Ch-ch-changes! 2011

Happy 2011!

It's no secret I LOVE starting a new year with lots of resolve. Things I'm going to do this year include running a 1/2 marathon (eep, any tips for that would be helpful!), take a photography class, put my waffle iron to good use, be productive at work, and go on some awesomely big adventure.

I recently read the Happiness Project (and immediately bought copies for lots of people I love). Right before that I read Nudge, Switch, Mindless Eating, and Predictably Irrational (all of which I highly recommend). Things I've gleaned about making resolutions that work (and add to your happiness) are that:
1- little changes matter, and add up over time
2- write it down and tell people what you're up to
3- if you don't want to do it, you won't
4- you have to be able to measure it

Nothing revolutionary, but trust me, those are the magic bullets that behavioral economists, and lots of other smart people have studied.

So, for me--the first thing is to start simple. I'm working on a theme for this year that will capture what I want out of 2011. One of my favorite themes from a few years ago was "consume less, produce more". I'm going to continue checking these blogs for tips and motivation (and entertainment).

p.s. giving is a proven way to make yourself happier-- donate to two of my favorite causes here and here


*image from Francesca-- I love the idea of a year of living Ghandi's wisdom

The Sounds of the Season

Lots of incredible mixes here. My favorite of the Christmas mixes is "All I want for Christmas is You". It's true, I do. Merry Christmas!
via Hi + Low

Holiday Hack #2

First off, if you can afford to buy anything from amazing etsy crafter spinthread you absolutely should. But say that love love this necklace but need a quick and cheap fix.
Grab a thrifted needlework piece (make sure you can bear to part with it) + some double sided interfacing + some pretty fabric for the back side (I used raw silk) + some gold chain. Fuse the needlepoint to the interfacing and then to your backing fabric. Cut out a pretty shape-- it will be nice and stiff and shouldn't fray too much. Go over it with the iron on both sides just to make sure. You can also stitch through it all on (I used my sewing machine) to make it extra secure/ prevent any of the embroidery from coming out. Attach the chain and voila!
You can't tell, but the back is really pretty and bright. * *apologies for the photos-- was in a rush so they're from my phone. Busy doing holiday projects!

Holiday Hacks

Instead of this pretty (but pricey) bauble

Buy these bubbles (for 1/10th the price)


And make this
*thanks to Liz for modeling the results of our craft nights

My Holiday outfits

May involve each of these things. All are vintage except the tights. I just loved seeing them all in a pile!

Christmas Ships

In December ships deck themselves out with lights, and cruise Lake Washington. The mother ship has a choir and a loud speaker on it. They stop at a different point each night, and serenade people on the shore.