[I used to think I knew everything...until I found myself stranded in the middle of adulthood with no map and no one to guide me when I got lost. I have learned a lot since then - from how to balance a checkbook to how to sew on a button - and will share my wisdom with you. Every Monday I will be back to teach you how to do something useful, even if it also happens to be completely random. Because, hey, you never know when you just might need to know how to change a tire...or mix a perfect martini.]

I think we can all agree that Hallmark cards are lame. If the card doesn’t contain something that you would actually say out loud on it (“For You, Mother, on Your 50th Birthday,” anyone?), it’s not worth spending your hard-earned cash on. Especially considering they cost like $5!

So what’s a gal to do when the holidays and special occasions roll around?

Duh! Make your OWN cards.

If you normally run screaming at the thought of anything crafty, take a deep breath and hang with me for a second. I also hate crafts, but I love to make greeting cards. They’re so much fun, and you can personalize them any way you want. AND they can be as simple or as involved as you like—no need to spend an hour laboring over intricate cutouts and frilly decorations if you don’t want to.

Here’s the other good news—they’re easy. All you need to make a basic card is some paper that you can fold and some markers (or crayons, pens, colored pencils, paints, or even chalk). Try making a painting on the outside of your card and writing a message on the inside. If that doesn’t strike your fancy, do a stencil or make a collage. A mosaic is another fun idea.

And don’t limit yourself. Remember, you can use anything to spice up the design—ribbon, googly eyes, fabric, shells or leaves, beads, scrap paper… you get the idea. Here are a few materials you may want to gather: Read More »

If you’re anything like me (extremely poor and continuously sweaty from no AC), dinner has turned into a can of PBR, hummus and baby carrots.

The summer heat and lack of money melt my formerly creative inner cook, and even though I’m slightly decent at preparing a meal, all I can think to do is eat apples, fry eggs and drink beer.

Even worse than cooking in the summer heat is cooking for one. It’s depressing. There are always leftovers and really, who wants to make an elaborate meal if you’re the only one eating it?

Which is why I was so excited to see these 101 simple summer meals that can be prepared in 10 minutes or less.

I’m all for using fresh ingredients and keeping it healthy, but sometimes recipes that call for a dozen different fresh components just end up rotting in the fridge.

These meals, however, don’t require too much and really do spark a little creativity in the kitchen. I’m so pumped about having so many new ideas that I’m already planning how I can use my leftovers (see #89).

Here are some of my favorites: Read More »

I’ve been going through a bit of a dry spell, albeit a welcome one, for about three months now. I’ve barely noticed with working full time and writing every chance I get. And being more career focused than sex focused hasn’t left me (for once) starving for a little bit of booty. Fortunately, I am a woman that can take matters into my own hands. A little bit goes a long way when you’re too busy double clicking one mouse to even think about double clicking another.

Despite it all, I have been so on top of my game that I haven’t had time to focus on being on top of a guy. Career driven is a good look for me, so a little give and take in other areas hasn’t been so bad…until two weeks ago when the drought finally ended.

Now, you would think getting a little action would spark my creative juices and get things flowing for a slew of sexy blogs.

I couldn’t have been more wrong.

I have discovered a new form of cock blocking much more frustrating than the times your friends shove you into a cab and far away from the hottie at the bar. This is a literal cock blocking. A cock block on my creativity. And it sucks. Read More »