Browsing tag: blogging

What. A. Week. Out at functions/events three evenings in a row (I always think I’ll be able to fill up enough to call it dinner, and I’m always wrong), and no days off at all for me as I’m on jury duty next week. Boo.

On the plus side, I picked up a cute pair of ballet flats for just $10. I’ve never bought nude shoes before (they actually match my skin tone perfectly), nor the weird stretchy type (kinda like this, KWIM?) In fact, to be completely honest, I’ve been on a bit of a shopping bender. It’s not often I can kick myself into a shopping mood, so I’m trying to do all my wardrobe updating right now. While 99% of that has been secondhand, it’s still a financial ouch. I’m still yet to purchase new boots, and to see about getting my old ones resoled/repaired :sadface: I will tally up the damage…oh, at the end of the month, I suppose.

How’s your week been?

WORK

Pretty Young Professional explains how pro-bono work can boost your resume.

Susannah Breslin shares how she went from downsized to self-employed in four months.

Hi, fellow digital types (waves)! Here’s how to explain the whys and hows of social media to your other half.

Study Hacks looks at the habits of A+ students.

Some great insight into office politics and the hiring game, via Financial Samurai.

Dumb Little Man offers 5 tips on handling rejection like a pro.

Amber interviews Amy on life as a high school teacher.

Daisy blogs about techniques for writing a kickass resume.

LIFE

Geek in Heels is rethinking her role as a SAHM.

Shannon is evaluating her friendships and consciously choosing to cull the negative ones.

World as a Muse redefines her definition of success.

Redhead Writing has a rad post on tattoos and life stories.

Stratejoy founder Molly shares the things she lets lapse when life gets overwhelming.

Walking in Heels on making the most of your precious time.

Love Addict blogs about the perils of sharing domestic space.

Question: How do you keep up with blogs? I’m a Google Reader addict, but I’ve noticed only a tiny percentage of my readers get here via G-reader (or, apparently any RSS aggregators).

Also, who’s ever got a flu shot? Yes, I just pimped my immune system – my first one turned out to be relatively painless, and free thanks to work (I know you don’t believe in them SS4BC, but after my hellish 2010 I’m going to grasp any chance I can get at wellness – I got nothing to lose and everything to gain). 24 hours later I can lift my arm with virtually no ache and the cold I’ve been fighting all week is receding – although the latter I credit to my own copious drinking of warm fluids and keeping my chest warm rather than the jab, obviously.

WORK

Fajr guests on Yes and Yes with thoughts on freelancing on the side. (IMO, a great way to dip your toe in if feasible.)

Buck Inspire says “Don’t quit your day job” in response to those who are thinking about full time blogging.

Probably Tabitha explains her new career path and how she arrived at it – totally inspiring.

FINANCES

New fave professional blog: Bullish, this week featuring the argument for talking about money, because assumptions frankly benefit nobody.

Krystal mulls over what it takes to be a PF blogger.

Well Heeled shares her initial sub-$10k wedding budget.

FOOD

According to Wiki, Blondies are a southern dessert bar. Okay, I’m sold, especially if there’s peanut butter involved (via Joy of Caking).

Tortillas are SO overpriced, but I’ve yet to tackle making my own. Lisa’s Foods shows me that I have no excuse.

Cinnamon rolls have also long been on my radar, and now I have a new (yeastless) recipe to play with thanks to Iowa Girl Eats.

The latest from D:ALS. Orange almond cake. Yes? Yes. I thought so.

Pear walks us through the process of sushi-making.

Any other lapsed Asians may appreciate the chance to reclaim lotus root with this recipe at Not Eating Out in New York.

I’m also adding these potsticker dumplings to my folder (what’s with the name, anyway?).

On a different note, Musings of an Inappropriate Woman has been doing the Live Below the Line challenge and here she reflects on the experience.

LIFE

Sarah at Yes and Yes responds to a reader (a Communications student, at that) question about, I guess, figuring crap out post-graduation (titled How to Become a Grownup).

A Cat of Impossible Colour shares some great quotes about writing and inspiration.

And Geek in Heels shares a neat online tool for SLR newbies.

Will I ever feature a roundup without linking to APW? Not if they keep churning out amazing stories like this – a tale of loving and standing by a recovering addict.

Hannah Katy penned my favourite Mother’s Day post of all. Read it here.

Bonus: a video via Molly at These Little Moments of her friend’s marriage proposal! It kind of reminds me of the proposal in Meet the Parents. (But I gotta say. Is this where you eat your lunch in primary school? That’s kinda depressing. One thing I love about the NZ schooling system is from your first year to your last, you go outside to eat. Where, exactly, is up to you, be it on the field, outside the library, by the gym, the benches between F and G blocks…It’s not so much fun when it rains, of course, and you have to take refuge in the hall or the classroom. But y’know, that NEVER happens, especially in Auckland…)

Whenever a new team member comes on board, I remember why it is I could never become a teacher. I’m terrible at explaining things, I’m a control freak, and have to resist the urge to everything myself. But nevermind, because at the end of the week I came home to Glee and chocolate cookie ice cream. Also, I finally finished learning the Incubus song I’d been working on for farrrrrrr too long. WIN.

LIFE

Totally identified with DC Princess’s post on sharing the news of her engagement with her family.

Romance is about the little things, writes Revanche.

I’m a great reader. Also, an amazing RE-reader. But I never thought about why that is, until Lesley blogged about the comforts of a well-loved, well-thumbed tome.

Clare and I have both been reflecting on the future of our niche-less blogs (I still wish I’d come up with Never Niche first!).

Kind of old, but I only just encountered it this week: Helen Jane reminds us to STOP negatively comparing ourselves to others (I know I do it. It’s easy in the PF world. And the fitness world. And the “lifestyle design” world. And the mommy blogger world. And the crafty/house love world.)

Sometimes you need to centre, find yourself and cut out the dark thoughts, says Lindy.

Not That Kind of Girl is back with a list of things she worries about.

WORK

SheBloggs on QR codes, resumes and how to make one.

In her latest “journalism sausage” post, Susannah Breslin talks about the difficulties faced by those covering war – and porn.

Jezebel’s Anna North talks about writing in your spare time when writing is your day job, too.

You must read this inspiring tale at Financial Samurai. GO.

MONEY

FruGal has some cheap and easy cocktail ideas for us.

Hot on the heels of my latest pang of first world guilt, JD tackles the thorny issue of spending and its moral implications.

FOOD

Despite getting into the royal wedding despite myself, I seem to have missed the hoopla about the wedding cake. Biscuit cake? I’m there.

We all have our page turners – scary ingredients that make us skip to the next recipe.

Little House on the Southern Prairie on the things you should know before making mozzarella from scratch.

* * *

Now, I’m not about to get all up in your grill with masses of wedding links, but I just had to share these two:

Happenstance Wedding on all the wedding stationery crap she’s eschewing (my frugal, minimalist and lazy self wholeheartedly applauds!)

And a totally awesome Q&A from A Practical Wedding on inviting your doctor, on photographers not blogging about you, and the topic closest to my heart – DANCING. Or not.

Ahoy! I neglected to post a link love last week, partly because I didn’t have many to showcase, and partly because I knew most of you wouldn’t read it. You were probably too busy gorging on chocolate, unlike me – I was too disorganised to buy any on time, and I decided in the firesales post-weekend that a) there is simply too much choice and b) I simply prefer a good old block or bar or plain chocolate. Forget those disgusting creme eggs, or the tiny solid thumbnail sized ones (I don’t know what those are made of – offcuts? Among the many things life is too short to put up with, is bad chocolate), or even the big hollow ones if for no other reason that they’re not worth $5.

It’s been a rough week around here, and it broke my heart when T said our flat doesn’t feel like home. Although when we first moved here, he was keener than I was. But he’s also the spontaneous type who gets super excited about things to start off with. Really, it’s too far away from friends and family for his liking (and dudes, we’re talking maybe a 20-minute drive, as opposed to 5 or 10. Not enough to convince me to budge, seeing as I now have a sub-30min commute as opposed to an hour-long one before).

But the fact is, crime happens everywhere. Almost everyone I know has a tale of burglary or similar. We were hit multiple times when we lived in a bad street. We’ve been targeted here in our nice neighbourhood (although that time was entirely self-inflicted). A friend in the staunchly middle-class suburb where we’re from just got wiped out entirely (he was uninsured, sigh). Another friend used to hide her laptop and jewellery under her pillow/bed every single morning as part of her routine before leaving the house. I suppose if you want to have nice things in this world, you better be vigilant as there are plenty who will take it away from you in a second.  (and I wouldn’t be surprised if there were organised thieves hitting up neighbourhoods on the long weekend). Aside from finding a house with hard-core electronic gates and a garage (so not within our price range) or – shudder – potentially moving back into an actual  apartment block, assuming one with more than one secure parking spot could be found, there really isn’t any type of dwelling that is inherently safer.

Anyhoos. For your perusal!

FOOD

Eggs, like steak and roast, still elude me. I think the first time I ever had scrambled eggs I was well into my teens (incidentally, I used to work at a caf which did wickedly rich eggs on toast; I don’t know what the secret was though) but for the life of me I can’t make them myself. Luckily, Amber’s tracked down a video guide to making the perfect scramble!

I’ll have to set aside some time to try Kevin’s latest Moroccan tagine offering.

Bacon = indulgent. Beans = healthy. Yes? Cate combines the two.

I do not especially like gelato, but this lemon poppy recipe! Ahhh!

WORK

A editor’s guest post on Make a Living Writing presents seven secrets writers need to know.

Meanwhile, Jasmine walks us through her writer’s resume.

Some preach the side hustle mantra, others, like Steph, prefer to channel all their energies into their main gig.

Passive Panda shares a tool to help you follow up on emails and contacts.

A Lotta Lettuce explains how she learned to like her job.

Mark blogs about balancing the professional and personal on Twitter.

MONEY

Investing Newbie pays tribute to the savings account.

Thousandaire reckons in some cases, leasing a car isn’t actually a bad call.

While bringing in more money is theoretically limitless, Karen explains why she’d rather focus on cutting expenses.

Ooh, a new take on marriage and money! Jenn asks why tying the knot prompts people to combine finances.

Outsmart the ATM, via Get Rich Slowly.

Everyday Minimalist has some suggestions on how to get past the mental hurdle of dealing with a “sunk cost”.

J$ outlines some instances when unautomating finances actually helps.

LIFE

I’m loving Kim’s latest Open Letter Friday.

And Revanche’s two part series on the high costs of parenting fails.

It’s a rare person who’ll admit to feelings of jealousy, but Neurotic Workaholic opens up about envying others.

Eye opening as always: a Yes and Yes true story of searching for spirituality.

Alexis urges us to take the leap now – because dreams change, as I’ve said before.

Finally, Nicole shares her frankly awesome new manifesto.

I am not too geeky to admit that I had A BLAST this week giving my bank feedback about Track My Spending and proposed developments for the tool. Online banking FTW! I’ve also got a big long serious post about finances, family and all that kind of bizzo cooking. It’s difficult to write and yet I’m really enjoying the process. Perhaps I should pursue a job at a bank, or some kind of social service to do with money management?

It’s been a glorious week weatherwise, and I’m hoping it holds until next weekend. I’m on leave, which means four whole days off alongside T! The original plan was to throw our engagement party, but my dad and brother are out of the country. Plan B: cross off a local destination off my bucket list Of course, accommodation at hotspots is all booked out, so we’ll probably just do a day trip rather than an overnight.

I also went to check out The Food Store last night for a survey. Really pricey, but the portions were decent. Their gimmick is it’s associated with the Food Channel – the TV channel plays on screens, plus you can watch the chefs in action right there in the kitchen, in the middle of the dining floor. I don’t know if the chefs from the TV show (I forget the title) actually work there, but their mugshots were at the front of the menu 😛 I wouldn’t necessarily go back on my own dollar, but it was good for a night out.

Finally, I got my six-monthly savings account statement in the mail. I freaked out when I saw the starting balance and ending balance were virtually identical.

Of course, I quickly remembered that in that time I paid for:

1. A car in cash
2. A dSLR
3. A GPS
4. And a couple of concert tickets

So really, it’s actually kind of impressive to have remained on par balance-wise. And of course, it’s now past the end-date of that statement, so we’re back up to pre-October/November levels already. Wahoo!

WORK

Very true. Passive Panda argues that networking is the single most important  skill freelancers need.

What is the right amount of time for a career travel break?

Katharine offers some insight into getting TEFL qualified and teaching English abroad.

Via Walking in Heels: Don’t hate your commute – embrace it!

World of Wealth reckons most common job-security tips are overrated.

MONEY

There are lots of hackneyed posts about how to cut fuel consumption, but Funny About Money takes it a step further: Can you even make any further cuts?

A prestigious university, or a free education at a smaller name? A tough choice posed at Yakezie this week.

Little House investigates what 3x her income would buy her in various locations.

LIFE

Congrats to Kim of Perfectly Cursed Life, expecting not one but two babies!

The Asian Pear details her single biggest fear.

Her Every Cent Counts opens up about addiction and insecurity.

Money Maus walks us through her experience of house-hunting in the infamous NYC market.

So many truths in this! Doniree guests posts on Confessions of Jersey Girl about the things she’s learned in years of apartment living.

A thought-provoking, soul-searching post on living vs preparing to live by the Tao of Grad School.

Redhead Writing gives me hope for my high school reunion.

And I’m bookmarking this post on making your own wedding bouquet. You know, in case I decide I want flowers after all.

There’s a change in the air. Over the past week or two, it’s been standing room only on the bus. I get on at the end of the first stage, so about a third of the distance out of the city in relation to the entire bus route, or two-thirds through when going into the city.

I’m at bit of a loss to explain this phenomenon, beyond rising petrol prices. It’s now $2.19 at the pump. I’m somewhat sheltered from gas price increases (the latest round of bus fare increases didn’t affect the pass I buy) but T drives to and from work everyday. Granted, he doesn’t have much traffic to deal with – he recently had the chance to change to a 9-5 shift and rejected it, because he didn’t want to have to deal with rush hour – but it’s still a fair bit of distance.

Anyway, so by the time we are one or two stops past mine, we can no longer fit any more people on. Instead, we zoom past, as glaring throngs build up at the city fringe stops (really, they’d probably be better off walking at that point).

It’s a good thing. Aucklanders need to embrace public transport. Now all we need is more buses!

MONEY

A Stuff column on the legal rort of credit card surcharges, noting often they’re applied in situations where you have no choice but to use a credit card (Amen! How else are you meant to book a flight?)

In an age where everyone harps on about monetising your hobbies, this was refreshing. As The Simple Dollar says, sometimes they should remain that way.

Wandering Earl recounts his quest to find the perfect way to carry money while travelling.

WORK

Laura asks: Did you choose your career or did it choose you?

Krystal shares seven signs it might be time to look for a new job, over on her Moneyville blog.

Are there some jobs you just cannot muster up passion for, that are not conducive to satisfaction? I think so, and so does Study Hacks.

A nice guest post on Ms Career Girl about internal vs external motivation and faking it till you make it.

Six writers offer an insight into book covers and blurbs (I always thought THEY wrote their own…apparently not!)

LIFE

I dig APW for spurning the wedding industry complex (did they coin that term?) and this post in particular which doesn’t gush about the big day, but admits sometimes it’s really not as much of a deal as it’s made out to  be.

Having trouble finding time for yourself? Read this post by Dumb Little Man (I did what they call a time-audit awhile ago, but I think it’d look different today).

Fabulously inspiring pictures from Makeunder My Life on decor and decluttering.

And my top three picks:

“I am a dreamer.  Less idealistic than I once was, but still idealistic.  Yet weirdly practical too and with a gift for efficiency. At their worst, these qualities combine to make me a defeatist…” – I identified so much with Ashley’s reflective post.

“To be “young” in Western, white, middle-class culture is synonymous with being “fun” in a particular, narrowly defined way….But at the same time, if your interests evolve and change as time passes, there’s no shame in that, either. For most of us, it’s just part of getting older.” – Amen, Rachel.

“Years ago, when Ferris Bueller said “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it,” I knew I’d fully understand the meaning of that eventually.” – DC Princess faces up to the whirlwind of 20-something existence.

Happy weekends…

Over the past few years, I feel like my vocabulary has severely languished. I used to read like a fiend. Then I got into chick lit, and went to university – and I seriously did not have the time to read. When I did, I just wanted to relax – usually with an undemanding romance or crime fiction.

Now I’m trying to read 100 books this year, and really branch out. Catching up on some classics, and giving new, creative authors a go. Some of these are challenging, to say the least. I’m dog-earing plenty of pages, and Googling words when I next get to a computer.

I also signed up to A Word A Day last year, and have been getting one new word each morning in my inbox. Some are plain ridiculous and I’ll never use again, but some I keep around for reference.

Thing is, my brain doesn’t seem to want to take these new words on. I can’t get them to stick!

Do you have any good memory tricks?

LIFE

Sandy gets a little riled up by some blatant stereotyping.

The minefield of dating has Andhari a bit flustered.

Sometimes we need to shed the cloak of anonymity in the big city, writes NYC Love Addict.

Meanwhile, Lesley talks anonymity and finding the right balance when blogging.

It’s true, Cordelia: Even revolutionaries have to do chores.

Her Every Cent Counts ponders city vs suburban living.

Laura from Stratejoy talks about making daily life a little more like a holiday.

No matter how long you’ve been together, it’s still nice to go on the odd date, writes 20 and Engaged.

And sometimes bribery works, too, says A Lotta Lettuce.

Here are 10 not-so-obvious things to pack for a long trip, care of Alexis Grant.

Maternal instinct is funny, isn’t it? There’s something about those tiny little hats, socks, dresses, shirts, playsuits that turn the best of us clucky.

Laura adds up her “instead-ofs” and explains why the non-traditional accomplishments matter too.

E-bay expert Lindy shares her best tips for selling your stuff online.

Over at Eat Move Write, a lively discussion on flirting while in a relationship.

And Yes and Yes offers an insight into what it’s like living on the streets.

FOOD

This was cute and reminded me a little of my younger days… Dinner: a Love Story explains how to make one meal fit all.

Lisa asks: What makes a foodie, exactly?

Pizza dip!!! How good does that look?

WORK

Two great posts from Life Without Pants on kicking Mondays to the curb, and work vs play. He quotes a great Forbes blog post, which pretty much sums up my perspective on the topic.

“…This absurd axiom suggests that you can simply take what you already love, turn it into something for which you get paid (meaning, you have clients and bosses and deadlines and obligations…) and it won’t ever feel like anything other than that thing you love.

This is a blatant, hurtful lie that far too many people fall for. And they end up feeling like something is wrong with them, when really something is wrong with the idea they’ve been sold…”

Amen. This is exactly the same conclusion I reached.

Moving on. I found this fascinating: What military and civilian PR pros can teach each other, via Journalistics.

I’m not real good with criticism. Kid gloves, please. But if you’re like me, Zen Habits explains how to handle it gracefully.

Ms Career Girl is leaving the world of corporate finance at 26. Congrats!

Penelope Trunk talks about the new rules of self-publishing.

Good management involves finding out what’s not getting done, according to Alison at Ask A Manager.

Jess at Makeunder My Life says it’s a good thing to hate your job… honestly.

A great post from Passive Panda about how to email important people. I’ve said it before…they need to teach email etiquette in school!

Three months on, Budgets Are Sexy is still “unemployed” and thriving!

Crazy week. Crazy fortnight. Crazy month. And it doesn’t look like getting much better; work is stepping up (although things should be quieter on the side gig front); T just bought a secondhand motorbike (so there are about a million things to organise and pay for…compliance, re-registration, insurance, attire, licence, etc) and I think we’re going to try for an engagement party Easter weekend (I’m taking leave. We want to hold it before it starts to get properly cold and rainy, as it’s not going to be indoors).

I am not a high energy individual, so working three totally different shifts this week took its toll (unsurprisingly, the 6am start was the toughest). What’s the craziest shift you’ve ever done?

LIFE

Money Rabbit on fitness training, nerd style!

Since getting back from Wellington and seeing how things could be done, I found this post by Carlee with ideas on how to revamp a city very timely.

Meanwhile, Walking in Heels reminds us all to love where we live. (I do, I do! My schedule just makes it hard sometimes. Sure, I blog a lot, but I blog like I read – in snatches, stolen wherever possible.)

Blonde on a Budget realises that friends and family are her biggest priority.

The Everyday Minimalist’s tips on time management.

Some things never lose sentimental value, as Dana of Pushing Thirtyy finds out.

You can never really tell what’s true and what’s not on a blog. Neurotic Workaholic lists some of the things she’d lie about…

SleepyJane on tattoos and being judged by others.  (Confession: T wants more. It hasn’t been an issue seeing as they’re beyond the budget, and will continue to be for sometime – see motorbike reference above – but we talk about it from time to time and haven’t really come to any agreement.)

T is great at easing tension after arguments. That’s why I loved this post on Eat Move Write by Jasmine’s hubby on the key to harmony.

Lesley shares her top 10 peeves when it comes to books.

Financial Samurai recounts some tales of being bullied. (Despite being a total nerd, I was never actively picked on. For that, I’m grateful)

Yes and Yes features a guest post by Amanda Lee (whose blog no longer seems active!), who used to be a phone sex worker.

I think we’re all guilty of romanticising our situations from time to time, like Clare – after all, we tend to remember the good, rather than the bad.

Geek in Heels’ parents get with the technological times, with some funny results.

Emily Jane shares some beautiful footage from her wedding.

And Hannah Katy outdoes herself with this soulful piece on finding closure.

FOOD

A simple Italian beef casserole, via the $120 Food Challenge.

Rina’s blueberry crisp. (If I can bring myself to pay $6 minimum for fresh or frozen blueberries, I’m making this. Or maybe I can find canned ones…)

Need a fast and furious dinner? Try Fru-girl’s last-minute noodles.

Maybe like me you’ve never been near a dried bean. File Jules’ guide to working with dried beans, then.

WORK

Six common writing mistakes and how to fix them, via Writer Mag (I’ve definitely done the first, but luckily, called early rather than late. Not that it mattered as the phone wasn’t answered, either time…)

Alexis Grant tackles a reader question about juggling multiple Twitter accounts.

Working Girl blogs about balancing work and working out.

Bri at Stratejoy wonders if writing should be what she pursues, or whether that would dim its lustre.

Carol Tice has a guest post on how content mills can actually be a good stepping stone to a writing business.

Krystal shares her schedule and talks about time management for freelancers.

MONEY

Do you have to spend in order to save on groceries? Shawanda from You Have More Than You Think thinks so.

Like me, Well Heeled has bag lady syndrome.

Little Miss Moneybags ruminates on the varying levels of support we get from our parents.

And finally, a special mention to the winners of the Yakezie writing contest!!

Another bumper two-week catchup edition! Life just doesn’t stop.

LIFE

She knows what I’m talking about – no rest for the wicked. Caroline basically sums it up perfectly in this post.

In the same vein…LL remembers when days off were fun. Now, too often, they’re sucked up by to-do lists.

Woah! A toddler who knows FOUR languages. How does she do it? Geek in Heels explains.

Do you, like Katharine, learn lessons the hard way?

A few neat wedding guest book ideas from My Pretty Pennies.

A fascinating post from Rachel Hills: we all think other people are more promiscuous than we are. The thing is, at least out west, they actually are! Here, acquaintances will knowingly (drunkenly, but still) hit on your boyfriend. At your own party. Cheat while their other half is in another room at the same party. And so on. Hey, remember my old flatmate?

The title says it all: Reflections And Advice From A Woman of a Certain Age (also, Oil and Garlic’s back!)

Meanwhile, Donna Freedman accidentally discovers her inner cougar. Sort of.

Here’s a super-comprehensive list of awesome WordPress plugin, via Marian.

And why I didn’t go to grad school (partly) – “It’s where you go to suck at the only thing you’ve ever been good at“.

Nicole and Maggie refuse to apologise for their success.

“How to be the woman in any boys’ club” – As a girl in a largely male group of friends (less so today, though), I love this!

Nicole Antoinette is quitting drinking, temporarily. What she says about using alcohol as a crutch is so true. That said, I was at a North Shore party last night – oh so different from parties out west – and it’s probably the only one I’ve ever been to where I didn’t feel completely awkward for not drinking. Also, for the first time, a stranger noticed my ring. Luckily, that didn’t last long – whether that’s because she was playing Landmines or we didn’t actually know each other at all, I’ll never know.

MONEY

Revanche reflects on living life on the breadline.

It’s tough having family members who barely get by, as Daisy knows. (As do we. Me: “Your mother really needs a car” – on us needing to pick her up for something. Him: “Yes, but I can’t afford to buy her a car.”)

As you know, food, among other things, is super pricey in NZ. But as Canadian Jacq asks, taking into consideration health insurance costs, don’t we break even?

Laura admits that money makes her crazy. Yes, yes it can…

A good question: How many bank accounts is too many?

Heh. Little House on 10 signs your frugality has gone too far.

Living Well on Less shares five easy switches to lower your grocery bill.

WORK

The Simple Dollar blogs about downgrading your job, without having to downgrade life.

I love the idea of having a board of directors in your life! As Little Miss Moneybags writes, she wants to formalise her mentoring/support network.

Just because a pitch is poorly written doesn’t mean it’s not legit, as Carol Tice shows us. (Also, a great guest post about essential qualities for a tech writer.)

Budgets Are Sexy features a woman whose side hustle is MENU PLANNING!

Shouldn’t we always be open to amazing opportunities? Not really, reckons Redhead Writing.

Five hard truths about working in social media, via Social Glitz.

Business is just like high school, says Jess from Makeunder My Life.

Are you a job snob? Amanda has principles when it comes to work, and she’s sticking to them.

Do you work in a cubicle farm? Ms Career Girl has a guest post on some interesting, alternative office spaces.

Stacking Pennies is wondering how to prioritise between two careers which may take a couple in wildly different directions for a while.

No new recipes this time! I still have a large backlog which I’m ignoring for the meantime…

(I’m writing this on Wednesday and scheduling it for the weekend. When you read this I’ll be in the windy city, aka, our great capital.)

For the last few months I was (irregularly) taking a women’s multivitamin, including primrose and fish oils. I mainly did this for my skin. I never really noticed any effects, though.

Then I started on proper fish oils. And right away, my energy levels shot up. Seriously. It has done wonders for me, and just in time for the busiest work week in a long time. I’ve always needed 8-10 hours a night, and even then, I’d still be yawning throughout the day. Not anymore! In fact I’m even occasionally waking up before my alarm. Even when I took iron pill in my teens, I never experienced anything like this – it didn’t last long though as those little red tablets were seriously foul and made me drowsy.

I’m sure I don’t need to explain the slavish labour part – y’all have heard about the mighty earthquake.

Anyway, it’s a bumper issue catching up on two weeks’ worth! Enjoy

LIFE

Another fabulous guest post on Yes and Yes from Lady Smaggle on why aging isn’t scary (I pretty much had my growing-up learning curve done by 19, but the principles still apply)

Shawanda at Your Have More Than You Think shares some uncommon advice to change your life.

But change doesn’t happen overnight. Matt at Life Without Pants explains the problem with idealism.

Jane tackles a topic I have wondered about – taking toddlers out to eat (who hasn’t lost their patience with children in a cafe or restaurant?)

On the family topic, Nicole and Maggie pose a great question – how do you know if the time’s right for kid #2?

Grace at Small Hands, Big Ideas reminds us how communication can be lost in translation.

Listen. To. This. Song. Now. (Props to Tall Brunette)

Meg at World of Wealth writes about why the scales favour men in the dating game.

Personally, I think honorifics should be banned. But yes, worst of all is INCONSISTENT USAGE.

Sometimes you just need to do your best and leave the rest, says Amy.

Similarly, Jess at Makeunder My Life pledges to schedule in more time with herself.

Mainly just for the title. And the photo of the tattoo. Jokes! Emily Jane writes about finding and committing to her life’s direction (“Every day I choose to spend updating someone else’s spreadsheets is another day I haven’t followed my dreams”).

A nice roundup of how to make all the basic household cleaners, naturally and cheaply, at Funny about Money

Hey, that’s neat. Have you heard of Formulists? I sure hadn’t, but Carrie Actually explains what it’s all about.

Fabulously Broke asks: Would you let your parents move in with you?

FOOD

LOVE this post at Musings of an Inappropriate Woman on food as fuel (even as someone who’s always thinking about her next meal – sometimes even while eating! this was a good read.)

Jules at Stonesoup on the simplest way to meal plan, plus scrumptious recipes.

Oh man, I love rice bubble bars! Haven’t had them in years (via $120 Food Challenge).

Kevin is tempting me to to try making risotto that’s not in a box.

Spaghetti with lemon and olive oil. Sounds simple but extravagant.

WORK/CAREER

In an age where it seems everyone prides themselves on coming up with great brainwaves, Write Around it All’s admission that she’s not an ideas person is a refreshing read.

From Red Lips and Academics (my newest discovery), the harsh reality of the side hustle.

Some practical marketing advice for online stores at Makeunder My Life.

Ms Career Girl has a guest post by Norma Tassy on the three types of people who should be in your network

Want to gain respect and make professional connections? Read this post at Dumb Little Man.

MONEY

I think we’ve all felt this way at one time or another. I wish there was a magical money fairy, says Fig.

Red argues that student loans are not the enemy. (Of course they’re not. They’re loans! Like credit cards, they are not inherently good or evil…they’re just a tool. It’s up to you how you use them.)

Couldn’t agree more – Well Heeled says small purchases can be the biggest pick-me-ups.

Get Rich Slowly asks: What are the best non-US personal finance sites? Also, a guest post on balancing price, location and quality when househunting.

Fabulously Frugal shares her tips for travelling frugally, but not cheaply.

Financial Samurai reckons diverse interests = diverse income streams.

And to round it off, some tough love as Aloysa launches her Talk it Out column.