Sanity-Saving Ideas – Page 4

Category: Sanity-Saving Ideas

Maintain, Don’t Gain Holiday Challenge 2012

Posted on November 21, 2012 by admin

In case you haven’t noticed, the holidays are HERE. So are the cookies, candy, cheeses, gingerbread lattes, overflowing buffets, and festive cocktails. I struggle with overindulgence during the holidays and have found it necessary to set boundaries and rules for myself to stay healthy. You may have heard that the average American gains 4-12 pounds in the 6 weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.

Holiday food — It’s easy to see why we pack on the pounds!

Full disclosure: one year, I gained fourteen pounds in twelve days. THAT’S ONE-FOUR. As in, I averaged an intake in excess of 3500 calories above my normal intake Every. Single. Day. Enter the Maintain, Don’t Gain Holiday Challenge.

You can do this with friends, coworkers, family, or just yourself. It’s simple, but not necessarily easy.

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Maintain Don't Gain Full Version — Click to access the full pdf version

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Maintain Don't Gain Holiday Weight Challenge — Click to access the simple pdf version

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Continue reading “Maintain, Don’t Gain Holiday Challenge 2012” →

Getting Off-Kilter to Achieve Work-Life Balance

Posted on October 12, 2012 by admin

This morning I attended a talk by Nate Manny, presented by Creative Mornings Seattle. I had no expectations except that I’d hear a successful, talented designer talk about life, design, which could spark some creative/entrepreneurial inspiration in me. Well, it did more than that. It kind of capsized my perception of career success and achieving work-life balance.

A little bit about the chat (from the event site):

“…Learn about always being mindful and present in one’s life as a creative professional and examining the significance of one’s everyday patterns.”

What I loved about the presentation is that he has taken a nontraditional route to get to where he is (artist > rock star (literally) > designer), yet he still is constantly conflicted by where he is and where he wants to be. It was a lightning bolt moment for me to hear that, since I figured reaching that upper-echelon in the design world automatically created complete life satisfaction. I’m constantly questioning my career choice: if I’m doing enough, if I’m doing too much and pulling away from the things in life that I really love. Am I successful enough? Am I wasting my time? Should I spend more time with my daughter? My husband?

There were several takeaways from the chat that warmed my heart and got my creative gears rolling:

Complacency leads to Boredom leads to Atrophy
The constant questioning of yourself, your career, and your life, is necessary to keep from withering in any of those areas.
Taking Time to do What Fuels Me leads to Inspiration leads to Tackling the Next Thing
Going to a museum or going on a bike ride isn’t a waste. Whatever gets your juices going can be the thing to get you to where you want to be.
Evaluate What You Love then Balance Work with Life
I made a little graphic to demonstrate the process.

Thanks to Nate Manny for the inspiration.

If you’re working all the time and don’t have the opportunity to enjoy the spoils of your effort, maybe you should cut back on some of the hobbies and extras and work less to fund the ones worth keeping. It was a new way for me to think about things, and I hope you find it useful too.

What resources or methods have you found helpful in achieving career satisfaction and work-life balance?

In the Bag: The Diaper Bag Dilemma

Posted on October 9, 2012 by admin

With a 17 month-old, I’ve officially been through 4 diaper bags, with 3-4 unofficial options as well. Why? Am I picky? Am I destructive? Am I disorganized? Do I get frantic? Kind of.

The thing is, different situations call for different bags. Ladies, you know what I’m talking about! You have your big, multi-purpose handbag for everyday outings or when you need to carry the utilitarian stuff. The cute, sassy clutch works for evenings out because you only need a couple of items for the night.

Though you may not be dancing the night away and getting free drinks with your little one in tow, you may have a preference for a smaller bag sometimes.
Here’s what I’ve learned about diaper bags.

Continue reading “In the Bag: The Diaper Bag Dilemma” →

Rice Rice Baby

Posted on September 25, 2012 by admin

As autumn descends upon the Pacific Northwest, I’m faced with the prospect of limited outdoor playtime. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a hardy Seattleite, undeterred by a little drizzle and limited sunlight hours. But as a Seattleite with a toddler, the horror of endless hours indoors gives me chills. Her current favorite activities include climbing, slides, coloring (aka–crayons on any surface) and digging rocks, dirt, and sand. I already have a decent couch for climbing, but God forbid I bring a bucket of rocks or dirt into the house.

Enter the Rice “Sand” Box:

Continue reading “Rice Rice Baby” →

Nailing It!

Posted on August 16, 2012 by admin

I was lucky enough to get an afternoon to myself this weekend, and opted for some mani-pedi action. True to form, my fingertips were chipped by the next day. Taking advantage of the plethora of unique colors on the wall seemed like a good idea at the time, but here I am without a matching color for touch-ups.

Solution:

Touch-up with a contrasting color! I call this tequila sunrise. Don’t worry about French tips or anything fancy; just be consistent with how deep you go. I used a couple of coats of Sally Hansen topcoat to seal and smooth it out.

What are some nail tips (pun intended) you’d like to share?

Feeling Listless

Posted on July 31, 2012 by admin

I realized that I am an avid list-maker. From to-do lists to listing goals, wishes, and what to pack for my next trip, I write it all down on random pieces of paper all over the house.
On one of the lists, I’m sure I have “recycle scrap papers.”
Continue reading “Feeling Listless” →

Toddling Around Tokyo

Posted on July 26, 2012 by admin

I’ve been dying to write this post, but every time I start, it spins out of control. There were so many cool things we experienced in the city that I want to share them ALL.
But I’m going to try and contain this post to “The Unofficial Committed Survival Guide to Playing Tourist in Tokyo with a Toddler.” Or something more concise and eloquent.

Continue reading “Toddling Around Tokyo” →

An Even Bonnier Voyage

Posted on July 16, 2012 by admin

Let’s face it. Flying sucks. Unless you’re going private or first class. In which case, I’m sure it’s all foot massages and carrying on as much liquid as you desire.

Anyway, I have to say that on my most recent flight from Seattle to San Francisco I noticed a few new airport conveniences.

1) Power-hungry Virgin America gate in SeaTac:

Outlets in the bench! Brilliant!

I remember the early 00’s when I used to squat on the floor next to an outlet, usually next to a trash can, and often under the curious looks of landline-using passengers. It was embarrassing, but necessary. In recent years, it’s become a Charge to the Chargers Battle Royale. Power-hungry smartphone, tablet, and laptop users vie for precious outlets. Bodies sprawl on the floor like some post-apocalyptic movie scene, all in the hope of maintaining full charge during the inevitable airline delays.

But I digress. Thanks to Virgin America, charging has dignity and distinction. Just plug in at your seat and save the passenger-on-passenger aggression for overhead bin space.

2) Be kind, unwind

Enjoy your Nama-stay in SFO

3) SFO Cribz
I’m sure there aren’t actual cribs and nannies in this nursery, but the fact they have this and not just a family restroom is pretty impressive.

Rocking chairs, express manicures, wine bars…what else have you noticed lately that improved your airport experience?

Keeping up with the Kidless

Posted on July 11, 2012 by admin

My husband and I are social folk, and we agreed before our daughter was born that we’d do our best to keep our friends! Parenthood has a reputation for decimating a social life, and that wasn’t an option for us!

While we have playdates, take Stroller Strides classes, and we have a wonderful PEPS group, I have an amazing group of friends who do not have children.

Luckily, they have created a few recurring gatherings over the years that successfully get the 2 (or 3!) of us out of the house. Here are a few of the outings. Most are free or cheap, and a great excuse to get together! Continue reading “Keeping up with the Kidless” →

Toc-Tic Toc-Tic: A Backward Timer Would Do the Trick

Posted on June 14, 2012 by admin

I thought I had a million dollar idea, but with a quick little search, I found it already exists (dang!): a kitchen timer that COUNTS UP after the timer goes off.

Continue reading “Toc-Tic Toc-Tic: A Backward Timer Would Do the Trick” →