6.30.2010

Be Inspired - Summer Fun

Words to Inspire

Amazing friends; summer nights;
Chocolate ice cream; mud slide fights;
Half the summer is gone already
So lets spend the rest of it; slow and steady.

Idea to Inspire

Enjoy a summer day with family and friends doing all your favorite things. When it's time relax take out your journal / sketchbook and let the memories of your day inspire new ideas.

Photo's to Inspire
Today's Flickr collection shares the beauty of a fun summer day.

Around by misspiepie




Luna Park ferris wheel by gervo1865 LJGervasoni








Inspiration can come from everywhere, I hope today's post inspires you to find a new idea.
Add To Google BookmarksStumble ThisFav This With TechnoratiAdd To Del.icio.usDigg ThisAdd To RedditTwit ThisAdd To FacebookAdd To Yahoo

Pin It

6.29.2010

Creative Business Quick Tip - Focused Blocks


Everyday we we have our list of things to do and everyday we add new things to the list. Making time for those necessary tasks like answering emails, social networking, planning, and creating it will be easier to work towards you goals.

To fit those important tasks into your schedule create a block of time on your calendar each day to accomplish them. You will be surprised how much you can get done by adding it to your schedule.

Creating focused blocks of time in your schedule will leave you more time to do the things you want to do and to create more, which is always more fun.

Do you schedule time for your everyday tasks?


Add To Google BookmarksStumble ThisFav This With TechnoratiAdd To Del.icio.usDigg ThisAdd To RedditTwit ThisAdd To FacebookAdd To Yahoo

Pin It

6.28.2010

Organizing for Vacation - Packing Part 2

Techniques for packing

In last weeks post I mentioned I was able to pack for a 16 day business trip to Europe and a week long combination business trip / weekend get-a-way. For both trip I used a carry-on bag but two different packing techniques.

Technique for European trip:

•Cut a piece of cardboard to fit edge-to-edge inside your suitcase

•Pack toiletries in small bag and pack in corner of suitcase. For carry on bags place liquids in a clear quart size zip top baggy and place in a outside zipper pocket.

•Pack under garments and socks in soft sided bag (e.g. shoe bag, pantyhose laundry bag, or gallon size zip top bag) - place in a bottom corner of suitcase.

•Place 2 pairs of shoes in remaining space




•Be sure the shoes, toiletries, and under garments create a level surface – use a swimsuit, pajamas, and workout clothes tucked neatly for leveling

•Next, place the cut piece of cardboard on top to create a new layer in your suitcase

•On the top of the cardboard, fold in half pants, skirts, or jeans and place the waistband at the right edge of the suitcase – allow the length hang off the other edge

•At the left edge of the suitcase place the neckline of the folded dresses, blouses, and shirts - allow excess to hang over opposite edge




•To avoid wrinkles with this technique – place the item most prone to wrinkling on the bottom of the top layer (closest to the cardboard).

•All other items should be tightly rolled and laid on top of the other clothing

•Lastly, fold items hang off the edges over the rolled items – zip closed!



•Why the cardboard? Simply for access. If bag is searched at airport, there’s a need to get to your toiletries or you need to change shoes – lift cardboard get item off bottom layer, replace cardboard without disturbing neatly folded clothes

•It’s tempting to use the pockets inside the suitcase, but if you don’t it will help eliminate bulk




My technique for the one week trip:

Compression bags! They really work. Be sure NOT to choose the bags requiring vacuuming, only the zip top bags

Pam Moore
Open Spaces

Pam Moore - An aspiring organizer attempting to conquer one space at a time. As a professional coordinator, she sees the big picture, then breaks it down into details, to achieve end results. She uses these skill in organizing spaces by assessing clients needs and collaboratively finding solutions for functional spaces. You won't need an organizer, you can look forward to tips and tricks through out the year to organize your own space.


Add To Google BookmarksStumble ThisFav This With TechnoratiAdd To Del.icio.usDigg ThisAdd To RedditTwit ThisAdd To FacebookAdd To Yahoo

Pin It

6.27.2010

Create a Vacation Art Kit


As a jewelry artist it's difficult to take my supplies with me on vacation and create jewelry, but I still want to keep my artistic juices flowing. So when I'm on vacation I paint.

Painting is one of those thing I aways wish I could do well, but have not mastered. I like to create simple abstract painting, and most of them I do when I travel. I find it very relaxing and an enjoyable way to stay creative.

Thanks to my painter friends, they helped me put together a kit I could take with me on vacation.

My kit contains a travel watercolor paint set, a paint brush with water in the handle so I can paint anytime and anywhere. Watercolor colored pencils (they can be used as pencils or I can add water and they create a watercolor effect on my paper), markers, regular pencils, and a eraser. All my supplies fit in a small makeup bag and it's easy to pack. Also easy to pack is my journal, sketchbook and paper to paint.


You could easily put together a kit for yourself. There are travel size art supplies for pretty much everything. You just have to decide what you would like to work on while on vacation and start searching the web to find supplies that will work for you.

I enjoy taking a few minutes out each day to paint and put down any new ideas. It gives me time to relax, and I still get to feel creative while I'm on vacation.

What do you like to do to stay creative while on vacation?




Add To Google BookmarksStumble ThisFav This With TechnoratiAdd To Del.icio.usDigg ThisAdd To RedditTwit ThisAdd To FacebookAdd To Yahoo

Pin It

6.25.2010

Organizing for Vacation - Packing Part 1


Keep it simple

Packing does not have to be hard – Follow these basic tips:

1.Think about your feet firstcomfortable shoes are vital for overall comfort on a trip

2.Choose a base colorI always go with black, no matter what time of year or climate (you may like khaki or white) - keep it neutral

3.Versatility mattersadd color or pattern with tops or accessories

4.Repeat confidentlypack shorts, skirts, capri's, pants and dress in your base color – this will make it easier to choose accessories and accent colors

5.Layer wiselyif flying wear your bulkiest clothing on the plane – this helps with temperature variances in airports and on planes but also leaves space in bag

6.Respect your rythymspack snacks (nuts, granola, dry fruit), sleep aids, and entertainment (ipod, books, mags)



Don't miss part Part 2 on Monday 6/28

Pam Moore
Open Space

Pam Moore - An aspiring organizer attempting to conquer one space at a time. As a professional coordinator, she sees the big picture, then breaks it down into details, to achieve end results. She uses these skill in organizing spaces by assessing clients needs and collaboratively finding solutions for functional spaces. You won't need an organizer, you can look forward to tips and tricks through out the year to organize your own space.


Add To Google BookmarksStumble ThisFav This With TechnoratiAdd To Del.icio.usDigg ThisAdd To RedditTwit ThisAdd To FacebookAdd To Yahoo

Pin It

6.24.2010

Be Inspired - On the Country Road

Words to Inspire

People create their own questions because they are afraid to look straight. All you have to do is look straight and see the road, and when you see it, don't sit looking at it - walk.
Ayn Rand

Idea to Inspire

An afternoon walking on a country road is a great way to relax and be inspired. It's not always possible to get to a country road or even have time to walk on one, so here is an idea to use a beautiful country road to relax your mind and de-stress.

Take a few minutes, close your eyes, clear and relax your mind, and visualize a beautiful country road. Enjoy the sites, sounds, and smells on the road, and when you slowly open your eyes take a few moments to write or draw. A relaxed mind is an inspired mind.

Photo's to Inspire

A country road is very beautiful. Today's Flickr photo's are an inspiring collection of pictures that captures the country road and all it's beauty.

Country Road by brn71




Old country road by Rennett Stowe



Country Road by Photography by Jamar



Inspiration can come from everywhere, I hope today's post inspires you to find a new idea.

Add To Google BookmarksStumble ThisFav This With TechnoratiAdd To Del.icio.usDigg ThisAdd To RedditTwit ThisAdd To FacebookAdd To Yahoo

Pin It

6.22.2010

Travel in Style

Go on vacation in style.

These Etsy artists have created travel accessories that will make packing for your next trip creative, colorful, and fun.





Europe Notebook Set by Nicopapergoods





Willow Passport Cover by oddsnblobs


Eco Cup Cozy White Scooter byluarabucci

Smidget Keychain Wallet in Lime and Pink by AnitagailAccessories




Planning a trip or just getting away for a long weekend, check out these shops to spice up your next get away.


Add To Google BookmarksStumble ThisFav This With TechnoratiAdd To Del.icio.usDigg ThisAdd To RedditTwit ThisAdd To FacebookAdd To Yahoo

Pin It

6.21.2010

5 Minutes - Be Happy

If you have five minutes these five ideas can make you smile.


Call a friend




Flip through a magazine for a quick boost



Turn on your favorite song and dance around



Read to a child



Slowly savor some chocolates



Sometime the simplest ideas are the happiest moments in a day.

Share 5 minute moments that make you happy?
Add To Google BookmarksStumble ThisFav This With TechnoratiAdd To Del.icio.usDigg ThisAdd To RedditTwit ThisAdd To FacebookAdd To Yahoo

Pin It

6.20.2010

Vacation Journal


When you travel don't forget your journal. Try to take a few minutes everyday and jot down your thoughts of the the day, the places that you visited, inspiring things that you saw, and any new ideas.

Traveling is a great time to let your mind relax and open up to new ideas. All the new sites, sounds, and smells will inspire you.

Not into writing, then try a photo journal instead. Take lots of pictures of inspiring sites, and keep a small note book with the ideas that were inspired by the picture. When you get home you can organize them to have as a future reference.

Not traveling this year, try this journal prompt to get your creative juices flowing:
On my dream vacation I want to visit/see/try/experience...


Add To Google BookmarksStumble ThisFav This With TechnoratiAdd To Del.icio.usDigg ThisAdd To RedditTwit ThisAdd To FacebookAdd To Yahoo

Pin It

6.18.2010

Organizing for summer vacation - Pre-packing 101


Do you over pack?

The art of packing does not have to be hard if you keep a few things in mind:

1. Plan ahead - with your destination in mind and list activities planned, start considering what you will wear from head to toe

•Based on your activities think about your needs, a swimsuit, tennis shoes, evening wear, or workout gear

2. Inspect luggage - make sure your luggage is clean, functioning correctly, and clearly marked as yours

•Check the seams and zipper by stuffing pillows/blankets in your bag and make sure it zips correctly and no seams are bulging

•Clearly print name and address on luggage tag and use something to distinguish your bag from another (tie a colorful ribbon or string to handle)

3. Stock up – purchase travel size items or travel size containers for toiletries

•Keep in mind if a hotel stay is part of your travels, toiletries are available in your room or at the front desk – if for a short time you can handle using soap, shampoo, conditioner or lotion that is not “your” brand, you can save a lot of space while packing

•If you are flying the following link is for the TSA carry-on liquids rule: http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm


A little over 10 years ago I spent 16 days in Europe on a business trip and I packed EVERYTHING in a carry-on bag. I know it is hard to believe I packed two weeks of outfits and shoes in a carry-on bag, but I did, and you can too!

The key was pre-planning, a good bag, and 3oz containers. My secret was a very clever packing technique I learned watching the Oprah Show (more about packing in the next post).

Recently, I was on the road for a week for a combination business trip and weekend get-a-way. I managed to take 4 pairs of shoes and I had a different outfit for everyday (I know someone out there thinks I’m a size 2 with tiny feet, but I am a size 16 and I wear 9 shoes).

With a good plan, you can pack light too!

Pam Moore
Open Space
Pam Moore - An aspiring organizer attempting to conquer one space at a time. As a professional coordinator, she sees the big picture, then breaks it down into details, to achieve end results. She uses these skill in organizing spaces by assessing clients needs and collaboratively finding solutions for functional spaces. You won't need an organizer, you can look forward to tips and tricks through out the year to organize your own space.

*Click her for a - A unique Advertising Opportunity
Add To Google BookmarksStumble ThisFav This With TechnoratiAdd To Del.icio.usDigg ThisAdd To RedditTwit ThisAdd To FacebookAdd To Yahoo

Pin It

6.17.2010

Check This Out...

This is a weekly post where you can share 3 things about yourself or your business. Giving us an opportunity to get to know each other and our businesses.

Suggested ideas:
-business goals or goals you have met
-books you are reading
-a new project you are starting or doing
-places you have visited
-blog posts you have enjoyed
-a post you have written that you would like to share
-new items you have added to your shop
-new materials you are working with
-family plans or an event you are excited about
-need help with an idea - ask for help


All I ask is that you are a follower of my blog to participate and that you check out a few links from the other people who leave comments.

Let me know if you have any ideas or questions, I would love to here your suggestions. You can contact me at additionsstyleblog@gmail.com.

*Click her for a - A unique Advertising Opportunity
Add To Google BookmarksStumble ThisFav This With TechnoratiAdd To Del.icio.usDigg ThisAdd To RedditTwit ThisAdd To FacebookAdd To Yahoo

Pin It

6.16.2010

Be Inspired - Camping

Words to Inspire

“It is good to realize that if love and peace can prevail on earth, and if we can teach our children to honour nature's gifts, the joys and beauties of the outdoors will be here forever.”
Jimmy Carter

Idea to Inspire

Enjoy an evening under the stars.

Photo's to Inspire
The view from a tent from the photographers on Flickr.

Northern lights with tent by thermarester



Glowing Tent by Grover01


Tent in Sarek national park by Johannes Jansson




Lit tent under dramatic sky by nuggems


Inspiration can come from everywhere, I hope today's post inspires you to find a new idea.


*Click her for a - A unique Advertising Opportunity
Add To Google BookmarksStumble ThisFav This With TechnoratiAdd To Del.icio.usDigg ThisAdd To RedditTwit ThisAdd To FacebookAdd To Yahoo

Pin It

6.15.2010

Discover Europe

Last week The Girl in Orange commented on the post How do you like to Travel, so I checked out her blog Traveling On A Shoestrings.


She has been traveling Europe for a few years and decided to start a blog to share her discoveries, stories, and amazing photo's.




I know I won't be able to get to Europe anytime soon and reading her blog has given me the sense of being there. It is a wonderful blog and I hope you stop by and follow along on her journey.



All the images in this post belong to The Girl in Orange and are from her blog Traveling On A Shoestring.

*Don't miss out - A unique Advertising Opportunity

Add To Google BookmarksStumble ThisFav This With TechnoratiAdd To Del.icio.usDigg ThisAdd To RedditTwit ThisAdd To FacebookAdd To Yahoo

Pin It

6.14.2010

7 Ways to Take Time for Art on Vacation

When we are on vacation we try to see as much as possible and end up rushing around so you don't miss anything.

Instead of rushing around, tap into your inner artist. Take things slow when you visit a new location. Reflect on your experience, and bring your travel journal and make time to use it.



1. Enjoy the fashion as art - Take time to people watch and see all the fashions. Check out where people are shopping for the most fashionable shop.

2. Try the local food - Try something you have never tried before, let the food inspire you.

3. Check out the music scene - Be inspired by what's played in the cafes, on the streets, and even the clubs.

4. Ride the local transportation - This is a great way to experience the city, and feel its true cultural rhythms.

5. Seek out street art - Some of the best art can be found on the street. Visit small galleries, cute boutiques, and local parks for cool sculptures.

6. Go places artists go - Visit bookstores, art supply shops, open studio's. Pick up local papers and find artists events.

7. Spend time people watching - Spend a afternoon at a coffee shop with your journal/sketchbook and let the people, and conversations inspire you.

Traveling like an artists has less to do with what you do and more about how you do it. Be curious, pay attention to the details, be observant, and reflect. Record your ideas to use later as inspiration.

Take time for art to enhance your vacation experience.

What is your favorite thing to do to experience art on your vacation?


*Click now for - A unique Advertising Opportunity
Add To Google BookmarksStumble ThisFav This With TechnoratiAdd To Del.icio.usDigg ThisAdd To RedditTwit ThisAdd To FacebookAdd To Yahoo

Pin It

6.13.2010

Additionsstyle NEWS

BLOG News

Would you like to advertise on this blog? Check out this opportunity to support an amazing project about artists and get exposure for your shop and blog. This opportunity is only available till the end of the month, don't miss out!

You can now get email updates of blog posts via Feedburner. Check out the left side bar to sign up.

Pam Moore is back! She will be doing a series of post about planning, organizing, and preparing for a trip. Her first post will be this Friday.

Creative Book of the Week
Make your Creative Dreams Real: A plan for Procrastinators, Perfectionists, Busy People, and People Who Would Really Rather Sleep All Day by Sark. Check out the right side bar for a link to Amazon.com.

SHOP News

I have added a new banner to my shop with my new photo's:

What do you think?

I have gotten a lot of mixed messages on my new pictures, some people like them, some people like the pictures with the colored background. Please share your thoughts on my new neutral backgrounds.



I am going to keep making changes to my shop and my blog, have any suggestions let me know additionsstyleblog@gmail.com.

Have a great week!


*Click her for a - A unique Advertising Opportunity
Add To Google BookmarksStumble ThisFav This With TechnoratiAdd To Del.icio.usDigg ThisAdd To RedditTwit ThisAdd To FacebookAdd To Yahoo

Pin It

6.11.2010

How do you like to Travel?

I love to travel by car!

I have been taking vacations by car since I was a little girl, and they are some of my most valued memories.

My parents love to travel, but we did not have a lot of money for vacations and going by car gave us the opportunity to see lots of sites and enjoy our vacation together. So each year my family and I piled into our VW van and traveled the country.

Now that I have my own family we take most of our vacations by car and it's still my favorite way to travel.

I think traveling by car is the best way to see all the beauty in this country. Driving gives us the opportunity to stop when we want to see something new, go to places that were not part of our plans, and explore new cities. I think it's the best way to travel and enjoy a vacation.

What is your favorite way to travel?

*Don't miss out - A unique Advertising Opportunity
Add To Google BookmarksStumble ThisFav This With TechnoratiAdd To Del.icio.usDigg ThisAdd To RedditTwit ThisAdd To FacebookAdd To Yahoo

Pin It

6.10.2010

Check This Out...

This is a weekly post where you can share 3 things about yourself or your business. Giving us an opportunity to get to know each other and our businesses.

Suggested ideas:
-business goals or goals you have met
-books you are reading
-a new project you are starting or doing
-places you have visited
-blog posts you have enjoyed
-a post you have written that you would like to share
-new items you have added to your shop
-new materials you are working with
-family plans or an event you are excited about
-need help with an idea - ask for help

All I ask is that you are a follower of my blog to participate and that you check out a few links from the other people who leave comments.

Let me know if you have any ideas or questions, I would love to here your suggestions. You can contact me at additionsstyleblog@gmail.com.

*Don't miss out - A unique Advertising Opportunity
Add To Google BookmarksStumble ThisFav This With TechnoratiAdd To Del.icio.usDigg ThisAdd To RedditTwit ThisAdd To FacebookAdd To Yahoo

Pin It

6.09.2010

Be Inspired - The World

Words to Inspire

“Map out your future - but do it in pencil. The road ahead is as long as you make it. Make it worth the trip.”
Jon Bon Jovi

Idea to Inspire

Plan your dream trip. Pull out a map, or road atlas, or a globe of the world, and mark all the places you want to visit, and the path your are going to take to get there.

Photo's to Inspire

Theses amazing Flickr photo's, make the globe into a piece of art.

Green Globe by Neutral Existence LLC




"1964 World's Fair" Unisphere Globe by moonman82



Old Globe by ToastyKen


Inspiration can come from everywhere, I hope today's post inspires you to find a new idea.

*Don't miss out - A unique Advertising Opportunity
Add To Google BookmarksStumble ThisFav This With TechnoratiAdd To Del.icio.usDigg ThisAdd To RedditTwit ThisAdd To FacebookAdd To Yahoo

Pin It

6.08.2010

A Unique Advertising Opportunity

I have shared with you that I am working a big project, it's called The Box of Inspiration: A Look Inside the Creative Process.

The project will take artists on a journey of exploration and discovery into their design process. It's designed to gain knowledge about how artist use inspiration to create art.

I am in the process of taking donations to get the project launched, and I want to give you an opportunity to support a project about artists. By supporting this project you will have an opportunity to advertise your shop on this blog and in the newsletter.

Donation of $25 will secure your ad on my blog for one month and it will be included in the next issue of The Project newsletter in July. A $50 donation will get you two months and two issues of the newsletter.

100% of the amount you donate will go towards the project. Send an email to additionsstyleblog@gmail.com with the amount you would like to donate or any questions, and I will forward a paypal invoice. Also, include your 125 x 125 ad and the link you would like attached to the ad, and It will be posted on my blog from July 1 - 31 or July 1 - August 31,2010.

Please consider this unique opportunity for advertising.
Add To Google BookmarksStumble ThisFav This With TechnoratiAdd To Del.icio.usDigg ThisAdd To RedditTwit ThisAdd To FacebookAdd To Yahoo

Pin It

6.07.2010

New Post Tomorrow!

Blogger has been down for me since yesterday. I am happy to see it working again, look for a new post tomorrow!
Add To Google BookmarksStumble ThisFav This With TechnoratiAdd To Del.icio.usDigg ThisAdd To RedditTwit ThisAdd To FacebookAdd To Yahoo

Pin It

6.06.2010

Additionsstyle NEWS

BLOG News

I started making changes to my blog last week, if you did not notice I have changed the name to my blog it's now called EVERYDAY INSPIRED. I started with a new banner, and I will be working on changing the items on my sidebars so that the blog will be easier to navigate. Watch for new changes every week.


Coming soon, the Creative Business - Quick Tip. Ideas you can use for your creative art business. If you have any ideas you want to share, email me at additionsstyleblog@gmail.com. As the source of the tip I will include your name, and your shop and blog links to the post.

I am thrilled that guest blogger Pam Moore will be back with another series of post's about planning, preparing, and packing for a trip. Look for her first post next week.

As I mentioned last week, this month is going to have a travel theme. Last Tuesday's post was about Summer Vacation. Take a moment to check it out I would love to know what you have planned this summer.

Book of the Week

Last week in Check It Out... Kelly from Sour Tang shared with us a book she was reading called It's Not How Good You are, It's How Good You Want To Be by Paul Arden. It looks like a great book! Check the right side bar for a link to Amazon.com.

SHOP News

I started taking pictures with my new background last week, what do you think? I am hoping with the new lighter more neutral background I may get in more treasuries, and a few more features.






I am going to start adding them to my shop next week.

FREE SHIPPING on all Men's Accessories
In my Etsy Shop - until June 13

Give the men you life something fun and unique.

Have a great week!!
Add To Google BookmarksStumble ThisFav This With TechnoratiAdd To Del.icio.usDigg ThisAdd To RedditTwit ThisAdd To FacebookAdd To Yahoo

Pin It