Forgiveness
I hate to forgive--it's hard to do, it's not fun, I don't like it. I, along with any normal person, believe that forgiveness makes a person look weak. If I had things my way, I'd choose to never forgive and never forget but because I have a heart of gold (my mom said so), I know that everybody deserves forgiveness because we all make mistakes. But why is forgiving someone so challenging? And how can someone forgive once their pride, trust, and self-esteem have been compromised?
So now that I'm a college graduate (as of 4 days ago), I decided to stop reading Chelsea Handler books and do a little soul searching with Oprah. It got weird. So I moved on to Joel Osteen. That was weirder. Anyway, back to this whole forgiveness thing--I've come to realize that forgiving someone is hard to do because it is done independently. The ability to forgive someone starts with ourselves. When someone hurts us, we want to put all blame on that person for causing our distress that we forget that we have control over what affects us. This sounds so abstract and possibly unreachable, but finding peace and understanding with something we cannot change is the root of forgiveness. It's about recognizing what has upset us and then accepting that we cannot change that.
Forgiveness doesn't take away the fact that someone has done something to affect us, it's accepting what has happened and reconciling with ourselves first and foremost. The common misconception about forgiveness is that when we forgive someone, we cancel out any consequences for that person's wrongdoing, but what we have yet to understand is that forgiveness is for ourselves and nobody else. It's the act of mental and emotional healing, letting go, and moving forward.
I am a firm believer in getting even. If someone carelessly taps the side of my car with their car door, you better believe I'm looking for a stray shopping cart to roll in their direction. That was a really bad scenario. The point is that naturally, as human beings, we look to retaliate when someone has hurt us (or our Hondas). But if we want to make a greater impact, we must remember that moving on and living happily, grudge-free, is the best revenge.
"Forgiveness is giving up hope that the past could be any different." -Oprah
Nothing says "You did it!" like a non-educational gift
What do you give a college grad who has it all--a Hallmark teddy bear holding a diploma? Ehh, try these instead:
Who wouldn't want to cuddle up to their favorite Instagram pictures? Collect 25 photos of your graduate's favorite college memories to design a unique pillow. The pillow is made of linen-cotton canvas and the images are displayed on the front while the backside of the pillow is navy. They're soft, fluffy, and safer to drool on than an iPhone.
Price: $53.00
Price: $16.00
Price: $59.95 (add personalization $9.95 and up)
-Egg & Muffin 2-Slice Toaster and Egg Poacher
Price: $34.00
-The White & White Digital clock
Price: $200.00
How to: Etsy Selling
I've been bonding with my inner Martha lately and handcrafting some unique jewelry. I've given pieces to a few friends who suggested I start selling on Etsy. I'm really modest so I shyly told them that my amazingly detailed, skillfully crafted, one-of-a-kind, super unique pieces wouldn't be all that successful, but I'd consider it. So as of late, I've been doing some research on how to get started selling on Etsy. It's a bit of an intimidating process but I've read many articles with great tips and suggestions. I've compiled a short list of what I've learned thus far that will help me, as well as other beginner Etsy sellers, get started:
1. Understand the value of your product
Comparing your product to similar products on Etsy is not the most accurate way to set your prices. Not all products are made with the same materials, time, or effort. There are things to consider when setting a price--How much does it cost to make? How much time did you spend on it? How much does it cost to ship?
2. Take quality photos
Shoppers aren't able to touch, feel, or try on the items. So it's important to take detailed photos in good lighting from various angles. Have a friend (a pretty friend) model your products so shoppers can visualize how an item will fit.
3. Build an inventory
So you've crafted a couple of items and now it's time for the fun part--get your Etsy shop up and running! However, it's no fun for shoppers to browse an Etsy shop with only 3 items. Before making your shop public, it is highly suggested to have at least 10 items for shoppers to choose from--variety is key.
4. Market yourself, not only your products
Create a good first impression when dealing with all shoppers--new and old. Most of your customers will not know you on a personal level, so their first impression of you, even before seeing your product in real life, is the way you package your products. It's kind of like the initial handshake. Be detailed and careful when packaging an item to ship. Some suggest including a personal thank you note. Provide customer service and and contact information too. It's important to let customers know you're reachable for questions and concerns they may have. Include links in your Etsy shop to your Linkedin, Facebook, or Twitter accounts so they can connect with you personally. Once they fall in love with you and your product, you will have developed a relationship with a loyal customer.
5. Play your social media cards right
Of course you have a Facebook and Twitter account. Now make one for your shop! Let new and returning customers know when you've updated your inventory or when an item is hot. This will benefit your business and is a crucial part in attracting prospective customers. Word of mouth (or tweet) helps immensely in this case and will keep your shop active. But be genuine about what your Etsy shop has to offer and show gratitude for likes, comments and retweets.
Successful Etsy sellers start with a plan. It's crucial to treat your hobby like a business because it's your attitude about you and your product that others will learn to adopt. Good luck to all Etsy sellers--rookies and veterans!
[Etsy image via gigaom.com]
The Dirty Thirty
I've been told many times that I have an old soul. Before I really understood what that meant, I had just assumed it was some asshole's nice way of telling me I'm boring. And that never bothered me--I am boring. I'm 23 right now and I'm looking forward to turning 30, but I really think I've been 30 since I was 8 years old.
Women in their 20's, early 20's more so, are the stupidest people in America. We do everything wrong. We learn wrong, eat wrong, fall in love wrong, work wrong, befriend wrong, trust wrong, prioritize, spend, exercise, date, view....WRONG! My perspective on being in our 20's is that these wrongs are supposed to happen and that this realization occurs on our 30th birthdays.
I'm in no rush to hurry through life and I do and will continue to enjoy my 20's, but I, in no way, see turning 30 as a threat to my youth. Like I said, I'm boring--what is youth? I have minimal desires to rage in Vegas, I've never been to a rave, and what is a Coachella? In my defense, I'm not a total prude. I have fun doing what I do, which may not necessarily be stereotypical activities of a 20-something year old. And because I feel like I'm an outlier in this category, I have compiled a list of reasons (all based on assumption) why I look forward to turning 30:
- You've learned to love yourself before loving anybody else. By 30, you will have dated a fair share of people, and with that experience, you'll learn never to place someone on a pedestal because that fucking pedestal is YOURS.
- All of your furniture is new. No longer will you be using the entertainment system that was handed down from your older sister and brother-in-law whose children stuck Dora the Explorer stickers on it because at 30, you know how to go to IKEA and assemble furniture independently.
- Your resume is honest. Lies and exaggerations on your resume are acceptable when you're in your 20's, but once you're 30, you're so old that you've worked everywhere under the sun and you won't have to lie anymore.
- Everyone's handwriting looks better when you're 30. Writing things down like you're a boss bitch will look so legit. My mom has the bossiest handwriting ever (she's not 30 but you know what I mean).
- You come to understand that you deserve those hips and ass. No more frantic crash diets, pointless yoga, or stressing about your thighs like you do when you're 20 because you want to look like an import model. Also, at 30, you know that having a friend with an expensive camera to take pictures of you doesn't make you a model and a Facebook album is no portfolio.
- You have your own dentist and physician. No longer will you be seeing your family dentist who knows what a terrible flosser you've always been or your family doctor who knows about every butt rash you've ever had.
- Nobody is broke at 30. You have gained financial responsibility and can muster up the courage to say no to opening more credit cards...even at Target.
- Cellulite always wins. This is something you'll learn to make peace with and unlike your naive 20-something year old self, you will not spend loads of money on Nivea skin tightening cream. You will need a Harry Potter spell to make that shit disappear.
- You don't need a BFF. Your gynecologist is your BFF.
- Mini You's. You love yourself so much that the thought of reproducing miniature you's doesn't scare you at all.
I'm in my 20's and I like it and when I turn 30 I don't think I'll hate it.
My first published post on Technorati.com
New iPhone apps to Prevent Insta-emo
Champagne bottles are still popping at Instagram HQ while Twitter remains outraged by the acquisition. Now what? Though reports say that Facebook has assured Insta-users that features will remain the same, many want out. Here are some iPhone apps that may keep you from being Insta-emo for the time being:
1). Path
Path is for the mult-tasker...or well, the multi-sharer. Share your thoughts, who you're with, where you are, what you're listening to, photos, videos, even what time you hit the sack. The app also pushes to public networks like Facebook and Twitter. It's beautifully designed and uploading a cover photo adds a great personal touch to your profile.2). Everyme
If Path and Google+ had baby, it'd be Everyme! Everyme looks and functions similarly to Path with minor exclusions like sharing music and bedtime. However, Everyme lets you create private or public circles. Just as Google+, you decide who you want to share your daily activiites with. One thing users may not approve of is the disability to share to public networks.3). Pinweel
Okay, so if Google+ had an affair with Instagram and birthed a lovechild, it would be Pinweel. Pinweel is a photo sharing app with filters (Ooooh-ahhh). Users can organize their photos into albums and share albums with specific people or groups. I'm seeing a trend in new iPhone apps in terms of privacy, and I like it! Users can push to Facebook and Twitter and hey Team Android, a version for you will launch later this year!RIP Instagram? Or are some of its hot and bothered users only bluffing? We'll see if this really is the end and if some of the new networking apps can steal its shine.
View on Technorati: New iPhone apps to Prevent Insta-emo
ATTN: crazy nutrition, weight, and exercise obsessors
A letter to Android Instagrammers
Today is a big day for you. Today, Instagram was launched for you green little monsters and so I welcome you. I welcome you to a wonderful place where photos, only beautiful when filtered, are shared to Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and many more.
I, as an iPhone user, have grown attached to Instagram. It's a little bit silly that a simple app can make such an impact in my life--it's really that deep. It goes beyond the networking of Facebook and Twitter. It's the simple matter of sharing special days and important events of my life by the simplicity of a photo snapped with my iPhone. The best part is looking back at old photos and thinking "Holy shit, I really ate that whole burrito." It's the things you've accomplished, the things you appreciate, and the things you want to remember that keep Instagram close to the heart. So #TeamAndroid, don't F this up.
I've had instagram for about a year and a halfish and I've seen some of the best, some of the worst, some of the stupidest, and some of the most brilliant iPhone photos. I've made some Instagram friends and some Instagram frenemies (it's easy to do). I want to help you make the most of this app just I have and learn to appreciate it.
Here's what you should know:
- Captions should be relevant to the photo. Do not photograph your face with the caption "There's a hole in my sock." This happens too much.
- #LikeAttacks are not cool. A #LikeAttack happens when one IG user likes several photos of another IG user within minutes, even seconds. The victim in this case will stupidly take a screen shot of his or her notifications which look like this:The worst part is adding a filter to this screen shot. SO unnecessary.
- People LOVE pictures of food. If you want followers, post foodie pics (or nudey pics).
- Do not abuse apps like Diptic, Pic Stitch, or similar apps for Android. These apps allow you to combine multiple pictures into one framed photo to share. Though sometimes it's necessary for the purpose of storytelling or event sharing, I've seen many Diptic abusers get carried away, especially when it comes to diptic-ing their own face (wtf).
- Self-portraits--yes of course we want to see your beautiful face! Sparingly, though. Taking a picture of yourself everyday isn't necessary, especially if you're making the same kissy face.
- Please do not "re-post." Save that for Tumblr.
- Post a lot of pictures of your pets. I'll follow you :)
- Taking screen shots of inspirational quotes and ideas you've typed out in a notepad app should be shared minimally. You are not Joel Osteen.
- Choose your hashtags wisely. You do not have to hashtag every word in order to get more followers. Hashtag major ideas or topics. Do: #hungergames. Don't: I #watched #hungergames and I #loved it so #much because #Gale is #hawt.
Unlike many iPhone users, I welcome #TeamAndroid to the Instagram community and I think it's a bit silly that iPhone users are acting possessive. The only thing that would cause me to be so disturbed is if our precious Emoji launches an app for Android. Then I will flip a b-word.
Good luck and enjoy.
Love, Brittney
Drawing Audrey Hepburn
Posterous image gallery turned flip book? --Uh, yes please and cool. Watch me try to draw a very very unrealistic-not-even-worthy-of-being-called-animated portrait of Audrey Hepburn.
Okay, that wasn't as cool as I anticipated.
Why I Can't Thrift Shop
It's not that I'm on my high horse nor am I snobby or high-maintenance--far from it certainly. The thing is, I work hard for my money and I'd rather not spend it at a place that smells like genitalia for the sole purpose of looking vintage.
The smell of thrift stores is so stupid, I can't deal. No matter what city you're in, all thrift stores smell the same. I truly believe that "thrift spray" exists. It's a concoction of leaky pipe water, an old man's ear liquid, a pinch of playground sand, and cigar. Every 45 minutes, a thrift store associate walks to the "home appliances" aisle (not really an aisle, more like a chunk of things in the corner), finds a working fan, and sprays that "thrift spray" so generously into the fan.
I understand that there are unique finds at thrift stores and many one-of-a-kind pieces; HOWEVER!!,what if, just what if that lonely but so eye-catching cardigan with elbow patches belonged to an axe murderer? This is my number one peeve about thrift stores--you don't know where the clothing comes from. For all we know, it could have been sold to Goodwill by a creepo who collects locks of hair to sniff in his bedroom. You really never know.
Many people who shop at thrift stores are hypocrites. Okay white girl, you're not supposed to have dreadlocks and that poncho is from Forever 21 so don't play me like you found it hanging on a cactus while hitchhiking through Arizona. Thrift shoppers like to possess stories about their struggle, about how they're poor on purpose because they hate America. I wonder if that poncho has a pocket for her white iPhone 4s she's holding in her hands.
Dirt-cheap? No no, just dirt. Overpriced Coach bags and Gucci wallets have made their way into thrift stores for a price too high for being once used. If I were a label-loving b-word, I'd just buy a new one for another 70-80 bucks.
Lastly, does the water in the sink when washing your hands after thrift shopping always look darker than it should?
Good luck finding that pretty urban vintage floral print dress that doesn't smell like dungeon.
- Posted from Aiea, HI
Something for the Fellas! JCrew | 770 Behind The Line
[via: JCrew | 770 Behind The Line]
02/14
just in time for Valentine’s Day, we’re introducing you to
three very cool, very stylish members of our design team
and what they’ve been known to sport around the office
(and beyond). feel free to swoon…Frank, head of men’s design:I’m wearing…a real McCoy Western shirt, a Margiela sweater, the Ludlow sportcoat, J.Crew urban slim-fit pants, vintage Red Wing® boots and a Mougin & Piquard™ watch.
If I could wear this outfit anywhere, I would go…on safari in Africa.
You’ll always find me wearing…something navy.
The best part of getting dressed is…taking it all off in the evening.
Jordan, women’s design:I’m wearing…a J.Crew washed shirt, Tim Hamilton jeans and SeaVees® sneakers. Also, a vintage chain necklace that I found at a flea market in Santa Barbara.
If I could define my outfit’s style in a name, I would call it…Cali classic.
You’ll always find me wearing…leather gladiator sandals. Even in the winter—I’ll change into them inside.
The best part of getting dressed is…deciding what color I want to wear.
Dan, men’s design:I’m wearing…a Homespun Knitwear henley, a vintage Lee® chore coat, a Kapital scarf from Japan, RRL jeans and a pair of Vans®.
If I could define my outfit’s style in a name, I would call it…window cleaner chic.
The comfiest part of my outfit is…my broken-in Vans (the most uncomfortable is my slightly itchy sweater).
The best part of getting dressed is…tying my own shoelaces.
From the (un)official J.Crew blog, I present to you: men who can dress and probably get a lot of hot chicks, even the old guy. Take note!
More here! http://jcrew.tumblr.com/
