I’m not much for new years resolutions (although I did keep one, in 2008, to blog each and every day for the year.  Never again.).  So instead of resolving not to eat chocolate, or to put away my shoes when I come home at night, which would last about a week and then get tossed by the wayside like every other new years resolution I’ve ever made (sans the craziness of 2008, which was clearly ...]]>
{goal list by decoylab on Etsy}

I’m not much for new years resolutions (although I did keep one, in 2008, to blog each and every day for the year.  Never again.).  So instead of resolving not to eat chocolate, or to put away my shoes when I come home at night, which would last about a week and then get tossed by the wayside like every other new years resolution I’ve ever made (sans the craziness of 2008, which was clearly an abberation), I thought I’d made some tangible personal goals for the year.

I can’t say I’m usually a “make goals” kind of person, as doing a 101 in 1001 list or a 30 before 30 sounded like a great idea until I actually sat down to put 101 things to paper (and could think of like 14) and turned 30 long before I could have finished some random 30 items and checked them off a list.  But I figure I’ll post every now and then with an update about my compliance with these 10 little goals and ya’ll can all keep me accountable?

Goal #1: Take two international trips to places I haven’t been before.

Because I love to travel, and my only serious bucket list items involve travel – a) seeing all of the countries in the world before I die, and b) going to all four tennis grand slams, for 2011 I’m making it a goal to visit at least two new countries.  One trip is already booked as I’m visiting our own fabulous Amy I. in Dubai in March!  Any recommendations for where I should choose for our second trip?  I’m thinking maybe somewhere like Costa Rica?  Any of you been?

Goal #2: Organize my craft room.

Said craft room has been full of boxes since we moved into our apartment in May 2009.  Sad, no?

Goal #3: Make at least one thing per month.

Somewhat goes along with goal #2, as I must find all of my crafting supplies in the mess of a craft room before I can actually make anything.

Goal #4: Learn to take better photos with my awesome camera.

I just  purchased a lens everyone raves over, the 50mm 1.8.  It was only $100 so I figured even a newbie like me couldn’t go wrong investing in it?  I’m excited to learn how to take more than just travel shots (the only thing I’m decent at taking).  This one is also in process, as I’m at the Altitude Design Summit this weekend and I’m taking a tabletop photography class!  I’m excited to play with the new lens and perhaps learn how to take my camera off of the two settings I know (one being “auto” and the other being “auto no flash”).  :)

Goal #5: Lose 50 pounds.

Yes, I really do need to lose 50 pounds.  Where DOES this weight come from anyway?  And why exactly is it so much easier to gain it than lose it?  Sigh.

Goal #6: Do something educational every month.

Can be something I challenge myself to learn/do on my own, or some kind of course or learning opportunity.

Goal #7: Keep up with my Google Reader on a weekly basis.

Over Christmas break, I caught up on my Google Reader for the first time in TWELVE months.  I get tired of seeing the (1000+) staring at me in bold when I go visit, so I am vowing to keep it caught up!

Goal #8: Take Charlie to the park every non-rainy Sunday morning in the summer.

No more wasting gorgeous Chicago summer mornings inside – even if I want to stay inside in my PJs.

Goal #9: Redesign and streamline EAD.

In process!

Goal #10: Finish organizing my digital photo collection

Upload and archive everything to disc.  Send in negatives to a site like Scan Cafe for scanning.  If I’m feeling really ambitious, print the best 200 from each trip and file in albums.

OK so there we have it!  I put it to paper so now I have to follow through with all of it, right?  And you’ll help keep me on track, right???

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2011 · Permalink · 6 comments · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Motivation, Resolutions

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Hello, friends! I can’t believe I have been absent from EADL for so long. Back in March, I turned thirty, which, to be honest, was a bit traumatic for me. Although I am happily married and live in a lovely house with an adorable dog, as I transitioned into my thirties, I couldn’t help but think of all the things I haven’t accomplished yet. On the top of my list: no kids and no career path, two ...]]>
{image via Whole Living}

Hello, friends! I can’t believe I have been absent from EADL for so long. Back in March, I turned thirty, which, to be honest, was a bit traumatic for me. Although I am happily married and live in a lovely house with an adorable dog, as I transitioned into my thirties, I couldn’t help but think of all the things I haven’t accomplished yet. On the top of my list: no kids and no career path, two things that, when I turned twenty, I was sure I would have by the time I turned thirty.

When I was twenty, I also never anticipated I would become a military wife. Life is funny like that. My officer husband is now deployed — again — and I’ve decided to take advantage of our time apart and make this the Summer of Self-Improvement. I need to learn how to remedy (or move past) the things that bother me, and I want to get to know myself a little bit better. That means indulging my interests and pursuing my hobbies. On the agenda for the next couple of months:

• Learn how to meditate
• Take up yoga
• Practice photography
• Create a writing/blogging schedule
• Re-decorate the bedroom
• Cut down on clutter/Get organized
• Watch less TV/Read more books
• Hire somebody to redesign my business logo/website
• Cook well-balanced meals for myself

My first goal is to learn how to meditate. I’ve been advised to start practicing mindfulness and living in the moment so that I don’t reside in a constant state of worry while my husband is away. I’ve never been able to sit quietly with a clear mind; my thoughts are constantly racing. I imagine that a guided meditation CD might be a good place to start. Have you ever tried one?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on meditation. Are you able to practice mindfulness on a daily basis? Please share your experiences!

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2010 · Permalink · 3 comments · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Life, Resolutions

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We’re almost half-way into January already. Wow! How many of you are keeping up with your New Year’s resolutions? I set a couple of goals when the calendar changed, but my husband and I are continuing to brainstorm ways to better ourselves and our relationship. That’s why I’m writing this post when normally I’d be sleeping. No, it’s not the middle of the night or the wee hours of the morning. It’s 7:30 am–and that’s early for me!

Being self-employed, ...]]>
{image source}

We’re almost half-way into January already. Wow! How many of you are keeping up with your New Year’s resolutions? I set a couple of goals when the calendar changed, but my husband and I are continuing to brainstorm ways to better ourselves and our relationship. That’s why I’m writing this post when normally I’d be sleeping. No, it’s not the middle of the night or the wee hours of the morning. It’s 7:30 am–and that’s early for me!

Being self-employed, my schedule is flexible, and I normally don’t have anywhere to be before noon. When I do have to get out of the house, I typically roll out of bed around 9am. By that time my husband has been at work for at least an hour. Although we go to bed at the same time, my hubby has to wake up at 6:45am. It was his “great” idea that I get out of bed when he gets out of the shower so that we can enjoy a cup of coffee together and talk about what’s on our agenda for the day (Although I mostly think he wanted me up earlier because he was annoyed that I got to continue snoring as he walked out of the house!).

So here I am, drinking my coffee and being productive. I’ve already fed the dog and let him out (normally he’d still be sleeping, too) and checked my friends’ updates on Facebook and Twitter. I actually put a pen to paper and wrote a To Do list for today. Thank goodness I have a couple more hours today to tackle it–it’s a bit long.

My question for you is this: What time do you wake up? What does your morning schedule look like? As I know, it’s way too easy to be lazy when you are self-employed. I’d love to hear if you struggle with the same issues.

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2010 · Permalink · 14 comments · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Life, Motivation, Resolutions

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Basket of Goodies {photo from Author’s Personal Collection}

Sorry to have kept everyone in suspense. I had to go out-of-town and our first CSA delivery was delayed.

We decided our first foray into Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) would be with a farm called Re Rustica. Re Rustica is a farm located in Squaw Valley, California. We chose them based on the recommendation of a good friend. We also selected them because they don’t require us to work on the farm. As much ...]]>

Basket of Goodies {photo from Author’s Personal Collection}

Sorry to have kept everyone in suspense. I had to go out-of-town and our first CSA delivery was delayed.

We decided our first foray into Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) would be with a farm called Re Rustica. Re Rustica is a farm located in Squaw Valley, California. We chose them based on the recommendation of a good friend. We also selected them because they don’t require us to work on the farm. As much as we’d like to have that level of involvement, our schedules won’t allow us to participate in that manner. Additionally, they allow you to select from what is currently in season. Many CSA farms select your fruits and vegetables for you. As a few EAD readers have mentioned, that can be part of the fun of participating in CSA.

Food straight out of the box {photo from Author’s Personal Collection}

Last Friday, our first delivery arrived via UPS. According to Re Rustica, they use UPS because they have a low carbon footprint. Originally, they used to deliver the produce themselves in their bio-diesel truck. Talk about dedication! The produce arrived in Ziploc bags inside of Styrofoam cooler. The packaging was a little less eco-friendly than we expected, but the produce looked amazing. Re Rustica sells their produce by the box. Their website does a great job of helping you calculate how big of a box to order. We selected the smallest box they offered.

Here’s what we received.

Baby Carrots, Lemons, Baby Beets, Parsnips, Broccolini, Italian Parsley, & Kale {photo from Author’s Personal Collection}

Green Leaf Lettuce, Purple Kale, Italian Parsley, & Kale {photo from Author’s Personal Collection}

We were impressed with the quality of the produce.  We took little nibbles of everything. Yes, we snacked on raw vegetables. Even though it was uncooked, everything was delicious. There’s a freshness and flavor about the produce that is significantly better than the produce you find in the grocery store. The only negative is that what we received differed slightly from what we requested. According to Re Rustica, most of what we had selected from their “In Season” list had been damaged by frost. This isn’t a huge problem since many EAD readers had posted suggestions on where we could find recipes. Rob, my chef hubby, is really excited to experiment with these ingredients. I, on the other hand, can’t wait to taste what he comes up with.

Bottom line, would we recommend CSA? The answer is a resounding “yes”. We are planning to get a subscription.  The amount of produce delivered is a little overwhelming. So, we are probably going to split the subscription with a friend of ours and have our produce delivered every other week.  Check my personal blog for upcoming posts with photos of Rob’s creations.

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2009 · Permalink · 1 comment · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Cooking and Food, Eco Living, Resolutions

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I was graciously sent a  SCANPAN® Green Tek 10 1/4″ Frying Pan to review.  My husband Rob and I were curious as to how a frying pan could be green. It’s a pan. What could makes it any more green than other cookware? Is it made out of recycled materials? We were skeptical. Rob the cynic was convinved it was some kind of marketing ploy.

This is how SCANPAN® describes the Green Tek line.

As a part of our on-going product ...]]>

I was graciously sent a  SCANPAN^® Green Tek 10 1/4″ Frying Pan to review.  My husband Rob and I were curious as to how a frying pan could be green. It’s a pan. What could makes it any more green than other cookware? Is it made out of recycled materials? We were skeptical. Rob the cynic was convinved it was some kind of marketing ploy.

This is how SCANPAN^® describes the Green Tek line.

As a part of our on-going product development, we developed a few years ago in cooperation with our suppliers a new coating – Green Tek. This coating is from raw material to final product completely free from both PFOA and PFOS and form, in conjunction with our patented ceramic titanium technology, the strongest non-stick surface on the market.

Prior to Green Tek, PFOA supported the polymerization of PTFE. However, during the production process PFOA exuded, so that the final product was PFOA-free.

PFOA? PFOS? What are they talking about? So, we did some research and we were a bit surprised at what we found.

Here is a short description from Wikipedia:

PFOA is a toxicant and carcinogen in animals, persistent in the environment, and detected in the blood of general populations in the low parts per billion range where it has been linked to infertility. In people with higher exposures, PFOA is linked to birth defects, increased cancer rates, and changes to lipid levels, the immune system, and liver, effects identified in animals.

PFOA has been detected in industrial waste and consumer products including stain resistant carpets, microwave popcorn bags, food packaging, and Teflon (PTFE). PFOA is also found in food and water.

I found this from Chefs Catalog:

In the more recent past, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken the leading manufacturer of nonstick compounds to task over excessive emissions of PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid). PFOA has been used as a catalyst in the production of PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), the basic building block for all nonstick cookware surfaces.

PFOA is a chemical that is hard to break down in the environment. It has a half life of 3.8 years, meaning that if there are 4 grams of PFOA in the body today, the body will have 2 grams in it in four years from now, 1 gram in eight years from now and so on. The human metabolism does not remove PFOA. While it is not a carcinogen or toxin and is generally assumed inert and not harmful to your health, it is environmentally unfriendly and just sticks around forever. That is why the EPA and the leading nonstick manufacturer have agreed that by 2010, the amount of PFOA used to produce PTFE compounds need to be cut by 95%, and by 2015 no PFOA could be used, at all.

We were surprised by all this info and became very interested in how well this product worked. So, we tested it for a couple of weeks. We used it every day. I made breakfast with it. Rob, the catering cook, used it for pratically everything. He even brought it to work with him a couple of times.

We were pleased with its performance. First, the pan has a great overall feel. It is quite heavy. The handle is riveted onto the cooking surface, which is a bonus for us. We (read: Rob) have a tendency to have the handles come loose. We were a bit disappointed that the handle was all metal, since metal handles can get very hot. They did compensate for this by including an insulated pan handle holder.  The nonstick surface worked flawlessly. When making omelettes and pancakes, I found it very easy to flip and turn. The surface was also very easy to clean. Many pans have a small “sweet spot”. Whereas, this pan has nice, even heat retention. This made it ideal for searing fish and steaks. It was also great for sauteeing vegetables.

Bottom line, I highly recommend this product. It works incredibly well. The fact that it is green is simply an added bonus. We liked it so much that we are planning to buy a 10-piece set.

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2009 · Permalink · 4 comments · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Eco Living, Resolutions

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For many people, you can drink tap water. The standards set for municipal water sources are actually much higher and monitored far more ...]]> While our household isn’t the “greenest” on the block, we have committed to taking small steps to live a little greener.  One of these steps is to stop buying and drinking bottled water.  According to the Clear Air Council,  Americans throw away 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour. We no longer wanted to be part of that statistic.

For many people, you can drink tap water. The standards set for municipal water sources are actually much higher and monitored far more stringently than bottle water sources.  In our case, the pipes in our rental are a bit questionable. So, we’ve opted for a water filtration system.  We bought a Brita Water pitcher from Target. It’s affordable and easy to use.

Brita Water Pitcher available atTarget
Now that we’ve been doing this for a couple of months, we are looking into a more on-demand system. We’re finding that the Brita isn’t large enough and doesn’t filter fast enough to keep up with our water consumption.  Some replacements to the pitcher are water filter systems that hookup directly to your kitchen tap.  Here are some contenders.

PUR Water Filter available at Target

Mulitpure MPAD Aqua Dome Countertop If you’d like to research water filtration systems for yourself, here is a good water filter comparison guide.When we’re at home, we drink our water from glasses. However, when we’re out and about, we use reusable bottles. We both use one of these.

CamelBak BPA-FREE Better Bottle – 25 oz. from REI

As much as we like those bottles, there are quite a few other alternatives. Here are some of the ones that I’ve found. {This wouldn’t be one of my posts without some eyecandy.}

Aluminum Bottles from Earthlust

Ech2o Filtered Water Bottles – 25 oz. These bottles have a water filtration system built-in.

Bilt Decal Fresco Stainless-Steel Water Bottle from REI

Waterbox Icon Stainless-Steel Bottle – 700ml from REI

Sigg Hello Kitty Aluminum Water Bottle 0.6L

For those bottling their own water, any other tips that I haven’t covered?

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2009 · Permalink · 1 comment · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Eco Living, Resolutions

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Cameo Necklace made of recycled records by WRecords by Monkey

Gingko Earrings made from ...]]> With eco-conscious, green-living becoming more mainstream, it’s becoming easier and easier to incorporate green practices in all aspects of our lives. I especially love how eco-conscious practices are being incorporated into fashion. Some of these practices include recycling of a variety of materials and use of sustainable source materials. The level of innovation and creativity employed by many jewelry artists are impressive.  Here are some great jewelry finds.

Cameo Necklace made of recycled records by WRecords by Monkey

Gingko Earrings made from sustainable materials from BTC Elements

Necklace made from recycled rubber by Christiane Diehl

Necklace made from real leaf dipped in gold or silver by Nugaard Designs available at Delight.com
A tree is planted for every necklace purchased.

Pendant made from recycled glass by Etsy Seller Fanisong Jewelry

Dragonfly’s Wing Ring made from recycled silver from Etsy Seller JesseDanger

Necklace made from recycled paper and metal by Etsy Seller FrucciDesign

Necklace made with recycled post-consumer precious metals by Tirana Jewelry
25% of each pendant sold goes to the Lupus Foundation of America

pendant on vintage chains by Alkemie Jewelry forged from 100% recycled metals

For other great jewelry finds, check out eConscious Market and ecofabulous.

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2009 · Permalink · 1 comment · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Beautiful Things, Eco Living, Resolutions

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If you’re holding onto an unused matchbook from your date with McHunky five years ago, then it’s going to be McHarder to get yourself organized. Mementos, souvenirs and random scraps of paper all find their way into your purse, desk drawers and bedroom closet. Without an ...]]> Brooke, the owner of an organization business in Chicago, emailed with a few tips to share with our readers.  We hope you enjoy her advice, along with some before and after pictures of her work!

If you’re holding onto an unused matchbook from your date with McHunky five years ago, then it’s going to be McHarder to get yourself organized. Mementos, souvenirs and random scraps of paper all find their way into your purse, desk drawers and bedroom closet. Without an urge to purge or a good kick in the tush, they’ll take over precious real estate inside your home. But there’s hope for the stashers! You can create a junk-free haven.

First, commit to surrounding yourself with only treasured and practical objects. If you can’t use it or don’t need it, chuck it. That broken cigarette lighter from the 2004 Summer Olympics can go. Ditto on your dog-eared stacks of super old magazines and that oversized t-shirt you received after finishing your company’s annual 5K run. Learn to let go!

After you’ve weeded through your chaos, tackle the hotspots. I’m talking to the peeps that have a tendency to shove mail inside a drawer or let it pile up high on a kitchen counter. Sort through your mail as soon as you get it. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a dozen L.L.Bean and Pottery Barn catalogs by the end of the month. Buy an attractive faux leather box from a discount store to house your bills. All anniversary, birthday, shower and wedding invites should be entered on a calendar and then promptly tossed into a circular file. And, if you can’t open your front door without having to climb over a mountain of shoes, get a wicker basket and move those puppies out of the way. Locate the disorder and then create ways to contain it.

Clutter accumulates because stuff becomes homeless. Organize as you acquire. And, if you bring in something new, throw out or donate something old. It’s way easier to keep up than to catch up, so initiate a routine. Grab a big basket and make the rounds, tossing in anything that needs a home. As you sift through off-season clothing, get rid of anything you didn’t wear (or think you’ll eventually wear because you won’t). Clean out filing cabinets at the end of the year. Pitch that stinky food in your pantry.

If you set attainable goals, an overstuffed closet or disordered garage won’t seem so overwhelming. Take on a room drawer by drawer. Organize half of your linen closet. Focus on a section of your basement. Or, set a timer for 25 minutes and go to town. Mini decluttering sessions can be quite valuable.

I’m an expert downsizer, organizer and rump shaker. My philosophy is: Order in your house creates order in your life. It’s time to bid adieu to your collection of empty wine bottles and tidy your abode pronto!

Contact me if you’re in the Chicago area and would like to schedule a session.

Brooke Lawrence
The Duchess of Declutter™
brookeslawrence@hotmail.com
(312) 330-2400
http://www.theduchessofdeclutter.com

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2009 · Permalink · 3 comments · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Organization, Resolutions

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Supplies needed

Get rid of the trash Clear any dishes or bottles.  Take recyclables to the proper receptacle.  Throw away ...]]> Our first resolution for 2009 is almost over!  I hope each of you are feeling a little more organized.  I thought I would finish out with quick fixes for a few rooms in the house.  First up, the 10 minute fix to organizing your workspace surface!

Supplies needed

• Polish, all purpose cleaner, and/or disinfecting wipes (depending on your work surface).
• Cleaning cloth
• Folders
• Paper clips, gem clips, stapler, etc.
• Scanner

Get rid of the trash
Clear any dishes or bottles.  Take recyclables to the proper receptacle.  Throw away any napkins.  Take dishes to the sink.  No trash left behind!  

Put all supplies into proper containers
Pens go in one cup, paper clips in another.  Books go on the bookcase.  Magazines go in a tray or neat stack.  Pads of paper in one stack.  If you don’t have a container, find one from the ktichen or other room in the house.  

Move all random notes to a single to do list.
If you use gmail, utilize their new task function. I work on multiple computers, so it is a must for me to have something that can move with me.  If you still like your lists in paper form, buy a cute notebook (I love mine from Night Owl) and keep it in a visible location.

Get rid of the mail
Separate mail into three piles: to recycle/shred, to scan, to respond.  In the future, pledge to dealing with mail immediately after checking it.  Don’t put it down to create a new pile.  

Organize paper by project
If it belongs to the same project, group it together.  Clip, staple or rubber band the information together and keep in one stack.  If the information does not belong together, separate the stacks.  Only one topic per stack. Can I get any clearer?

Wipe it down
Clean off your space.  Disinfect the keyboard, mouse, phone and anything else that can be scrubbed down.  Polish the wood, clean the glass, etc.

Make it pretty
Find a new blanket to drape over a chair.  Move a picture frame to a prominent location.  Cover a bland office object with paper.  Whatever you do, make it visually interesting to you.

*Bonus* Make it digital
This may take longer than ten minutes, but is necessary to get rid of the junk.  Go through each stack and scan in what you can.  File the information electronically and then recycle the paper. You’ll feel a lot better without so much clutter.

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2009 · Permalink · 2 comments · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Organization, Resolutions

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Haha – try not to make fun of me for playing with my new toy.  It’s a super wide angle adapter.  Anyway, on to the point.  This padfolio is awesome for a couple of reasons.  First up – it has several folders inside.  In fact, it was just right for our Greek cruise – one folder for each port.  This was great not only ...]]> One of my favorite travel tools is my organizer.  I got this plastic padfolio at WalMart for under $10.

Haha – try not to make fun of me for playing with my new toy.  It’s a super wide angle adapter.  Anyway, on to the point.  This padfolio is awesome for a couple of reasons.  First up – it has several folders inside.  In fact, it was just right for our Greek cruise – one folder for each port.  This was great not only for planning purposes but also for scrapbooking.  I made a label and stashed any planning or confirmation info before we left.  As we visited each place, I’d stash souvenirs that would fit into the appropriate folder.  Now I have all the tickets, brochures, and postcards organized for scrapbooking.  It’s so nice!  (You can see that my cat is a fan as well.  lol)

It has a pad of paper for notes, which would’ve been super handy if I’d gotten behind on my journaling.  It also has some smaller spots for other things.  One spot was perfect for holding our ship cards once we were done with the cruise, another for keeping my mom and aunt’s cabin number, and another for our itinerary.  This isn’t the first time I’ve used the padfolio, and it won’t be the last.

Do you use a padfolio for your travels, have another trick for staying organized, or remain more relaxed?

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2009 · Permalink · 1 comment · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Organization, Resolutions, Travel

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