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! Been busy as a bumblebee over here but that doesn’t mean I have nothing to share. For YOU? My wonderful readers? I share love… and the following links, which may or may not suit your Thursday needs, wishes, or desires, but nevertheless are here for you to click and peruse at your leisure.

Away we go!

1. What they don’t tell you at graduation, via the Wall Street Journal

Commencement speeches are meant to be inspiring. But this? Is the real deal. Read it and get yourself back in the game of life.

2. The Playboy Club Bunny Manual, via The Selvedge Yard

A scanned (and scannable!) copy of the original manual from way back when, including info on Bunny Council Meetings and how to avoid getting demerits. Worth a retro read

3. Magnetic implants to attach your iPod to your arm? Why not? Via Geekologie

Also handy for keeping track of tiny screws, nails, and jewelry-making materials!

4. Stainless steel + natural = my ideal office space, via Apartment Therapy

5. Entangled Publishing call for submissions with a holiday theme

Got a romantic short story or novella with a holiday theme? Check out Entangled’s requirements, then get your stuff out there!

6. Three times you should use a comma, via The Write Practice

Much easier to remember than when not to use a comma. Next up: apostrophes (not actually sure about that, but it should be).

7. Mind-controlled robot arms show promise, via Nature

THIS, my friends, is the dream of the future. Watch it and weep for joy (or from fear, depending on your outlook)!

8. Power postures can make you feel more powerful, via Wired

Power postures are more than just standing up straight. They’re positions that make you feel BIG. Stretch out. Take up some space. Open your lungs. Breathe deeply. Shove your way into that interview and show ‘em who’s boss! (er… take that last bit lightly, please).

9. How to walk on the sidewalk like a reasonable human being, via SFist

Walk on the right. Pass on the left.

WHY DOES THIS EVEN HAVE TO BE A DISCUSSION?

10. Finally, ten crucial proofreading tips, via Working Writers

Gah, even we professionals need a reminder now and then. Great words of wisdom, especially that part about taking breaks. Also: buddy checks are crucial for some materials. It’s always nice to have someone else find the errors you missed! HAHA. Well, it’s humbling, anyway

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! It’s been a positively interesting and fulfilling couple of weeks since my last Things I Love Thursday. A lot going on! We had the supermoon, MCA‘s passing, and several change-ups in my freelance lifestyle. I’ve nurtured my IT band with yoga and acupuncture to prepare for this coming Saturday’s Mermaid Half Marathon (!). I finished up Photo-A-Day April, submitted my latest novel a few places, and got a new wetsuit, for which I’d been saving up for a while.

In all, a productive and enriching two weeks. And as always, lots of good stuff around the webs to share with you, my interweb pals. Here are my top picks. Enjoy!

1. From the latest New Yorker:

A healthy reminder of the wisdom of the Fool.

2. Eight ways to stay upbeat on your job hunt, via Savvy Sugar:

Excellent tips for the unemployed as well as for freelancers and solo-preneurs who MUST remain positive while constantly looking for the next lead.

3. See-through Jewel Caterpillar, via Geekologie:

So cool! Nature wins again.

4. Sunset Magazine’s best gear for camping in comfort:

My hardcore backpacker friends would laugh me out of the woods, but this kind of “glamping” is fun, too!

5. Via Mashable, 11 tips for getting the most out of the new Gmail:

Gmail changed the game, but Google hasn’t been so great about rolling out tips along with the redesigns. Mashable lays it out for us: what’s good, what you can change, and how to do it. Email away!

6. Why does your dog chase its tail? 7×7 Ask a Vet answers:

Warning: be prepared for serious answer and possible sad face. It’s not as cute as it looks, says the vet.

7. Watch 100-year-old Ruth do Pilates and Yoga, via Advanced Style:

This woman can kick your asana! The one life goal I’ve had that has never wavered (unlike other goals, like writing and racing stuff) is to live to be 100. But to live to be 100 and still doing yoga & Pilates?? YEAH, BABY! That’s what I’m talking about!

8. Ten healing teas, via The Wellness Warrior:

I love ginger tea and valerian tea, but some of these I’d never heard of. Get thee to a teapot, tempest, and heal!

9. Ten vegetables with the most fiber, via FitSugar:

Did you know an artichoke has 6.5 grams of fiber? That was news to me!

10. Finally, Frozen Tahini Banana Cups, via the Veggie Nook:

Confession: I still have not made these because we are making our way through our frozen bananas before buying fresh ones, but they are first on my list when we restock. They look super-yum and totally unique!

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 17: Something I Don’t Like

Dirty floors

Photo-A-Day April 12: Stairs