Why don't you:

♡Take Dance Lessons do you ever have dreams of becoming that girl from Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights? I do! I want to sashay my way down the beach effortlessly with my partner in tow....realistically I would just like to have some style and rhythm. Last summer I got my first taste when I took salsa lessons on a trip to Guatemala— I was hooked. Even something more mundane like yoga, will clear your mind, stretch your limbs, and release endorphines (ultimately making you a more happy, positive individual). Look in your community newspaper for places to take lessons and invite a couple daring friends along.

♡Update your makeup not only will this give you a chance to spice up your color palette, makeup also needs to be replaced anywhere from every year, to every 3 years...a general rule of thumb for how long makeup can be kept is: lipstick= 1 year, eye makeup= 3 months, blush= 6 months, and nail polish= 2 years (if properly stored). Also, don't forget to wash your appliance tools! Your brush is a small breeding ground for germs...just think every time you dip in and out of powder for example...so invest in a good makeup brush shampoo like MAC's brush cleanser ($11). Also check out Kandee the make-up artist's video on how to properly clean your brushes how to clean make-up brushes

 

♡Reupholster old furniture we all own that one piece of furniture that is just, well, plain ugly. So instead of throwing it out or giving it away to Goodwill, why not re-use it?! Visit a fabric store and pick out whatever your heart desires...you can even turn it into a piece of one-of-a-kind art (like the chair featured above). If you get really into it you can do this for friends, or even make it into a business. Be creative and have fun!

♡Get Inked of course you don't have to actually get tattooed, but draw something that is unique and inspiring, or have an artistic friend draw something up for you, and have it airbrushed on...you can also use paint, but be careful to use paint that isn't toxic to your skin (ask at the store). If you are looking to get some real ink, be sure you know exactly what you want and do your research to find a good, certified tattoo shop! The worst thing is a poorly done tattoo...I learned my lesson when I got my first tattoo, a small outline of a star on my right ankle. The artist was likely high on something and it ended up looking like a squished blob. I say it just has character, but really I wish I had researched more about tattoos before diving in. If it is done correctly, you can come away with a permanent piece of art. A world-renowned tattoo shop right here in Seattle is Slave to the Needle. check them out.

♡Karaoke Night I got this idea from my experience this past weekend... I walked into a local Mexican restaurant near where I live, and to my surprise found it was karaoke night! I will be the first to tell you I don't have a Celine Dion-esque voice, but you only live once. Throw back a couple beers and hit the mic...what do you have to lose, except your dignity? Some recommendations to sing along to are anything by Norah Jones or James Taylor (they usually have a book of songs to choose from). A great hit that night was "baby got back" by Sir Mix Alot. Drag your friends up with you and you'll be so happy you went for it!

♡Create a fun, positive living space I cannot stress enough, the importance of surrounding yourself with the positive...this also means the environment you live in. Think about it— if you live in a dark, musty uncomfortable place, this will reflect not only on your mood but also your physical health. Personally I thrive in well-lit open spaces that are a mix of modern and rustic. To get some great ideas for making over your living space, check out Urban Outfitters or Anthropologie. Since these places are a bit pricey, just get ideas and then scope out local flea markets or garage sales to get a similar look...you can even make some of it.

 ♡Try a new recipe tired of the same old meal, night after night? Branch out and try something new! When I'm bored of my food selection I just type in a food category (pasta, dessert, chicken etc.) to the search engine on my Betty Crocker Iphone app. Also, if you eat by yourself standing up, make an effort to sit down at a table and try and eat with others. It's proven to be more healthy...also check out the book Skinny Bitch. I'm reading it as we speak and it has some great tips on how to eat healthy, and the stuff we really need to cut out of our daily diet. They have similar books for pregnant women, men, and a cookbook called Skinny Bitch in the Kitch. A recipe I tried last night was a pasta dish (substitute whole grain) with sun-dried tomatoes and goat cheese...it's easy to make, and tell me what you think!

 ♡Treat yourself to a new 'kini with summer just around the corner, swimwear designers are coming out with their fabulous 2010 designs. My favorite designers are Mara Hoffman, Beach Bunny, Lulifama, and suits from Maui Girl (see older posts) but check out other great options at mollybrownsswimwear. Plus, it will be a great incentive to get in beach-ready shape...and you deserve it!

 ♡Camp take a long weekend, pack your essentials and the boyfriend, and hitch up the old trailer to your car...or just car camp! If roughing it isn't your style, stay at B&B's or cheap hotels. Either way you deserve a break from your busy life to read that book you have put aside for months, and clear your head. Nothing a little vacation won't cure...

 ♡Be a glitter girl throw on your party outfit, grab some girlfriends and go out for a night on the town. Dare to be dramatic, bold, and a little bit crazy...above are some great ideas for accessories and slinky dresses that are perfect for a glitter girl.

♡Become a fashionista want to be a model? There are dozens of contests, open calls and nationwide searches going on at any one time...always looking for the next, fresh-faced look, and you could be it! Have a friend snap some pics of you— minimal make-up, white or neutral colored tee, and in natural light (outdoors). Make sure to take some headshots and full-length body shots and who knows, we may just being seeing that gorgeous mug of yours on the next issue of Elle. Right now V Magazine is hosting "It's My Time" a global casting competition to find the new faces for United Colors of Benetton 2010 campaign. Just create a profile, upload pics and a video (optional) and get some votes! The top 100 get a shopping spree, and the top 20 get to be in the ad campaign in New York http://casting.benetton.com/

♡Vintage Shopping take a trip to Value Village (there is a great one in Seattle in Capitol Hill off Broadway) and buy some fun vintage tees ($2-$5 at the most)...personally I like the men's selection better because they have so many more to choose from. When you get home, first make sure to wash them and then cut a scoop neck just below the original neckline. This will give you a great off-the-shoulder tee, and feel free to keep cutting. You can make great tanks for summer and all sorts of crazy designs...just look at what Ed Hardy and Kat Von D have done!


xx Lindsay

thanks to We♥it for pix