Weekly Top Ten- Websites Edition

I'm linking up with The Broke and Bookish to share my Top Five favorite websites that aren't book related. I could have easily shared five more but I didn't want to overload you all.  Maybe I'll share five more another day.  So hold on to your hats, here we go...

1. Yes and Yes If you haven't checked out Sarah's amazing blog, do it now.  She blogs travel tips (both US and international), maintaining friendships, pursuing your dreams, make up tips, recipes, book reviews, you name it, this girl does it and does it well, all while maintaining an authentic voice and a sense of fun.
2. Simplicity Relished  Daisy blogs about simplicity.  But this isn't just a blog about throwing out things.  She talks about building a capsule wardrobe, traveling, goal setting, and living mindfully.  She does all this without sounding like some minimalist snob and providing beautiful photos.
3. Campfire Chic Cam is probably one of the driving forces who made me realize that I don't have to wait until I can afford a big cross country trip to go on an adventure.  She's all about finding time after work or on the weekends to have fun.  She's outdoorsy and crafty and will totally motivate you to get out and then journal your adventure.  Plus, she provides lots of links to interesting things she finds around the web.
4. Blissful Basil This is a great blog even if you're not vegetarian.  Ashley cooks up delicious plant based foods and if you're adventurous and willing to try new things, this is a great place to start.  I'm currently addicted to her coconut pistachio blueberry bark.  It's great right out of the freezer with a cup of coffee.
5. The Frelancer's Fashion Blog This is one of the first blogs I started to follow it's.  Ulrika is a few years older than me, lives in Finland, and is a burlesque dancer, but this is not a blog about burlesque, although it does show up occasionally.  Mainly, I get a picture at her life in Finland, her fabulous vintage clothes style- she wears a lot of her mother's clothes and wears a lot of vintage reproductions.  She lives most of the time in a gorgeous farmhouse in the country.  She has an adorable toddler, and I've been reading since before he was even born.  She also shares pictures of her beautiful plants, vegan food she makes, and her gorgeous decorating style.  It's serious eye candy.  You should check it out.  
   
   So there you have it.  Have any recommendations for non book related websites I should be visiting?  Let me hear about them in the comments below!

Around the Web August 2, 2013

So here's some links of cool things I've found on the internet this week:

Fund The Everyday Maxi Dress from a-thread apparel on Kickstarter.  They're trying to raise $10,000 to use in production of a great quality, thick fabric, maxi dress in two different styles, made in the USA.  The best part about it is they will send you one of these high quality maxi dresses if you just fund $25 towards their campaign.  I'm sure people pay more than that for a chintzy maxi dress.  I'm not getting any sort of kickback out of this, I just think it's a great deal for something that isn't going to wear out after three wearings like most off the rack clothing.  Check it out:






Want to try your hand at sewing, but not sure where to start?  Here's a tutorial for a super cute pillowcase from Sew Mama Sew.  It's an easy starter proect, great for new sewers or kids and it takes a yard of fabric.

Finally, The Art of Non-Conformity has a great article on their site from June called The One Year Alternative Graduate School Program that is filled with things to help you become a more well rounded person, intellectually.  Some of the recommendations are start a blog, acquire three new skills, and read 30 nonfiction books and 20 classic.I would love to eventually do all of these. Great for those who always want to be learning something

Around the Web

Here are some things I've really been loving on the internet lately:

• KIVA is a website that always users to make $25 micro loans to industrious people all around the world.  I currently have three loans going.  You can see pictures of all of them in the Kiva badge over on my sidebar.  The great thing about Kiva is that it's a loan, so you get your money back.  (Unless your loan is defaulted on by the borrower, which I guess can happen, but I've had good luck so far).  When you receive your repayments, you can either loan the money again, or you can withdraw your money and spend it on whatever you like.  If you have any interest at all in helping those around the world who have less than you, Kiva is a great way to do it. You can find more information for yourself, and look at some of the people you can fund at my Kiva invite page.
•  Soul Centererd Photography's note cards are the ones I had bought at Farmer's Market last week and just loved.  Turns out you she has a lot of her nature photography on her website.  If you love flowers or the outdoors, check out some of her galleries.  It makes me feel sad that I'm not a better photographer, but appreciative of those who have the gift.  Check out Soul Centered Photography here.  She also has an Etsy Shop if you want to buy some of your own note cards.
• And speaking of Etsy... Are you trying to get your New Year's Resolutions back on track?  Then you should probably check out Clean Mama Printables.  She has lots of organizing lists and worksheets for you.  Whether it's cleaning your house, organizing your blog, budgeting, planning meals, or getting ready for Christmas.  I have a couple of hers for sewing projects and some for blogging.  Everything I've ordered comes fast and is really professional looking.