Be Your Own Woman

I have mounds of magazines that I keep on hand for inspiration or for ideas, most of them have been relocated from my grandma's house (whom has the same addiction to glossy pages) and been lovingly put into my collection of worthy past isssues. I have at least one back issue of almost every magazine I can think of. Last night it was a particular issue of Ladies Home Journal that I idly picked up for my bedtime ritual of reading before I go to sleep.

I came across an article that really hit home with me. It deals with societal pressures and what the article refers to as "groupthink", conveying staggering statistics on how little percentage of women are really their own woman. I've struggled with this my entire life, feeling as if I had to go with the flow and make everyone else happy before myself. I can't find the back issue to give you a reference so that you can read it yourself, but it came from the March 2005 issue and these are five tips that come from the article.

1.) Figure out what matters to you-Not Others. We've all been in the situation. The situation where we find ourselves faced with either buying a product that can make us "better" or buying a piece of clothing that we know will be restricting and uncomfortable because we think someone else might like to see it on us. Ask yourself the question, "Is this really important to me?"

2.) Start Small. If you're annoyed at your inability to voice your opinions, wants or desires, start with a small situation, such as something as simple as seeing which movie........where your opinion is at odds with the majority. Be firm, but kind in relaying that your opinion counts and that you are willing to stand up for what will make you happy. Of course, compromise is always there, but being your own woman in small situations goes a long way in affirming the fact that you control your life (in your eyes and others).

3.) Talk Yourself Down. Inner monologue can help squash anxiety or fear about expressing an unpopular opinion or buying shoes you like but that might not be considered stylish. Tell yourself that your opinion counts....but not just counts, it's the only one that matters.

4.) Ask yourself if you are too harsh in judging others. A critical step in learning not to be swayed by other's judgements is to learn not to be judgemental yourself. The less you judge others, the more free you are of other's perceptions.

5.) Consider how you want to be remembered. When you're gone, people and those you love will not discuss what kind of car you drove, how big (or little) your thighs were or if you had great hair. They'll talk about the type of person you were. Wouldn't you like to be remembered as the artist of a custom-designed life?

This article had me falling asleep with a smile and I just wanted to share it! Included at the end of the article was a link to The High Pressure Friend and it was great as well!

Great Find.....

I have found a wonderful tool for artists or anyone needing a fully customizable website and blog that are integrated into one.....It's called Squarespace. You might have heard about....the Wall Street Journal Online calls it ..."the kind of software the internet has been crying out for."

One site powered by Squarespace that you might be familiar with is The Purl Bee, a division or sister site to Purl Soho.com. Other amazing sites to view that are a part of this fabulous do-it-yourself program are Hip Momma's Journal and MiSoCrafty.

I haven't had a chance yet to figure out how the shopping cart integration is set up or if they have their own Ecommerce option, but I have to say, I really am blown away by the features for the price. Initially, you can sign up for a free 14 day trial, then after, you can sign up for one of the options they have, the cheapest being $7.00 a month for a bundle of fabulous features.

I'm seriously considering using Squarespace for my writing website. Just wanted to share what I thought was a fantastic find. Once the word gets out, I do believe Squarespace might take the lead in do-it-yourself websites. Let me know what you think if you visit or sign up for a free trial!

Typepad Problems.....

I think Typepad is holding a grudge over the fact that, after taking a trial run there, I decided it wasn't for me and now it is punishing me in every way possible. Does it do these things for everyone else, or is it just me or my slow puter???.........

~runs so slow that I forget what blog I'm trying to visit.
~it never fails that I mess up the security code after trying to post a comment, then I have to wait forever to do it three more times.
~to scroll down, the screen jumps, gives me a heartattack, then takes a couple seconds to show back up again.
~makes all the other windows that I have open act up, run slow or not show up at all.
~on two occassions I've actually had to manually turn off my computer because of the interference.

Now, there's perfectly logical explanations for these things.....

1.)My computer just needs to be put to rest, it's had a good life, anyway.
2.)I'm losing my ability to cope well under stressful cyber situations and just seem to take it out on Typepad.

Nonetheless, I get so disappointed because there are so many beautiful and interesting blogs to visit there!!!! But, I have to admit, I've been straying away from visiting just because I'm afraid my computer will fry up. I feel so left out! {insert pout}

Honorable Mention {Fabulous Sites}

I wanted to pop in really quick and share two sites that are really neat. They are PatternMart and Instant Printables. Both of these sites are run by a terrific and business savvy lady, Kelle Arvay. I've known her for a few years and her dedication and drive is extraordinary.

The sites are packed full of downloadable patterns and printables, great for any type of crafter, whether it's sewing or mixed media.......have fun looking around, I did!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I'm posting this a little late, it's been busy around here with our festivities and adding items to the boutique, but I wanted to share a little Irish lore.............

Blarney Stone
Blarney stone The Blarney Stone is a stone set in the wall of the Blarney Castle tower in the Irish village of Blarney. Kissing the stone is supposed to bring the kisser the gift of persuasive eloquence. The legend says that an old woman cast a spell on the stone to reward a king who had saved her from drowning. Kissing the stone while under the spell gave the king the ability to speak sweetly and convincingly. It's difficult reach the stone. Kissers have to lie on their back and bend backward or downward, holding iron bars for support.

St. Patrick's Day Pinch
School children have started a little tradition of their own. They pinch classmates who don't wear green on this holiday. Wearing green is strictly a U.S. custom, as the color green is not popular in Ireland. Green is connected to the old green flag and a time when Ireland was not free. Green is also a color connected with hope and nature.

Toasts
Here's to absent friends and here's twice to absent enemies.
Here's to the light heart and the heavy hand.
Thirst is a shameless disease so here's to a shameful cure.
Here's to a wet night and a dry morning.
May we always have a clean shirt, a clean conscience, and a bob in the pocket.
May you be across Heaven's threshold before the old boy knows you're dead.

Superstitions
Moon, moon tell unto me,When my true love I shall see?

What fine clothes am I to wear?How many children will I bear?

For if my love comes not to me,Dark and dismal my life will be.

This verse, recited by a maiden as she gathered special herbs by the light of the first full moon of the new year, could reveal a future husband and cause the girl to have a true dream about the man--if she first complied with certain requirements. With a black-handled knife she had to cut out three pieces of earth, bring them home, tie them in her left stocking, and secure the bundle with her right garter. The completed package then had to be placed upon her pillow.

When yawning, make the sign of the cross instantly over your mouth, or the evil spirit will make a rush down and take up his abode with you.

It is unlucky to offer your right hand in salutation, for thee is an old say, "A curse with the left hand to those we hate, but the right hand to those we honor."

If the palm of your hand itches you will be getting money; if the elbow, you will be changing beds.

Breaking a mirror brought seven years of bad luck, while two people washing hands in the same basin at the same time courted disaster.

Irish Humor
What do you call an Irishman who knows how to control his wife?A bachelor.
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Definition of an Irish husband: He hasn't kissed his wife for twenty years, but he will kill any man who does.
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Courtship is a time during which the girl decides whether she can do better or not.
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Dinny was standing in the street the other day when an English chap came up to him and said,"I say old chap, could you show me the way to the nearest boozer?"Says Dinny, hopefully,You're looking at him."

New Item {Photo Enhancements}

I've added photo enhancement options to the boutique. I have two options available right now, Vintage Reproduction and Retro Noise.

New Item {Digital Images}

I've just added this pack of Dark & Dreamy Vintage Women to the site. The set includes 10 digitally altered photos, each free for commercial use, no credit required. And stick around because later today, I plan on adding another set like this one but with a unique twist!