4 Ways to Bring a Little Happy into Hard Times

When life gets complicated blogging can be tough.

photo source
Five hundred years ago when I launched A Foreign Land, I was in a dark place. My posts reflected that. They were snarky and full of complaints. Surprisingly (sarcastic font), they didn't resonate with any audience and frankly my writing wasn't fun to read. Somewhere along the line I made a strategic decision to lighten up. I tried to dedicate this space to positive parts of my life. My writing smiled more and not so surprisingly the audience grew.

Of course my decision to write happy didn't mean I didn't still have snarky days. Bad stuff still happened. Hard stuff still happened. But I set a boundary for myself. Rather than using my blog to work through it, I turned to family, friends and my therapists. (Yes, therapists is intentionally plural. Mostly because we moved not because counseling me takes a team of qualified professionals. Mostly.)

I'm all for bloggers who have set different boundaries for themselves. I appreciate reading heartfelt posts about others' struggles. It's helpful to know of others' difficulties and how they've overcome them. I champion the push in the blogger world to "be real" and share a full picture of our lives. But I also respect and understand bloggers who choose to keep some things for themselves.

I bring all this up because in my world October REALLY sucked. I dealt with family sickness and death. I was turned down for a job I really wanted - and that's just the stuff I'm interested in putting in a blog post. So, for me, I stepped away from A Foreign Land. I chose to "keep it real" elsewhere.

But I'm thinking I'm back.

I woke up this morning feeling productive and creative. The sun was shining - metaphorically and for real. For the first time in weeks, I wanted to blog. Yahooooooo!

photo source
To celebrate I decided to share a few tools I used to bring a little positivity into the suckiosity that surrounded me. My hope is that when YOU are in a funk (Perhaps today? It is Monday after all.) they'll come in handy.

1. Be Gentle: Give yourself a little time and space. When the shit hits the fan, if you're anything like me, you may want to rush to get back to "normal" as quickly as possible. Resist the urge to force yourself back into a happy place. As scary as it can be, it's okay to feel sad. It's okay to mourn. It's okay to accomplish a bit less in the name of healing. Be gentle on yourself and know that taking time to process loss or disappointment is necessary and helpful. Sad isn't a land we want to reside in permanently but we shouldn't be afraid to visit for a season. As a side note, I packed hot tea, speculoos cookies and some BBC for my stay and was glad I did.
2. Get Happier: This social gratitude journal is a free app that lives up to its name. When we're sad, finding reasons to be grateful is hugely important. Research shows that focussing on the positive and sharing good things with others makes you happier, healthier and more productive. Happier encourages you to do just that. It's a community of users making a choice to find the good - sometimes small and easily overlooked - things in each day and celebrate them. I encourage you to check it out! {Connect with me here.}
3. Embrace Your Yogaglo: For an incredibly reasonable price Yogaglo delivers more than 1,000 yoga and meditation classes right to your computer, HDTV or mobile devise so there's no longer an excuse not to get a little exercise. When I'm sad the last thing I want to do is go to the gym even though exercise endorphins are just what I need. I got hooked after a 15 day FREE TRIAL of yoga in my pjs. Starting my day with yoga or meditation or yoga AND meditation has been a way to get me out of bed on days that the last thing I want to do is get out of bed. Plus, I'm getting way more bendy and so can you.
4. Go On a Lady Date: This one is particularly for you ladies out there. There's nothing like time spent with a girlfriend or two to elevate your mood. Whether you're in person, on FaceTime or using your connectivity software of choice, your network of supporters is essential. For me, different friends played different roles. You might know one woman who can do all of these things. (If you do, will you introduce me? She sounds magical.) One friend just listened and cared. Another cussed out the "bad guys" for me. One reminded me I wasn't going nuts, it was just my life that was. Another commiserated and shared her own hurts. One made me laugh and fed me sweets. Others encouraged and nudged me to think about possibilities for the future and the life waiting for me after the sadness. I can't sing the praises of a fabulous lady date enough. Put one on your calendar and it will give you something to look forward to.

How do you cope with the funk when it darkens your door?    

 

Blogging In Community

When it comes to social media, a lot of people have the "media" part nailed but their "social" game is lacking. We have lots to say, lots to share, sometimes lots to preach. But we forget to listen, interact, promote and participate with others.

Source: watergurl.wordpress.com via Molly on Pinterest

I understand. For years I was one of those people. Some days I'm still one of those people. When things get busy, the social side of blogging seems to be the first thing to fall to the end of the day's "to do" list. I get my post up, throw a few tweets in the buffer and cross it off the list.

Social media in general, and blogging in particular can become a megaphone to blast my thoughts instead of a social endeavor to interact with others. But on the days when the conversation is one-way it isn't nearly as rewarding.

Today on Smart and Savvy Style, I've written a guest post about the social side of blogging. Building relationships through blogging has become the unintended payoff of A Foreign Land.

I never dreamed that I might find friends or even a job through my blog. But that is exactly what has  happened.

First, though, I had to change my blog from a monologue to a vehicle for conversation. Once I did, I began to see and experience a real change.

I might not have an enormous audience. I haven't gotten a book deal or become a household name. But through regular blogging, I've developed a community that I cherish and friends I might never have connected with otherwise.

Do you put as much "social" as you do "media" into your social media?

A Foreign Land | Liebster Blog

Ashley + Jason from We Loved Here. were kind enough to nominate me for a Liebster Blog award earlier this week. So in the spirit of community and self indulgence, I'm happily accepting the award and passing on the love today. 

The Liebster award is given to up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. What is a Liebster? The meaning: Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome.

{image source}

Here are the very strict rules for receiving this award:
1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves. (I'm skipping this one...)
2. Answer your assigned questions and create 11 new questions for the people you tag
3. Choose 11 people/blogs and link to them in your post.
4. Go to their page and tell them.
5. No tag backs!

My assigned questions:

1. What is your favorite cereal? Honey Nut Cheerios

2. How old were you before you stopped believing in Santa Claus? First Grade - is that old?

3. Who is your favorite author? I can't choose just one! Oscar Wilde, Malcolm Gladwell, Dave Eggers, David Sedaris, Bret Easton Ellis, Jhumpa Lahiri

4. If you could travel anywhere in the world and money was no object, where would you go? Why? I wrote a guest post about my Dream Vacation at Tomorrow is Another Day last year! My answer has DEFINITELY not changed.

{image source}

5. If there was a zombie apocalypse and you had to choose between staying in your home with ample food, but little protection (meaning you don't have the supplies to board yourself in completely) or hitting the road with a full tank of gas, but very limited supplies, what would your coarse of action be? My dog is really, really horrible in the car, so I'm thinking I'd stick around home. Plus, I watch Walking Dead, it's tough on the road.

6. Favorite designer brand? Cop out. I have no answer to this one.

7. If you had to live in a decade other than the current one, which would you choose? There's something about the 1920s that really intrigues me.

{image source}

8. Any current events capturing your attention as of late? Does Big Brother 14 count?

9. Sailboat or cruise ship? Cruise Ship FOR SURE. See the answer to #4

10. If you were Joey Potter, would you have picked Dawson or Pacey? Pacey - hands down. Not sure why she wasted ANY time with Dawson

11. Share your favorite summer color palette with us.

{image source}

Tag, you're it!

Tomorrow is Another Day

The Daily Snapshot

Vessel Unto Honour

Carrie's Busy Nothings

Great Dates in the City

Deux Chicago

Simplistic Living

And Then We Laughed

Sweet Laundry Loves

E is Random

My Place in this Blogging World
Butcher Bunkhouse
Until Grace is Gone
YOU - if you're reading this, not on the list and want to play along

Here are your 11 questions:

1. What was the last movie you saw in a theater?
2. What do you want to be when you grow up?
3. What would you do-oo-oo for a Klondike bar?
4. Superman, Batman or Iron man?
5. How many brothers and sisters do you have and where are you in the birth order?
6. What is your favorite season?
7. Are you more of an early riser or a night owl?
8. How did you come up with the name of your blog?
9. What's one thing you've accomplished that you want to brag about? Go ahead! Brag!
10. What book are you reading right now?
11. What would you consider your signature color?  

If you choose to play along, and I hope you will, come back and link up in the comment section. Let's use this as an opportunity to get to know one another a little bit better! 

Happy Saturday!!

A Freebie + A Challenge

Are you brand new twitter?
Have you been using twitter for awhile and now you're ready to learn a little bit more?
Or are you one of those people who just doesn't "get it"?

Well, I've got a killer Freebie for you today.

For the entire month of August, Weaving Influence is offering Becky Robinson's brand new eBook 31 Days of Twitter Tips at absolutely no charge.



Plus, for you competitive types, there's a challenge that accompanies the book.

The challenge is simple. Implement these 31 tips one day at a time throughout the month of August and report back what you think. I believe, after you've done so, you'll be hooked.

People, believe me when I tell you, twitter is fun. Twitter is useful. Twitter is a little bit like crack - it's healthy, social, won't cause physical and psychological side effects crack. And let's face it, all of the cool kids are doing it.

So what do you think? Want to give it a try? Download the eBook HERE and read more about the challenge HERE.

Then join in the conversation on Twitter using hashtag #12MinuteTip (if that doesn't make sense - it will once you've begun reading the book).

Who's IN?

How The New Job Came About - The Rest of the Story

This post is Part 4 in what has become a series on my new jobby job. 
Here are the first installments in case you need to catch up.

Part 1 || Part 2 ||Part 3

...where were we?

I was on the phone with Becky Robinson. She was being all encouraging and kind and warm and Becky-ish.

During our conversation I learned more about her new company, Weaving Influence. She explained that Weaving Influence offers a broad range of social media services including consulting, coaching, training, and implementation support. The company works primarily with authors by connecting them with their current and potential online audiences. As we spoke I learned that Becky was assembling a team of bright, capable women across the country. I realized that I wanted to be a part of her team.

Before our conversation ended, she offered to mentor me. She explained that she knew Weaving Influence was growing and that her team needed to grow too. If she spent time training us now, when the work was there, we would be ready. It was encouraging to hear her thinking ahead and planning for the future. I loved her positivity and sense of vision. Plus, her belief in me was incredibly flattering. We discussed scheduling weekly training calls and I enthusiastically agreed. She explained that during this mentoring period, she would share resources and suggest useful tools that I could research and get to know.

We agreed I should talk the idea over with the hubby, but I knew there was no way I was passing up this opportunity.

We (the hubby and I) discussed it. He was encouraging and excited for me. I happily accepted Becky's offer and looked forward to soaking up as much as I could during the training period.

And then something even cooler happened.

A few days later, Becky called me to offer an assignment. That's right, an actual PAID assignment. Once I was finished jumping for joy, I accepted in a very professional non-jumping for joy way and got to work. Apparently, she was pleased with what I turned in because assignments continued to come.




So that's where we are now. I'm still being trained and mentored (and learning a ton) but have also picked up a steady stream of work in the process. All those years of blogging and playing on social media have given me a few tricks and tools that are coming in handy. But what's exciting is that there is so, so much more to learn and so, so much that Becky can teach me.

My official title is Implementation Specialist and Photographer. My daily work involves navigating Twitter, Facebook, & G+. I'm formatting blog posts, creating graphics and even planning photo shoots. I work from home, or the library, or a coffee shop - wherever I have an Internet connection. And my hours are flexible. That is an aspect of the job that is incredibly appealing and will also prove to be challenging.

Being married to a man who doesn't work a typical nine to five job, it's great to have a job that is flexible. I can be around when he is and working when when he isn't. But it is going to require some boundaries and a little bit of discipline on my part too. Because I love what I'm doing and was doing some of it as a hobby before this incredible opportunity presented itself, sometimes it's hard to not work constantly. In fact, I've written about that struggle in a guest post today. If you're not already sick of reading about me, you should check it out.

So, ya, basically it's the dream job that I never dreamed existed. It's been a total blessing so far and I'm pretty amazed to be so fortunate. I'm excited about what the future holds as Weaving Influence continues to grow. I can't wait to see where this adventure takes me.

Have you ever found yourself in the midst of a dream job you never dreamed existed?

In Another Life

This post was originally published in May 2011.

Here's a little bit of a weekend rewind...

Last Fall I was feeling ambitious and not particularly stylish. In fact I was feeling frumpy. I had recently started teaching Dance classes. The classes left me sweaty and sweatpantsed. I had a full closet with "nothing to wear." And frankly I was bored. Bored with my clothes. Bored with my style. In some ways, bored with my life. So, I decided to start a personal style blog called Leaving the House in THIS?!?  It was creative outlet and a new adventure.

After seven months and 120 something different outfits, I took a break.  The break turned into a hiatus.  And during the past month and a half hiatus I've contemplated the things that I've learned thus far in my career as a personal style blogger.

What you are about to read is the post where I share those things with you. (Oh, and also share some pictures of myself)
You're welcome.

 I DO have something to Wear
During my tenure as a style blogger I participated in not one but two 30 for 30 challenges.  During those challenges I learned the fine art of re-mixing my wardrobe.  I started to discover that pieces I owned could be worn in unexpected ways and in unexpected combinations.  I am no longer tied to the same outfits and the same looks over and over in a stale and repetitive cycle.

{this is a skirt OVER a dress with 2 pairs of layered tights...

I wouldn't have tried something like that before the blogger days}

 Personal Style/Fashion Bloggers are some of the Nicest People in the Cyber-Universe
Never in my life have I encountered such a supportive, encouraging & vocal group of people.  Style bloggers are a fantastic community.  Period.

 It is not easy to look "natural" in front of a camera EVERY day
Necessary parts of a personal style blog are the pictures. You gots to show the wears.  And in order to post the pictures you have to take the pictures.  This means I had to get real comfortable taking pictures of myself real fast.  I learned how to manipulate a tri-pod in a public place without drawing too much attention. I learned how to get the lighting right (or at least almost right). But, some days you just don't feel like having your picture taken. I'm telling you, it is not easy to look natural in front of a camera every day.  And truth be told, those photo shoots are preeeety time consuming.  Especially if you're me and hoping for a handful of pictures in which you look attractive.

{more often than you'd like, you just kind of look possessed.}

 Personal Style Bloggers can get lots of FREE Swag if they work hard enough
It's true.  I had a very small blog and even I got free swag.  I'm telling you, there is swag to be gotten if you have the time, inclination and wherewithal to put in the work.

 Shop SMART
As I began to re-mix the pieces in my wardrobe, I looked at shopping totally differently. I was no longer drawn to the trendy pieces that I could wear one way for one season.  I discovered that it makes MUCH more sense to find pieces that work with the rest of your closet.  Why not buy a piece that makes 3 outfits rather than just one look?  It seems like a "duh" idea, I know. But I'm telling you that is NOT how I used to shop.

{this skirt can be remixed into at least 10 different outfits in my closet.  I kid you not!

It's the PERFECT SKIRT}

 I'm A Fashion Follower Not Leader
When it comes to fashion I love a trend.  I love to see a look in a magazine or on a blog and try to recreate it with things in my own closet.  But I am not too awfully daring if left to my own devices.  Generally speaking I've never been one that's ahead of the trends.  I don't innovate, I interpret.  Simply put, I'm a big old follower.  So, I occasionally feel like kind of a poser posting outfits that are heavily inspired by others rather than innovative or cutting edge in their own right.

{Consider this the quintessential personal style blogger outfit.  Check HERE for details explaining why.}

 I Don't Want to do it anymore
Even though there has been much fun along the way, it is time for this project to end. Lest you think I'm leaving with bad memories, know that some good stuff has come out of this seemingly frivolous hobby.  I fell back in love with my closet.  I got to cross something (get 100 followers on a blog) off my list. I made some new friends.  Plus, I discovered a few lessons about myself - and not just fashiony things, though I learned some of that too.  Probably the ultimate lesson I learned is that I don't want to be a full time personal style blogger forever and ever, amen.  It was a fun project and I'm glad I tackled it.  But I'm saying, "Adiós," to Leaving the House in THIS?!?  It has been a fun ride.  Now please make sure to take all of your belongings as you exit the car to your right.

Have you started a project recently only to find out it wasn't what you wanted to do long term?

Do tell...

More of the Work Story...

So here's how it happened.

A few months ago, I stumbled on a 12 minute tip called Finding New Connections. The topic is ironic really, because commenting on that blog post resulted in making one of the most encouraging and influential connections I've made on the Internet to date.

Because its author, Becky Robinson, is all about fostering relationships, she responded to my comment. I followed her on Twitter (probably retweeted everything she said) and our relationship began to develop. Becky and her family used to live Chicago and so we started there. She shared tips on where to eat and what to see. I put every tip on my to do list.

Next we found each other on Facebook. We each "liked" each other's perspective pages and even became Facebook friends. The connection deepened.

Because Becky has a significant social media presence, her smiling avatar began to pop up all over in my life. I'd read her tweets, pop over to her blog, or like/respond to a comment on Facebook. We developed a genuine online friendship.

I was immediately impressed that someone with 15K twitter followers, a family and a career was taking time to personally respond to comments or tweets that I sent her. I've come to know that that is who Becky is. She is personable. She is real. She values real conversation and personal interaction. But at first, I was utterly shocked that I had even caught her attention or made a blip on her radar.

It was Becky who suggested we connect on the phone the first time. But for whatever reason, for weeks we missed each other. Our suggested times would come and go and we would set a new date. I was in the middle of a move - I know now - she was in the midst of job change and for each of us finding time to connect was a challenge. So when we finally spoke I felt an air of excitement that the stars were finally aligning. The timing was perfect.

{image source}

A few weeks earlier she had offered to send me a copy of a book she was helping to promote. The book was Dare, Dream, Do. I had started reading it a few days before we spoke. So our first conversation was much, much deeper than a typical first-time, get to know you chat. Becky listened, encouraged and helped me process things that the book was stirring in me. She shared parts of her own story and told me about Weaving Influence. I can't speak for Becky, but I liked her from the start. She was - she is - bright, funny, positive and deeply spiritual. That phone call proved that the encouraging presence I met online was real. @Beckyrbnsn = Becky Robinson.

...to be continued

Have you taken the plunge and met an online friend in the real world? 

How did it turn out?

This post is Part 3 in what is turning into a series on my new jobby job. 
Here are the first installments in case you need to catch up.

Part 1 || Part 2

App Odds and Ends

I wouldn't call myself a fanatic, but I do appreciate the convenience and usefulness of a well designed, original app. As a die hard iPhone junky, I'm thankful to have a vast array at my fingertips just a download away. And like so many of you out there, I think Instagram is the bee's knees. So when I heard about this little Instagram Blog Hop, I decided to join in the fun.





One of the hostesses ensured us that this will be a weekly occurrence, so if you're new to Instagram (I'm looking at you Android users) this might be a great way to make a few new friends. I haven't visited all of the participants, but I have been following "a night owl blog" for several weeks and always enjoy her Instagramic contributions. Hopefully they'll be a few other great finds in that linky list. 

{image}

Haaaaaaaave you met, Voxer? It turns your smart phone into a walkie talkie. As a person who does NOT like to chat on the phone this app is very appealing to me. Typically, I'd much prefer text or email to a phone call. But I have this friend, who will remain nameless (although here's her blog), who doesn't have text messaging enabled on her phone! CAN YOU EVEN BELIEVE THAT? She doesn't text! Seriously. No matter how many times I say it still baffles me. Anyway, to get me - and everyone else she knows - to stop nagging her, she discovered Voxer. Voxer is an app that allows its users to share texts, pictures and voice messages with one another. We started playing with it yesterday and it's pretty much fun. Plus it will allow my friend to remain in the dark ages and avoid texting while still communicating with the outside world.

What new applications have you been playing with lately?

Turn Off, Tune Out, Drop In

First I read this and then I saw this and then I read this. So many signs. So many suggestions. I guess it's time to pay attention. All those posts ganged up to convince me that this weekend is finally the time to unplug. I set a social media/internet fasting goal on my listy list and it's time to cross it off.

{image via Pinterest via flickr}

In case you're new around here, I have actually tried unplugging before. Last time it was only for 24 hours. Last time I was a little bit more strict. Last time success was spotty at best. We'll see how it goes this time. By Sunday afternoon I may be twitching and shaking.

But ready or not, as of 5pm this afternoon, I'm stepping away. If I owe you an email or a retweet or a blog comment or a Facebook "like," I promise to fulfill my obligation on Monday. But until then, I'll be living the simple life. Wish me luck!

Have you unplugged recently? 

How did it go?

Some Days It's All About the Pretty (and a public service announcement)

Look at the amazingly beautiful underwater ink photograph I discovered on Pinterest yesterday.

Source: thisiscolossal.com via Molly on Pinterest

I mean, does it take your breath away or what? You should check out Colossal Art and Design for even more beautiful eye candy. Believe me the site will not disappoint.

And as long as I'm on the subject of Pinterest, can I take a moment to make a public service announcement? Please, I beg you, PUH-LEASE check your pins for permalinks, people. When I first discovered one of these pretties it was pinned from the blog's home page instead of the particular post in which this print was featured. Thankfully, I didn't have to scroll back too, too far to find the post. And thankfully there was a lot of beauty to enjoy while I scrolled. But the story doesn't always end so happily. And this is an epidemic that can be stopped if we all just do our individual parts. Won't you please, please do your part?

Ok, back to the pretty.

Source: etsy.com via Molly on Pinterest

Here's another beautiful piece to enjoy, {it's for sale!} in the hopes that you'll forgive me for getting all preachy.

What are you doing to make your Wednesday is as beautiful as these pieces?

How an Avocado Put My Life in Perspective

Wanna know how I know that my life is pretty darn good?

{image}

Currently, one of my biggest worries is the ripeness of an avocado. Three days ago I bought a very firm avocado. It's been sitting in my window for what feels like an eternity and it is still as hard as a rock. It's totally tempting me and it remains completely inedible. I know it's inedible because I actually bought two avocados. I tried to go ahead and cut into one of the extremely firm little buggers and learned a valuable lesson. Waiting until an avocado ripens is vital to its consumption. Ripeness is NOT only a consistency issue. Firm avocados are a bitter, bitter cross I was not willing - nor should you be expected - to bear. So, like just about everything else in my life  that stupid avocado is teaching me patience. Blurggghh. As a side note, it has also opened my eyes to just how amazing my life is. I have the time to notice, care about and blog about the ripeness of an avocado. I take that to mean that on the whole, things must be going pretty well.

In related news, wanna know how I know that a huge portion of the people I'm "friends" with have a pretty darn good life?

So, so many of them had plenty of time and energy yesterday to bitch about Albert Pujols signing a free agent deal with the Angels to leave the Cardinals. Let me just tell you, if  75% of your Facebook "friends" don't live in St. Louis, you should be thanking your lucky stars. Yesterday it was boo-hoo central up in there. WOW. (For several of you Southerners who read this little blog - that was a baseball reference. I only mention that because I'm aware many below the Mason Dixon line aren't aware of don't follow sports unrelated to the SEC.) It was a bit distressing to read some of the ugliness posted out there in Facebook land. But I'm choosing to believe, that if there's time for that kind of belly aching, on the whole things must be going pretty well for them too.

Anything currently stressing you out?

Here's hoping you have a weekend where your biggest worries are avocados and Dominicanos.

My Latest Quest

I have recently become a bit obsessed with the idea of earning Klout in David Hasselhoff.

If that sentence meant next to nothing to you let me back up a step. Klout is a San Francisco based company that provides social media analytics to measure a user's influence across their social network. (I totally yanked that definition from Wikipedia). Annnnnd, this is David Hasselhoff:

{image}

He's the tall one

Tracking one's Klout score, it turns out, is the latest way to stare at a computer screen and hand over countless minutes of your life. The slightly competitive and seemingly arbitrary nature of a Klout score makes it both intriguing and pointless. Obviously, I'm all in.  Based on the company's super secret algorithm, a user can have Klout in a variety of topics. Then, dependent upon what those topics are, a user can earn Klout perks that correspond to his or her "expertise." Other users who you influence or are influenced by, can also share "+Ks" in your areas of expertise just to muddy the system make it an interactive process.

When all is said and done, Klout is just about as pointless and entertaining as the Mr. David Hasselhoff.

{image}

If you follow me on Twitter or we're friends on Facebook - this post should help explain the recent influx of Hoffermation (See what I did there? I combined "Hoff" and "Information". Clever, right?) in my social media communication. I've posted a pretty epic video and a rather disturbing picture. I've shared interesting information about Baywatch and even retweeted a few gems from the Hoff himself. The sad news to report is that all this "work" on my part has done nothing to increase my Klout in the Hoff.

WHAT DOES A GIRL HAVE TO DO TO BE RECOGNIZED FOR HER DAVID HASSELHOFF KNOWLEDGE, Klout? 

Would you hook a sister up already?

Have you jumped on the Klout bandwagon yet?

Pins I've ACTUALLY Used

Since finally receiving my invitation to Pinterest five short months ago, I've spent a helluva lot bit of time enjoying the site almost daily. Just like so many of you, I've stumbled on yummy recipes, crafty projects, and more than enough inspiring entertaining ideas to host a different soiree every week! I was feeling a bit guilty about the time suckage that the site had become. But then I decided to put together a record of all the pins that I've actually used since getting hooked on the fantastic site. If I see that the time has been well spent and yielded amazing rewards, maybe I won't feel so guilty about pinning all the time. Give me a break, I said, "Maybe." Would you mind indulging me in the attempted justification of my latest addiction?

Source: blogchef.net via Molly

Mexican Stuffed Shells

These are super duper easy to make and a great twist on your average stuffed shells. Plus, there is always left over meat when we have Taco night. Now, I just add a little bit of rice and stretch it into another meal. Thrifty and yummy. Win, win.

Source: kayotic.nl via Molly

Stuffed Zucchini

Apparently I'm drawn to recipes with the word "stuffed" in them.  Now, I've never been a huge fan of zucchini, but this was a delicious way to enjoy the veggie that is so abundant and affordable during the summer months. I highly recommend it.

Source: eighteen25.blogspot.com via Molly

"I Love You" Dry Erase Board

I'm definitely not the only blogger out there to have attempted this little DIY project. Carrie made one also and from what I've read, she and her hubby are having as much fun as we are with it. It's definitely fun to surprise the man with some words of affirmation regularly! Plus, he's gotten in on the fun too! Yay for being in love.

Source: quick-dish.tablespoon.com via Molly

Rainbow Fruity Kabobs

This is such a pretty way to serve a healthy and delicious party app. I can't believe I had never thought of this simple and beautiful snack before.  Isn't that what Pinterest is? A collection of all the ideas we could have or should have had ourselves? Anyway, I served these for a bridal shower and they were definitely a hit.

Source: thingsweforget.blogspot.com via Molly

Enough Said

Source: allrecipes.com via Molly

Patriotic Strawberries

I served these lovelies at a different bridal shower last summer.  Cute, right? The only hiccup is that I prepared them the night before the shower and refrigerated them. But then the strawberries started to sweat at the party and the blue crystals bled all over platter. it was a little bit less than appetizing. Moral of the story, either make them right before the party or DON'T refrigerate them?

Source: daydreamlily.com via Molly

Doily Envelopes

These ultra feminine, delicate little envelopes were simple to create and absolutely perfect to use as bridal shower invitations. I'm not sure I would send them through the mail, but as hand delivered notes they were utter perfection. They set the perfect tone for a perfectly ladylike event.

Source: thebeautydepartment.com via Molly

Easy Up do

This is the perfect 'do for fine, straight hair. I styled my hair this way for the wedding we went to in Savannah this summer. It was impervious to the humidity and hours of dancing. I plan to try it again when we see War Horse this week.  (Did I mention we're seeing War Horse on Broadway TONIGHT?!?!? Eeeeee!!!)

Source: craftylittlegnome.blogspot.com via Molly

Easy Microwave Clean Up

THIS WORKS! I just tried it last week and it made cleaning our disgusting microwave easier than it's ever been. Yay for labor saving tips! Oh and yay for clean microwaves.

Source: tomkatstudio.blogspot.com via Molly

Balloons from the Ceiling

This might be my favorite pin yet. I kind of wish I could hang balloons from my ceiling every day. It was totally simple and it made our dining room look magical. We started hanging balloons the night before but then stopped after about ten of them were up because we were afraid the balloons would wilt overnight. Turns out they didn't. So when you use this idea (and you should) feel free to hang the balloons the night before the event. You can take my word on it.

Source: sharedsugar.com via Molly

German Chocolate Icing

I can't vouch for the cake, but the icing is super, duper yummy. Now, I didn't include the nuts because, well, blech. But the icing was coconutty goodness and completely disappeared in no time. Suffice it to say it was a crowd pleaser.

What's the best pin you've come across so far?

Why I'm Glad I Didn't Have Access to Social Media in High School

Perhaps you haven't heard, but there is a man in a mask competing on this season of The Bachelorette.  That's right, as if the show couldn't get more strange, one of the contestants is wearing a mask.

His reasoning? He wants Ashley to get to know him "on the inside" before she ever sees his face.  Now, on top of the whole stunt being a little bit more than creepy (He NEVER takes it off ... EVER. Even when he's alone.), he seems to be doing it completely devoid of a sense of humor.  It's as if he doesn't get that it's a bit bizarre.  I mean for someone who's so intent on letting his personality speak louder than his implied amazing looks, he seems to have missed the point that wearing a freakin' mask just makes him come off, well, weird.

In case you're curious what's hidden behind the mask... You can see Jeff sans mask HERE.

In last night's second episode we got to learn a little more about Jeff (i.e. hear his requisite sob story - every contestant has one now) and he was only seconds away from revealing himself when the producers sent  another contestant to interrupt the conversation and prolong the masked weirdness. There didn't seem to be incredible chemistry between the two. Although Ashley humored Jeff and his mask throughout the conversation which was strangely set in a stairwell.  Of course that didn't keep the producers Ashley from giving him a rose.  So, Jeff gets 15 more minutes of fame on next week's episode.

But this story gets a little bit more bizarre.  See, after reading the rest of this post, you will no longer find Jeff to be the creepiest person of whom you've ever heard.

The truth is, I have a personal history with the masked man.  No, I didn't date him.  In fact, I didn't really even know him.  Actually, he was one of a handful of boys that my friends and I used to stalk.  That's right, stalk.  We'd drive by their houses to see if they were home, gaze longingly at them in public places without their knowledge, and talk endlessly about them as if they were our boyfriends EVEN THOUGH WE DIDN'T KNOW THEM.  It was very, very sophomoric and very, very fun.

I've said it before, I am so very happy that I didn't have access to social media as a teen.  It would not have been pretty. And my police record might look vastly different than it does today.  Because I have no doubt, if the technology was present, I might have looked a whole lot like this:

Fess up, were you a creeper in High School? Or was I the only totally psycho boy crazy one?

7 Things I Learned in 7 Months As a Personal Style Blogger

Last Fall I was feeling ambitious and not particularly stylish.  In fact I was feeling frumpy.  I had recently started teaching Dance classes.  The classes left me sweaty and sweatpantsed. I had a full closet with "nothing to wear." And frankly I was bored.  Bored with my clothes.  Bored with my style.  In some ways, bored with my life.  So, I decided to start a personal style blog called Leaving the House in THIS?!?  It was creative outlet and a new adventure.

After seven months and 120 something different outfits, I took a break.  The break turned into a hiatus.  And during the past month and a half hiatus I've contemplated the things that I've learned thus far in my career as a personal style blogger.

What you are about to read is the post where I share those things with you. (Oh, and also share some pictures of myself)
You're welcome.

 I DO have something to Wear
During my tenure as a style blogger I participated in not one but two 30 for 30 challenges.  During those challenges I learned the fine art of re-mixing my wardrobe.  I started to discover that pieces I owned could be worn in unexpected ways and in unexpected combinations.  I am no longer tied to the same outfits and the same looks over and over in a stale and repetitive cycle.

{this is a skirt OVER a dress with 2 pairs of layered tights...

I wouldn't have tried something like that before the blogger days}

 Personal Style/Fashion Bloggers are some of the Nicest People in the Cyber-Universe
Never in my life have I encountered such a supportive, encouraging & vocal group of people.  Style bloggers are a fantastic community.  Period.

 It is not easy to look "natural" in front of a camera EVERY day
Necessary parts of a personal style blog are the pictures. You gots to show the wears.  And in order to post the pictures you have to take the pictures.  This means I had to get real comfortable taking pictures of myself real fast.  I learned how to manipulate a tri-pod in a public place without drawing too much attention. I learned how to get the lighting right (or at least almost right). But, some days you just don't feel like having your picture taken. I'm telling you, it is not easy to look natural in front of a camera every day.  And truth be told, those photo shoots are preeeety time consuming.  Especially if you're me and hoping for a handful of pictures in which you look attractive.

{more often than you'd like, you just kind of look possessed.}

 Personal Style Bloggers can get lots of FREE Swag if they work hard enough
It's true.  I had a very small blog and even I got free swag.  I'm telling you, there is swag to be gotten if you have the time, inclination and wherewithal to put in the work.

 Shop SMART
As I began to re-mix the pieces in my wardrobe, I looked at shopping totally differently. I was no longer drawn to the trendy pieces that I could wear one way for one season.  I discovered that it makes MUCH more sense to find pieces that work with the rest of your closet.  Why not buy a piece that makes 3 outfits rather than just one look?  It seems like a "duh" idea, I know. But I'm telling you that is NOT how I used to shop.

{this skirt can be remixed into at least 10 different outfits in my closet.  I kid you not!

It's the PERFECT SKIRT}

 I'm A Fashion Follower Not Leader
When it comes to fashion I love a trend.  I love to see a look in a magazine or on a blog and try to recreate it with things in my own closet.  But I am not too awfully daring if left to my own devices.  Generally speaking I've never been one that's ahead of the trends.  I don't innovate, I interpret.  Simply put, I'm a big old follower.  So, I occasionally feel like kind of a poser posting outfits that are heavily inspired by others rather than innovative or cutting edge in their own right.

{Consider this the quintessential personal style blogger outfit.  Check HERE for details explaining why.}

 I Don't Want to do it anymore
Even though there has been much fun along the way, it is time for this project to end. Lest you think I'm leaving with bad memories, know that some good stuff has come out of this seemingly frivolous hobby.  I fell back in love with my closet.  I got to cross something (get 100 followers on a blog) off my list. I made some new friends.  Plus, I discovered a few lessons about myself - and not just fashiony things, though I learned some of that too.  Probably the ultimate lesson I learned is that I don't want to be a full time personal style blogger forever and ever, amen.  It was a fun project and I'm glad I tackled it.  But I'm saying, "Adiós," to Leaving the House in THIS?!?  It has been a fun ride.  Now please make sure to take all of your belongings as you exit the car to your right.

Have you started a project recently only to find out it wasn't what you wanted to do long term?

Do tell...