Tag Archives: write

It said to “Just Write”

Something I read: just write… in the raw…

So that is what I decided to do. A book I stumbled upon in a local bookshop said to just start writing. As this is supposed to be a creative writing exercise, I decided to do it. I am actually in the middle of doing it right/write now. As I write, I have music playing by Jesse Cook. The album is The Rumba Foundation, and invigorating.

As I peer out the windows at Panera, I see that the sun finally decided to come out. It’s beautiful. I can tell the warmth is beginning to envelop our city. I am glad. Recent events have put a damper on lives, and lives lost. The Boston Marathon tragedy may be behind us but will never be forgotten. The MIT Police Officer who died following the event is being put to rest today. Thousands will be at the funeral, but that is no solace for a life lost. Rain today would have been too somber. He deserves to be put to rest on a beautiful day. His life, as well as the others should be celebrated.

When I started writing this post, I did not think that I would write about last weeks events. I really did not know where my words would lead me but I just came to the conclusion that I don’t want to forget the harsh reality of last week. The rawness of what happened. It’s one of many reminders we need to cherish every moment we have. We do need to live for today and leave all the petty bullsh*t at the door. Stop focusing on all the negatives in life and embrace the goodness.

In friends: Don’t focus any time on the ones that don’t make you feel good about yourself. Nothing good comes out of them. Forget the people you “think” you should be friends with. Forget social standards or the desire for so-called popularity. Surround yourself with people who DO make you feel good, people who make you smile, laugh and allow you to relax around.

In work: Do what you love. Do what you want. Even if you have another job, strive towards the one you really want. Welcome a change, a new career path if that is your dream.

In Family: Just love. Accept family members for whom they are. Don’t try to change them. Just love them and savor every moment you have with them.

In Life: Smile. Be gracious, kind, and generous. Wish well upon others. Live freely. Let your hair down and start enjoying every bit of it. Make note of all the beauty surrounding you. Smell the air, sink your hands in the ground. Be aware of all your senses and savor them. It’s amazing how good the “little things” feel.

How I feel now: I had to add this piece because writing freely has never come easy to me, although writing has. I am doing zero edits to the above. I have yet to read what I wrote but am posting it “as is.” The reality is that I am a little nervous about how it may be taken or I might sound like a bit of a freak (clearly, I am afraid of being judged) but today = step 1 of my new adventure… Finding my TRUE AUTHENTIC SELF.

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Cloudy With No Chance Of Sleep

My Brain

Although I love the bracelet above, it symbolizes what my brain feels like.

This morning, I woke up feeling cloudy… it’s now past 3:00pm and I still feel the same way.

What I had wanted to be an eventful and productive day has turned into the opposite.  Maybe it’s due to the greener lifestyle path I am on, possibly the lack of sugar intake, or maybe even the extraordinary amount of sleep I have had in the past few days.
Whatever the reason, I am not happy with it.

My mind is in a daze, I cannot concentrate, my hands feel like they are in their own cloud far across the hemisphere (I’m talking typos here).  Needless to say, even a cup of hot green tea and quite possibly some ADD medication could not make my mind focus today.  Unlike my lovely 6-year-old who is trying to draw something way out of my league, who just told me she should be in the “amazing kids artist museum” (not sure which one she is referring to), I am a hopeless mess today.  I cannot even focus on my favorite past-time, online shopping.
Until later (when the cloud clears)…

Bracelet: Sequence Silver Not From Baublebar

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Working For Money?

WARNING: The post below could put me, as a blogger/writer out of business.  Regardless, I am sure I am not the only person in the blogosphere who feels this way… ok, deep breath… off we go…

Everyone wants something for nothing… and don’t tell me you are the exception. Yes, of course, ideally it would be great to get everything you want for absolutely nothing. Unfortunately, life doesn’t always work that way and nobody is really “that” entitled. 

This topic is one I never really wanted to write about but the past two days, it is all that has loomed in my mind. Although I initially never wanted to be type-cast as a specific kind of blogger, I didn’t have much of a choice. The reality is that I love all things technology, philanthropy, parenting and shopping and I happen to write about all of them. Because of the topics I cover, I am clearly a tech/philanthropy/parenting blogger that likes to showcase all things I love, want, or have for my readers!
The past two weeks, my tech title has not just taken flight, it has overwhelmed me. Each day, my mailbox has been filled with requests to review apps. As wonderful as it is to be recognized as an app lover, it is hard to meet all requests for a few reasons… First, I don’t review ANYTHING I do not like. Second, I have a very demanding full-time job (Director of Sales Specialists in the lending industry) that is completely unrelated to my blog. Did I mention that my full-time job also pays the bills?
As amusing as it may sound, being asked to write a rave review and not get paid for it is tough to swallow. Hence, the reason I do not review ANYTHING I do not like. Although I may be coming off harsh, I must say that I find it offensive when I get a request to review something… I agree to it… then, I start receiving emails on a daily basis from the requestor asking how quickly they think I will be able to do the review and where I plan on posting it… Yikes! Don’t they want me to experience what I am being asked to review. Example: For a childrens app, I would want my children to use it. I love having the user experience because when I write, it is based on emotions and personal experiences.  Hmm… I know sales (clearly). I get sales (clearly). I also get trying to market a product for success (clearly). What I don’t get… being mean and pushy when I am offering my services for free.
End result is simple… It’s a turn off and makes me want to put your request on the back burner. This post is not meant as a dig at anyone or any product in particular. I just happened to need a therapeutic venting session and fortunately, my laptop was sitting next to me. :)
*Although I feel terrible writing the post above (I wish I had time to fullfill all requests), I would love to hear comments from any other bloggers with similar experiences or thoughts. Please take a moment and comment below (if you dare). It would surely make me feel better.

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Writer – Best Tools For Writers

The Writer… Whether you write for a living, for fun or simply because you have to, there are some tools that are a necessity.  Below are a few that have helped me meander through the wonderful world of writing…  

THE APP… WriteRoom

Finding WriteRoom was one of the best things that happened to me during my writing career.  WriteRoom created something I rarely had being a mother, wife, having a full time job and trying to write on the side… peace.  Sounds odd for an app but WriteRoom created a perfect setting for me to write peacefully.  Oddly enough, WriteRoom is one of the most basic apps I have ever used, yet genius. The name of the app says it all. Open the app and start writing.

The app has been set up so that you have NO distractions while you write. Whether the spelling is incorrect, or you haven’t decided on a font yet, it just doesn’t matter. All of that can be dealt with at a later time within the app itself.  The idea is to write. That is it! Just write!
THE NOTEBOOK… Moleskine

Before finding the Moleskine journal/notebook, I was a journal/notebook hoarder/junkie.  Every time I went shopping I seemed to come home with “yet another” notebook.  Rarely did I fill the last page with my writing…

Here are the top 3 reasons why I love Moleskin notebooks so much:

  1. They come in all sorts of colors.  My preference is the Moleskine Kraft journal because I can duct tape it however I like!
  2. They are so light, that I bring them everywhere with me.
  3. They are handmade, yet very durable. 
THE INSPIRATIONAL NOTEBOOK… Smash Folio

My Smash Folio is my FAVORITE!  It even comes with a great tool attached… Pen… AND Glue Stick!

Things I add in my SMASH Folio:

  1. Things that make me smile,
  2. Concert tickets/Events I go to,
  3. Color combinations that tickle my fancy,
  4. Design ideas,
  5. Quotes I love,
  6. Things my children do,
  7. Memories I never want to forget, and more…

When I lose a bit of inspiration, I take a peek at my journal… Always ignites a spark!

I love how K&CompanySMASH Folios claim the Smash Folio is the “unscrapbook” for people who don’t have time or think they aren’t creative!

THE BOOKS… Inspirational Books For Writers

I have a few… The book I read which helped me decide to start my blog and more is The DIGITAL MOM HANDBOOK.  Written by two successful Mom Bloggers, this book is the real deal.

The second book… WRITING DOWN THE BONES.  This is a recent read/love of mine… The moment I started reading, everything Natalie Goldberg wrote resonated with me.  Life as a full time mom, wife, career woman and writer, finding time to write is difficult.  Finding time to read is even harder… unless you find a book like this one!  Then, you make time to read.  I sure did!
THE GRAMMAR BOOK… THE BLUE BOOK OF GRAMMAR AND PUNCTUATION

Experienced editor or not, we all need a great book on grammar.  The Blue Book of Grammar and Style is clear, easy to read and breaks everything down in a simplistic way.
THE THESAURUS…The Merriam-Webster Thesaurus

Experienced editor or not, we all need a great thesaurus.  My favorite is The Merriam-Webster Thesaurus.  It’s affordable and I really like how it is organized.  How often I find myself trying to describe something… and then it happens… I read what I wrote and realize that I used the same descriptive word 3 times.  Well, since that descriptive word is on the tip of my tongue, stuck in my head, nearly causing writers block… I have no choice but to resort to a trusty thesaurus!  It also helps when you are trying to sound smart… (wink, wink)…

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Organize Without Tech – My Top 3

 Organization without the use of technology in the year 2012? 

Although most people cringe at the thought, I embrace it!  Although I am a technology junkie, I still love being able to see, feel, touch and of course… make it look pretty when it comes to keeping my life organized.  Do I still use technology, you ask?  OF COURSE (no, that should not read off course… Off course is when your car or any other vehicle is not “on course”… get it?) I do!  Sidenote: I only added that little note in parenthesis because If I get another email telling me I should have written offcourse or off course, I might scream.

So, back to the topic at hand… I love technology.  I also love being organized.  I don’t always have technology with me.  I don’t always have a pen to write with… I also have a tendency to break things such as my iPhone and my latest gadget here and there… Hense, the need for two places to enter my day-to-day happenings.  Being a visual person, I love being able to see my life in front of me and determining my availability based on that.  I also LOVE all things cute, beautiful and inspirational which is why a FANTASTIC book/journal like the SMASH Folio I own, is one of the BEST THINGS I HAVE EVER PURCHASED!  For writing my latest musings or thoughts, ideas about my blog and anything else for that matter, it is necessary to have some sort of journal available at all times.

My Top 3 Organization Tools, with the exception of my technology products are listed below… 1st, my K&CompanySmash Folio, Mod Black.  As you can see, they come in all sorts of adorable colors and themes.  2nd, my Moleskine 2013 Weekly Notebook Diary Planner Soft Cover
book.  I prefer a weekly planner and the Moleskine weekly planner has a page with dates and a page for taking notes… ♥ THIS!  3rd, my Moleskine Ruled Cahier Journal Kraft Pocket: set of 3 Ruled Journals.  They are light, easy to carry everywhere and truly, I just love jotting EVERYTHING DOWN IN THEM!

The product List…
Moleskine Planners
Smash Folios
Moleskine Notebooks

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Cards – Notecards – Stationary

Finally, a reason to use stationary!

Notes To Teacher… With both daughters back in school, I finally have a reason to buy stationary!  Before email took over the world, I loved opening my mailbox to a sweet handwritten card, note or letter.  Now, I just hope any personal emails don’t go to my junk folder! 

Finding some awesome stuff was not hard at all!  I wanted to share two notecards I absolutely fell in love with from…

 Paper Culture


Bonus… Mail & Message Service form Paper Culture: Let us address, stamp, and mail your cards for free! Shop Now!

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Wrath Of Grapes

9/12/2012… The Daily… Wrath Of Grapes (Yes, WRATH of Grapes)… Read on…
The Quote – The Product – The Book – The App – The Music

+ The Product…Shop Our Charm Of The Month – September
Spreading Positive Energy Worldwide – AlexandAni.com

If you haven’t heard about Eco-Friendly Fashion from Alex and Ani it’s time you visit their website for some Positive Energy!!!

 + The Book… The Grapes of Wrath
Of Course I could not suggest any other book when discussing grapes!  After almost 40 years, John Steinbeck is still considered one of the greatest writers worldwide!

+ The App… Wine101 
Who doesn’t need the greatest beginner’s guide to wine!  Wine 101 not only helps you familiarize yourself with various wines, it helps you pair them with food and more!

+ The Music… Listen My Friends: The Best of Moby Grape

And of course… The Playlist…

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50 Shades Of Quotes, Books, Apps And Products

The Daily – 9.11.2011
The Quote – The Book – The App – The Music – The Product…

From my center to yours…

Drum Roll Please… Today’s Quote Of The Day…
Although I should really be ending with this, I decided to begin with it instead…
“Laters, baby.” – E.L. James, Fifty Shades Of Grey

The Book… Fifty Shades of Grey: Book One of the Fifty Shades Trilogy

Anastasia Steele… the student.  Christian Grey… the entrepreneur.  Innocent Ana is taken by Grey’s looks, charm and much more… 50 Shades of Grey – definitely a book for mature audiences… 

The App… Fifty Shades Edition:Ultimate Trivia

A challenging trivia game for book fans!  The app has two different modes and 3 levels… Currently, it is on sale for a short time!

The Music… Fifty Grey Shades – a Collection of Fifty Piano Pieces Inspired By the Novel

Yes, this is accurate… an actual collection of 50 Piano Pieces which were inspired by the novel!  Pretty amazing…

The Product… A Guy’s Secret Guide to Fifty Shades of Grey

I could have gone all out with this one but… for the sake of my readers and keeping this website PG at the most, I chose to include a simple companion book for the related product…

As always, have a wonderful day!  

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