First off, can we just talk about how it’s almost AUGUST? Geesh. Where has this year gone? In honor of this year blowing past way too fast, let’s take a moment to slow down and revisit one of your favorite the[artful]abode posts, the Real Simple roundup. Get excited, people!
1. How to Snack Smarter. For as long as I can remember, my big brother has to lovingly referred to me as “snackie”. Sure, it’s not the best nickname, but it’s nothing if not accurate. I’m a bonafide small-meal snack-a-holic. I schedule my work day around my morning and afternoon snacks and always have to be sure I have a snackie in my purse if I’ll be away from the house for more than a few hours. Blame it on hypoglycemia or low blood sugar… or pure insanity. This article is the perfect one for me – and all of you as well! RS points out the pros to snacking, or eating small meals throughout the day (keeps your metabolism running, puts you in a good mood, etc). Plus, it gives some great suggestions for healthy, yummy snacks that provide a good combo of protein, good fats and carbs. Chow down!
2. Do It Yourself and Save Big. In honor of how we do things around these parts, I figured I’d feature RS’s article on all things DIY. Although there are some things in this piece that I never considered paying someone to do for me (changing a burned out headlight bulb or installing new windshield wipers) I did find some incredibly awesome things that I can’t wait to tackle on my own. I’ve been known to wear my high heels down until they’re mush, and then repair them to wear for another 5 years (hey, once you find a good pair of black heels, you gotta stick with ‘em right?). Well, RS opened my eyes and saved my wallet by showing me how to repair them on my own! I’m also exciting about how to replace a dead spot in our lawn, and an amazing grout cleaner they’ve sold me on. Stay tuned to how I turn my nasty-kitchen-tile-that-I-loathe into a gleaming, ceramic masterpiece (assuming RS hasn’t led me astray).
3. Home Pages. Because this is a blog, I gotta give a shout out to my fellow bloggers and website masters, right? This article lists the best online resources for anything under the sun – art, renovation tips, furnishings, lighting- you name it, Real Simple has you covered. I love that they mentioned 20×200, a great site for cheap but amazing, original art pieces. They also give shout outs to etsy and overstock.com, among many other interesting sounding sites. Maybe next year this little blog will be featured in glossy print- one can dream, right?
I noticed that they said to groom your own dog. I think Luca will attest to the fact that I am not the best groomer – I’m such a hack!! Love the snackie reference btw – who doesn’t love a good snack or 3 throughout the day. Helps to avoid that “low-blood-sugar be-yotch” from coming out!! (Maybe that’s just me!)
Who knew we were really on to something by keeping those snacks on hand. Can’t wait to get my hands on my own copy of RS when I get home.