- Alexandra gives 88 fill-in-the-blank prompts for bloggers with a bit of writer’s block.
- And here are 20 tips for making those blog posts great.
- If you’re looking for a weekend getaway in the Bay Area, check out The Bold Italic’s guide to Pescadero.
- Or, you could check out Santa Cruz as another getaway option.
- These Hidden Gems of San Francisco sound interesting. Anyone up for checking out the Seward Street slides?
- Staying closer to home this weekend? How about treating yourself to homemade honey-lemon face mask?
- Here are 10 scientifically-proven ways you can be happier. Which ones do you implement into your daily routine?
- Did you read Cheryl Sandberg’s Lean In and recoil at the advice? Maybe it’s time to be a bit more laid back.
- This New York Times article by Sarah Lyall where she talks about returning to the US after living and working in the UK for nearly 18 years really resonated with me. I’m happy to know I’m not the only one who’s “chronically sorry.”
Category Archives: Miscellaneous
Links I Love: 13
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- Introverted and having trouble with writing and public speaking? Here is some writing and speaking advice for introverts.
- What are your thoughts on tourists and being a tourist?
- I love this collection of first look photos of couples before their weddings.
- An important anecdote on making room for the important things in life.
- Are you one of the sophisticates, or are you a fish out of water?
- Here are five great ideas for having a great weekend when your partner is away. I’ll have to incorporate this into my weekend routine for the next few months!
- Shauna shares her favorite WordPress theme resources.
- Everyone in the Bay Area knows the housing market here is insane. Here is some practical advice on how not to buy a house and avoid buyers remorse in the future.
- Turn your travel photos into photo key chain mementos, or a customized travel map!
- Meringue and blueberries make a mouthwatering combination for these pavlovas with blueberry jam.
- These 40 Signs You Went to the University of Wisconsin-Madison made me feel a bit nostalgic for my college days at UW.
Five Reasons I’m Excited about 2013 — A Mid-Year Update
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Near the beginning of 2013, I wrote a post outlining the Five Reasons I’m Excited About 2013. Today, I thought I’d share a mid-year update, and let you decide if I still seem as exciting about the year.
1. I’m moving back to California come Hell or high water, earthquakes or wildfiles
Yup, I’ve done it. I packed my bags last month and moved back to California. Darren came over for two weeks to help me get set up. We choose an apartment together for the first time, bought furniture together for the first time, and officially kicked off the next chapter of our life in the US.
I’m pretty stoked about being back. The weather has been mostly good (barring a few days of rain or threats of rain!), my new community is pretty great, and life really isn’t too much different than I remembered from a few years ago. The most shocking bit about coming back was realizing how competitive the rental market has become on the Peninsula, and just how much rent prices have recovered since 2008. When I lived in Menlo Park before I moved, one-bed apartments in my complex were going for $1400 a month. Now, one beds start at $2000, but many are a few hundred over, and aren’t in the nicest areas. I feel I bagged a deal in Belmont. It’s not perfect, but for the amount of space, and the price, I’m pretty happy.
While being back in the area has been great, I’ve realized that moving back has uncovered some issues in itself. Darren will remain in the UK for the foreseeable future while his visa paperwork is processed. This could take up to 10 months, and we’ve already had one setback with the Royal Mail not selling us enough postage to get the I-130 Petition to the US Embassy in London. Fingers crossed this is the only glitch in the process, and the rest goes relatively smoothly and quickly. I don’t think I can do 10 months apart!
2. I am going to find a job/career about which I am truly passionate
Ugh. This one is difficult. I started my job hunt in earnest last week, and while I feel much more confident I will find a job I love here, it’s still a big, scary step for me.
For one, I have no idea what I want to do. Last year, a colleague recommended What Color Is Your Parachute? 2013: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers to help me figure this out. I’m still working my way through the book and the exercises, but I am hoping it could give me some insight on what I’d like to do, and what I’d actually be good at doing. I feel a bit like a lost child asking myself what I’d like to do when I grow up. I keep waffling between job ideas like financial analyst, a business analyst, a web designer, or trying to get a job as a market communications specialist/manager. To be honest, I don’t feel like I’m fully qualified for any of these, but I’ve got to start somewhere, and I’m always willing to learn new skills.
In the meantime, I’ve been focusing on going to the office most of the week (shocker!), reconnecting with colleagues, doing info interviews, and generally getting word out that I’m looking for a new opportunity. I’m lucky and grateful that my European-based manager has let me move back with my job, and has been supportive of my job search.
3. This blog is getting a makeover!
I think I nailed this one. Nailed it in that since the original post, I’ve bought a domain, redesigned the blog, and started posting more (I didn’t say regularly–just more than I did previously).
Both The Blogcademy and Blogshop were instrumental in inspiring me to work a bit harder on my blog. Yeah, I’ve been neglecting it a bit recently, but I hope you can forgive me–I have been busy moving and finding a new job, after all.
I have loads of ideas for features I’d like to introduce in the coming months, including loads more California content to inspire you to get out an enjoy the Golden State, or come visit if you’re not a local. If you have content you’d like to see, give me a shout!
4. Europe is my oyster, and I plan on seeing more of it before I leave
My expectation of the amount of time I’d have to travel, versus the actual amount of time I had to travel were vastly different. Darren and I managed a weekend trip to Dublin for my birthday which was excellent.
In May, we were going to go to Prague. We’d been busy planning my move to California, packing, and preparing. With each week that passed, we were feeling increasingly drained and things kept cropping up. Finally, during the last week of May, my best-est friend in Europe sent me an instant message asking if I was going to visit her. I really wanted to see her before I left, and she had the weekend before we were due to leave for America free. So I frantically booked tickets and we were off to Prague at the weekend.
Prague was wet–seriously wet. It rained almost the entire time we were there, and Prague experienced some of the worst flooding it had seen since the floods in 2002. Regardless, we had a brilliant time. I mostly wanted to catch up with my friend–seeing the sights was an added bonus. We did loads of walking, which really sucked in the rain, but we had a fun evening in a blues club in the center, and I really enjoyed Czech food. Eating out there reminded me of restaurants in the Midwest in the ’80s and ’90s (smoking areas included)!
There are so many places I still need to tick off my European travel list, but I’m glad I got to see Prague before I left. We’ll always have relatives in the UK, and the rest of Europe isn’t that much further away, so I’m sure we’ll have plenty of trips in the future.
5. I’m going to become a “badass mother who don’t take no crap off of nobody”
Not unlike point three, this one has been difficult. Now that I’m back in the US, I definitely feel more confident connecting and reconnecting with people. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still pretty low-key and slightly introverted, but I’m not afraid to randomly approach people and say hello anymore (I always thought this was viewed as an act of agression in Britain, so was never a thing I did).
I haven’t met up with as many friends here as I’d like, but I’ve also only been back for a month. I ended up catching a cold after moving here, and that kept me home two weekends in a row. Not to mention, I’ve been working some crazy hours, so it’s also difficult for me to meet with people after work, too.
Meeting with people in the office has been great, though. I’ve met a few new faces (turns out I’d “met” them over email previously!), and reconnected with some old people. While it’s not quite the same as connecting with friends, I really enjoy the interaction. That’s something that was really lacking when I worked in the UK. At first I thought it was because I didn’t work with anyone in person in the UK, but I don’t work directly with anyone here, and I feel much better taking the time to show up to the office. I guess it may just boil down to cultural differences, and I’m probably more American than I originally thought
In terms of overhauling my wardrobe, well, that’s a work in progress. I’ve bought a few new work outfits, but I’m trying to save my money until I have a new job and know exactly what I can afford. If I absolutely need something, I’ll buy it, otherwise, it’ll have to wait.
I think my confidence is slowly coming back, but until I feel a bit happier with my job situation, and have my husband back in the Bay, I think it will be a bit slow-going.
What were you excited about in 2013? Have you made progress on your goals for the year?
This post contains affiliate links. All opinions expressed are my own, and not of the company or product represented.
Links I Love: 12
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- These homemade sweet potato chips have my mouth watering.
- When I’m back in the US, I’d love to decorate a wall with one of these travel memory maps–such a clever idea!
- Here are 7 steps to proofreading like a pro–practical for bloggers and non-bloggers alike.
- I’m so intrieged by DIY beauty products, and look forward to trying this lotion bar recipe.
- These homemade creamsicles look perfect for a hot summer’s day.
- And why not follow those homemade creamsicles with a mojito jello shot chaser?
- If the weather is cooperating with your summer picnic plans, why not bring the picnic inside?
- Kat runs down the ins and outs of sponsored blog posts.
- Gala’s post on transitioning from corporate corpse to blogger babe is brilliant. This quote rings especially true: “If you find a place that sparks you, you should move there. No ifs, buts or maybes.”
- I loved these five commandments of style, and couldn’t agree more with these points.
- Would you put your life in danger for job you love?
Have you found any good links this week? Share them in the comments!
Links I Love: 11
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Due to a small break in blogging duties recently, today’s Links I Love is a bit bigger than usual. Enjoy!
California
Some great guides to California cities have cropped up recently. Here are a few I can’t wait to try:
- The Bold Italic’s guide to one of my favorite beach towns, Santa Cruz.
- Oakland might have a reputation for being a bit rough around the edges, but sfgirlbybay’s guide to Oakland shows the city is on the up-and-up.
- If the photos in this guide to San Francisco don’t entice you to visit The City, then I don’t know what will (the guide is in French and Google Translate garbles it a bit–but you can still get the gist).
- And not to leave SoCal out, here’s a guide to San Diego.
- If you’re looking for a bit more California inspiration, why not follow my California! board on Pinterest?
Blogging and Social Media Tips
- Problogger offered 7 Tips for Busy Bloggers when it comes to finding time to post (one I need to review in more detail, apparently).
- Rock n Roll Bride reminds us not to let one bad review break our spirit or ruin our efforts.
- Addicted to Instagram (follow me!)? Here are five photo editing apps for phones to try.
- I really liked Zoe’s advice to never stop tweaking your website, and always keep your target audience in mind.
Food and recipes
- Try mixing up the campfire routine this summer with these ginger and caramel smores.
- The picture of these salted caramel cheesecake cupcakes has my mouth watering. I can’t wait to try the recipe!
- And these Mounds-bar-inspired chocolate brownie bites don’t look to shabby either!
- Do you like peanut butter? How about cupcakes? Why not try these peanut butter cupcakes with black coffee frosting?
- A perfect recipe for summer: fruity striped ice cubes.
- I loved the idea of this peekaboo bread. A treat within a treat!
- Oh my days, lemon bars have to be one of my favorite sweet treats, and these look delicious.
- You know what, sod this, make your mouth water by having a look at my Get in My Oven! Pinterest board.
The Rest
- This housewarming jar DIY is a simple, but useful gift for anyone moving home.
- I love the idea of sprucing up an umbrella to make rainy days a bit cheerier.
- Apparently, seven minutes of hell is all it takes to get in shape.
- Latanya has some excellent tips for time management.
- This is how often you need to clean your make-up brushes, apparently.
- And while we’re talking make-up, this post on make-up for hooded/almond eye shapes has inspired my new make-up routine. It is brilliant.
- Shauna talked about her new coffee routine – a favorite subject of mine. Perhaps I should share mine (I can tell you it won’t be as pretty, and probably would be considered a bit “ghetto”)?
Have a missed any super-awesome links recently? Let me know in the comments!
Links I Love: 10
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- Victoria, of sfgirlbybay.com recently released her bohemian shopping guide to San Francisco app, and it looks awesome.
- Holding an impromptu party? How about trying these green decorations made from recycled goods.
- If you’re on a green and DIY kick, how about making some dip-dyed cloth napkins?
- I need an gigantic stack of these I’m Sorry For What I Said When I Was Hungry cards.
- Kat rounded up several links to help those with blogs and online business reach more readers and customers.
- Here are 15 signs it’s time to leave your job at a start-up; applicable to non-start-up jobs, too.
- More tips for packing a suitcase including loads of photo examples.
- Need some greenery in your life? Here are 10 plants indoor plants that can attract love, joy a prosperity.
- Take a photo tour of the Dogpatch neighborhood in San Francisco.
- I love this illustration of California’s wildlife.
Have you found any good links this week? Share them in the comments!
Links I Love: 9
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- I loved this photographic tour of San Francisco’s Outer Sunset neighborhood.
- Friends are great, and this list outlining true friendship rings very true.
- Do/would you wear pajamas in public? Is it even possible to make them suitable for outdoor wear?
- Bri and Katie at DESIGNLOVEFEST had some great advice on investing in their businesses and how they’d use the money.
- I really liked this interview. It reminds those of us working online to take a step back and enjoy life offline, too.
- These tips for getting unstuck are so basic, yet so brilliant.
- Here are some great tips for taking product photos for anyone selling items online (Etsy, craigslist, etc.).
- Double exposure photos seem to be all the rage right now. Here’s a tutorial explaining how they’re done.
- This video by Dove has gotten a lot of people talking about self-esteem and beauty.
- Twenty-six practical tips to help anyone manage their time better.
- Apparently, writing a bestseller doesn’t guarantee millions for the author.
Have you found any interesting links this week? Share them in the comments below!
Links I Love: 8
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I’m a few days late with this week’s links, but there is no shortage of links I love.
- I think if SF Muni’s citations were this artistic, people might be less upset when they were caught. They’d get a citation and a mini piece of artwork!
- Jasmine Star shares everything she knows about chasing a dream.
- Here are some super-practical tips for stress-free packing when traveling.
- I definitely want to try my hand at this indoor herb planter.
- And perhaps after working on my new indoor herb garden, I’ll use some of this homemade hand salve to prevent dry hands and calluses.
- I really enjoyed reading Gala Darling’s post on her recent face reading experience. It makes me want to find someone to tell me what my face says about me!
- Struggling with lots of unsightly power cords? Why not try this quick DIY project to make them a bit prettier?
- This cat-themed party is right up my street.
- Victoria’s commentary on social media pressures and skewed perceptions on social media was really interesting and thought-provoking.
- I was amazed by the dedication and devotion some San Francisco residents have for their city. I’m particularly fond of the second one.
Have you come across any interesting links this week? Share them in the comments!
Happy Anniversary!
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Photo by Mike Legg Photography. |
Today Darren and I are celebrating our first anniversary! I’m so lucky to be married to my best friend, and cannot imagine being any happier with anyone else than I am with him. Happy anniversary, Darren–I’m looking forward to many more. x
Links I Love: 7
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- I love homemade cleaning products and lavender, and I really want to try these lavender DIY laundry essentials.
- Thinking about taking a trip to LA? Take at look at this local’s tips for a fun time.
- If you need more inspiration for an LA trip, look at Joy’s trip to Little Tokyo. Those Japanese sweets look so tempting!
- I enjoyed this post on love languages. I think I fall into the categories of acts of service and quality time. How about you?
- How do you deal with negative people in your life? Maybe it’s time to chuck ’em to the curb.
- If you’re getting started with a dSLR, here’s an article explaining the benefits of prime lenses.
- I loved Victoria Smith’s beach inspired Thoughts for a Friday post.
- Living the creative life isn’t easy; Lucy dishes out some harsh truths to those pursuing their dream career.
- Planning an event big or small one? Consider these 10 tips to hosting a successful event.
Have you come across any interesting links this week? Share them in the comments!