So the internet knows that I have a bit of a thing about unicorns. And this past holiday season I finally decided to try making unicorn cookies, with the goal of trying to make them look awesome, but without the crazy amount of effort that I’ve seen in some YouTube tutorials (admirable and gorgeous, but O.M.G.). The result was pretty fantastic and a lot of people asked me if I’d share a tutorial. It's taken me a while to get around to it but here goes. The how-to is in the video below and the resource list + some notes are below the video. Enjoy!So the internet knows that I have a bit of a thing about unicorns. And this past holiday season I finally decided to try making unicorn cookies, with the goal of trying to make them look awesome, but without the crazy amount of effort that I’ve seen in some YouTube tutorials (admirable and gorgeous, but O.M.G.). The result was pretty fantastic and a lot of people asked me if I’d share a tutorial. It's taken me a while to get around to it but here goes. The how-to is in the video below and the resource list + some notes are below the video. Enjoy!
Man, I hope that title doesn't sound overly dramatic because it is 100% true! This one communication tweak made saying no to things I didn't want to do or attend so much easier. It takes a little practice but once you forge forward you'll be blazing through your e-mail and prioritizing what really matters like a boss! And on those related topics, definitely tune into the Saying Yes To Saying No and Taming The E-mail Beast episodes for further help on these matters!
Marie Kondo’s “Japanese decluttering book” has taken the world by storm. The book details the author’s philosophy about organizing and decluttering, and gives step-by-step instructions for decluttering one’s home. She calls her steps the “KonMari Method,” and promises that it will change the lives of those who follow it. Thousands of people say it has, but plenty have voiced skepticism. In Episode 22 of Edit Your Life, Asha and I touch on different aspects of Kondo’s approach, and share our reactions -- both positive and negative -- to her method.
I'm a bit of a broken record when it comes to my advice that it's awesome to get kids in the kitchen with you, but it's totally true. Getting your kids in the kitchen is a fun way to have together time with the added benefits of hands on learning (math! science!), life skills development, and the eventual payoff of having your kids make a meal for you (WOO HOO!). This week's lifestyle solutions video involves a brilliant idea Jon and I landed on to inspire Laurel to cook (even more than usual). The results have been DELICIOUS.
I really don't like to use the word "should" but one thing I believe all parents should do is create a will. It's one of those topics that is riddled with emotional baggage but man, it's SO important to make your wishes known, both in terms of guardianship and finances. I asked Sandra Gilpatrick for advice on how to move past the stigma to action; she shares 5 great tips. Also, be sure to check out Sandra's other articles on how to start saving for college, 4 ways to work towards financial security, how to teach kids to budget, and 15 gems in Beacon Hill!
Inspired by a Fast Company article offering the perspective that being overextended is a choice, in Episode 21 of Edit Your Life, Asha and I share 9 tips to help you master the fine art of SAYING NO. Because while there are some things in life that are essential, a lot of things truly are optional. It’s your life, your choices -- we all have the power to identify the things that are important to us, and to make room for those things, in whatever ways we can.
OK, so remember yesterday when I announced my new lifestyle solutions video series and confessed to my fear of looking ugly? Well, hey now, I figured it would be good to kick off the first official video by embracing self acceptance and owning my sweaty, shivering, no-makeup self! (Also, hey, I ran 5 miles, so BOOM)! Press the play button below to learn how you can quickly string up these awesome $7 Panasonic earbuds and forego expensive running earbuds!
As I mentioned last week in my ten 2016 intentions post, I’ve been wanting to start a video series for a long time. But I’ve totally been scared by it, which is kind of weird because I tend to be pretty fearless when it comes to trying new media things. I suspect that fear has been a combination of worrying about being perfect, looking ugly, attracting trolls, or -- worst of all -- making crappy content. But I’ve realized I can't let fear get in the way of creativity. I have to try!
Friends, have you tried Besito Mexican yet? I've been eager to visit (Mexican being among my favorite foods) and finally got around to doing so, thanks to a very kind invitation to me and Jon right before the holidays. On that note, I first want to say that it was so lovely to kick off the holiday season with a chill date night -- I highly recommend you do that next year! And second, I wanted to share a few reasons why Besito is a great meetup spot:
There’s something so wonderful about an entirely fresh new year ahead, new starts, new habits, and all that. But there’s also this expectation about New Year’s resolutions and goal-setting. It can be intimidating! In Episode 20 of Edit Your Life, Asha and I share 9 tips to help you reframe New Year’s resolutions and intention setting so that you can figure out the “right” way to set and reach goals -- and by right, we mean the way that works best for YOU.
Farmer’s markets may feel like a distant summer memory (as does being outside without ALL THE LAYERS), but these 14 spots keep the fresh food coming through the winter, too. From produce, meat, and fish to wine, sweets, and cheese, these markets offer a fantastic way to support local growers and food artisans while enjoying their tastiest in-season offerings. Check out the list below (alphabetically ordered by location) to find a market near you!
To the surprise of no one, I enjoy reflecting at the turn of the year! And while it’s nice to think of the fantastic moments and the warm fuzzies, I also value thinking about lessons learned from the crappy experiences. On Thursday, Asha and I will share our 20th (20th!) Edit Your Life podcast episode on Reframing New Year’s Resolutions, and in advance of that episode, I want to share ten intentions that I’m setting for 2016. I’d love to hear what you are thinking about for 2016, too -- please feel free to share in the comments below!
Asha and I both agree: launching and recording Edit Your Life has been a major highlight of 2015. It's been so refreshing to become novice explorers again. This podcast has reminded us why, years ago, we embarked on our wacky Internet journeys and we're so grateful that you've joined us on the adventure! We're living our mantra and are on a recording break for the holidays, so we thought it would be fun to each share 5 of our favorite episodes from 2015. We’d love to hear your favorites, too! Leave a comment below or on our Facebook page.
