Time for Growth

So I haven't been around much this past week, but that doesn't mean I haven't been doing anything.  You may have (or maybe not) noticed that I refreshed the header for Chair in the Shade.  I'm not sure if it'll stay forever or not, but I thought it was time for a change.  I added pages so it's easy to find related posts about music, crafting, cooking, etc.  I also added LinkedWithin, so at the end of every post, you'll see a couple recommendations for other posts you may be interested in.

In my personal time, I've been reading more, listening to podcasts and striving to live a more organized, intentional life.  I'll be sharing more about it in future posts.   I have all sorts of blog news and personal plans to share very soon.

Objects vs. Experiences for Mother's Day

I recently listened to a Stuff You Should Know podcast about whether objects or experiences make us happier. It was pretty conclusive that experiences win almost all the time.

So, with Mother's Day just around a day away, if you haven't found a gift for your mama yet, don't fret.  Craftsy is having a mondo sale this weekend.  Why don't you buy a new experience for you mom instead of another scented candle.

Craftsy has a wide variety of classes that you can take at your own pace.  Once you purchase a class, you have access to it forever so you never have to worry about it expiring or getting locked out.

There's a ton of topics available too at various skill levels. Whether your mom wants to learn cake decorating, knitting, quilting, or maybe something totally different, there's a Craftsy class to help her learn.  And this weekend, select classes are $20.00 making many classes super affordable- $25 or less.

I've taken several classes from Craftsy in the past, and have always been very happy with the results, I'm sure you mom will be too.

I am a Craftsy Affiliate, but only recommend companies I believe have true value.  All opinions are my own.

It's National Craft Month!

Did you guys know that March is National Craft Month?  I can see why March would be the choice month.  It's starting to finally warm up, so you aren't in a snow-coma anymore, but you can't really go outside and start digging in the dirt yet.  So March is the perfect time to try a new craft and Craftsy has plenty to choose from. Whether you want to try cake decorating, jewelry making, or something else, Craftsy is a great place to start.

I've talked before about how awesome I think Craftsy is, but if you haven't checked them out yet, there's no better time than now.  Want to know why?

1. Classes are at your schedule.  If you want to watch a lesson a day, a week, a month, it's your call.  There's no limit to how fast or how slow you have to go through the material.  You can also ask questions and help fellow students, or not.  It's your choice.  It can be as interactive as you want it to be.  Share pictures of your progress- or don't.  It's your call.

2. Access to your class never expires.  You can refer back to a video anytime you like, skip ahead to the part you're looking for, or rewatch  the whole thing- your call.

3. Try something new and don't worry about being bad at it.  Want to try your hand at sourdough bread?  Craftsy can teach you how.  And if your first batch is awful, no one needs to know.  :)  You learn in the privacy of your own home, at your pace.  You don't have to worry about sitting next to that ultra competitive person in class, because it's all online.

4. Craftsy has a satisfaction guarantee.  You have 30 days to try out your class, and if it's just not your cup of tea, they will refund your purchase.  I've never had to take them up on this, but it's nice to know it's there.

5.  And now is the perfect time because all classes are on sale!  But you have to hurry!  The sale ends Monday!  So if you've been wondering about Craftsy, now's your opportunity.  Give it a shot.  You got nothing to lose and so much to learn!

Note: All links in this post are affiliate links, but all opinions are my own.

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