June marks the 40th anniversary of Title IX. FitSugar clued us in with the history of this landmark law:

No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

It’s shocking to me that it wasn’t long ago that girls were not allowed to play sports in school. While it’s hard for me to imagine not being allowed to run track or play lacrosse, it’s truly mind-blowing that this law is only a bit older than I am. Title IX changed everything for girls’ sports and women’s athletics in the United States!

Will you be doing anything special on June 23rd to celebrate this tremendous anniversary??

4. Real Simple shared 10 Luscious Lemon Desserts.

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you’re probably familiar with my love of all things lemon. These desserts take the cake! (Ha!) Seriously, they’re decadent and not things I’d make all the time (so sugary!) but excellent ideas for a spring party or a special day.

Yellow Lemon Cake With Candied Lemons and Pistachios from Real Simple

5. Codeacademy now offers beginner HTML classes, via Mashable:

If you’re not familiar with Codeacademy, do yourself a favor and check them out. They offer FREE  online tutorials in coding, but up until now, have been focused on JavaScript.

Which is great, if you already understand the basics. If you’re new to HTML (CSS is still in the works, apparently) or if you need a refresher, get started learning how to build a web page and be on your way to Internet fame and fortune in no time!

6.Via Paste Magazine, 20 musicians who write about music:

I’m one of those non-musician-music-fans who loves to hear musicians talk about music. Some people find it boring, like hearing writers talk about writing or runners talk about running…but I’m totally fascinated by the art-meets-science of musicianship.

So, this list was right up my alley. It includes Carrie Brownstein (of Sleater-Kinney / Wild Flag and, of course, Portlandia), who’s writing a memoir; Mike Doughty of Soul Coughing; Ira Kaplan of Yo La Tengo; and more. Links to their writings, of course, are included within the text.

7. Tomboy Style: Beyond the Boundaries of Fashion ~ the book is out!:

I’ve mentioned my favorite fashion blog, Tomboy Style, a few times here and I was therefore STOKED to get their new book for my birthday from my sister!! It’s Katherine Hepburn-meets-Kathrine Switzer, Patti Smith-meets-Audrey Hepburn: spirited, bold, outdoorsy gals with class, style, and a smudge of dirt on their cheeks. It is THE fashion book for the “classic girl” in your life. Check it out!

8. Addicted to Veggies shared her Strawberry Cream Pie with Chocolate Almond Crust:

Whoa. Hello? Drooooooooling!

Also: raw! Vegan! Seriously an amazing-looking dessert, perfect for mid-spring transitioning to sandals and sundresses!

9. How to Meditate Daily, via Leo Babauta of Zen Habits:

I literally cannot imagine my life without meditation. In the 20 years I’ve been practicing (I know, I started young), I’ve discovered that the less I try, the more natural it becomes. Easier said than done, perhaps, but any habit can be built gradually. Even a habit of letting go.

Leo lays it out well, sharing perhaps the best tip of all: start small. Two minutes a day is a LOT when you’re just starting out or when you’re returning to a meditation practice after a break. Yet, you can gain ALL the benefits of meditation in just those 2 minutes. Let go. Be present. Just be.

10. Finally, How to Whistle with Your Fingers, via The Art of Manliness:

Sad face, because I have tried this repeatedly and still cannot do it. I think I have some fear factor to get over (like, will I scare the cats? Will my neighbors think I’m nuts?) Nevertheless, I will continue trying! It’s a fabulous skill to have!

That’s all for now ~ have a wonderful weekend

What are some great things you’ve seen this week?

Got any fun plans for the weekend?

Things I Love Thursday

Hello, friends!

First, a short announcement that I’ll be transitioning everyone’s favorite Things I Love Thursday to a twice-a-month posting instead of weekly, starting the week after next. Just so it’s not all kinds of overwhelming for you OR for me and frees up some space for me to write other stuff.

And next… er, I didn’t really have any “next.” Except this week’s weblicious delights! Enjoy!

1. A cute’n'breezy font you can download for free! From Font Squirrel via How About Orange:

2. Ziggy Stardust 40th Anniversary reissue, via Rolling Stone:

David Bowie plays Mick Ronson's guitar, Oxford Town Hall, June 17, 1972 by Oliver Craske

The album that changed my life and defined the foundation for my personal space oddity. Do I NEED a reissue? No. Will I happily accept the full DVD reissue if someone were to give it to me as a gift? Oh, well, you don’t have to. But if you must.

3. Seven adorable Mad Men-worthy spring dresses, via 7×7:

This pink one’s my fave. Cute for work! I work from home, but if someone (moi?) were to have a spring party, I’d wear one of these dresses to that.

4. When catastrophe strikes, emulate the octopus. Via Wired.

They’re extremely adaptable and deal with survival in a variety of ways: everything from changing color to shooting their black ink to changing shape.

Wired says:

This ability to both observe problems and then respond to them with multiple solutions is a hallmark of the most adaptable organisms on earth. The trick is not in knowing the single solution. It’s having lots of different options and solutions to turn to.

Sounds like a critter I can look up to. An excellent article about an animal to emulate.

5. Foam Magazine shared LACMA’s California Design exhibit, “Living in a Modern Way”:

I would take a trip down to LA just to see this. What incredible design!

6. Balanced Bites shared some lemon-rosemary broiled salmon:

A super-easy recipe that’s full of super-nutrition. I love the addition of rosemary! Great idea.

7. Mocha chocolate cake with mocha buttercream frosting, from The Fit Cookie:

Oh, dear. This looks soooooo good. And it’s free of refined ingredients, vegan, gluten-free, common-allergen-free… So, it’s totally share-able in any environment. Maybe I’ll make it this weekend. Will post pics if I do!

8. Million-dollar misprints, via The Grindstone:

These are crazy but understandable mistakes!

If you ever needed a reason to hire a proofreader (ahem), here it is. Seriously, these are million-dollar lawsuits! Granted, that guy should have questioned his offer letter, but still… Proofreaders: We Catch Costly Mistakes. That should be my new tagline.

9. This gorgeous, colorful room:

I found this on Pinterest and have NO idea where it came from. If you know where this photo originated and/or if you are the photographer, please let me know! Thanks!

10. Finally, are these the cutest spring treats ever, or what? Via Sweet Sugarbelle:

They’re made with Jordan Almonds! SO CUTE and springy. I’d almost feel bad eating them.

That’s all for now! Have a wonderful weekend!

What are some great things you’ve seen this week?

Got any fun plans for the weekend?