Stuff We Love – Page 2 – The Creative Salad

Tips for Using Pinterest

If you’ve seen my Pinterest account lately you’ll know that I’m completely obsessed with this visual bookmarking system. I’ve saved more than 5,000 activities, ideas, projects, and recipes to try. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by that figure, I feel invigorated and excited to tackle those pins. (Now to find the time!)

(You may have also noticed I have over 15,400 followers. That figure completely boggles my mind. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO FOLLOWS ME!)

Since I’ve logged a whole lot of time on Pinterest (I’m trying not to think about just how much!), I’ve found several ways to find really awesome content on Pinterest. This isn’t a how-to use Pinterest post. Instead these are my tips for getting the most out of Pinterest.

Here’s what I suggest you do:

Follow people NOT individual boards.
When you find someone you wish to follow, click on their red “follow all” button, then unfollow individual boards that don’t interest you. That way when they create a new board it will automatically show up in your feed (and you can always unsubscribe from that board if it doesn’t interest you). If you don’t click that “follow all” button you’ll miss out on any future boards they create.

Add a Pin It bookmark to your browser.
Find something awesome on the internet that you want to go back to later? Pin it with the click of a button. (Find the instructions here.) I use this ALL THE TIME. (Hence the 5,000 pins.)

Find your favorite bloggers on Pinterest, follow them, then see who they’re following.
It’s a simple way to find great boards.

Pay attention to who is repining your pins.
That person may have a similar style or set of interests to you. What else are they pinning? You might love it. (And if you do, click “follow all!”)

Utilize secret boards.
These hidden Pinterest boards are great for planning surprises. You could make a gift list for the holidays or plan a special birthday party. I have a hidden board of project inspiration for the new house, which I’m excited about but not ready to share yet. The possibilities are endless. (Remember: you’re limited to just three hidden boards, so set them up carefully.)

Are you addicted to Pinterest? I’m excited to hear about your experience. What tips do you have to share?

May Wishlist: Workout Chic

I am now at eleven weeks postpartum. I’ve already lost thirty pounds, putting me at my pre-baby weight. But I still have a long way to go.

My next weight loss goal is twenty pounds, also known as the elusive pre-kids weight. I’m not gonna lie: I want to look twenty pounds lighter, but–more importantly–I also want to set a healthy example for my kids.

To do this I’m continuing with my pseudo-Paleo diet that makes me feel freaking fantastic. I’m back at the mama-baby yoga class (that I can bring both kids to) and absolutely LOVE. I’m walking more and want to get back into a running routine (my FAVORITE exercise of all).

I just have one problem: while unpacking my non-maternity wardrobe I discovered that most of my workout clothes were worn through.

Since having kids I’ve found I need workout clothes that I’m excited to get into, since getting out the door to exercise is hard enough already.

So here is my workout wishlist for this month:

Shown above: 1. GapFit gFast power colorblock capris (pin) | 2. Forme Jacket from lululemon athletica (pin) | 3. Elongate Burnout Long Sleeve from lululemon athletica (pin) | 4. GapFit Breathe elbow-sleeve T (pin) | 5. GapFit Motion racer tank (pin) | 6. Swagger Skirt Capri from Athleta (pin)
See more at my Retail Therapy Pinterest Board!

Some of the gear I already own or recently bought (on sale!). Some of the clothes are beyond my budget right now and remain firmly in the “wish” category.

Where do you buy affordable yoga and running clothes? My Target clothes didn’t last, so I’m looking for another spot that sells well-made, less expensive clothes. Think Gap Fit, not Lululemon.

Gluten-Free Muesli

This fall I won a giveaway at Shauna James Ahern’s delightful website, Gluten-Free Girl and the Chef. The prize? Bob’s Red Mill Muesli, a new product containing gluten-free rolled oats, brown rice crisps, raisins, dried apples and cranberries, sunflower seeds, almonds, roasted soy beans, pumpkin seeds and coconut flakes.

Oh, boy, it’s delicious.

And gluten-free.

I follow the recipe straight off the box:
simmer an equal ratio of muesli and milk for five minutes on the stove.
(I’m particularly fond of using goat milk.)
Then I add a dash of maple syrup and indulge.

I find myself full all morning long.

I’ve had some trouble locating this product in stores, so I finally ordered a bunch online via soap.com (with a generous coupon code and free two-day shipping to boot) and have been LOVING this morning ritual of muesli and (decaf) English breakfast tea.

I love starting the day off with delectable things, don’t you?

Unpacking the Kitchen(s)

We are settling into the cooking spaces in our new house.

While our daughter sets up her play kitchen:

the grownups are busy unpacking and organizing the family kitchen:

Located near each other, we can keep one another company while we cook away. I’ve been informed there are chocolate cupcakes and baked potatoes in the oven. Should we save you some? I’m not sure we’ll be able to resist the yumminess, but we do love to share.

Now please excuse me while I go unpack some more kitchen boxes. I know the measuring spoons are around here somewhere.

Here are some of our favorite play kitchen items, many of which are shown above: our handmade felt salad greens and mushrooms, cookware and dining set (made out of recycled milk jugs!), thrifted tea service and mini Corningware dishes, cake decorating set, pop-up toaster and mixer, cutting food and fruit crates, ice cream shop, checkout cash register, and colorful mini colanders.

Stocking Stuffers for the Young Artist

Here are some of our favorite small, affordable art accessories that would make fantastic stocking stuffers for an artistic child (or grown up!) in your life:

Pentel Water Brush — we love using this water brush with watercolor pencils (we own phenomenal watercolor pencil sets by Derwent and Caran D’Ache). No need to worry about your little one spilling a glass of water or having to change the water frequently when it turns murky; this refillable brush holds the water inside and you just lightly press or paint with it to wet your paper and turn your pencil-markings into paint!

Royal Langnickel soft grip brushes — easy to hold, our daughter always asks for these brushes when we do painting projects. They come in a host of fun colors. Find them at your local art store in the kids section.

Metallic gel pens — great for drawing on dark paper or simply adding a bit of a sparkle to a handwritten note, we own dozens of these metallic pens in every color of the rainbow!

Carnival Glitter Glue — there may be many types of glitter glue out there, but these brand new glitter pens from eeBoo are particularly pretty, making them perfect for a holiday stocking or to adorn the top of a gift. I’m partial to the colorful swirl. (While they are available online, we found them at our local Whole Foods Market.)

Speedball Linoleum Cutter Set — We love carving our own stamps using this lino cutter and Speedball Speedy-Cut Carving Blocks. With a number of tips, this cutter makes it easy to carve, and the carving blocks are thick enough to hold and stamp with afterwards. Pair the lino cutter with some colorful stamp pads and you’re all set to create beautiful stamps from the get go!