Some of my tools for creativity: books, magazines, videos and art supplies
I'm always looking for a good book or website to get my creative spark ignited and get the next project going. Every room of our house seems to be filled with books of one kind or another, tablets with access to ebook selections, blogs and podcasts and the Internet have all become our endless library that is open 24 hours a day. My favorites are still books from second hand book shops, thrift stores, online used book sellers and The Book Thing in Baltimore, MD. These provide me with frugal ways to keep my collection refreshed as well as an outlet to give retired selections a new home. There are so many options that I sometimes have a hard time narrowing down my choices so I have time to actually to read them all or create the projects they inspire, but I enjoy taking in as much as I can.
I wanted to share some of my favorites with you so I created a resource library page on the Resourceful Cookie website. You'll find my favorites cookbooks, gardening references, books on art techniques and inspiration of all kinds. I'll keep updatng it as I find new resources, so check back from time to time.
If you have favorite books, movies or websites please share in the comments below. I'm always looking for something new to explore and share with others.
It's nearly the end of summer here in the US. The summer garden is nearing its end so it doesn't need constant tending, so we had planned a family vacation for the beginning of September. However, scheduling conflicts, some wallet draining repairs to our car...life, in general, caused us to change our plans.
I decided to take the time off anyway and indulge in a frugal and creativity filled home retreat of artist dates as taught by Julia Cameron in the Artist's Way. So I could immerse myself in my creative endeavors, I made a schedule to help me focus to get the most of my time. Those who know me, realize that I'm not a sit back and relax kind of gal, so here is a peek at some of my staycation and artist dates wish list.
morning meditation, workout and walk with the dog
fresh pressed juice or smoothie breakfast
email and social media break
morning creative activity
healthy, mostly raw lunch
email and social media break
afternoon creative activity
walk with the dog
mindfully cooking a nourishing dinner
quality time with hubby enjoying our stacks of books and backlog of movies
My wish list of creative activities include:
mixed media artwork for the sketchbook project
blog post writing
recipe development for future blog posts - done while crafting lunches and dinners
canning and preserving the garden harvest
closet and bookshelf editing
thrifting for fall wardrobe additions (done)
dance choreography for fall dance performance season
excursion to a newly opened neighborhood coffee shop for iced tea and writing time
My retreat is shaping up nicely and I'm enjoying bouts of mindful creativity. Here are a few highlights of my activities so far.
Rich berry-chocolate breakfast smoothie
Makes 2 generous servings (vegan and gluten free)
Handful of kale or spinach
A frozen banana or two
About a cup of fresh or frozen berries or additional banana (I used raspberries)
About 1/4 cup cocoa powder (I used dark, raw powder)
2-3 tablespoons nut or seed butter (I used peanut butter)
Coconut water or nut milk (I used coconut water with pulp)
Splash of vanilla extract
Sweetener to taste (agave, maple syrup or a couple of pitted medjool dates)
A generous tablespoon of each maca powder and flax seeds (optional)
Blend all the ingredients in a high speed blender until smooth. Add about a half cup of ice if you like a thick milkshake-like texture. Taste and add or adjust sweetener as desired and blend well.
This vegan sunshine bowl for lunch kept me fueled all afternoon. A bed of lettuce, sweet red pepper, grated beets, tomatoes, avocado, mung bean sprouts, leftover brown rice with pinto beans and pumpkin seeds drizzled with a tahini, orange juice vinaigrette
I may not get to everything on my wish list, but I have plenty to keep me active and engaged in the activities and projects I relish, but don't always get to spend as much time on as I'd like. I think this soul enriching break could become a regularly scheduled event each year.
What would you do on your dream staycation?
Thanks for reading!
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