Making Dreams Happen

I've just read a great article by Keith Ferrazzi, author of Never Eat Alone, who outlines on how to convert self-defeating behaviors into success in Steps to Achieving Your Dream on the Reader's Digest Site. The power of relationships, focusing on what you really want, getting out of your own way, comprising a dream team, and milestone planning all form one strategic path to making your dream happen.

With the help of Dr. Mark Goulston, author of Get Out of Your Own Way at Work, Keith presents 10 quick questions that will help you identify key areas of potentially unconstructive areas.

On Keith's site, he's designed an online Life Coach tool that will allow you to begin the process of becoming your own life coach.

Good luck on your endeavors!

Personal Loans (and Borrowed)

How many times do you tear out your hair because you can't find that favorite book? Did you loan it? Did you lose it? You've pinged your friends on the forums pleading, begging, even bargaining to get it back, but to no avail.

This strategy is something I've been wanting to do for myself and I've heard my friends undergo similiar circumstances -definitely frustrating. Intially, I created the personal tickets for loaned books and videos, but this general coupon will also tuck nicely into loaned clothing, yard implements, and other sources one generally finds as being the local loan-all.

As Creative Goddess, I've devised a personal strategy to assist you:

Personal Library Tickets for Items Loaned

While it's pretty basic, I would encourage you to download it and modify it to fit your needs. I'm going to cut them into strips, staple them, and trim the bottom off when a friend borrows any item of mine.

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On the flip side... How many times do you open a book and wonder where it came from? You shrug your shoulders and put it back on your shelf and walk away. Walk away no more.

As Creative Goddess, I've devised a personal strategy to assist you:

Personal Library Tickets Items Borrowed

Again, it's pretty basic, but download it and modify it to fit your needs.

Let me know if this helps you or if I should make changes. After all, it's about the loan-in-progress we all share!

Great, but is it real?

Yesterday, Andrew received his annual Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2007 issue. Naturally, I grabbed it first just to see how my 40ish body compares to the ones laid out on each glossy page. Bleck. So, then I move onto critiquing the bathing suits, layouts, and the potentially cool airbrushing section -you know the one: the girls are nude but due to some of the skilled hands of the artists, you can't tell they're nude.
The centerfold caught my attention, and it's not what you might think. I was captivated for two reasons:

1) the oh-so-cool seam that was painted under her armpit, extending in all 4 directions where the seam should, and
2) the fabric looked real, her face and hips did not. Her face and hips looked so airbrushed that she should have been on the cover the "The Cars" album in the 80's.

My body image just increased by 20 points. :)

While the online version is difficult to see the nuiance, you'll want to take a look at the print issue.

Guide to Exhibition Applications

Kristy on Fragiletender has outlined the guide to exhibition applications. It simple, straight forward no-nonsense advice.

http://fragiletender.livejournal.com/325150.html

DesignSpotter: Nancy Darrell

My husband and I are tired of trying to rescue our candlestick lamps from the cats escapades. We've decided we'll go with the wall sconce approach -at least they can't knock those over and kill the bulbs inside!!

Meanwhile, I've found a cool artist who creates ceramic lampshades in all forms -you've got to see her work- very illuminating!!

Nancy Darrell

Chocolate Behavior

I couldn't let the most popular chocolate day of the year slip by unnoticed. I found that Fine Living has a quiz for the Chocoholics -and you know who you are! I haven't taken it yet myself, but just know you'll find me lurking at one of the neighborhood chocolate shops for lucious inspiration.

Fine Living Chocolate IQ

Oh, and did you know that Marie Belle, one of my most favorite chocolateers, does private label imagery on their truffles? I just need folks to buy my stuff so that I can afford the set-up costs and begin sending out the sweets to my favorite customers!

Jewelry Debut!!

I am so excited to have begun my jewelry line! Solid sterling silver pieces with Bacchus as the showcased illustration!

Bacchus Sterling Silver Jewelry

Bacchus is gorgeous as he's highlighted against a dark background. He also looks charming hung on black leather with exotic bloodwood and sterling components -the sterling bayonet clasp provides an exceptionally streamlined finish.

I've worn them to NYC this week and around town and I must say both pieces are extremely light and make me feel sexy with this feline behavior.

I'd love to know what you think of my new endeavor!