tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59495086162271525162024-03-13T10:33:48.160-04:00Ellie's Blank BookDedicated to blogging challenges, blog hops, and other cool posts.Eliza Wynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11073079028272611020noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949508616227152516.post-27714198507236442442012-10-22T15:32:00.000-04:002012-10-22T15:32:54.876-04:00Adding Exclusive Shelves at Goodreads For Better Organization<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xCYN1Z1Se0M/T8Fhn1MDCFI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/C2piHif7xvI/s1600/MC900156777%255B1%255D.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 191px; height: 178px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xCYN1Z1Se0M/T8Fhn1MDCFI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/C2piHif7xvI/s200/MC900156777%255B1%255D.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5746981936421865554" /></a>I took some time to organize my shelves at Goodreads a bit better after learning that it was possible to create new exclusive shelves. This meant that my To Read shelf could be broken up into smaller shelves! I had actually noticed this possibility months ago but didn't pursue it at the time, and then I forgot all about it.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I <i>rediscovered</i> that I could break up my "to read" list into different shelves. There are different opinions about the best way to do this. Many Goodreads members like to use their To Read shelf for books they already own, with a different shelf for those they don't actually have in their hands yet. That's perfectly logical but not how I wanted to organize mine.<br />
<br />
I had a pretty long list of books on my To Read shelf. The problem was that it was a mixed bag that included everything from <i>I have to read this!!!</i> to the more uncertain <i>I might want to read this someday, but I might not.</i><br />
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I didn't want to try to renumber them in a futile attempt at prioritizing them, so I decided to make three new exclusive shelves:<br />
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1. must read (I really, really want to read this.)<br />
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2. to read if time (I want to read this, and although it's not a priority at the moment, that could change.)<br />
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3. undecided (I'm not sure about it yet. It could end up on either of the above shelves or neither. Sometimes this is because no summary is included on the book's page.)<br />
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Granted, I could have accomplished this by adding non-exclusive shelves instead, but I already have plenty of those. I do wish I'd thought to add an Available on Goodreads shelf for books available directly through the site's e-reader; I'd have to go back through them all again to that.<br />
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Did I manage to get all the books exactly where I wanted them? Probably not, but it's pretty close. Considering how many I designated as Must Read--and how many books I'm always adding--I'm sure I'll have to go through this again soon.<br />
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<i>Are you on Goodreads? If so, have you divided up your To Read list, or do you like having them all on one shelf?</i>Eliza Wynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11073079028272611020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949508616227152516.post-18533296169021027322012-07-16T10:52:00.004-04:002012-07-16T11:05:38.496-04:00Drinking More Water<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k2GWniSqx5k/UAQrOwyXU9I/AAAAAAAAAaM/Wy644YFAK70/s1600/MC900347073%255B1%255D.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 124px; height: 196px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k2GWniSqx5k/UAQrOwyXU9I/AAAAAAAAAaM/Wy644YFAK70/s200/MC900347073%255B1%255D.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5765780955555386322" /></a>Recently, I posted about some <a href="http://elliesblankbook.blogspot.com/2012/06/better-health.html">health resolutions</a> I made this year and said I would write an update of how they're going. My first resolution was to drink more water.<br /><br />Until two weeks ago, I was right on track. I had finally gotten to the point where I was drinking two liters of water every day. Then I got sick, and my water intake went down drastically. I did manage to drink ginger ale and Gatorade, but for these purposes, they don't count. I'm only talking about actual <i>water</i>.<br /><br />Anyway, until then, it was going great. It was definitely a challenge, but at least I could see and feel some results. One piece of advice I've seen repeatedly is to replace one sugary drink a day with water. That doesn't work for people like me, who already drink water instead of pretty much anything else.<br /><br />There are a lot of different versions of exactly how much is necessary. Some say that everyone should drink 64 ounces (eight glasses) every day, which is almost two liters; others say it varies according to the person's weight. Personally, I think lifestyle and location should be taken into account.<br /><br />After reaching my goal of two liters a day, I just couldn't increase it any more. I had to stay up late several times just to finish by midnight, because I knew that if I messed up, I'd give up. Then I got sick, so now I'm trying to get back to where I was.<br /><br />I need to space it out better throughout the day, but I still get too caught up in other things and forget. I'm working on it.<br /><br /><i>Do you drink as much water as you think you should?</i>Eliza Wynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11073079028272611020noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949508616227152516.post-58909293215017942322012-07-15T10:36:00.003-04:002012-07-15T10:41:05.469-04:00Sunday Six, July 15, 2012<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--C6nrtc4bmM/T_BUNq1A_RI/AAAAAAAAAZs/4IV836QBOLw/s1600/MC900434639%255B1%255D.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 71px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--C6nrtc4bmM/T_BUNq1A_RI/AAAAAAAAAZs/4IV836QBOLw/s200/MC900434639%255B1%255D.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5760196517218549010" /></a>Well, last week was even more of a challenge than the one before that. Things kept coming up that needed my attention, so I wasn't sure whether I'd be able to meet my goals.<br /><br /><b>Last week</b><br /><br />1. Created several genre shelves so that I could add at least one to each book listed as "to read" on Goodreads. That way, if I'm in the mood to read something from a particular genre (horror, classic, etc.), I can just pull up the list for that shelf and make my choice. I resisted doing that at first but finally conceded that it's a useful thing to do.<br /><br />2. Finished reading two books. I finally finished one that I'd started a while back. Before that, I read something else from start to finish; it was pretty short, though.<br /><br />3. Posted a review of <i>Wheat Belly</i>. This is the one I had intended to post a week earlier but hadn't quite finished the final draft.<br /><br /><b>This week</b><br /><br />1. Post on at least two blogs. I haven't been online much lately, so I'd like to start catching up.<br /><br />2. Start reading a new book. I don't have any books in progress right now, which means it's time to choose another one and start reading.<br /><br />3. Finish writing my latest book review.<br /><br />---<br /><i>Do you read in a wide variety of genres, or do you tend to stick to a genre or two?</i>Eliza Wynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11073079028272611020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949508616227152516.post-75424770609912655922012-07-08T14:32:00.002-04:002012-07-08T14:34:24.452-04:00Sunday Six, July 8, 2012<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--C6nrtc4bmM/T_BUNq1A_RI/AAAAAAAAAZs/4IV836QBOLw/s1600/MC900434639%255B1%255D.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 71px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--C6nrtc4bmM/T_BUNq1A_RI/AAAAAAAAAZs/4IV836QBOLw/s200/MC900434639%255B1%255D.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5760196517218549010" /></a>Last week was a challenge. Despite some major time constraints, I did manage to accomplish a few things.<br /><br /><b>Last week</b><br /><br />1. Finished reading <i>The Scarlet Pimpernel</i>, which I'd been meaning to read for years.<br /><br />2. Wrote and posted a book review of <i>The Scarlet Pimpernel</i>. I actually intended to post a review of a different book, but I wanted to tweak it a bit, so I postponed that one.<br /><br />3. Revived <a href="http://diaryofanonperson.blogspot.com/">Diary of a Non-Person</a> with a post about SnackWell's cookie cakes.<br /><br />That means I did what I set out to do last week.<br /><br /><b>This week</b><br /><br />1. Organize my "to read" shelf at Goodreads. It has almost 200 books right now, so I'd like to add a few genre shelves for classification purposes.<br /><br />2. Finish reading a book. I'm hoping to finish the other book that I've been reading so that I can finally start another one (or two).<br /><br />3. Post a book review. This will probably be the one I intended to post last week but replaced at the last minute.<br /><br />---<br /><i>Do you have a long list of books you'd like to read?</i>Eliza Wynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11073079028272611020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949508616227152516.post-57311003589028144462012-07-04T09:51:00.003-04:002012-07-04T10:03:54.416-04:00Woof Wednesday, July 4, 2012<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t-kyVPTrEp8/T-32aV8H5nI/AAAAAAAAAZc/YgCZE3fasCo/s1600/White_bright_fireworks.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t-kyVPTrEp8/T-32aV8H5nI/AAAAAAAAAZc/YgCZE3fasCo/s200/White_bright_fireworks.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5759530430903084658" /></a> It's the Fourth of July, and people all across the United States will be celebrating with cookouts and fireworks. <br /><br />Did you know that July 5 is the busiest day of the year for animal shelters in the United States? That's when they have more strays than at any other time.<br /><br />I'm cross-posting this from my pets blog because it's so important. Pets don't like loud noises, and when they see and hear fireworks, they get scared. If they're outside, they run, and it's not easy to catch them.<br /><br />It doesn't even have to be a major fireworks display to send a dog or cat into panic mode. Backyard fireworks have the same result. That's why it's so important to keep pets inside whenever you know or strongly suspect that fireworks will be set off.<br /><br />We all know that fireworks aren't limited to just one day a year, but we also know that July 4 is a huge day for fireworks lovers. It's important to keep your pets inside so that when the action starts, they'll be safe and unable to run away in terror.<br /><br /><div style='padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px'><a href='http://pinterest.com/pin/152207662376887535/' target='_blank'><img src='http://media-cache-ec1.pinterest.com/upload/270919733804556098_aePo7CiK_c.jpg' border='0' width='360' height ='720'/></a></div><div style='float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;'><p style='font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;'>Source: <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/285646_465402716821881_810750026_n.jpg'>fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net</a> via <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com/elizawynn/' target='_blank'>Eliza</a> on <a style='text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com' target='_blank'>Pinterest</a></p></div>Eliza Wynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11073079028272611020noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949508616227152516.post-9510969725362280082012-07-01T10:00:00.001-04:002012-07-01T14:10:26.945-04:00Sunday Six<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--C6nrtc4bmM/T_BUNq1A_RI/AAAAAAAAAZs/4IV836QBOLw/s1600/MC900434639%255B1%255D.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 71px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--C6nrtc4bmM/T_BUNq1A_RI/AAAAAAAAAZs/4IV836QBOLw/s200/MC900434639%255B1%255D.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5760196517218549010" /></a>I've decided to list three things I accomplished last week, followed by three things I'd like to accomplish this coming week. It's not everything on my lists, but it adds up to six!<br /><br />Posting goals for the following week should help hold me accountable and make me actually do something. At this point, I don't know whether or not I'll make this a regular Sunday topic.<br /><br /><b>Last week</b><br /><br />1. Put up new posts at four of my blogs, including this one. The topics included writing contests, animal welfare, and personal goals.<br /><br />2. Finished reading <i>Wheat Belly</i>. It had taken a while because once I got to the recipes, I pretty much lost interest. I finally decided to read them and actually saw a couple I might have to try.<br /><br />3. Reorganized the freezer. Older items were getting shoved to the back when new ones arrived, causing me to forget what we had, so it was past time to deal with the situation.<br /><br /><b>This week</b><br /><br />1. Finish reading another book. Even though I finished one last week, I'm in the middle of two others.<br /><br />2. Write at least one book review to post at Goodreads. I don't expect to write a long review, but I'd like at least a few sentences.<br /><br />3. Revive another one of my blogs. I have six but let them all go for too long. Now that I'm posting at four of them again, I'd like to revive another one.<br /><br />---<br /><i>Does posting your goals help you, or do you tend to let them go?</i>Eliza Wynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11073079028272611020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949508616227152516.post-18760169423831757102012-06-30T14:06:00.004-04:002012-06-30T14:33:14.908-04:00Better Health<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dZkMv5JyvMY/T9zsdIwcwQI/AAAAAAAAAX8/XWl7E_lJTEE/s1600/BreadSticks470.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 132px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dZkMv5JyvMY/T9zsdIwcwQI/AAAAAAAAAX8/XWl7E_lJTEE/s200/BreadSticks470.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5754734409183707394" /></a><i>Image by Ingvar-fed. Public domain.</i><br /><br />In December, I wrote an article detailing five things I would do this year to improve my health. It was an assignment I decided to claim as a little experiment and personal challenge.<br /><br />Now that 2012 is about halfway over, I'm preparing a post about how well I did with my resolutions. The article is background for the update, which I'll be posting soon.<br /><br />[<i>The following was originally published as a Display Only (D.O.) article on Yahoo! Voices, December 15, 2011.</i>]<br /><br /><b>Five Ways to Better Health in the New Year</b><br /><br />Every December, I write down some generic New Year's resolutions, such as "get more exercise" or "eat better." This is a good starting point, but it doesn't hold me as accountable as I'd like. As someone with more than one health problem, I know that there are several things I can do to help myself. That's why I've begun to take a more active role in my health. In addition to getting more exercise and changing my diet in general, I've come up with some specific ways to improve my situation. I have five health resolutions for 2012, along with details on how to follow through.<br /><br />1. Drink more water. Although I drink water almost exclusively, I still don't drink enough. In 2012, I would like to drink <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/water/NU00283">eight glasses</a> every day. This is something I'm working up to slowly. Over the last month, I've increased my daily water intake to six glasses. The many benefits include its ability to curb my hunger and keep me from grabbing a high-calorie snack. If eight glasses proves too much for me, I'll back off until I find out what works best for my body.<br /><br />2. Consume more calcium. I don't get enough calcium in my diet. Unfortunately, increasing my calcium intake is no longer merely an option; it became a necessity after a bone density scan revealed that I have <a href="http://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/tc/osteopenia-overview">osteopenia</a>, a possible precursor to osteoporosis. On the advice of my doctor, I plan to take a calcium citrate supplement in addition to eating <a href="http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/10-calcium-rich-foods">foods rich in calcium</a>.<br /><br />3. Eat less wheat. Wheat is my downfall, whether it's in the form of bread, cake, pasta, or something else. Although I do have self-control--I can stop after a bite or two--I like it far too much. With that in mind, I've resolved to do without wheat at least three days a week in 2012. I've already experimented by having an occasional wheat-free day, and I can do it as long as I have a variety of the right foods available.<br /><br />4. Get more vitamin D. After learning that I have a serious <a href="http://www.webmd.com/diet/vitamin-d-deficiency">vitamin D deficiency</a>, my doctor advised me to start taking a supplement. I did that for a while but slacked off, and now it's time to renew my commitment to taking this essential hormone.<br /><br />5. Track my lab reports. My doctor typically doesn't say much about my test results, other than to indicate that everything is fine or that a particular result is slightly outside the normal range. From now on, I'm going to ask for copies of my lab reports. Once I start getting my own copies, I can track my progress all year and be prepared with any questions I may have.<br /><br />I'm determined to follow through with these health resolutions in 2012. After all, the benefits will far outweigh the inconvenience.<br /><br />---<br /><i>Did you make any health resolutions for this year?</i>Eliza Wynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11073079028272611020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949508616227152516.post-49483126884029247932012-06-27T13:13:00.005-04:002012-06-27T13:22:09.202-04:00Wordless Woof Wednesday, June 27, 2012<div style='padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px'><a href='http://pinterest.com/pin/152207662376857353/' target='_blank'><img src='http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/64668944619880846_SLYYKU2R_c.jpg' border='0' width='400' height ='533'/></a></div><div style='float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;'><p style='font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;'>Source: <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://frenchiefriends.ning.com/photo/img-1255'>frenchiefriends.ning.com</a> via <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com/elizawynn/' target='_blank'>Eliza</a> on <a style='text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com' target='_blank'>Pinterest</a></p></div>Eliza Wynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11073079028272611020noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949508616227152516.post-78784308480393567562012-06-25T11:48:00.002-04:002012-06-25T11:48:43.903-04:00List After List After List<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rt7Jghn9RNU/T-DLMDahwjI/AAAAAAAAAYM/HVlU6n1Km1U/s1600/MC900198862%255B1%255D.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 193px; height: 197px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rt7Jghn9RNU/T-DLMDahwjI/AAAAAAAAAYM/HVlU6n1Km1U/s200/MC900198862%255B1%255D.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5755823731714933298" /></a>As part of my ongoing effort to <a href="http://elliesblankbook.blogspot.com/2012/06/changing-course.html">restructure my time</a>, I've made quite a few lists. Most people would probably think I'm spending too much time on this, but it's just how I manage to get things done. I thoroughly enjoy this task, and I know that it works for me in the long run.<br /><br />For this particular project, my lists are helping me organize my thoughts and figure some things out, and they go far beyond shopping and daily "to do" lists. Here are a few of the ones I've been working on:<br /><br />- titles of books to read<br />- ideas for each room (organizing, etc.)<br />- subjects I want to learn more about<br />- tasks that should be on a regular schedule<br /><br />Obviously, some of them will always never be complete; my running list of books keeps growing faster than I can add the titles to my shelves at <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/9219680-ellie">Goodreads</a>. That's okay, though. At least I'm getting somewhere by narrowing down what I want. Not everything I've written down will be accomplished, but writing it all out is an important step toward my goal because it helps me prioritize.<br /><br />Since I've been at this for a while, I'm almost ready to start working on a schedule. I'm awfully curious to see how it turns out.<br /><br /><i>Do you make many lists?</i>Eliza Wynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11073079028272611020noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949508616227152516.post-12013088873186281102012-06-22T13:12:00.003-04:002012-06-22T13:30:57.861-04:00Friday Favorites, June 22, 2012<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ALRkKaDhiko/T-Srsp9LTEI/AAAAAAAAAY8/epLPVxLBkVo/s1600/MC900434649%255B1%255D.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 71px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ALRkKaDhiko/T-Srsp9LTEI/AAAAAAAAAY8/epLPVxLBkVo/s200/MC900434649%255B1%255D.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5756915007351376962" /></a> I've decided to try posting some of my favorite things for the week, so here are a few of the best images I've come across. I hope you enjoy them!<br /><br />This would be an amazing travel destination.<br /><br /><div style='padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px'><a href='http://pinterest.com/pin/152207662376835826/' target='_blank'><img src='http://media-cache-ec8.pinterest.com/upload/74098356339637080_d4zuijVr_c.jpg' border='0' width='380' height ='275'/></a></div><div style='float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;'><p style='font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;'>Source: <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://www.theworldgeography.com/2012/01/9-unique-unusual-travel-destinations.html'>theworldgeography.com</a> via <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com/elizawynn/' target='_blank'>Eliza</a> on <a style='text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com' target='_blank'>Pinterest</a></p></div><br /><br />This is a great photo for animal lovers in general, and duck lovers in particular.<br /><br /><div style='padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px'><a href='http://pinterest.com/pin/94786767127790002/' target='_blank'><img src='http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/267119821618916204_JzWmabsa_c.jpg' border='0' width='380' height ='237'/></a></div><div style='float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;'><p style='font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;'>Source: <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/picturesoftheday/9341169/Pictures-of-the-day-19-June-2012.html?frame=2252515'>telegraph.co.uk</a> via <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com/elizawynn/' target='_blank'>Eliza</a> on <a style='text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com' target='_blank'>Pinterest</a></p></div><br /><br />These banana bread bars with brown sugar frosting look really yummy!<br /><br /><div style='padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px'><a href='http://pinterest.com/pin/152207662376784811/' target='_blank'><img src='http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/125186064611879378_hFjpm7S1_c.jpg' border='0' width='240' height ='320'/></a></div><div style='float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;'><p style='font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;'>Source: <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://lifessimplemeasures.blogspot.com/2012/01/banana-bread-bars-with-brown-butter.html'>lifessimplemeasures.blogspot.com</a> via <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com/elizawynn/' target='_blank'>Eliza</a> on <a style='text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com' target='_blank'>Pinterest</a></p></div><br /><br />I don't have many summer shows, but <i>Pretty Little Liars</i> is always good.<br /><br /><div style='padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px'><a href='http://pinterest.com/pin/152207662376816508/' target='_blank'><img src='http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/10062799137998030_ttNePsc4_c.jpg' border='0' width='380' height ='266'/></a></div><div style='float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;'><p style='font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;'>Source: <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href=''>Uploaded by user</a> via <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com/elizawynn/' target='_blank'>Eliza</a> on <a style='text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com' target='_blank'>Pinterest</a></p></div><br /><br />Seriously, how sweet is this?<br /><br /><div style='padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px'><a href='http://pinterest.com/pin/152207662376815985/' target='_blank'><img src='http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/10062799137991664_WzuOAemw_c.jpg' border='0' width='191' height ='268'/></a></div><div style='float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;'><p style='font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;'>Source: <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://www.aplacetolovedogs.com/2010/01/cute-dogs-photos-984/1486594072/?tag=Inspirational'>aplacetolovedogs.com</a> via <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com/elizawynn/' target='_blank'>Eliza</a> on <a style='text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com' target='_blank'>Pinterest</a></p></div>Eliza Wynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11073079028272611020noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949508616227152516.post-10199583899125566212012-06-20T15:19:00.008-04:002012-06-20T18:32:51.261-04:00Wordless Wednesday, June 20, 2012<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WO4JPOET-qE/T-IqoqmwCyI/AAAAAAAAAYs/huP3hitXj08/s1600/MC900434465%255B1%255D.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 196px; height: 122px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WO4JPOET-qE/T-IqoqmwCyI/AAAAAAAAAYs/huP3hitXj08/s200/MC900434465%255B1%255D.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5756210151852870434" /></a> Here's a great image for the first day of summer, which happens to fall on both Wordless Wednesday and Woof Wednesday.<br /><br />Okay, so it's a set of images, but they go together.<br /><br /><div style="padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/152207662376788549/" target="_blank"><img src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/56576539038374892_BLDYI032_c.jpg" border="0" height="898" width="288" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;"><p style="font-size: 10px; color: rgb(118, 131, 139);">Source: <a style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: rgb(118, 131, 139);" href="http://www.doggiestylish.com/store/images/wordpress/uploads/2011/06/icecream.jpg">doggiestylish.com</a> via <a style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: rgb(118, 131, 139);" href="http://pinterest.com/elizawynn/" target="_blank">Eliza</a> on <a style="text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(118, 131, 139);" href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></p></div>Eliza Wynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11073079028272611020noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949508616227152516.post-56788593083787862102012-06-12T15:07:00.005-04:002012-06-12T16:00:14.397-04:00If Only I Had ListenedIf I could live my life over, I would--wait a minute. Just hold it right there. <br /><br />I'm not going to get all philosophical or "if I could go back and change things" wistful or weepy; I'm just going to state a simple fact.<br /><br />I wish I'd listened to my husband sooner. <br /><br />There. I said it.<br /><br />I have to give him credit for finally persuading me to try almond milk.<br /><br />As far back as I can remember, I've thought milk tasted sour. Chocolate milk is only slightly more palatable. Cooking with milk is fine, and I like many other dairy products. I just don't like milk.<br /><br />A while back, I bought some coconut milk, thinking it might be the answer. Unfortunately, it seemed very watery to me, so I wasn't crazy about it. My husband, on the other hand, really liked it, so we bought that for a while.<br /><br />Then I decided to buy a carton of almond milk. Again, he liked it, but I still wasn't sure. Instead, I continued my custom of adding small amounts of regular milk to my granola. One day, I fixed a bowl of granola before remembering we didn't have any regular milk, so I tried the almond milk. After all, my husband had been trying to get me to try it, so I figured I had to at that point.<br /><br />It was good.<br /><br />I still haven't cooked with almond milk, but I've had instant breakfasts made with it. (Yes, I know the dry mix contains dairy milk, but I don't notice that.)<br /><br />So, the point to all this?<br /><br />I wish I'd listened to my husband and tried almond milk sooner.<br /><br /><i>Is there a product you wish you'd tried sooner?</i><br /><br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />This post is a response to this week's <a href="http://www.word-nerd-speaks.com/2012/06/gbe-2-blog-on-week-56-if-i-had-my-life.html">GBE 2 writing prompt, "If I Had My Life to Live Over..."</a>Eliza Wynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11073079028272611020noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949508616227152516.post-85222237745298465082012-06-06T14:15:00.003-04:002012-06-06T14:19:20.739-04:00Making Time for Some Good Reads<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xCYN1Z1Se0M/T8Fhn1MDCFI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/C2piHif7xvI/s1600/MC900156777%255B1%255D.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 191px; height: 178px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xCYN1Z1Se0M/T8Fhn1MDCFI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/C2piHif7xvI/s200/MC900156777%255B1%255D.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5746981936421865554" /></a>Making time to read is one of the <a href="http://elliesblankbook.blogspot.com/2012/06/changing-course.html">changes I've made recently</a>. As I mentioned briefly as one of <a href="http://elliesblankbook.blogspot.com/2012/05/one-lovely-blog-and-kreativ-blogger.html">a few random facts</a>, I finally signed up at <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/9219680-ellie">Goodreads</a>. It's something I'd thought about before but never really had a chance to investigate. Once I looked around the site a bit, I knew I had to register.<br /><br />Reading is something that I'd been neglecting over the last year or two, and that was unacceptable to me. I realized that I needed to do better. Even though I can't devote anywhere near as much time to reading as I did in the past, I can certainly do more than I <i>have</i> been.<br /><br />I also realized that my reading habits have changed. In the past, I read one book at a time, picking up the next book as soon as I finished one, unless they were required reading for courses I was taking. Now, I generally have at least three books going at any given time. Only one of them is fiction, though; I'm just too forgetful to be able to keep track of what happened where. Right now, I'm in the middle of two health-related books and one classic.<br /><br />I've come across a few reading challenges but haven't signed up for any of them. I think I'll hold off for a while longer.<br /><br /><i>Do you read as much as you used to--or even more--or have you slacked off the way I did?</i>Eliza Wynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11073079028272611020noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949508616227152516.post-51763762278779160752012-06-01T13:50:00.004-04:002012-06-01T13:55:18.119-04:00Changing Course<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PYJGQsTy3vk/T8FhNUZ2eRI/AAAAAAAAAXE/yBWMcAncOT0/s1600/MC900215726%255B1%255D.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 178px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PYJGQsTy3vk/T8FhNUZ2eRI/AAAAAAAAAXE/yBWMcAncOT0/s200/MC900215726%255B1%255D.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5746981480944793874" /></a> When a friend told me recently that she'd finally gone back to a hobby she's loved since childhood, it made me think. Actually, it did more than that. It made me act.<br /><br />Well, first, I <i>did</i> have some thinking to do. I thought about how I typically spend my time. I tend to focus on one thing so much that I end up neglecting everything else. For example, when I'm at the computer, I always tell myself I'll be getting up frequently to walk around and get a drink of water. Do I actually follow through? Sometimes, but not nearly as much as I'd like. That bothers me.<br /><br />As a result of all this introspection, I started making lists of things I want or need to do. They're still incomplete--and probably always will be, since I'm always coming up with new ideas to include--but they're great resources. I've already incorporated some of them, such as more reading and exercise time, into my schedule. <br /><br />The next step is to prioritize everything and decide how much time to allot each item, as well as how often. This will take a while to figure out, and some items will inevitably be removed or at least placed so far down the list that I'll never get to them. That's okay. The important thing is to figure out exactly what the priorities are and then follow through on what I can. I just need to pay more attention and change how I go about things, so I'll keep plugging away.<br /><br /><i>Have you ever sat down and completely restructured your time? How did it go?</i><br /><br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />This post is a response to this week's <a href="http://www.word-nerd-speaks.com/2012/05/gbe-2-blog-on-week-54-self.html">GBE 2 writing prompt, "Self."</a>Eliza Wynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11073079028272611020noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949508616227152516.post-45627782100357713282012-05-20T11:50:00.004-04:002012-05-20T12:00:54.058-04:00One Lovely Blog and Kreativ Blogger Awards<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SP-_VreZ9_Q/T7fcALhoL_I/AAAAAAAAAoU/QkL3pt9yOhg/s1600/onelovelyblogaward1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SP-_VreZ9_Q/T7fcALhoL_I/AAAAAAAAAoU/QkL3pt9yOhg/s1600/onelovelyblogaward1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>This was a nice surprise! Lisa at <a href="http://diaryofasquaretoothedgirl.blogspot.com/">Diary of a Square Toothed Girl</a> honored me with two blogging awards: One Lovely Blog and Kreativ Blogger. Thanks, Lisa! I wholeheartedly recommend following her blog if you haven't yet.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-39q20Vm4aAw/T7fcBGBr04I/AAAAAAAAAoc/0EhB8wHfk6E/s1600/A_KREATIV_BLOGGER_AWARD_thumb.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 191px; height: 191px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-39q20Vm4aAw/T7fcBGBr04I/AAAAAAAAAoc/0EhB8wHfk6E/s1600/A_KREATIV_BLOGGER_AWARD_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> As a condition of accepting these awards, I just need to answer a few questions, provide ten facts about myself, and pass the awards along to seven more blogs. Let's start with the questions and answers.<br /><br /><i>What is your favorite song?</i><br /><br />Favorite song? Are you kidding? That probably changes every time anybody asks me. Instead, how about I tell you which one is in my head right now? It's "Little Talks," by Of Monsters and Men. If you haven't seen the video, I recommend checking it out; it's fantastic. <br /><br /><i>What is your favorite dessert?</i><br /><br />Are you trying to trip me up? All I can say for sure is that chocolate has to be involved--well, unless it's fresh peach or blueberry pie. I prefer fresh peach and blueberry pies to their baked counterparts.<br /><br /><i>When you are upset, what do you do?</i><br /> <br />That depends on how upset I am and why. If I can pull it off, the best thing for me to do is just take a nap. I'm usually calmer when I wake up.<br /><br /><i>What was my favorite pet?</i><br /> <br />Favorite pet? I can't possibly choose. They've all been special.<br /><br /><i>What do you prefer to wear, black or white?</i><br /><br />Probably black. White clothes get ruined too easily when you tend to spill things.<br /><br /><i>What is your biggest fear?</i><br /><br />I don't even like to type the word, but it's those eight-legged creepy crawlies.<br /><br /><i>What is your attitude mostly?</i><br /><br />I'm pretty realistic most of the time, but I do get my occasional bouts of pessimism.<br /><br /><i>What is perfection to you?</i><br /><br />I guess it would be when everything goes the way I think it should.<br /><br /><i>What is your guilty pleasure?</i><br /><br />All I can think of is when I finally eat something that contains wheat after going a few days without any wheat at all.<br /><br />Now, for ten random facts about me:<br /><br />1. I used to be a voracious reader but slacked off considerably, so I recently signed up at Goodreads as an incentive to read more.<br /><br />2. I'm a listmaker from way back. I even make lists of lists to make!<br /><br />3. I'm pretty forgetful, so it's a good thing I make all those lists.<br /><br />4. It really bothers me when I'm watching something and the sound and picture aren't in synch.<br /><br />5. I'm always surprised when one of my favorite shows gets renewed for another season. Most of my favorites throughout the years didn't last long.<br /><br />6. I'm <i>never</i> surprised when one of my favorite products gets discontinued or "improved" in a way that makes me hate it.<br /><br />7. Black plums are probably my favorite fruit, and I'd never even tried one until a few years ago.<br /><br />8. Broccoli is by far my favorite green veggie. I don't like it raw, though.<br /><br />9. I like those peanut butter kisses that are only available around Halloween. You know--the chewy peanut butter candies wrapped in wax paper. Some have orange wrappers and some have black ones.<br /><br />10. I drink more water more than anything else.<br /><br />Last but certainly not least, I'd like to pass these awards along to the following terrific bloggers:<br /><br />Becca at <a href="http://lostinthought-becca.blogspot.com/">Lost in Thought</a><br />Betsy at <a href="http://myfivemen.blogspot.com/">My Five Men</a><br />Dana at <a href="http://dana-thedailydose.blogspot.com/">The Daily Dose</a><br />Kate at <a href="http://suddenlyseekingblogs.blogspot.com/">The Suddenly Kate Show</a><br />Janna at <a href="http://pastryandpoetry.blogspot.com/">Pastry and Poetry</a><br />notes4neta at <a href="http://theviewfromhere59.blogspot.ca/">Rabbit Trails</a><br />Sherri at <a href="http://sherrilackey.blogspot.com/">Sherri's Graphomania</a>Eliza Wynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11073079028272611020noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949508616227152516.post-21301071888010087862012-05-09T14:13:00.003-04:002012-05-09T14:19:23.727-04:00Wrapping Up the A to Z Challenge<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XgXpThaEFMM/T6qwLdVtsaI/AAAAAAAAAV4/nATIUL7Fnig/s1600/az2012survivor.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 100px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XgXpThaEFMM/T6qwLdVtsaI/AAAAAAAAAV4/nATIUL7Fnig/s200/az2012survivor.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5740594385937871266" /></a><a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/">The Blogging From A to Z Challenge</a> wrapped up on Monday, April 30. I took some much-needed downtime for about a week, but now it's time to reflect on how the challenge went for me. <br /><br />This year, I entered three of my blogs, and each had a theme for the challenge:<br /><br /><a href="http://elliesblankbook.blogspot.com/">Ellie's Blank Book</a> (this blog) - things you'll find on <a href="http://pinterest.com">Pinterest</a><br /><a href="http://elliescouch.blogspot.com/">Ellie's Couch</a> - music videos<br /><a href="http://elliescouch.blogspot.com/">Help Michigan Pets</a> - pets in urgent need of help<br /><br /><b>My Self-Imposed Rules</b><br /><br />1. Post at all three blogs for every letter.<br /><br />2. Stick to a naming format. I like looking at the sidebar and seeing the posts in (reverse) alphabetical order by the first letter of the title.<br /><br />3. Write and post them on the day they're due. In other words, no writing or scheduling posts ahead of time.<br /><br />4. Make-up posts are not allowed.<br /><br /><b>What Do I Have Against Doing Posts in Advance?</b><br /><br />Absolutely nothing. As someone with three blogs in the challenge, I can certainly understand why it's a good idea. Nevertheless, I didn't do it, for two reasons.<br /><br />1. It's more of a challenge to me if I write the posts on the days they're actually due. This isn't procrastination; it's just how I choose to challenge myself. For me, the challenge isn't just having a post for every letter of the Roman alphabet but also writing those posts on the days they're due. I do allow myself to research, take detailed notes, and write rough drafts in advance, but not the final posts.<br /><br />2. For my pets blog, it wouldn't have been possible to write the posts very far in advance, since they were about specific pets in urgent need of adoption. Although some have been designated as "urgent" for a quite a while, others are constantly being added, and some are removed from the list (which we always hope is for happy reasons).<br /><br /><b>Results</b><br /><br />I read an incredible number of fantastic posts. I got many new followers and followed quite a few new blogs myself, with more to come.<br /><br />Even if I had entered just one blog, I would have had a hard time keeping up with return comments and visits. That's something I'll be working on now that the challenge is over.<br /><br /><b>Will I Do This Again?</b><br /><br />I hope so, although probably with fewer blogs. I've already been thinking about possible themes. In fact, a few days into the challenge, I remembered that I'd chosen and started planning a completely different theme months ago. Oops!<br /><br /><b>Thanks</b><br /><br />Thanks to <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334">Arlee Bird</a> and the rest of the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/2012/01/meet-a-to-z-team-for-2012.html">A to Z team</a> for hosting the challenge.<br /><br />I'd also like to thank everyone who visited, commented, and/or followed any of my blogs.Eliza Wynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11073079028272611020noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949508616227152516.post-13787805887038971962012-04-30T09:42:00.002-04:002012-04-30T09:44:23.407-04:00Zombies<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mHIBKPS7E9o/T5wCEd6jYeI/AAAAAAAAAUs/5A-X4rfPLRc/s1600/zombieapocalypse.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 192px; height: 160px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mHIBKPS7E9o/T5wCEd6jYeI/AAAAAAAAAUs/5A-X4rfPLRc/s200/zombieapocalypse.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5736462301136118242" /></a>Zombies are a popular subject these days. After all, many people are preparing for the impending zombie apocalypse we've been hearing about for years. Those who don't believe it's coming are laughing off all the warnings. Both sides are having zombie parties.<br /><br />Before you laugh, consider this: <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/phpr/zombies.htm">the CDC recommends</a> being prepared for a zombie apocalypse. Why? It's simple. "If you're ready for a zombie apocalypse, then you're ready for any emergency."<br /><br />As you might expect, a lot of Pinterest users maintain pinboards to help them prepare for a zombie apocalypse and other emergencies. A few users also see the fun and humorous side of things; they have boards about zombie parties, zombie balls, and the like.<br /><br />I have a small but growing board dedicated to the <a href="http://pinterest.com/elizawynn/zombie-apocalypse/">zombie apocalypse</a>. Other users have larger boards with a considerable amount of helpful information. Here are just a few:<br /><br />Mestisa Cathryne - <a href="http://pinterest.com/mestisa/zombie-apocalypse/">Zombie Apocalypse</a><br /><br />~ Gigi ~ - <a href="http://pinterest.com/kindgrrl/zombie-apocalypse/">~ Zombie Apocalypse ~</a><br /><br />Chella's Common Cents - <a href="http://pinterest.com/chellar/emergency-prep/">Emergency Prep</a><br /><br />Jed Smith - <a href="http://pinterest.com/betafish/zombie-apocalypse/">Zombie Apocalypse</a><br /><br />Andrew Ward - <a href="http://pinterest.com/wardzilla/zombie-apocalypse/">Zombie Apocalypse</a><br /><br />St. Jason Jeansonne - <a href="http://pinterest.com/jasomania/zombie-apocalypse/">Zombie Apocalypse</a><br /><br />Ainakea - <a href="http://pinterest.com/akmama/emergency-prepare/">Emergency Prepare</a><br /><br />Nicki Under - <a href="http://pinterest.com/nickiru/for-the-zombie-apocalypse/">For the Zombie Apocalypse</a><br /><br />Austin Brooks - <a href="http://pinterest.com/mumsymonkey/zombie-apocalypse/">Zombie Apocalypse</a><br /><br />WVfrugalmama - <a href="http://pinterest.com/wvfrugalmama/emergency-preparedness/">Emergency Preparedness</a>Eliza Wynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11073079028272611020noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949508616227152516.post-65428005722079608292012-04-28T09:53:00.002-04:002012-04-28T09:54:18.046-04:00Yard<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oLSPisMty3k/T5v0qIcZwAI/AAAAAAAAAUM/uF9dQU_FlB4/s1600/MC900089424%255B1%255D.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 192px; height: 154px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oLSPisMty3k/T5v0qIcZwAI/AAAAAAAAAUM/uF9dQU_FlB4/s200/MC900089424%255B1%255D.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5736447555044753410" /></a>Every year, as the weather begins to get warmer, most people spend more time outdoors. Those with yards especially seem to enjoy being outside. <br /><br />If you enjoy spending time in the yard, you'll find plenty of ideas and inspiration on Pinterest, where members pin images to help them set up the perfect space for outdoor living. These images can be useful for landscaping the front or back, designing and decorating a patio or deck, setting up a play area for the kids, and much more.<br /><br />Yard-related pinboards are very popular. On these boards, you'll find terrific collections of images about gardening, landscaping, and making the most of your yard. Here are just a few of the many pinboards dedicated to yards and outdoor living:<br /><br />Julie Petersen - <a href="http://pinterest.com/golfcap1/yard-ideas/">Yard Ideas</a> <br /><br />Sheila Balch - <a href="http://pinterest.com/spb79/yard-art/">Yard Art</a><br /><br />Heather Sams - <a href="http://pinterest.com/cliocalliope/garden-yard/">Garden & Yard</a><br /><br />Leslie Gee - <a href="http://pinterest.com/leslieg123/back-yard-yard/">Back Yard/Yard</a><br /><br />Samantha Knollhoff - <a href="http://pinterest.com/sknollhoff/in-the-yard/">In the Yard</a><br /><br />Kim Taylor Whitehead - <a href="http://pinterest.com/kim_whitehead/landscaping/">Landscaping</a><br /><br />Barbara Evans - <a href="http://pinterest.com/nanabarbsworld/gardening/">gardening</a><br /><br />Laura Lefko - <a href="http://pinterest.com/lauralefko/gardening-gardening-gardening/">Gardening, Gardening, Gardening</a><br /><br />Cheri T. - <a href="http://pinterest.com/aspirecreations/outdoor-living-sanctuary/">Outdoor Living Sanctuary</a><br /><br />Michelene - <a href="http://pinterest.com/mlzalac/play-yard-ideas/">Play Yard Ideas</a><br /><br />Stephanie Wolford - <a href="http://pinterest.com/stephnrich/kids-yard/">Kids: Yard</a><br /><br />Tanya Busch - <a href="http://pinterest.com/trbusch/my-dream-yard-for-kids/">my dream yard for kids</a>Eliza Wynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11073079028272611020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949508616227152516.post-1931357833844638872012-04-27T08:48:00.006-04:002012-04-27T10:20:20.884-04:00Xocolātl<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FGrHBsJRFmw/T5ql_w1ydEI/AAAAAAAAATM/LPmOeQQU-og/s1600/chocolateconchurros.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 88px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FGrHBsJRFmw/T5ql_w1ydEI/AAAAAAAAATM/LPmOeQQU-og/s200/chocolateconchurros.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5736079590270596162" /></a> The word <i>chocolate</i> is generally believed to be derived from the Nahuatl word <a href="http://www.casadexocolatl.com/"><i>xocolātl</i></a>, a bitter drink made from cocoa beans. There is some disagreement over whether this is the true origin of the word, but there's no doubt that <i>xocolātl</i> has come to stand for <i>chocolate</i>.<br /><br />Chocolate comes in many forms; its sweetness, texture, and usage vary greatly, which probably explains why it appeals to people with drastically different tastes. <br /><br />Pinterest users are no different from the rest of the population; many of them love chocolate. They love to pin images of chocolate and try new recipes. Here are a few of the pinboards dedicated to chocolate:<br /><br />Pat Howard - <a href="http://pinterest.com/phow1/chocoholic/">Chocoholic</a><br /><br />Sandra Clukey - <a href="http://pinterest.com/sandyc081/chocolate-chocolate-chocolate/">Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate!</a><br /><br />Kay Gilbert - <a href="http://pinterest.com/kdbugd/chocolate-chocolate-chocolate/">Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate!</a><br /><br />Whitney Oviatt - <a href="http://pinterest.com/whitneyoviatt/chocolate-chocolate-chocolate/">Chocolate chocolate chocolate...</a><br /><br />Doodlekins Cartoon Families - <a href="http://pinterest.com/doodlekins/food-chocolate-chocolate-chocolate/">Food: Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate!</a><br /><br />Bonnie Merchant - <a href="http://pinterest.com/bonnie050250/chocolate-chocolate-chocolate/">CHOCOLATE CHOCOLATE CHOCOLATE</a>Eliza Wynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11073079028272611020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949508616227152516.post-89392773818586384332012-04-26T12:07:00.005-04:002012-04-26T13:20:02.335-04:00Writing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QwZeA_Gynqg/T5lzQPKL38I/AAAAAAAAASs/f_ZSSc2ZyEY/s1600/MC900088568%255B1%255D.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 152px; height: 189px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QwZeA_Gynqg/T5lzQPKL38I/AAAAAAAAASs/f_ZSSc2ZyEY/s200/MC900088568%255B1%255D.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5735742323217391554" /></a>The popularity of writing has increased tremendously over the last few years, thanks to the internet. If you're a writer, you're sure to find support, advice, ideas, inspiration, and much more in the online writing community.<br /><br />One place to find a large community of writers is Pinterest. Many of its members are writers who are interested in various types and aspects of writing. Because writing is such an important part of their lives, they often maintain writing-related pinboards that focus on one of the following:<br /><br />- writing inspiration<br />- the writing life<br />- writing for specific genres<br />- writing tips<br />- grammar<br />- how to teach writing/composition<br /><br />Here are just a few of the pinboards dedicated to writing:<br /><br />Tiffany Brown - <a href="http://pinterest.com/tiffany_b/inspiration-for-writing/">Inspiration for writing</a><br /><br />Breebers T - <a href="http://pinterest.com/breebers/writing-necessities/">Writing Necessities</a><br /><br />Kathryn Barker - <a href="http://pinterest.com/kathrynbarker4/write-write-write/">Write, write, write.....</a><br /><br />Virginia Allain - <a href="http://pinterest.com/vallain/memoir-writing/">Memoir Writing</a><br /><br />Julie Schroeder - <a href="http://pinterest.com/writeheart/writing/">Writing</a><br /><br />Annie Roland - <a href="http://pinterest.com/annroland/the-art-of-letter-writing/">The Art of Letter Writing</a><br /><br />Stephanie Abney - <a href="http://pinterest.com/stephanieabney/writing-tips/">Writing Tips</a><br /><br />Sandy Thomason - <a href="http://pinterest.com/sandythom/fantastic-writing-ideas/">Fantastic Writing Ideas</a><br /><br />Dilly Ward - <a href="http://pinterest.com/dillyw/write-right/">Write Right</a><br /><br />Elisa Koranda - <a href="http://pinterest.com/elisakoranda/grammar-writing/">Grammar/Writing</a>Eliza Wynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11073079028272611020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949508616227152516.post-80796776320642697922012-04-25T13:56:00.006-04:002012-04-28T09:40:47.722-04:00Videos<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oHnJghzcgzg/T5hDrJmMAGI/AAAAAAAAAR8/32TK-goWDss/s1600/MC900383352%255B1%255D.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 170px; height: 192px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oHnJghzcgzg/T5hDrJmMAGI/AAAAAAAAAR8/32TK-goWDss/s200/MC900383352%255B1%255D.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5735408534045851746" /></a>Did you know there are videos on Pinterest? In August 2011, the Pinterest team added the ability to <a href="http://blog.pinterest.com/post/8670310296/video-pins">pin videos from YouTube</a>. Earlier this month, <a href="http://blog.pinterest.com/post/20909787739/vimeo-pinning">videos from Vimeo</a> also became possible. Although no other sources are specifically mentioned, I've noticed videos pinned from many other websites.<br /><br /><a href="http://pinterest.com/search/?q=videos">Videos</a> have a separate category that brings up all recent video pins. It's also helpful to search for <a href="http://pinterest.com/search/boards/?q=videos">board titles containing the word "videos,"</a> although most users don't have boards specifically for videos.<br /><br />There are many types of videos available on Pinterest. I've come across pins of music videos--which are possibly the majority--as well as animals, activism, humor, and more. The videos are embedded, which means you can watch them without leaving Pinterest.<br /><br />Here are a few of the pinboards containing videos:<br /><br />Gerardo Cantu - <a href="http://pinterest.com/gerardo523/must-see-videos/">Must See Videos</a><br /><br />Jen Jen - <a href="http://pinterest.com/peonybud/videos/">Videos</a><br /><br />Liz Paonessa - <a href="http://pinterest.com/tapdancerone/favorite-videos/">Favorite Videos</a><br /><br />Michelle Wood-Capolino - <a href="http://pinterest.com/foretdemichelle/videos/">Videos</a><br /><br />Gretchen Devero - <a href="http://pinterest.com/gdevero/childhood-nostalgia/">Childhood Nostalgia</a>Eliza Wynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11073079028272611020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949508616227152516.post-10016111823965214162012-04-24T12:02:00.007-04:002012-04-24T13:13:32.257-04:00Unread<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jVWsmjX4V8s/T5a_GxQEeKI/AAAAAAAAARU/eKnIjZydvy4/s1600/MC900237319%255B1%255D.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 154px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jVWsmjX4V8s/T5a_GxQEeKI/AAAAAAAAARU/eKnIjZydvy4/s200/MC900237319%255B1%255D.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5734981298523764898" /></a> Imagine how you'd feel if you finally managed to read everything on your reading list. Wouldn't that be amazing?<br /><br />The reality is that no matter how good it would feel, it wouldn't last long. Those of us who keep lists of books we want to read tend to be voracious readers. We might read one from the list and then find a dozen more to add.<br /><br />Ideas for reading lists come from bookstores, libraries, reviews, and websites such as Pinterest, where members have pinboards dedicated to books. The boards include recommendations, unread books they own, and wish lists. <br /><br />My <a href="http://pinterest.com/elizawynn/recommended-reading/">Recommended Reading</a> pinboard is a small assortment of books I enjoyed. I tried to include an interesting variety so that there would be something for everyone. Obviously, the board is nowhere near complete. I should probably also make a board for books I want to read, but I haven't gotten around to that yet.<br /><br /><a href="http://pinterest.com/elizawynn/recommended-reading/">Recommended Reading</a> is just one of many pinboards devoted to books and reading. Here are a few more:<br /><br />Darcy Whiteford - <a href="http://pinterest.com/darcywhiteford/books-read-unread/">Books, Read, Unread</a><br /><br />Courtney Spriggs - <a href="http://pinterest.com/courtsbs/books-read-unread/">Books Read & Unread</a><br /><br />nicole s. - <a href="http://pinterest.com/nicole_s/reading-list/">reading list</a><br /><br />persephone sunset moonstone - <a href="http://pinterest.com/mamamoonstone/books-to-be-read/">books to be read</a><br /><br />Sarah Rychart - <a href="http://pinterest.com/srychart/to-be-read/">To Be Read</a>Eliza Wynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11073079028272611020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949508616227152516.post-79346155857587806562012-04-23T09:55:00.002-04:002012-04-23T10:00:42.210-04:00Tips<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NmrRoCa6-9w/T5Vajeb-z-I/AAAAAAAAAQk/2CIGpgGiqxg/s1600/MC900280969%255B1%255D.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 165px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NmrRoCa6-9w/T5Vajeb-z-I/AAAAAAAAAQk/2CIGpgGiqxg/s200/MC900280969%255B1%255D.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5734589266038542306" /></a> Do you wish you could clean the house in less time? Prep several meals at once? Stretch shoes that are too small? <br /><br />We could all use some tips and helpful hints from time to time to make our lives just a little bit--or maybe even a lot--easier. Whether you're interested in information about cleaning, exercising, decorating, or something completely different, you're sure to find some great tips on Pinterest.<br /><br />When people discover great tips that help them save time and use less effort while providing a better result, they love to share them with others. Pinterest users especially enjoy paying it forward; many of them have pinboards dedicated to tips, helpful hints, and other useful information. Some of these tips have been known for a long time but can be forgotten until they start making the rounds on Pinterest; others are new ways to improve our lives. <br /><br />While not every tip is right for everyone, you're sure to find some fantastic ways to make your life easier. To get you started, here are a pinboards dedicated to tips and helpful hints:<br /><br />Tara Rowley - <a href="http://pinterest.com/tara637/helpful-tips-good-ideas/">Helpful tips & good ideas</a><br /><br />Jana B - <a href="http://pinterest.com/lgsunshine/helpful-tips/">Helpful Tips</a><br /><br />Sharon - <a href="http://pinterest.com/aooio/tips-tips-tips/">Tips... Tips... Tips</a><br /><br />Marcy Boatman - <a href="http://pinterest.com/marelizabeth/tips-tips-tips/">Tips tips tips</a><br /><br />Krystle Fletcher - <a href="http://pinterest.com/krystlefletcher/helpful-helpful-helpful/">Helpful, Helpful, Helpful</a><br /><br />Savannah Criddle - <a href="http://pinterest.com/scriddle/helpful-hints/">Helpful Hints</a>Eliza Wynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11073079028272611020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949508616227152516.post-84395994537497420552012-04-21T14:29:00.004-04:002012-04-21T15:24:32.110-04:00Style<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbYhIkl9sUc/T5L8w2O1S5I/AAAAAAAAAQM/jfT1Q1x-UYs/s1600/MC900083067%255B1%255D.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 191px; height: 166px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbYhIkl9sUc/T5L8w2O1S5I/AAAAAAAAAQM/jfT1Q1x-UYs/s200/MC900083067%255B1%255D.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733923191717710738" /></a> We all have certain styles we tend to appreciate more than we do others. On Pinterest, it's possible to show off our style preferences, discover new products that fit perfectly into our sense of style, and find ways to branch out. Pinterest's style categories include <a href="http://pinterest.com/all/?category=women_apparel">Women's Apparel</a>, <a href="http://pinterest.com/all/?category=men_apparel">Men's Apparel</a>, <a href="http://pinterest.com/all/?category=home">Home Decor</a>, and <a href="http://pinterest.com/all/?category=hair_beauty">Hair & Beauty</a>.<br /><br />Many people enjoy pinning images of their own personal style. Often, their boards include products they already own and use regularly; others depict a wish list of items that match their style. Some Pinterest members have several style-related boards with each depicting a different aspect, such as clothes or decorating; others have one board that covers them all. Here are a few pinboards dedicated to personal style:<br /><br />Joy Varnell - <a href="http://pinterest.com/artsylady/my-style/">My Style</a><br /><br />Joel Johnston - <a href="http://pinterest.com/joelj/my-style/">My Style</a><br /><br />C Hipke - <a href="http://pinterest.com/chipke/my-style/">My Style</a> and <a href="http://pinterest.com/chipke/for-the-home/">For the Home</a><br /><br />Michelle Smith - <a href="http://pinterest.com/shell6684/style-style-style/">Style Style Style!</a><br /><br />Stephanie Duffney - <a href="http://pinterest.com/thescrapstudio/my-style-goth/">My Style-Goth</a><br /><br />Kylie Harbin - My Style: <a href="http://pinterest.com/ksharbin/my-style-hair-makeup-clothes/">Hair, Makeup, Clothes</a><br /><br />Elizabeth Geisen - <a href="http://pinterest.com/lizgeisen/my-style-hair-makeup/">My Style - Hair & Makeup</a>Eliza Wynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11073079028272611020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949508616227152516.post-18482958063891170872012-04-20T10:17:00.005-04:002012-04-20T11:05:49.135-04:00Retro<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4tAr7zwLJR4/T5FwYRIoswI/AAAAAAAAAPo/O7C17VJdraM/s1600/MC900384154%255B1%255D.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 192px; height: 165px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4tAr7zwLJR4/T5FwYRIoswI/AAAAAAAAAPo/O7C17VJdraM/s200/MC900384154%255B1%255D.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733487362838147842" /></a> <i>Retro.</i> The mere word evokes memories of products and styles from the past. By association, it also brings to mind memories of our younger days: games, television, food, and much more. <br /><br />Most people enjoy reminiscing about the past. Sometimes, these memories are amusing. <span style="font-style:italic;">(I can't believe I wore that!)</span> Sometimes, they're frustrating. <span style="font-style:italic;">(Why don't they make those anymore?)</span> No matter how they make us feel, our memories are part of us.<br /><br />Many Pinterest users have pinboards dedicated to memories of the past. Most often, they depict happy memories of childhood toys, favorite foods, and the like. Pins showing images of the past trigger our own memories, which come flooding back. Maybe you'll see a pin of an older version of Monopoly and think, <i> That's a newer version than the one we had!</i> Then, you'll find yourself searching for a picture of the one you remember playing.<br /><br />Here are just a few of the great pinboards where you can find retro images:<br /><br />Kirsten Ugalde - <a href="http://pinterest.com/kirstenib4r/retro-vibe/">Retro Vibe</a><br /><br />littlespace - <a href="http://pinterest.com/littlespace/retrograde/">Retrograde</a><br /><br />Melanie Leavey - <a href="http://pinterest.com/n2animals/not-too-old-to-remember-the-past/">Not too old to remember the past</a><br /><br />Diane Monger - <a href="http://pinterest.com/dmm54/memory-lane/">Memory Lane</a> and <a href="http://pinterest.com/dmm54/when-my-kids-were-small/">When my kids were small</a><br /><br />Mindy Golding - <a href="http://pinterest.com/emioliluv/remember-remember/">Remember? Remember!</a><br /><br />Karen Porter - <a href="http://pinterest.com/karenpbp/retro/">RETRO</a><br /><br />Kayla Epting - <a href="http://pinterest.com/kayla_epting/childhood-memories/">Childhood memories</a>Eliza Wynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11073079028272611020noreply@blogger.com4