New beginnings come in different forms for different people …

Not only in our aesthetics challenges, but also with each humble and simple change that moves people’s lives in a more positive direction.

Maybe it’s the resolution to eat more healthy, or a plan to try new recipes and increase one’s culinary repertoire.

Did you see the movie Julie and Julia ..?

Or focus on a more personal goal of bringing a little more order and calm to our little world …

Whatever our mission for 2010, the New Year it’s the perfect time initialize these changes, be they large or small…
As the saying goes: “a journey of 1000 miles starts with one simple step.”

Happy 2010 to everyone!


Walking in my neighborhood last week

It could happen to anyone…

Somehow the sweater ‘fell’ into the washing machine and dryer and eventually shrank so much that now it’s only good for the cat

Arrrrg…!

Was so nice and warm! It’s a shame to have to throw it out…

Ok, even if you haven’t done a stupid thing like that, or even if you are enjoying the hottest summer in the tropics, I’ve got to show you what’s possible now to do with those ‘mini sweaters’.

Also because, after the ‘accident’ occurred, these sweaters get tougher yet, and can be used to carry some extra weight in your day to day.

What? Wait a minute…

Even if you don’t need one more to wear, you could have this project and give it away as a present, or donate it to the charity of your choice, so they can sell it and raise funds.

Aren’t they beautiful?

You could sell them too. Why not?

They even look like that brand new Isabella Fiore bag, which I bought for $50 cents and sold on eBay for almost $450 at the beginning of the month.

Remember?

It was nothing more or less than that, enhanced with details of leather, metal and cute pompoms…

And I never I told you: it was heaaavy!

So that your sweater bag is reinforced at the bottom, you can sew the sleeves in with big needles.

As we all know now wool repels water, this kind of bag is virtually maintenance-free, but in case you stain it, you can hand-wash it… If is gets stretched out from use or weight, do the same thing.

I spent the whole summer carrying 2 bags of the same style (I bought at OLD NAVY) and I was hooked on the practicality!

It is so easy ‘find’ anything in them…

“The creative is the place where no one else has ever been. You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you’ll discover will be wonderful. What you’ll discover is yourself.”(Alan Alda)

One of the greatest orators of Rome, a rich, philosopher, lawyer, translator and linguist, who among many things, said: “A house without books is a body without a soul; a true friend is like a second you; ability without honor is useless; an unjust peace is better than war; and that a man of courage is a man of faith”, also said:

“Cannot people realize how large an income is thrift?”

CICERO

So, for the ‘brave and broke’, here are a few more tips on how to save a buck… Yes, also because it seems that never in the history of the world, has it been so necessary to practice this.

Want something for free? Just ask!

Want to see?

RENT: Owners are having trouble finding good tenants. So if you prove to be one, through references, good credit etc… You just need to ask for a free month in rent! I met a couple who got this, not only did they get a renewal of the contract, but also a monthly discount of $50.

BUY WITHOUT NEEDING $$: Enter www.freecycle.org, leave your email for clothing, electricodomestic items, cooking utensils, electronics and other items. If you need something specific, post a request on the site.

Because like me, people are disposing of things all the time and wanting to get rid of just such an object. Here is a typical sentiment: “If I do not need or want it any more, please come and pick it up NOW.”

After leaving what you need on the site, cross your fingers… Someone may be getting rid of a plasma TV… We can dream can’t we?  

CULTURE: On the site www.metromix.com and in the Culture section of the newspapers, are the openings of art galleries. Take your friends and enjoy the visual stimulus, cheese, wine and snacks.

HOTEL: Outsite the season for some special event in the area or in the case of a hurricane approaching, hotels are full of empty rooms.

Asking the receptionist or manager: “What can you do for me?” Works. You go to a better room for the same price.

Another philosopher, politician, moralist, among many other things, who left the saying: “Words are the voice of the heart, humility is the solid foundation of all virtues, if you do not know it learn it, if you already know it, teach it.” “Seeing that which is unfair and not acting with justice is the greatest of human cowardice”, (I love that!) did not forget to say:

“He that does not economize will have to agonize“.

CONFUCIUS

For three days of not speaking my ’new language’, I confess that I missed… missed the feeling of being ‘myself’ throwing everything on top of you…

Perhaps, for this reason, this form of expression is so popular now… It is like working without co-workers, but at the same time, interacting and connecting with people.

You say what you want and no one is leaning over your shoulder telling you what to do. And I always have the pleasure of the task accomplished, the work complete.

Thus my ‘daily pulpit’ in front of the window, where rarely a human being passes by, I do what I want, and still it’s still entertainment, a concert, a novel, a newspaper with the good news that I would like to know.

The blog is what I do, I write…

And it’s with this strategy, half mad, though genial, I have an idea, for whoever is in search of a job:

Create a blog titled: “HIRE ME!”

Choose ‘that company’ that you would love to work for and write about its successes and how you could contribute to this increase it more and more!

Then, keep an eye on events where the company should participate, be there and hand your link on business cards in good taste to the right people.

I believe that the inspiration with the receptivity will be great, and that you will love your new job! 

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