practical and meaningful

friendship & social media

The rules have changed.

When I was growing up, all my friends lived within walking distance and we were able to interact organically.  We went to the local school and our parents all knew each other. We did not set up play dates. We did not communicate on instagram or via text. The world was less complicated and yet, more connected.

These days we send our kids to Charter schools and Private schools - which means the kids come from all different parts of the city in search of a great education.  Academically, these schools are a godsend, but Socially,  they are a challenge. Creating connections outside of school is difficult. People are busy and parents are busy. Trying to connect takes effort and persistence.

We have not quite cracked the code for making and keeping plans with friends. There is a lot of coordination and  a lot of driving involved. It is not clear whether the kids should make the plans and coordinate with the parents - or vice versa. We have had mixed success with both.

These days my daughter will have a playdate via facetime (both girls are in their own room talking and interacting as if they were together) which is very practical and somewhat meaningful. 

Moving forward, I hope to figure out ways to nuture the friendships,  not get swallowed up  or sidetracked by social media , and find ways to create authentic connection.

identify your bliss and make that your life's work

Ask yourself these questions. What motivates me? What am I good at? What is important. What gives my life meaning?

My list is varied but you can see parts of it shining through every thing I do.

Building things. Shaping people's experiences. Providing jobs. Feeding people. Knowing. Working hard. Loving hard. Organization. Seeking. Documenting. Sampling. Doing good. Creating spaces. Encouraging others. Standing back. Family. Details.  Friends. Meeting people. Making a difference. Believing. Soul work. No regrets. For the long haul.

Identify your bliss and make that your life's work.

gift it forward and other meaningful presents

My favorite kind of gift exchange is where each person brings a gift that is practical or meaningful - it can be something you love (your favorite thing - a book, a candle) , a GIFT IT FORWARD gift - something you own (that you love) that you want to pass on (not a white elephant gift), or you can make something. Anything practical or meaningful.

Affirmations

When I love everything around me, I am constantly inspired.
When I have money in the bank, I am more able to think, feel, and live life.
When I invite people into my home, I am more connected and loving in the world.
When I am taking care of myself and eating right and exercizing, I have more to give.
Creating jobs and making money connects me to my community and my purpose.
Appreciate your life, find meaning in everything you do.
Eliminate what does not support your true self.
Love your life, work hard, play hard, be AWAKE.

painting by Adele Sypesteyn

productive and beyond

Most of my days are fragmented and super busy with too much to do and not enough continuous time to get it all done.  Yesterday I accomplished so much due to the fact that I had the full day to work and lots of people to help.

In twelve hours, I met with the architects and finalized plans for the cafe, met with an artist and created a workshop series for the art studio, reorganized various parts of the crafty warehouse, donated big heavy file cabinets, reconfigured the entire supply room at the art studio to make room for a knitting circle seating area with better light, moved a couch into my office, tore out the ugly counter and shelf in the bathroom, worked on new software system, relocated all the cake boxes to better storage, rearranged all the fridges and set up a mock layout of the cafe based on our finalized plans, decided to donate the big desk, shelves, and extra fridge and freezer, went to the tailor to get my jeans hemmed, taped crafty receipts, did banking, finalized payroll, booked a new show, worked on scheduling, had lunch with my husband, cleaned off all the sticky labels on the trashcans and fridges, with goo gone, cleaned the windows and swept, reduced some clutter, found some money, booked a party, bid on some restaurant supplies, worked on our budget, tightened up the operating agreement, got extra sets of keys made, replaced the broken fridge lights, booked someone to detail and wash the van, paid rent (x4), and strategized about ways to make it all work together and work well.

DONE.

 

math for life

I have a very practical approach to finances and money and savings. I am working on a series of books about money called Math for Life which will incorporate real life money tips, advice, and systems to live a happy financial life.

It will be for kids, tweens/teens, and people in their 20's, 30's, and 40's.

So much to know. Simple steps you can take to improve your credit, manage your budget, and live a financially satisfying life.

stay tuned.

my summer "to do" list

go to the beach. go to trapeze school. read books. have a girls weekend with my friends who I grew up with. drink some adult beverages. get back to the gym. get back to pilates. spend time with friends. teach jack to ride his bike. have an intown retreat with my working mom friends. circle. take photos. go to london.

simple twine

Love the way this book wrapped in twine looks like a piece of art!

Financial DIET - Spend no money for 30 days

Twice a year my husband and I choose a month where we decide that we are not going to spend any money. We pay our normal bills but we limit ALL spending other than that.

This includes, but is not limited to:

We do not go out to eat, go to the movies, or buy coffee.

We park around the block rather than pay for metered parking. We do not valet.

We do not buy clothes, have things fixed, order books.

We do not go to the spa or to the bike shop.

INSTEAD,

We eat what we have in the house. We wind our way through the cupboards, filter through the pantry and empty out the freezer. This helps us to utilize all the past food purchases that had been abandoned and forgotten.  We do buy fresh veggies and some fruit - but not much else.  This is good for your soul. A spring cleaning of sorts.

We give each other massages.

We take baths.

We redeem gift cards and gift certificates. Using these feels way more satisfying when you are not spending money.

We take our friends up on offers to treat us to dinner. (We give full disclosure that we are in a no spend month and it ignites the conversation which usually inspires people to try it)

We read the books we already own.

We light a fire and go for walks.

We reconnect.

When the month is over, we have literally reset our spending habits. When we go out to dinner, we are way more appreciative.  We are aware of what we spend money on. Everything feels more meaningful.

i challenge you to try it.