Information

Jun 19

Information + Inspiration: June Gems [File 4]

“You must have people around you who understand the same music.” – Givenchy

Audrey Hepburn

I am thrilled to introduce the first monthly digest version of the Information and Inspiration Files, containing only the real gems hidden with my files!

You will notice something a bit different in this post than the previous posts: more pieces of inspiration from my personal life — stuff that makes me smile or helps bring sunlight to a dark day.

Paper-Source Files

InformationFiles:

–> Event: 3 Weekly Blog Series + 1 Daily Tip Series + 1 Unconventional Writing Contest

  • Tough (Question) Tuesday (When I Grow Up Blog, Michelle Ward)
  • End of the Week Exfoliation (Makeunder My Life, Jess Constable)
  • Five Things (Swirly Girl Blog, Christine Mason Miller)
  • Carolyn’s Daily Tips: I post a new daily tip each day, Monday through Friday. Each tip focuses on one thing you can do to create change now!
  • Unconventional Writing Contest: Write about an unconventional life topic for the Art of Noncomformity (AONC) site (Chris Guillebeau). The prizes are ridiculously wonderful, but I think it’s an activity worth doing regardless of the outcome. Go ahead and Write Unconventionally! Deadline: Saturday, July 11th

– Personal Break Time –
Take a deep breath. Lots of information, but don’t get overwhelmed. Just focus on the pieces that relate to your interests. If you have a link addiction like me then I would suggest setting a timer and only spend a few minutes linking away.
Ready? Okay!
… Keep Calm and Carry On …

–> Mind + Body: Psychology Today – The Essential Reads

–> Creative: Jess Gonacha and Sarah Ahearn [When June comes around, I crave color -- pops of color everywhere! Jess and Sarah have very unique styles, but both utilize the most incredible colors throughout their entire collections. Lots of eye candy! It also helps that they are extremely positive and sweet individuals :). Both are featured on Kindred this summer, which means pop on over to Kindred for their *free* desktop wallpaper designs!]

–> Care: A Little Me Project (Modern Day Pioneers Blog, Toni Brockliss)

Paper-Source Files2

InspirationFiles:

ShopCCC Image–> Wear: Fashion that Makes You Feel Good!! CCC (my non-profit organization) has an online store! All designs were made with lots of Etsy love. The incredible designers went above and beyond to help us create products YOU would want to wear, use, and give as gifts! We are updating the store with more products and designs each day – be sure to check it out and spread the fun news :). If you see a design you love, but want it on a different product (ex. journal, mouse pad, water bottle, coffee mug – just let us know: info@cccscholarships.org. I deeply appreciate your support! [Update: As I posted this, I had to purchase a few items for myself!]

–> Website: Hay House Online Mansion [I can't call it a website. I am addicted and visit more than once daily. It is filled with more inspiration than one can absorb in a lifetime! Seriously, deep breathe before you visit. I'll give you a quick tour below (how fun - I'm now a tour guide!).]

  1. What is Hay House? Founded in 1984 by Louise L. Hay so she could self-publish her books focused on personal well being, which went on to become international bestsellers! The publishing house, now a leader in the self-help/inspiration field, has an incredible tag line: Look Within.
  2. Where should I start the tour? Start your self-guided tour by looking at the organized outline of different topic areas. From there, you can venture off into different areas of the site specific to a topic of interest (e.g., self improvement, spirituality, gifts & lifestyles, and feng shui). Be sure to include the Wisdom Community on your tour!
  3. Every tour guide has a favorite topic or area! What is mine? First, Full Disclosure: Robert Holden, Ph.D. publishes through Hay House and provided a book review for Perseverance. So I may be a bit biased since I knew prior to my first visit that Robert Holden is a truly unique human being. After just a few email exchanges, Robert Holden made a significant impact on my life — particularly my ability to persevere by “choosing” happiness. The key word I learned through him is: choice. We have the power to choose happiness.  You can choose to learn more by visiting his area of the site!

AdQuote–> Visual: 1 Blog + 1 Photographer

  • Pink of Perfection: A Thrifty Girl’s Guide to La Dolce Vita [I want to just copy this entire aesthetic for my new blog design (Note to Design Police: I won't!). The images are gorgeous and the little details are fun yet don't take your eye away from the content. Take a Peek at Pink of Perfection.]
  • Mendall Photography: Description from Etsy, “My background is in painting so I have a very non-traditional approach to photography. I create collage-style pieces by overlaying several images together to create a unified piece. My style has been described as dreamlike, surreal and filled with the essence of memories. I find inspiration in simplicity, such as the collar of a dress or the lightbulb of a lamp. I tend to create images of a world I can only dream about, but long to go to.”

–> Quoted: From an ad for a wine company, Turning Leaf, in Real Simple Magazine (see ad above)

I am not

the Sum of my RESPONSIBILITIES.

I am not a SOCCER MOM, or a

STATISTIC, or anything else other people

THINK I am.

I am real.

I am true. I am ALIVE.

and right now i am taking a minute

to remember that

and to breathe.

(Emily Stark, Parker, CO)

–> Power of One: For Ben — One year ago today, we were on the top of a gorgeous mountain in Vermont. And you picked me to spend your life with. For the past seven years, you have been with me through some of the most exciting moments and the most horrific moments I have experienced. You never turned away. Without you, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

What Ben has shown me and what I hope to pass on to others:
Even when you feel alone and darkness seems to have invaded your world, always know deep within your heart that the sun will shine again. You are never alone.

“Lost” by Michael Bublé conveys a bit of this important message. Powerful lyrics, Powerful video.

EndNote:

Information + Inspiration [File 1]
Information + Inspiration [File 2]
Information + Inspiration [File 3]

–> Image References

  1. Audrey Hepburn via the blog, Sparkles and Crumbs
  2. Paper-Source Office Files

–> Say tweet! Follow me on twitter @clrsimple2

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May 25

Snippets of Information + Inspiration

snippets of information may 25

For the past few weeks, I have been sharing information and inspiration files with you. It was my way of simplifying all the stuff I was throwing your way – a filter for what I found useful and inspiring in my daily life. In order to organize these files, I created a tumblr account to keep track of random sites, words, images, and thoughts that caught my attention.

Update on Information + Inspiration Files:

Rather than continue posting a weekly series, I will be posting on the tumblr site. I tend to post almost everyday on the site, so you will have plenty of information and inspiration mini-files!

Additionally, I have decided to create a digest version once a month of the real gems of information and inspiration. The first digest version will be posted towards the end of June.

Reminder:

Thank You Gift (from me to you): SocChic Necklace — Visit the website and let me know in the comments which necklace you love and why — it will be hard to pick one! Comment by Tuesday May 26th at 10:00 pm EST. Please only one comment per family. Thank You! Winner will be announced by Wednesday May 27th at 10:00 pm EST right here!

***

Information + Inspiration [File 1]

Information + Inspiration [File 2]

Information + Inspiration [File 3]

Remember this Moment: Snippets of Inspiration

Say Tweet @clrsimple2

***

To see what people are saying about Perseverance, visit my soon to be launched book website!

***

I am working on two new posts that will better explain this decision and where A Beautiful Ripple Effect is headed! Stay Tuned!

{image – istockphoto.com user: hatman12}

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May 11

Information + Inspiration [File 2]

In2 File2

… image via istockphoto user: crossbrain66 …

Finals are over, which means I’m back!! Oh, I’ve missed this blog — our little community of the most powerful and inspiring individuals on the web (yup – that means you!). I am filled with excitement and lots of ideas to share, but without further ado, I present:

Weekly Snippets of Information + Inspiration [File 2]

… image via messenger bird press …

InformationFiles:

-> Event: Wreck this Journal by Keri Smith [Join The Next Chapter book blogging group for their third online session -- Completely Free. Registration just opened and the online event begins Friday June 5th! I'll be wrecking my journal along with the incredible Michelle Ward.]

->Book: LibraryThing [Book lovers prepare for a new addiction! This book site is so much fun. It's a virtual world for books, readers, writers, and authors -- everyone can connect in one space (where else can you hang out with more than 35 million books on members' bookshelves...). You can even sign up to become an early reviewer and receive free books from your favorite authors before they are released -- all you must do in return is review the book on the site. Okay I could go on and on. If I had an extra hour in the day, it would often be spent on here!]

-> Mind + Body: Happiness in this World: Reflections of a Buddhist Physician [Recently came across this blog, written by Dr. Alex Lickerman. From the blog: "Alex writes this blog to share his views on all topics relating to health and happiness.  His principal aim is to explore spirituality from a scientific point of view and help people think about life, happiness, and themselves in ways they never have before."]

-> Creative: An Apple A Day [Create a New Habit and Art at the Same Time -- doesn't have to be an apple -- you could use fun stickers or a colorful marker to track your progress towards a goal and then you get to keep the letterpress poster as a reminder of your success.]

-> I Care: I am so grateful to the individuals who quietly helped me throughout these past few weeks. Little words of encouragement are so very powerful. Never underestimate the power of a simple note or even a kind tweet. For me, these simple acts of kindness made a dark tunnel feel less lonely. I haven’t been brave enough to face my email yet so I apologize if I haven’t thanked you — and I have lots of blog comments to read (so excited – thank you for the treats). For those of you reading this post and have stuck with me through this rough patch, Thank You. It has meant more to me than I could possibly articulate.

present and correct [home]

… image via presentandcorrect …

InspirationFiles:

-> Art: Willow Love Studios: What the world needs now is love sweet love [Is that not the best tag line you've ever heard! I found this beautiful collection of inspiring pieces on papernstitch. My personal favorite is HOPE* -- primarily due to the quote that accompanies it. Every time I read this quote it gives me chills: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." -- Margaret Mead]

-> Website: Art of Noncomfority [Chris Guillebeau, a new twitter friend has inspired me with his contagious passion for life and of course his philosophy of world domination -- simply stated: this site contains a vault of tools that will help you get where you want to go in life (even if you don't know where that is yet).]

-> Quoted:

“The Dalai Lama is a lot more playful than your average Harvard professor, which is one reason his appearance at a Harvard psychology conference on Friday was so entertaining. The Dalai Lama — who at 73 has an agile, mischievous mind and an abiding interest in psychology — accepted Harvard’s invitation because he wanted a lively debate about the latest science on mental health. He wanted to play. What he got was an audience of earnest academic worshippers. He played anyway….

Before Linehan spoke, the Dalai Lama had asked a playful question: ‘What, exactly, is psychology?’ No other panelist answered him, but Linehan addressed the question as soon as she spoke. She called psychology ‘the science of behavior, including the behavior of the mind.’

And for the first time, the Dalai Lama seemed truly delighted, since here was something, and someone, to engage. ‘You mean psychology is not just the mind itself?’

‘No,’ Linehan answered. ‘It is the study of the mind. You study it also, of course.’

Playful as always, he looked at Linehan approvingly and said, ‘Now, your answer, instead of solving the problem, creates more confusion … I feel I am still in kindergarten.’ And with that, he laughed like a little kid, and finally, so did everyone else.”

– Excerpt from TIME Magazine online article, Mind Games: The Dalai Lama Takes Harvard

-> Visual: Chictopia [The online fashion inspiration destination -- Magazine/Reality/Sketches/Project Runwayish/and oh so much more! -- Love this image of Jackie Kennedy Onassis]

-> Power of One: Jon Gordon [My first book blurb came from one of my favorite authors -- Jon Gordon -- last week. I am so grateful that he took the time to do this for me in the midst of his own book launch. He provided support and encouragement I so desperately needed at the start of this very scary stage (i.e., launching a book)].

Bonus:

-> On the Download [If you don't know about the free downloads available on Blah Blah Blahg then you are missing out big time!]

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Information + Inspiration [File 1]
Say Tweet @clrsimple2

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Apr 20

Information + Inspiration

information + inspiration (in2)

… all images from room service home …

I am so excited to introduce a little treat that we can look forward to each Monday: Information + Inspiration.  I have wanted to add this new series for a bit so why wait any longer! I hope that you will join in and share what’s hiding in your secret little files!

Each Monday: Snippets of information and inspiration — no essays (I Promise!)

Information Files Room Service Home

InformationFiles:

–> Event: Simplify101 Organize Your Paper Clutter Online Workshop [Brand New Workshop! Starts Tuesday April 21st... and of course, I signed up weeks ago!]

–> Book: Every Monday Matters [Much more than a book: an entire online community and grass roots movement has started focused on the theme, You Matter]

–> Mind + Body: Making the Most of the Spring Mood Bounce

–> Creative: Kelly + Olive [Design Duo in Chicago who also do a ton of virtual decorating (check out this Apartment Therapy post) -- so if you live in Boston (or Australia), they can help you create a magical space with design boards and personalized tips. I just worked with them and and can't say enough positive things. They are talented beyond belief and so *incredibly* kind -- like sending me the sweetest email this past week out of the blue. They have a ton of different packages and are very affordable. Check them out!!]

Inspiration Files Room Service Home

InspirationFiles:

–> Wear: “I Live and Love with My Whole Heart” Cuff by Uniq’leigh Allison [There is something very powerful about this cuff. I wear it everyday and look at it often to remind myself that, I Choose Authenticity (written on the inside of the cuff)]

–> Blog: Wonderful Friend and Artist Anne Harwell’s Blog, Annechovie

–> Words: “At the time, I had no sense that this would become a precious memory… but now it’s so vivid… and tinged with the sepia tones of nostalgia. Amazing what become printed in our hearts.” — Joshua Freedman

–> Visual: Violet Marsh Photography [Be prepared for visual stimulation overload -- seriously. After you look at the beautiful photos, you have to see Tanya's home featured on Apartment Therapy. Seriously -- gorgeous, bright, happy -- want to live there now! Tanya is the incredible photographer behind Violet Marsh Photography. Don't be too jealous, but I'm working with Tanya this weekend on some fun new photos!]

–> Power of One: Josh Sommer [To describe Josh, I would have to write an entire novel. I am so grateful to be a part of Josh's life. He is redefining the word "genius." I met Josh while at Duke and cherish our incredible friendship. I've mentioned his organization a ton on here, Chordoma Foundation. You can read this article/watch the video clip for a quick overview. He will leave you speechless. Oh, and keep in mind that Josh recently turned 21.]

Wishes Room Service Home

Bonus:

–> Mailing Label: Have you ever ripped a box apart just to cut off the mailing label? Well, I hadn’t until Thursday. I purchased the print, “Ignore the Rain Look for the Rainbow” from Studio Mela. The Label: Cutest image and then a tiny message printed on the bottom, “let me say thank you with my whole heart. i hope you love what’s inside because a nice person like you deserves a really big smile.” Not throwing away that label!

–> Journal Addiction: Incredible Gratitude Journal

Goals for the Week:

Me Time! Take a CoreFusion class at the zen, Exhale Spa and workout with Alissa on Thursday! [Note to Self: Need to get out of office chair to do both of these activities.]

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