The Skimm

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Screen Shot 2013-03-27 at 8.31.17 AM theSkimm is the daily newsletter that simplifies the headlines for the educated professional who knows enough to know she needs more. We do the reading for you and explain it with fresh editorial content, breaking down what you need to know to start the conversation.

 

liking The Skimm... it's a little bit political, a little bit current affairs, some international, a little bit sports - which I really need since sports are never on my radar. Other things depending on the day.

And easy way to have some water cooler topics. Of course I don't have a water cooler.

I like this the same way I like Bloglovin'. Someone else collects content and delivers it to my in box first thing in the morning. I read it sometime during the day when I need a break.

Believe it or not in this age of constant information I find it hard to be informed. I need something besides Facebook and the Daily Show. And I don't always catch the news. I've been reading this for about a week and so far so good.

You can sign up here if you want http://www.theskimm.com/?r=1370T.

 

color and words

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Screen Shot 2013-03-01 at 12.02.41 PM Make color schemes. Enter the URL of an image to get a color palette that matches the image. This is useful for coming up with a website color scheme that matches a stock photo a client wants to work with www.degraeve.com.

 

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And for you writers out there generate some interesting locations using this UK Writer's Generator. Two good sites to have in your bag of tricks. Things like this really help me on my less creative days when I am tired and just can't think.

(Thanks Jenn H. for these useful tips!)

 

bloglovin'

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Screen Shot 2013-02-22 at 10.50.09 AM  

bloglovin' is a great way to follow all the blogs you want to stay on top of. All you do is put the blog name in the 'Search for blogs' box and when they write a post it shows up in your email list. You can then click on the individual post and go that that site.

The only thing I can't figure out is how to comment while in bloglovin'. If someone knows please tell me.

This is a great organizational tool for me. And I am constantly looking for more of those.

(Thanks Jessica for telling me about this!)

rss feed working again

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  Just FYI my RSS feed is once again working. If you have not been able to follow me using a site like Bloglovin' or the RSS feed in Flipboard it now works.

And if you run a Wordpress site you may want to know that plug-ins can cause all kinds of odd problems. All the odd little things that have recently broke on my site had to do with the 2 last plug-ins that were installed.

(Thanks Jessica for letting me know about this.)

uppercase magazine

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in the interest of full disclosure I must say that I am a new affiliate for this magazine. How affiliate advertising works is if you use the link from my site to their site and buy something I get a percent or dollar amount. I very rarely make anything on my affiliate ads. Except for the Amazon link at the bottom, I make a little there.

That said I want to say how much I truly enjoy Uppercase Magazine. I am now into my second year of receiving this magazine and still like it as much as I did in beginning. It is printed on lovely heavy paper that has that ink on paper smell that I so love. It has interesting topics, great illustration and good font choices. It comes out 4 times a year and I always feel like I am getting a gift in the mail.

My only criticism is the size and weight of the body copy. It is a bit hard for me to read especially the italic and it is nearly impossible when the light small face is over a colored patterned background.

They have a great blog too. You can check the magazine out here. Yes it is a pricey subscription but it really is getting 4 books a year rather than 4 magazines a year. The tag line says it is a magazine for the creative and curious and it is that. Check them out here.

links

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your artful home

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My friend Lois has just opened an etsy store with these and many more fun pillow covers.

Your Artful Home has handmade, affordable pillow covers and letter tile pillows. Change the look of your rooms seasonally with classic, traditional, bold or ethnic prints. You buy the zippered pillow cover and use your own pillow. Easy way to change your look without ending up with a whole closet full of pillows.

Check her out at Your Artful Home at Etsy.

100 abandoned houses

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Compelling site... www.100abandonedhouses.com. All abandoned houses, which always intrigue me. Makes me want to know the stories of the people who lived there and how these poor houses came to be in this state. As someone who bought a 1970s condo that was going down this slippery slope I can see how it happens. Houses need constant upkeep, care and love. Last weekend John just finished repainting the last of the dark blue-gray outside trim. We could tell that this is the second time this has been painted. The first would have been when it was new in 1973.

I REALLY like how the photographer shot these photos. It is exactly how I would have. He stood dead center of the buildings. I like the consistency in the look. Interesting and sad all at the same time.