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".

Today's Job Search - Helpful Advice Online ~

Can you tell this book is loved?
Yana Parker was a résumé genius!

Are you in the process of looking for a new job?  Do you question whether or not your résumé compares favorably with others being submitted?  Do you know if you're using the right tactics to get your name out there? 

I think we all ask ourselves these questions when we are in "job hunting mode".  Below you will find a few articles and/or websites that are geared towards answering some of those questions.  Some of these may not be current (as in 2012), however, they were chosen because they do provide interesting and useful information.  Even if you discover one tip that enables you to be inspired to freshen things up a bit, it will be worth your reading time.

First, A few Résumé Writing Articles to Consider...

• 10 Words You Should Never Use on LinkedIn - Article writer Josh Dreller shares his informative (and comical) views on this subject on iMediaconnection.com and while the title only lists LinkedIn, I think it's safe to say this would include résumé creation as well!
• 10 Tips for Writing a Remarkable Résumé in Today's Creative World - Dare I say it?  I love this article.  I guess you could say, "It spoke to me".  Regardless of what résumé format you plan to use (chronological, functional or combination), if you want to be seen as a unique individual, you will probably find something that interests you here!  This is an article about words (one of my favorite things!).
• The 7 Deadly Sins of Résumé Design - This is an article viewable on a site called, "Life Clever".  Although originally posted in 2009, I couldn't agree more with a few of the "sins" pointed out.  What do you think?
• 7 Tips to Streamline Your Résumé Lingo - A short but strong article offering great advice on exactly what the title says!  A good one for all job seekers. 

Next... two websites to spend a bit of time on.  Both of these sites are full of useful information, additional links, and (even better!) great examples on different ideas and formats for your next résumé!

Susan Ireland's Résumé Site - Susan Ireland is the Author of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Perfect Résumé" and "Susan Ireland's Ready Made Résumés" who writes out of Berkeley, California.  I came across her site by accident when doing a little follow up on my longtime favorite résume writer, Yana Parker (now deceased).  I'm so glad I found her site!  Susan offers over 100 (yes, I said 100) examples of résumés in all three formats (chronological, functional and combination), shows 14 problem résumés "solved" and shares a wealth of advice on résumé writing and job hunting.  Her site is kept very current.  You can also view her blog which is offers great advice from other professionals in the industry - mostly via video clips. 

Aspire! Empower! Career Strategy Group is another great site not only for creative résumé strategies but also for advice on job hunting, networking and social media.  Laura Labovich states on her site, "I am passionate about helping my clients move mountains in their job search".  I believe it!  She offers a free tips newsletter to subscribers along with a great blog in addition to the main website.  Her most recent post looks like a good one, check it out for yourself! Click here to read "My List of Terrific Job Search Resources".

Best wishes on your job seeking adventure!  Please feel free to offer feedback on the information provided and know that additional tips are always welcome by your fellow job seekers.  Conversation is good!
Keep checking back ~ more tips on the way :)

It's Time to Seek Employment - Ready, Set, Go! ~

My very first résumé -
Oh my goodness!

It's time for this stay-at-home "momma" to seek employment outside of the home.  Wait... did I just say that out loud and type it for all to see?  I guess that means it's real!

Being an at-home-mom is a big job and an important one, but let's face it... it just doesn't pay very well!  My husband and I made the stay-at-home decision many years ago and have been very blessed to be able to make it happen.  I know many ladies who would have loved to have stayed home with their children, so I have been careful not to take my time at home for granted.  (I also know ladies who were running for the door to get back to work - and that's okay too!).

My children are now 10 and 14.  Our family seems to have more wants and needs, which seem to have bigger price tags attached to them, and it would be nice to be able to take vacations, etc.  So... it's time to make some income.

It will definitely be interesting to find out where this new journey takes me.  I am still very open to writing assignments at home (obviously, I would love that!), but will be considering all options. 
The first step in this process is in the works... creating a new résumé!  I love writing résumés and have for years, but I always find it harder to create my own.  (Strange, I know).  Between determining which of the new "rules" are to be followed (don't use this phrase, this word, this format in "today's" résumé), and making sure I use all of the social networking tools out there to my advantage (still figuring out Linked In), I definitely have my work cut out for me.  Of course I'll be sharing along the way hoping my experience might help others tackling the same task.

Wish me luck - I think I'm going to need it! :)

* Writer's note: I could have (perhaps should have) used the word "aloud" in my opening paragraph, however, I write in a conversational manner and would never use the word "aloud" when in conversation!  Therefore, I used the more informal "out loud".  :)

Questions of the Day! - February 6 - February 10

Inquiring minds want to know the answers to these questions!  You may reply by commenting at the end of this post, or you may email me by clicking here.  Can't wait to hear from you :)

Monday - Do you have a scent that reminds you of a special relatives house?  What is it?  Geraniums and apple smells make me think of my "Grama's" house. :)

Tuesday - Today's question is for those of you who have had to job hunt in the last two years.  How long did it take you to find a job, and what was your best job hunting tool?  Old school ways or internet-related?

Wednesday - Have you ever ridden a bicycle built for two (tandem bike)?  Did you grow up loving your bike?  Did you have a favorite bike?  Do you have a funny bike-riding story?  (Too many questions?)  Please share :)

Thursday - Do you have a favorite kind of apple?  If so, what kind?  Do you like to use them for baking or just to enjoy as they are?

Friday -  Do you tweet?  Do you use Twitter to promote a business or other venture or do you enjoy on a personal level?

Note: If you wish to be anonymous in an article related to this subject, just let me know! :)