Web Time Wasters

How was your week, guys?  I got a car (a tiny red stick-shift), a phone (that has actual buttons instead of a touch screen) and spent a lot of time with my BFF of 20 years.  When I met her for brunch we were inadvertently wearing the same outfit and now our cars match.  Perhaps that should be awkward, but I just think it's awesome.

Bring on the links!

I like this!  Permission to just effing relax

I can’t think of a single time in my life where I’ve felt consistently relaxed and in control of everything that needs to get done. Even back in elementary school it was like, “I have to memorize the state capitals and practice playing my recorder and help my mom with chores and decide what to do the next time Ben Sherman chases me around the playground to kiss me because he wants to play ‘husband and wife tag.’"

45 Steps to a happy marriage

Over on the Travel Savvy boards, we're talking about how we stay healthy when we travel (I go to local doctors!) and what/how we eat when we're on vacation.

I'm quite concerned/vain about the state of my teeth but I liked this slide show of celebrities who refuse to get their teeth "fixed"

My summers at nerd camp!  (Did you go to camp?  I WENT TO SAFETY PATROL CAMP!  Yes, that's a thing)

We could all use this, no?  10 small talk appropriate questions to ask instead of "So, when are you two going to have kids?"

Gorgeous, gorgeous Indian wedding.

This mix tape of Afropop is fantastic for summer.

Awesome!  They Draw And Travel (maps illustrated by artists around the world - Thanks Sharisse!)

On the Every Buddy Boards, we're talking about attaining the standard of living we grew up with, ways to travel cheaply and our favorite beauty rituals.

Russell Brand is kind, intelligent and articulate.  Who knew?  I loved his piece about Amy Winehouse.

I arrived late and as I made my way to the audience through the plastic smiles and plastic cups I heard the rolling, wondrous resonance of a female vocal. Entering the space I saw Amy on stage with Weller and his band; and then the awe. The awe that envelops when witnessing a genius. From her oddly dainty presence that voice, a voice that seemed not to come from her but from somewhere beyond even Billie and Ella, from the font of all greatness. A voice that was filled with such power and pain that it was at once entirely human yet laced with the divine. My ears, my mouth, my heart and mind all instantly opened. Winehouse. Winehouse? Winehouse! That twerp, all eyeliner and lager dithering up Chalk Farm Road under a back-combed barnet, the lips that I’d only seen clenching a fishwife fag and dribbling curses now a portal for this holy sound. So now I knew. She wasn’t just some hapless wannabe, yet another pissed up nit who was never gonna make it, nor was she even a ten-a-penny-chanteuse enjoying her fifteen minutes. She was a genius.

8 ways to be absolutely exquisite!  Yes, please.

Are you guys on Google+ yet?  Let's be friends!  Don't quite understand Google+?  My girl Enna said "Google+'s motto should be "It's like Facebook, except you get to treat your online profile like a brand, and you don't have to deal with 50,000 annoying game invites per day, and you get group chat and video chat features but otherwise it's exactly like Facebook, so come on down!"

Also!  I'm working on a new project and I'm looking to interview someone who has worked a tourist season in Alaska and someone who's taken part in Teach For America.  Email me at sarah (at) yesandyes (dot) org.

Share any good links you found this week in the comments!

Because Bored = Boring

"‘I’m bored’ is a useless thing to say. I mean, you live in a great, big, vast world that you’ve seen none percent of. Even the inside of your own mind is endless. The fact that you’re alive is amazing, so you don’t get to say ‘I’m bored.’"
-Louis CK

The Art of Self Love

This guest post comes to us via the lovely and amazing Ashe.  She writes about style, fashion and life on the regular on Dramatis Personae.  Do pop over and say hello!

It scares me that every day I see more and more women (and men!) who have given up or are giving up on loving themselves.  The notion of making themselves their #1 priority has slowly melted away to fad diets and fast food, children, neuroses, clean households, overworking themselves and indulging themselves too little.

It breeds a lot resentment, unhappiness, and sadness in a life that should otherwise be filled with wonder, excitement, and amazement (have you WATCHED the Discovery or History Channel lately? Tell me there’s not a big world to get excited about. I dare you).

I won’t create a list of things I wouldn’t do with the aim of inspiring you. But more and more lately, I’m finding that being a doormat in my own life doesn’t make me happy, nor does it make the important people in my life happy (after all, the fella LIKES it when I challenge him and tell him what I want!).

So here are the ways I remind myself that I get to be the #1 priority in my life, and how I revel in it.

♥ Build yourself a totem and wear it every day.

For years I’ve worn a necklace with a unicorn pendant and lightning bolt. It’s been lost, it’s broken, but I won’t part with it.  Similarly, I’ve been wanting to build myself a charm bracelet, to include fleur de lises, unicorns, lightning bolts, peacocks– all icons that resonate with me. Whether you wear it in jewelry, as a favorite shirt or scarf, it’s a tattoo or a love note in your purse, have something with you at all times that is the core of you and everything you stand for.

♥ Create a playlist of YOUR songs: songs that resonate deep inside of you.

Pick songs that empower you, shake your emotional core, perk you up and make you stand confident.  I’ve found that having a playlist of “Ashley Songs” helps me any day of the week- through the mean reds, bright days, and bottles of whiskey depression days.

• East End Girl – Cock Sparrer
• Someday You Will Be Loved – Deathcab For Cutie
• Candy – Iggy Pop
• Never Met A Girl Like You Before – Iggy Pop
• Walk the Line – Johnny Cash
• Help Me – Joni Mitchell
• Falling In Love – Lisa Loeb
• West End Girl – Pet Shop Boys
• Control – Poe
• Heat of the Moment – Asia
• No Regrets – Aesop Rock

Play them loud and proud, and love them, even if you’re not sure why.

♥ Find your safe space. Don’t let others invade it.

My electric bill spikes during certain months as I seek comfort in nightly hot baths, and I enjoy them when I want “me” time– the only one allowed in is the kitten. There are parks in the city that I will only visit with the fellow, as he’s content to sit quietly with me and enjoy the sound of the wind and the trees. Find the spaces that bring you a overwhelming ease & contentment. Visit as often as necessary.

♥ Pick a favorite treat and eat it when you want, without thought about the calories.

For me, it’s those little birthday cakes you get in the grocery store bakery. Chocolate, with the sugar filled buttercream frosting. Sometimes I have one as often as once a month, split with the fella, just because we can.

♥ Don’t compromise too much. Being a doormat’s no fun.

It’s easy to fall in a habit of “you can choose” with our partners and friends. I’m horrible, HORRIBLE about it. Some days, it really annoys me. So more & more, I try to say, “I don’t want to watch that on TV. I want to watch this. I know you don’t like it, but I watch (SHOW), and I don’t like IT.”  It’s a small concession for most of us, and it’s not necessarily a major compromise. But if I received a nickle for everything a gal I knew did it & felt pleased with herself, I could buy a new pair of shoes.

♥ Speaking of shoes… treat yourself first once in a while.

It’s easy to get caught up in giving your kids the newest coolest, or buying flowers & dinner for your loved one. But you’re your own loved one, too. So before you buy your beau (or kid!) another new video game, buy yourself that coveted pair of shoes. You deserve it, too, damn it.

♥ Dream Big, Plan Bigger
Don’t forfeit your dreams. Bring those in your life in to them, too. Plan your dreams out. Have imaginary dreams, realistic dreams, small accomplished ones.

Look, I’ve never had a dream in my life
Because a dream is what you wanna do, but still haven’t pursued
I knew what I wanted and did it till it was done
So I’ve been the dream that I wanted to be since day one!

Let’s start a Self-Love Movement! What are you tried and true ways of reminding yourself that you are your own #1 All Star Super Love?

32 New Things: Drink Wine On A Boat

 

Here's is something you should know about my 32 New Thing list, friends.  Sometimes, I just get so excited about crossing things off said list, I will jump at any opportunity to do so.  Regardless of how suitable the opportunity is.

A few weeks ago, I was visiting friends in Sydney and we decided to take the ferry to Manly.  Minnesota isn't exactly rife with ferries, so I saw this as a chance to drink wine on a floating vessel.  We were so keen to do this that we splashed out on the fancy ferry and shrieked (at 9:00 am) at the poor ticket seller

"Is there a bar on board?!"

"Yes."

"And does it have wine?"

"Does the bar on the ferry have wine?  Yes, it does"

(Here you can imagine his eye-rolling over two shrill Americans asking dumb questions about getting drunk on a 20 minute ferry ride on a Sunday morning..)

But because we're laaaadies, we saved the wine-drinking for our return voyage at 5:00 pm, when we each plunked down $7 for a mini bottle of wine and a plastic cup.

Now, friends.  I know nothing about wine.  Nothing.  I know it comes in red and white and I know that I don't like the white kind that makes me jaw bones hurt under my ears.

But I do know this.  The wine I bought on that ferry was quite possibly the worst wine I've ever had.  It tasted like vinegar mixed with dish water.

And sadly no views of the opera house or sunsets along the harbor could make me finish that glass.  Sad trombone!

I am, however, clever enough to realize that not all wine on every boat can be bad.  So I will happily continue to jump at the possibility to imbibe aboard whenever possible.

Have you ever ate or drank anything special on a boat?  (In my initial fantasy, I was drinking a nice Shiraz on a yacht with a bunch of attractive people like a scene out of The Talented Mr. Ripley.  Except without that whole messy sociopath Matt Damon thing)

Notes From The Road: San Francisco + Sacramento

For the last nine months, I've been living out of a backpack in India, Nepal, Thailand, Laos, Malaysia, New Zealand and Australia.  This is my last stop before I return home to Minnesota!  You can read about my other travel adventures here.

Oh hai, America!

It warms my little heart whenever I go through American customs and the border patrol says "Welcome home, Ms. Von Bargen" (instead of "How did you hear about Peru?")

It's been lovely being back in the states, particularly in Heaven On Earth (re: San Francisco and Sacramento).  I've been so busy hiking and picniking and Napa-ing and Lake Tahoeing and blog buddy meeting, I really didn't take that many photos.

how cute are Amy and Tami?!

How do you guys deal with post-travel, post-vacation life?  I've got to hit the ground running with heaps of family catch ups, lots of new copy-writing clients and navigating a summer at the lake without high speed internet (!!!!) (that's the sound of me frantically searching for contract-free mobile broadband with coverage in rural Minnesota)

All The Ways That We're Adorable

There's an interesting conversation going on over at the Every Buddy boards about going out in public without makeup.  One lovely lady made a comment about being lucky enough to have long dark lashes that didn't require mascara.

And then she wrote:
I was just staring at this post trying to figure out how to make people not hate me while sharing my eyelash anecdote. Why is it so hard to say nice things about yourself? Especially physically? *sigh*

Yes. Yes!  Let's not do this.  Let's not feed into that foolishness. I think it's high time we discussed the ways in which we're adorable. 

I'll start!

* I have fat, full lips.  On occasion I've actually been asked if they're real!
* I have long, thick hair the color of toffee.  Again, I am regularly asked if it's real.
* I have nice little hands with pinkies that I inherited from my father and grandfather.
* I have straight white teeth.  (Thanks, Dr. Stein!)
* I have legs that are juuuust the right amount of curvy.

Now you! 

90s Dance Acapella. Also: August Ad Space!

I would like to take this opportunity to tell you that watching Glee brings me almost as much joy as watching funny cat videos on Youtube.

So now you know.

Now that I've got that off my chest, perhaps we could talk about August ad space?  Maybe you've got something awesome you'd like to tell the internet about?  Conveniently enough, I've got a space where you can do so.  Fancy that!

Sponsorships are available in one, two and three month packages with pricing discounts at two and three months.  Sponsors who sign up for a two month package with receive an introduction post and three month sponsors have the option of a giveaway, if they're interested.  Ads are shuffled mid month, so everybody gets a chance for the top spot.

Some facts about Yes and Yes?

Daily hits: 3,200 - 3,500 a day

Page views: 150,000+ per month

Twitter followers: 1,990+

Facebook fans: 1,320+

Google Page Rank: 4
Google reader subscribers: 4,770+

Some of the nice things that readers have said about Yes and Yes?

"I read it every single day, and sometimes twice a day, and then when I go back to read it a third time, I throw up a fist of fury when I realize I've already read your blog twice in a two hour span, and that NO there won't be ANY MORE blog posts until 6am tomorrow morning." - L.C.

"A friend turned me on to Yes and Yes about six months ago, and I just wanted you to know that I am continually inspired and delighted by it! Reading it makes me want to live a more interesting life, but also makes me feel like that is totally plausible." - A. E.

"Ever since I stumbled upon your blog, you have totally changed my life. And I don't say that lightly." - R. C.

Isn't that lovely?  Don't you want to introduce your product or blog to such awesome people?  Let's do it together!  Email me at sarah (at) yesandyes (dot) org to organize a sponsorship.

True Story: I'm a Lady Body Builder

note: This is not Peggy

This is one of many True Story interviews in which we talk to people who have experienced interesting, amazing, challenging things.  This is the story of Peggy and her body building.

Tell us a bit about yourself!
I am currently from Spokane, WA.  I transplanted from Iowa 11 years ago, after graduating college.  I’m 36 years old and work in the wireless industry as a sales rep.  Workdays can be 8-12 hours long.  In my spare time I spend time with my spouse and friends.  I have recently gotten into road biking, so summers are spent on the bike. I don’t really have a lot of spare time when I'm in contest mode, so the bit  of time I do have is spent resting.

How did you get interested in bodybuilding?
My interest in bodybuilding came originally from a friend presenting a challenge, “You do it, I do it.”  That was in fall 2003, my first show was April 2004.  I have been doing it every spring since then except 2006.  I have really enjoyed seeing the changes in my body ever since.

What are your workouts like?
My workouts start anywhere from 4:45am to 7:00 am, depending on my work schedule and when the gym opens.  I have a four-day rotation on body parts so that allows me to workout pretty much seven days a week if I wanted.  I do take Friday mornings as cardio-only so my body kind of gets the rest day it needs.  Weight workouts take about an hour, a bit longer by the time I am done with calves and abs every day. 

How are bodybuilders judged?
Competitions are judged on symmetry, definition, muscularity, and overall appearance.  There are certain criterion judges look for and follow, but there is still subjectivity within.  It’s similar to dancing.  What one judge thinks is good another may not.  Some years the bigger but not as lean girl wins, others it is the one with less muscularity but leaner.  Unfortunately, you never know and it’s too late to make any changes when you’re on stage.

How do you prepare for a competition?
Preparing for a contest is a year-long progression for me.  I step off stage and am on my diet the very next meal.  I do it year round, increasing calories in the off-season to gain size and work on weak areas, but then cut down as the date approaches.  I start doing cardio about 2-3 months out, depending on how much body fat I put on.  The week of my show, I cut sodium out for about the last four days, cut out carbs Monday through Thursday and bring them back in on Friday.  I dehydrate no later than Friday through the night show Saturday. 

Being female, it’s sometimes hard to gauge the water.  Tapering the water from my usual three gallons, two gallons, one gallon, half gallon and then none starting Monday or Tuesday.  By Wednesday, I've stopped working so I can prepare food, get my skin dye applied and keep  my feet up.  On Friday, I travel if necessary, weigh in that evening, relax and visualize my poses as well as practice them. 

Contest day is about the same.  Backstage, I play some of my music to calm down and fire up.  Usually, I don’t interact with competitors too much.  Going onstage I’m going to show the judges all the hard work I’ve put in and hit everything as hard and solid as I know I can.  I’ve practiced these poses for two months, so now I have to show them my work.

How did the people in your life react when you started bodybuilding?
At first, people were unsure.  I was packing my meals around, eating things they didn’t really eat and  performing in front of a lot of people.  Being the quiet, shy person they knew me to be, this was NOT what they ever expected of me to do. 

But, they have always been supportive and attended events.  They know I work hard and like to see the results as well.  They joke that I never smile on stage so when I do, they love it more, as do I.  My spouse has been more than supportive and is the one that puts up with the mood swings, the tiredness, hunger and all the things that go with this.  It took a lot for me to be comfortable with someone else making my chicken and prepping my daily meals, but there is an understanding of importance so I know it will be done with care and accuracy.  My parents always wish me well and by first thing post show morning, I have a text congratulating me.  Everyone is great!

What are the biggest misconceptions about women's body building?
People think I’m into enhancements/supplements because of how much bigger and fuller my muscles are.  I have had to change my mindset and take this as a compliment since I don’t use anything.  I just have stuck with the hard work to finally get to this kind of a body.  I don’t veer from healthy choices and I work my butt off.

What advice would you give to other people who are interested in bodybuilding?
Work with someone if possible to give you some guidance for nutrition, workouts, and actual posing.  There is a certain amount of commitment you have to give to this, but you don’t have to go in thinking you need to be all muscles and big the first time on stage.  If you want to compete, but want to start somewhere, then commit and start.  If you like it, then stick to it and make your next commitment.  It’s the off-season that can make or break you.  If you don’t like it, then walk away a better person knowing you did something pretty phenomenal.

Any questions for Peggy?  Do any of your lift seriously?

Web Time Wasters

How was your week, friends?  I saw both of my grandmas, two cousins, two aunts, rode in the car for 7,000 hours and remembered that few things smell better than wet swimsuits on a hot day.

Awesome links, you say?

I've never been to Nicaragua, but this gorgeous post has me intrigued.

I'm sure you guys are familiar with the horror that is the Pickup Artist Community.  Here's an academic approach to all that foolishness.

On the Every Buddy boards, we're giving advice on what to do if you're failing classes at college but don't know what else to do, sharing our favorite blogs and our techniques to save money.

I'm not 100% sold on having children (though I'd love to play with yours and then give them back!) but then I read things like this and I think: hmmmm.

Pretty, blinged-out friendship bracelets

If you're trying to get healthy or lose weight, perhaps you could learn something from my girl Amy!  What I've Learned While Losing 40 Pounds

Oh, my.  I am obsessed with these neon/metallic animal figurines.  This post isn't actually a how-to, but I imagine they'd be pretty easy to replicate!

On the Travel Savvy boards we're talking about amazing travel moments, live and learn travel lessons and what type of souvenirs we buy.

I'm a quarter Swedish and a quarter Norwegian, so I was really intrigued by this article on Viking women and their roles in (surprisingly egalitarian) Viking society.

I never imagined I'd find a recipe for kale and honeydew salad appealing.  And then I found this one.

What links do you love this week?  Put 'em in the comments!

Best List Ever List

If you made a list of the ways and reasons you fell for you beloved, what would it say?
via

Mini Travel Guide: Turkey

This is one of many Mini Travel Guides that will whet our collective appetites for international puddle jumping.  This guide comes to us from the lovely Iris!

Turkey is a country bridging both Europe and Asia, which probably contributes to some of the issues that seem to pull the country in different directions. For a quick historical introduction there's the Ottoman Empire and then also the founder of modern Turkey, Ataturk. The country has a lot to offer visitors culturally, geographically, culinarily and socially, including: Mediterranean beaches, Whirling Dervishes, ancient tombs, the birthplace of the Ottoman Empire, Hittite castles, intricate mosques and more. People are friendly and genuinely pleased if you can speak a bit of Turkish. I lived in Turkey for four months as part of a study abroad experience.  I am by no means an expert or a local,but I hope I can give a decent introduction to this amazing place.

Must Go

(I purposefully left out Istanbul here. It's a wonderful place, but Turkey has so much more!)

Kapadokya

Kapadokya, the land of 'fairy chimneys' and rock-cut churches, is a geographical marvel located in central Turkey. Make sure you see the Three Beauties and the Goreme Open Air Museum. A hot air balloon ride over the area wouldn't be a bad idea, either.

Mount Nemrut

You might want to take a trip to the southeast of Turkey, where the topography and climate are different. You can base yourself in Sanliurfa, but you'll need to go a bit north and hire a tour company to take you up Mount Nemrut to see what remains of the large statues from a 1st century B.C. royal tomb, not to mention the amazing view. On your way up, you may be able to stop by the weaving school to see what the locals are up to.

Olimpos

Turkey is a great country to backpack and I would be remiss if I didn't mention one of the great gathering places of the young traveler. Stay in cabins on stilts, nestled in orange groves...or stay at one of the more partying treehouse communities. Walk five minutes to the Mediterranean coast, climb cliffs overlooking ancient ruins, eat figs from the forests below, see the flames of the chimaera come out of a rocky mountain, and afterward go to the dance bar with a roof open to the sky. 

Must Do

Turkish Bathhouse (Hamam)

Typically the routine goes as follows: you undress, sit in a marble sauna for a bit, a woman exfoliates a bajillion layers of dead skin off your body and then you're done. It makes your skin feel like new! All hamams are gender-separated except for the really expensive ones in resort towns. Most are either partially or fully nude, although men's hamams are generally never fully nude. 

Shop for Turkish Carpets

Even a broke college kid in her early 20s can afford a beautiful flat-woven Turkish kilim and turn it into an instant family heirloom. Prices are cheaper outside of Istanbul but be sure to haggle a bit anyways. This is very much a haggling culture.

Must Eat

Ayran

Ayran is a traditional salty, yogurt drink. You can purchase it pre-made at restaurants, or even add your own salt and water to a mixture from the super market.

Iskender Kebap

Europe is familiar with the fast food 'kebab', while America is familiar with the 'shish kebab.' There are so many other different ways to prepare this thinly-sliced, slow-cooked lamb. Iskender kebap may be one of the fancier versions, with wide slices of lamb served with tomato sauce and yogurt (oh, the yogurt, soooo good). I could go on forever about the food.

Raki

97% of the country might be Muslim, but Turkey is a secular state and they have a 'national' alcoholic drink. Raki is an anise-flavored spirit much like Greece's ouzzo. So if you don't like black licorice, stay away. Maybe add a bit of water to dilute the intensity a pinch.

Cultural Tip 

The headscarf issue is a touchy topic in Turkey. Women were not allowed to wear the hijab at public universities, government jobs, as teachers, etc. The rules have been changing recently, but as a visitor you should know that the only times you must wear a headscarf is when visiting a mosque. I would dress more modestly when in more conservative regions such as the east or the south of Turkey (possibly in Konya, too), but there is no necessity to do so elsewhere.

Travel on the Cheap 

A large portion of the population travels by bus and mini-bus. If you want to get around on the cheap, you should too. The buses have bus-attendants who bring snacks up and down the aisles and if it's an overnight bus trip you'll get to stop at a neon-lit 24/7 bus stop selling candy and lentil soup. I miss that bus stop lentil soup!

Any Turkey travel tips to share?  Questions for Iris?

Overwhelmed with wanderlust?  Check out my ebooks/podcasts on quitting the cubible and hitting the road.  Only $15 for 12,000 words!

Notes From The Road: Taiwan, Ho!

For the last nine months I've been living out of a backpack, poking around India, Nepal, Thailand, Laos, Malaysia and New Zealand.  Now I'm making my way home to Minnesota through Australia, Taiwan and California.  You can read about previous adventures here.

I'm not usually into 16 hour layovers.  Really, that sounds slightly awful, doesn't it?  However!  It is significantly less awful if you actually used to live in the place of your 16 hour layover and you've been quietly keening for a healthy serving of Tepanyaki with a side of bubble milk tea.

From August 2004 - April 2006, I joined legions of other twenty-somethings teaching English in Asia.  It's practically a rite of passage if you earned a liberal arts degree and own a backpack.  And really, I can't recommend it highly enough.  Teaching ESL abroad in your twenties won't really fill out your resume or make you any more employable, but it will make you significantly braver, gustier and more interesting.  Also, you'll develop a whole new appreciation for clothing that's available in sizes larger than 6.

I spent my 16 hours in Taiwan doing all my favorite things:  eating fantastic food (dan bing, tepanyaki, bubble milk tea), visiting temples, buying designer knock-offs, getting a cheap mani/pedi and stopping by my old haunts.  I'm not sure if I'd want to live in Taiwan again, but revisiting it was nothing short of magical.

Have any of you taught English in Asia (or elsewhere abroad)?  I worked with Hess and it's a great place to start - lots of training and support!

July Network of Nice Hookups!

Welcome to this month's karma-generating machine!  See someone you can help out?  Email 'em!  See someone who can help you?  Same!

And if someone is kind enough to lend you hand?  We say thank you, right?  Because we weren't raised by wolves, right?

I need a hook up!

I'd love an email pen-pal 

My name is Martina and I am a 22-years-old Italian girl. I would love to find Internet penpals from all over the world to know more about their culture and way of living. In exchange I would be more than happy to help them learn about the Italian language and culture. My interests range from reading to watching movies to music and much more! I am looking forward to getting to know the lovely readers of Yes and Yes :)
martina_t89@libero (dot) it

I'd like to find a travel buddy for weekends around the UK
I'm a 28 year old Australian girl living in London and I am keen to see as much of the UK as I can in the next little while, before I go home next March. I am recently single and whilst I have some lovely friends here, all are in relationships and I don't fancy always being the third wheel in their romantic getaways. Would love to meet someone who would also like some UK adventures (or even longer Russian, Greek or Moroccan ones actually)!bechudson83@gmail (dot) com

I need help meeting people from the Clearwater FL areaMy husband and I are hoping to move to Clearwater FL early next year and I would love to meet some people before we go out there, whether they can help with a job search or are just someone I would know outside of my family when I move down there. Food, photography, crafts, and movies pretty much sums us up!
afterninetofive (at) gmail.com

I need a Spanish-speaking email pen-pal

I am looking for someone (perhaps an email-penpal) to teach and help me practice Spanish. I took a beginner's course last semester in University and I'm hoping to maintain what I've learned while learning more. Thanks!

elaviel (at) hotmail (dot) com. 

I need to know about teaching English in a Spanish-speaking country
I'm currently in Austin with B.A.s in Spanish and English which are not being put to use, so I'd love any information about working/teaching in a Spanish-speaking country: TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certification programs, finding work, finding housing, and traveling abroad with a pet! I have a pup who's been my pal for 3 years, and I can't imagine leaving her here while I go on such an adventure.
christalouwho@gmail (dot) com

I need to know about moving to Berkeley

Hi I am a twenty-two year old from the East Coast who is relocating to West Berkeley, California this coming September. While I already have my housing covered, I would love some suggestions on things to do, places to go in the Bay Area. I will also be working San Francisco. I'm a complete newb when it comes to the West Coast so anything that you think I should know would be greatly appreciated--how to dress for that NorCal fog, hip bands (I'm a music addict), or really anything that you think is a "must-do"! Thanks!

gracebabcock02@gmail (dot) com

I'd love to meet people in San Francisco

I'm 32 and just moved to San Francisco from Minneapolis for my husband's work. I spend most of my days in my apartment working on my dissertation which, unfortunately for me, often means a lot of time daydreaming about redecorating and talking to very few people. I think I need some lady friends in this city! I like to visit farmer's markets, thrift stores, coffee shops and any place where I can watch puppies frolic (because really, who doesn't love THAT?)

kaitlinjohnson@gmail (dot) com

I need advice on moving to Greece
I am relocating to Athens, Greece in August.  Any advice on being an American ex-pat in Greece or tips for making the most of the city would be greatly appreciated.  Even better if you are in Athens and would like to share a cup of coffee!  Thanks!
kerstenmarie@gmail (dot) com

I need to meet people in Sydney
I just moved to Sydney to do my Masters. Seeking people who would like to discover Sydney as well! Mainly somebody to check out restaurants/sights/gigs etc. with :) If you're looking for a partner to try new stuff, do get in touch!
ice_mints04@yahoo (dot) com

I need to meet people in Brisbane, Australia.

Calling all fun, friendly Brisbane-based girls - wanna hang out with me? I've just moved here with my boyfriend (we're from Scotland) and we don't know anyone at all. I'm in serious need of some girl mates! If you like hanging out in cafes, browsing vintage shops, chomping on sushi and exploring the city's hidden gems, then it would be great to hear from you.
bex_jamieson@hotmail.co (dot) uk

I can give you a hook up!

I can help new writers with proofreading/editing

I know how difficult it can be to express exactly what you mean in words! Getting the words just right when you have been staring at those same words for hours, even months, on end is not easy! I can offer reliable, experienced, guidance and support for anyone attempting to write something (e.g. manuscript, book, blog, article...anything...), and especially if this is your first attempt at writing!  

theeditor@theeditor(dot)co(dot)nz

I can help you have a great time in NYC without emptying your wallet

I'm Claire, a soon-to-graduate college student living about 30 minutes out of New York City. Over the past few years, I've perfected the art of living it up in the City on a skimpy budget, and if you're in the area, I can help you do the same! From unforgettable donut shops to fantastic views to cheap entertainment or drinks (or both simultaneously!), there is so much to do in this crazy place if you take the time to find it. See you soon!

clairesuellentrop@gmail.com

I can offer advice about writing press releases for your business.

Do you have an event/product that you'd like to publicise, but no idea how to go about it? As a journalist I can give you some tips on how to lay out your press release, what information to include, and who to target. 

bex_jamieson@hotmail.co (dot) uk

Let the good-deed-doing begin!

Real LIfe Style Icon: Lilli of Frocks and Frou Frou

This is one of our (semi-regular) interviews with real life style icons - pretty, smart, awesome ladies whose closets we want to raid.  Say hello to the lovely Lilli of Frocks and Frou Frou!

Name: Lilli
Age: Thirty-three, and old enough to know better!
Location: Melbourne. Style capital of the country.
Online haunts: Frocks and Frou Frou, Tumblr and Twitter

Three reasons that you're awesome
I'm pretty good at knowing where to shop to find good, affordable, different fashion that fits a broad range of shapes and sizes. Also I'm pretty good at using my VERY basic sewing skills to personalize boring things like plain cardigans. And I have a great sense of direction.

What are you wearing right now, as you type this?
Jeans, a stripy t-shirt, and a cardigan that I remixed by sewing multi-coloured bunting appliques to.

What is the last item of clothing you bought?
A fabulous custom-made black dress from Melbourne-based seamstress Leah May

What is the item of clothing you most covet at the moment?
I just got proposed to, so I've been looking at some amazing wedding dresses. "Coveting" is right though - I work in publishing, so we're planning a DIY budget wedding and I don't want to blow the budget too badly on a dress I might wear for 8 hours of my life.

Tell us about a favorite childhood memory about your clothes.
Oh so many! The apricot, puff-sleeved dress that was probably my first store-bought dress ever - given to me for Christmas and I probably wore it for three weeks straight. The time my Nana took me shopping for my birthday and I got to choose my own outfit (another first). I got a skirt and top ensemble of hot pink and black stripes and a wide elasticized belt. Probably my best, and earliest memory of clothes was dancing at my aunt's wedding at the age of four in a dress and pinafore ensemble that my Mum had sewn for me and which was passed down over and over again and is now waiting patiently for the next generation.

What is your best thrifting score?Chie Mihara shoes from eBay - she's an amazing Spanish shoe designer who worked in the orthopedic sector learning about foot anatomy and common foot problems before setting up her own label catering for women who want to be stylish AND comfortable. Her shoes cost a fortune new, but I picked up an awesome pair in blues and greens from eBay NiB for a fraction of the price.

Could you tell us your top three style tricks/DIYs?
I'm a big fan of getting things custom-made by independent designers from Etsy. It's often cheaper than buying off the rack, and you get something original, unique, well-made, and made to fit. And you're supporting individuals, rather than massive corporations.

I also like buying really plain, basic pieces and personalizing them to inject them with a bit of personality. Anyone who can hold a needle can replace the buttons on a cheap $10 cardigan from Target with something cute and different, and it doesn't take much more skill to applique a bow, or some ribbons, or a kite or something fun to the front.

Wear a slip under skirts and dresses. They're old-fashioned, but they really give a noticeably smoother line under clothes, and your skirt won't get as badly stuck to your tights!

Thanks so much, Lilli!  Do you guys have any questions for our Real Life Style Icon?