How Pinterest Gave Me the Gift of Inspiration ~

http://pinterest.com

I've heard women call themselves "addicts", I've read an article stating that Pinterest and other sites caused the writer to feel she needed to compare herself to or compete with others, and I also know people who have seen or heard the Pinterest name but have no idea what it is.  But for me, it gave me back missing inspiration.

Pinterest, is described on the site as a Virtual Pinboard. "Pinterest lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and organize their favorite recipes. Best of all, you can browse pinboards created by other people. Browsing pinboards is a fun way to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests."

In my own words, I'd describe it as a fun site to visit with thousands and thousands of pictures of anything you can imagine!  You'll find craft ideas, apparel, sentiments, food, beverage, party, etc. (in other words - you name it, you'll probably find it!).  One can sign up and simply look at everyone else's pretty pictures (that they have "pinned" to their "boards"), you can create your own "boards" on whatever subject appeals to you, or both.  The pictures presented are all linked to the original websites they appeared on, which is fun in itself as sometimes one discovers a new favorite website.  One can "re-pin" from others and even "follow" them just like on Facebook or Twitter.

At first, I wasn't too sure about it.  I scrolled through the opening page and was thinking, "How does one become addicted to this?"  I also wondered why one needed to be invited to join (yes, you must be invited by a friend or request an invite from Pinterest.com).  But then as I looked at friends' boards and did searches under certain subjects, I finally figured it out and enjoyed it.  (And the invite only clause just makes the whole thing intriguing, doesn't it?)

I found that viewing "pins" inspired me to get a little craftier (something I used to love to do), be a little more creative in party planning (some ideas are easy and relatively inexpensive), and even to revisit my love of creative handwriting and calligraphy. 

I don't take anything Pinterest-related too seriously and I don't have thousands of pins, but I enjoy the fun and inspiration it gives me and it reminds me that, "Hey! I can do that!"

Below are a few of my favorite pins (thus far).  To view my boards, to see the links to the sites where these pins originated, or to follow me, go to www.pinterest.com and find me under creativekimfunk. I'd also be happy to send you an invitation if you leave your email below in the comment section.

Please enjoy this virtual (make-believe) mini tour of my house...

First, step through my garden gate...
 original pin from - http://dishfunctionaldesigns.blogspot.com

Walk on by the cute old truck...
original pin from - http://organizingmadefun.blogspot.com

Head up to my office...
* original pin location could not be found (please share if you know!) *

Enjoy the old typewriter...
original pin from - http://whippedstyle.com

View my daughter's gallery...
original pin from - http://www.theprettyblog.com

Look at my current handwriting practice...
original pin from - http://sundayinbed.tumblr.com
(note: at press time, link was not working)

See my newly purchased fonts (love them!)...
original pin from - http://www.goinghometoroost.com

Take a peek at my project at the craft table... (great journal and sentiment!)
original pin from - http://artjournaling.tumblr.com

And my daughter's current art project as well...
original pin from - http://onthesurfaceblog.com

Find out where we neatly store everything...
original pin from - http://toppics.mooo.com

View the sentiments on the wall going down the stairs...
(This one's for my boy!)
original pin from - http://sawdustcityllc.com

This one's for my girl...
original pin from - http://mmorris.webs.com

And a reminder for the hubby and for me...
original pin from - http://vintagedutchgirl.blogspot.com

"Perfect!"
original pin from - http://www.etsy.com/shop/cREaTebyRET

Now, come have a seat...
original pin from - http://www.bhg.com

And "refresh yourself" before you have to go...
original pin from - http://sosimplyspecial.com

Enjoy your stroll out ~ thanks for coming by :)
original pin from - http://nature.desktopnexus.com

Now, what do you think of Pinterest?

Guess you could call me "Pinspired".

How to Look Years Younger with One Simple Beauty Product ~

Mary Kay's Tinted Moisturizer~
What a find!
Photo is the property of Marykay.com

A few years ago, I went through a time when I worried that my face was really starting to show age. Although I mostly noticed “crow’s feet” and other small wrinkles under my eyes, I also started seeing ugly brown age spots thanks to years in the hot Sacramento, California sun. Then one day I discovered tinted moisturizer and instantly learned how to “hide” those little issues!

I had sought out my friend Christina for a mini makeover at the time. As a longtime Mary Kay consultant (and former director) I had faith that perhaps she could help me find a new eye shadow or eyeliner that could brighten my eyes and take the focus off of the “uglies” that were staring at me in the mirror. But what she suggested was even better!

I had already informed her that I didn’t like to spend much time getting ready in the morning. Moreover, I let her know that I hated wearing foundation.

We did a quick facial then she had me try Mary Kay’s Tinted Moisturizer With Sunscreen SPF 20 and I loved it! There was no turning back from there.

The simple morning Mary Kay beauty ritual she created for me is quick and easy!

• First, I wash my face with MK’s TimeWise 3-in-1 Cleanser (normal to dry).
• Next comes one of my favorite products, MK TimeWise Age-Fighting Eye Cream. This product goes on light and absorbs quickly.
• Then, I put on a light layer of MK’s TimeWise Age-Fighting Moisturizer. I allow it to soak in for a few minutes then move on to the next step.
• Finally it’s time for my MK Tinted Moisturizer! I put on a light layer (even on my eye lids as it helps to brighten my very fair skin tone!) and instantly look younger than I did prior to application. The tinted moisturizer acts as foundation does by hiding minor (and not so minor) imperfections but is a better fit for people who don’t like the feel of “make up” on their face. The SPF 20 is an important added bonus!
• I finish with mascara on a daily basis, sometimes add a bit of eye shadow, and always have MK’s Satin Lips lip balm or Chapstick on my lips if I’m waiting for a Mary Kay order to arrive.

(I repeat steps 1 through 3 at bedtime as well).

I highly recommend tinted moisturizer if you too want to look years younger with one simple beauty product.  Try Mary Kay’s like I did (I’ll now be a Mary Kay Girl forever!) or look for one from your favorite cosmetic line!

If you'd like to share your favorite age-fighting products or tips, please join the conversation by leaving a comment below!  Variety and information is always welcome and helpful :)

Note: Most Mary Kay Consultants have their own websites and ship product very quickly!  Here's a list of a few Mary Kay Consultants I know, who would just love to help you with your beauty and skin care needs:

1. Christina Patton is my personal consultant and friend and is based out of West Sacramento, California!
2. Teresita Finch is a longtime friend of mine whose beautiful skin proves that Mary Kay is a good thing!  She is located in Quincy, California.