While the new Elle Tea Creative is under construction and getting closer to launching, I wanted to take a few moments to introduce my latest project/creation/obsession.
Boise Native came about after a simple conversation with friends and how I had all these fun Boise and Idaho adventures this summer that I wanted to share with people. Yes, I could have posted them on my Elle Tea Creative blog, but the more I started brainstorming, the more it became apparent that I should create something new. Boisenative.life went live on 8.1.17! The goal of the new page is to share adventures and experiences in Boise, Idaho, and surrounding areas - whether that be restaurants, concerts, theater, cities, venues - the sky's the limit. We're still in the infancy stage, but there are a couple fun posts up and about 300 more in the works! 2017 has been an amazing adventure so far. Just to give you a sneak peak, here's what's live now, and what's coming up:
While you're waiting for the new site to go live, swing over to Boise Native and live out some Idaho adventures. <3 Lauren
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New things are in the works and one of them is a BRAND NEW Elle Tea Creative website!
This is just a teaser, but I'm so excited to be able to share the fresh and clean new look, new features, and even more new projects. I hope to have the new site up and running for you soon, but in the meantime, blog posts (because I do it so often) will be on hiatus to make the integration faster. Get excited! Ciao, LT Anyone that has known me for some time, probably knows, or will quickly discern that I'm a person of many goals, and I'm not afraid to share them. BUT ... some people are afraid. Whether it's fear of rejection, fear of failure, fear that no one will support you, or just laziness, many do not share their goals. My good friends Crab & Fish recently posted their own take on this very thing and while I can see their view, I disagree. But I don't love them any less. Feel free to read their post before continuing, or read mine then go back to theirs. Maybe their desire to keep their goals private stems from base experiences of sharing publicly and having those opinionated people on the world wide web post negative or unsupportive comments. At the end of their post, they discuss how they don't need the judgment that comes with failure. I've failed. And I admitted it on this blog. I'll continue to fail. I said I was going to post weekly and I've failed at that. And I will be the first to admit when my friends shared they would be posting this blog, and one goal that it stemmed from, my reaction was "I hate you" ... but in that's joking and loving way. I was quickly put in my spot, that even though I was joking, that was exactly what they were trying to avoid ... others sharing opinions to sway them from achieving their goals, changing their plans, or telling them how they should it should be done. I'm no afraid of sharing my goals. But, that doesn't invite someone to give their opinion and project their own experiences on us. It's MY goal. I'm going to do it MY way. And if I wanted help, I'll certainly ask for it. I have recently had my own experience with someone in my life doing this very thing. I've spent many days and hours depending my choices and defending my timeline, instead of being encouraged with positive feedback that wasn't laced with an alternative agenda. “We are in charge of our own lives and how we spend our time. You should never do something you don’t want to do. Lives are incredibly short. If it doesn’t feel right to do something then you have permission to not do it. Who cares what other people will think?” If we don't share goals, you never know who might be out there to help make you achieve them when you are stuck. I have some lofty goals, some that cannot happen without someone more talented than myself, and in the case below, nothing I would have ever thought up myself. Years, and years ago, I used to write poetry. Aside from a random Roses are Red or moment in time, I haven't written a new poem since I finished college and official creative writing classes. But a few weeks ago, Blackbird Singing by Paul McCartney landed in my lap and I made a comment that I used to write poetry to the man friend. Apparently that's not something I talk about much because for all he knew I only write fiction. He made the suggestion that I tried to publish the manuscript I had already prepared ... then went even further to suggest maybe he could turn some of my poetry into songs. He doesn't write lyrics, but he can write music and come up with a tune. Would it be amazing if this happened? YES! Will it? I don't know. We both have pretty crazy schedules alone with our normal activities. But maybe one day, you'll see me posting a song with my words and his amazing voice. This is just one example of sharing a goal that may never happen. I haven't made it a secret that I love to write. But do I write every single day like it is suggested by pretty much every professional writer out there? Not in the capacity I would like, not in format I would like. I spend days writing emails and doing nerdy tech projects. I write lists and lists, over and over, of ideas and projects, and my brain is filled with 30 story ideas, ebook creations, video projects, and more. But creativity comes when the timing is right, and for me, personally, cannot be rushed or pushed. If you put me in front of a blank screen every day for 30 minutes to write or to die, I cannot guarantee a word would be printed. Being forced into creativity, to think of an idea, or put something down when I'm not ready takes the passion and joy out of it for me. I don't rely on writing books (at this moment) to create a sustainable living environment. It's purely pleasure and fun. Why would I ruin that? November is Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). Guess what I'll be doing in November? Writing a novel! Crab & Fish have a great system that works for them when it comes to creating their goals. I love it! Do I share all my goals online for the world? Nope. But do I share them with the people I surround myself with? Sure do! Crab & Fish may only know 1/3 of my goals for the year, or the month, or the week, while someone else (like my mom or the man friend) might hear a completely different 1/3 set of goals. Here are a few examples of where sharing my goals has inspired me, lifted me up, encouraged me to keep going, and to keep sharing (because we never know who we end up inspiring along the way). If you want me to share some of my major goals for the year, leave me a comment. I encourage you to share your goals, even one, and ignore the haters. Because for every hater there are 30 people who have your back and want to see you succeed. My proof is below. Annyeong.
Ciao. Adios. Laters, baby. Miss a couple weekends and lot of things have gone on and a lot of fun new things to talk about. First off, who doesn't love writing blogs with this backdrop? I've been waiting for a day like today to relax, recoup, and refresh myself for the week(s) to come, to write blogs, and play around online, and finish up the the Alter Ego Reunion show that will go LIVE on Tuesday. YES! I promise. I've officially turned into someone with a billion ideas and blog posts in my brain ... which means there will be a lot of reviews and goodness coming your way. But that's not why you're here right now. The Interest List:
The Lit List:
The past few weeks have been a blur with my parents being out of town and managing 2 1/2 households. But this coming week will be filled with family in town, John Mellencamp, birthday parties, Big Wow, and the parental units coming home from their Italian adventure. Annyeong.
Ciao. Adios. Laters, baby. "A charming, classic hardbound book designed to promote kindness by leading little readers through basic manners, one letter at a time." The popular Jackson 5 song comes to mind when I think of my good friends' new book launch adventure. I've known Carrie since I was in junior high when she was my teacher. Fast forward about 15 years and I meet her sister Steph while working at CBH Homes. Their sister Amy, who I have yet to meet, but know I will love, rounds out the Three Squirrels. I have been so stoked, and so honored, to be privy to The Three Squirrels' first book since early on in the planning stages. Steph and I frequently bounce ideas past each other with our many side hustles, and when she told me of this idea, I could not wait to see how it turned out. The Three Squirrels' Alphabet Book of Manners is just as it says, but SOOOO much more. Each page spread is dedicated to one letter of the alphabet in custom designed colors and patterns, with a corresponding mannerism ... such as K is for Kindness and T is for Thank You. The three girls (aka squirrels) were raised by amazing parents who instilled in them the importance of manners. Now that they are mom's with their own littles (aka children), they have passed on these words of wisdom to their own, and ready to share with the rest of the world. I witnessed the TLC they put into this amazing 10x10 book perfect for hands of bigs and littles alike. The Three Squirrels' Alphabet Book of Manners just launched their Kickstarter Campaign and they need all of us! I personally backed them to get my hands on two copies of the book - one for my library and one to eventually share as a gift for a special little in my life. You have 28 days to jump in there and help support The Three Squirrels. Each backer above $25 comes away with at least one book and one button when the project hits its goal of $15,000. It's an amazing opportunity to support reading in kids, reading in general, local Boise authors, friends, sisters, side hustles .... AND MORE! Really, just go do it. Because the world needs more kids learning manners from day one, so they can grow into adults with amazing manners = world peace. #agirlcandream Thank you, Squirrels, for getting together to create a great book to help shape future generations, and remind bigs and littles that manners go a long way at every age.
Annyeong. Ciao. Adios. Laters, baby. Sometimes you order a single, sometimes you order a double. Sometimes you skip a week of Starbucks. Sometimes you indulge everyday. Sometimes after a week, I find that I haven't read enough new books, I haven't had enough new adventures, and I certainly might not have anything interesting to say. But it's all about creating a habit. The Interest List:
The Lit List:
I think this coming week will be full of new adventures, new fun, and of course, it's Boise so we're going to swing from the 50s to the near 80s all in a couple days. I feel the first days of poolside cocktails are almost upon us. Annyeong.
Ciao. Adios. Laters, baby.
The past week has flown by ... like speedy fast, I can't even believe it. And to think it was just over a week ago I was sitting on a beach in 80 degrees, beer in hand ... and today it looks a little cloudy to Boise, Idaho. On a happy front, Boise is going to hit the 80s this week!
There were a lot of shenanigans this week, a lot of firsts, great music, great friends, and some surprises coming soon.
The Interest List:
The Lit List:
I've been reading this one off and on for the past year, but finally trying to finish it up. It's an amazing book whose intention is to read one entry a day over 365 days to empower, motivate, inspire, and move you to create the best life you can live. Each entry gives you a pep talk, followed by a mantra to repeat, and a question to answer. Regardless of my current frame of mind on a given day or time, I get something out of each entry to help create a fulfilling life.
This was such a fun and amazing gift given to me for my birthday. Yes, it's an extremely quick read, but it was so much fun, inspiring, and took me back to my childhood. Each page is a life lesson gathered by one of the little golden books from our childhood, including the corresponding image. I could read it over and over again. And it will be a great gift to give others in the future.
I came across this read by chance this weekend sitting on a friend's coffee table. It soon followed me home, and was promptly read, and finished in less than 24 hours. Including lyrics and original poems by Paul McCartney, any Beatles fan, poetry fan, music fan, or collector will enjoy this compilation. I have already passed it along to my Beatles loving mother, who introduced me to the band back when I was a wee lass.
There is always more to come. More books to read. More fun to be had. And this week is already chocked full of shenanigans on the calendar so next Sunday will be a fun read. Until then.
Annyeong.
Ciao. Adios. Laters, baby.
I follow a lot of blogs, save a lot of posts, and hover over many others that have regular, weekly postings about what's trending in their life - the hot topics. I've tried this myself in the past. It might go for a week or two and then I forget to keep a list, or I get busy and I don't post.
But there is something satisfying about sharing great (or new) finds with those around us. Just yesterday, Pepper gave me a new laundry list of things to try out. None of them are listed below because I haven't tried them out yet, but I've already ordered some so it won't be long. You'll see them soon. So ... to hopefully keep this up every week, and not add more to the crazy life of 33, let's stick with 5 topics ... and it wouldn't be an Elle Tea post without a list of books.
The Interest List:
The Lit List (aka what I'm reading): James Patterson's Bookshots I've been obsessing over these books since they first started arriving and I can't keep up. I bought the first four that were released (and I want the whole set) but it's like one a week or so being released and I can't keep up. Quick 150 pages or less reads in paperback, audio, or ebook. Perfect for waiting in long times, traveling, or kids sports games on the sidelines. So lightweight you won't even realize you're carrying an hour of entertainment in your pocket.
This is a new series I probably never would have picked but had my fellow reader, TBK, who shares the secret obsession for romance novels, had not given me the first two books for my birthday. It was a perfect Mexican beach read.
Another birthday gift that was a perfect Mexico companion. I'm still early on in the book but I'm loving the writing and storyline so far. I am very intrigued to see how the story goes and what will happen. Stay tuned.
For about a year, I've been a member of Kindle First Reads where we are given the choice of one free Kindle book out of 4 or 5 choices at the first of each month. Sometimes nothing intrigues me, and I don't pick anything. But if you put Hemingway in the title, I'm instantly going to click. This fun and intriguing book is almost a history lesson along with literary nerd's dream come true. Each chapter provides a well know quote and dives into the history of where it came from, and in many cases how the quote has developed like a game of telephone - evolved and no longer quoted as it was originally stated. Very fun read so far.
Annyeong.
Ciao. Adios. Laters, baby. Yep. I said it.
And so have many others. It's okay to fail. When you don't give up. When you don't give in. When you know you're still going to succeed but maybe your brain was bigger than your stomach ... is that the phrase. Yesterday I was supposed to release something to you. Something new. Something big. Something fresh. I thought about the second season of my podcast, Alter Egos. Maybe a new choose your own adventure story published right here. Maybe an ebook published on Amazon just for kicks. Guess what?!? I failed. So, today - April 6th - you get a fresh look at my website. You get a new blog. You get me, working towards creating more great things at the moment they are supposed to happen. If I was going to force myself to produce something creative, let's be honest, it probably would have been crap. Because I wasn't ready. I've needed more ME time. More search and find and explore and experience and live ... time. Time to sing and dance and be a groupie and help others solve problems and create great things. To hustle at my real job. To hustle for my family. To hustle for my besties. To hustle wherever the hustle leads me. Part of that hustle is helping this man create a new brand for himself. We're works in progress. We appreciate feedback. And boy do we have fun. Here's the shameless plug for the evening - if you need some musical entertainment, some unabashed karaoke singing where everyone is Adele and Michael Jackson, or you just want someone to create a soundtrack to your backyard party ... this one knows how to do it. I promise you won't be disappointed when you click here. The witching hour arises. Ciao. Sometimes I give up things for lent, sometimes I give up things for New Years, sometimes I give up things just for the hell of it. February, the shortest month of the year, seemed like the perfect month for a little test drive for a new theory / adventure / challenge. 28 days didn't seem that long on February 1st. By February 7th, I was already counting down the days. On a whim, back in January, I threw out the idea that I wondered if I would be able to go a whole month without doing laundry, and wearing something new every single day for the entire month (aka 28 days in February). It was a joke. Until I decided it was time for a new challenge. It's been almost 2 years since the year of 30 ended and I was ready to do something new. So ... I threw it out there, and February 1st I stopped doing laundry and I made the attempt to wear a new outfit every single day of the month. The only exception was shoes and accessories (aka scarves, hats, jewelry) and the occasional wearing of the same jeans (but no laundry was done through this whole process). And surprisingly, it worked. Some days were harder than others. Sometimes I just wanted the easy way out with a pair of leggings and the same sweater. Putting together outfits using clothes I rarely wore became harder and harder. I think overall the biggest challenge were bottoms - jeans, leggings, slacks, tights, etc. In February, it was cold. Usually snowing or raining. It wasn't delightful. How do you stay warm when the amount of winter clothes starts to dwindle? GUESS WHAT?!? I succeeded. And even into March, with minimal laundry done so far (socks, underoos, pants) I am still pushing forward with wearing different tops from the closet that have not been worn since January. I think the main result is ... I own too many underoos and too many shirts. And I actually thought I would end up getting rid of more clothes because I would find they didn't spark joy in my life (shameless plug for The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up). There's only one thing left ... you want proof, don't you. Special thanks to those people who didn't balk when I requested day in and day out to take a photo of me (Fairy, cough, Fairy). Here's the low down left to right in order ... pretty sure there is a distinct (unintended) head tilt, cheesy smile, and reoccurring black boot scenario going on. Oh! And I might have a hot beverage addiction. I wonder what will be next ... Ciao. |
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August 2017
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