100 Posts: Under the Sheets-Shhh Anniversary

This is the Under the Sheets-Shhh's blog 100th post. Happy Anniversary! Boy how the time flies by. I want to thank you, my blogging friends for all of your support, comments, care, quick comebacks and suggestions. Our blogging community has taught me so much. My real life and thoughts have all started to bleed together.

You many want to know why I started blogging? Well.....

I have kept many journals in my life. I have written pages and pages in my journals starting at the age of ten. I use to love releasing my feelings out to forgiving blank paper that had no judgement towards me or towards my grammar. My journal was like a best friend. It saved me in the dark times, was an outlet for me when I was angry and made me laugh when I would reread my entries.

About 7 months ago, I was sitting with a friend over drinks after work when she suggested that I start a blog. "A blog?' I asked her "But what would I say?" She told me that I had been through so much in my life so I had a lot to write about. She also suggested if I felt more comfortable I could write anonymously. 

After my usual two glasses of wine and feeling a little tipsy, I realized that I liked her idea of creating a live journal, but under a pen name. Yes, ladies and gentleman I was Avery Jones for about 2 months. Doesn't the name 'Avery Jones' sound like she could have been a bond girl?

I went home that night and created this blog. Under the Sheet-Shhh was a name that honey and I had thought of for a boutique that I hoped to open one day. I still like how the name feels intimate and caring. At first I kept this blog secret and then one day told my honey about it. And then I started to write under my own name with little backlash from you:) Over the past months, I have been able to open up more and more to you. 

When I started thinking about creating this blog, I was told by my friends and articles that I read that I should pick one topic and write on it. Only one topic felt like a very difficult thing for me to stick to. Instead I just started writing. So far this blog has eight main topics: relationships, my manic depression upbringing, San Francisco, recipes, travel, advice, current topics and my memories.

The hardest topic for me to write about is my manic depression upbringing. These memories brought to the light of day feels very raw, but also very healing. I hope that in some way these posts are helping others. I have received a lot of supportive emails, but one from an amazing blogger who suffers with manic depression. She asked her daughter to read with her the post I wrote Chapter 4 Mini Me. How brave of this woman to be able to reach out to her daughter like that. How brave of her to then reach out to me to tell me her story! Thank you to you.

Let me let you in on a little secret. I love getting your comments. I get very excited every time I get a new follower and am taught by your creative words every day. If you haven't already subscribe on the right sidebar and become a follower to the Breakfast Club for future posts. 

I hope you are enjoying reading my posts almost as much as I am enjoying writing them. Here's to not sticking to one topic and thinking outside of the box.  Happy Anniversary and here's to the next 100 posts while we are all under the sheets-shhh! 

My Second Blog Award for being a Kreativ Blogger

Last week, Miss Musing awarded me the Kreativ Blogger award. Thank you so much Miss Musings you really made my day. I found out that you had nominated me while trying to keep warm in Toronto last week. You really know how to spoil a girl.

Miss Musings said that she felt I deserved this award because "these are some very talented bloggers whose creativity shines through in their writing. What I admire most about them is their ability to write in a unique and interesting way in a voice that is all their own."

The directions for this award say I have to list 6 random things about myself and then pass it on to five other deserving bloggers.

OK here it goes six random and hopefully interesting things about me...... hmmmmm

1) My last name was almost Odgen not Aston. I am the first born generation Aston. When my father was 11 years old he chose our name Aston, after his favorite car the Aston Martin, when my Grandfather decided to change our name due to some family dealings in England. (Which is another story all together.)

2) I truly believe in deja vu, fate and things happening for a reason.

3) I have been dying my hair for so long that I cannot remember what my true hair color is. I used to look like snow white with very pale skin, blue eyes and dark brown hair. I have been red, all shades of brown, black and now it's highlighted. Thank you to my family members for taking pictures of me as a child so I have proof of what my natural color really is.

4) I do much better in the cold weather then in the hot weather. I think it's much easier to throw layers of clothing on then to cool down after you've over heated.

5) If I could I would skip meals all together. I would just eat dessert or chips for each meal. Tell me am I alone in this?

6) I hate horror movies. Cannot stand them. I am that one girl in the movie theater that jumps every time a scary thing happens on screen. I even jump at scary movie previews.

Now for my five nominations for the Kreative Blog Award. Drum roll please....sure sure it's great just being nominated. Each of these bloggers have such a unique way of kreatively telling their story as they see and feel it. I keep learning from all of you.

Tag your it.

Mary-Laure for her Kreativ writing on Aurea
Braja for her unique and deep blog, Lost and Found in India
Cassoulet Cafe for her blog, Cassoulet Cafe
Roxie for her fab blog Baby,When the Sun Goes Down
Georgie B for his thoughtful blog, Cedar's Mountain

Retro writing and blogging 101

I love finding ideas in my every day to blog about. I am also in love with photography. And, once I discovered the term retro blogging, I was hooked. Retro blogging is exactly how I feel. I can tell a story through my words or guide readers through pictures. But what do I do if I hit writer's block or blog burnout? Let's enter my Retro Writing and blogging 101 class...

A couple of things work best for me. First, I like to use a blank word document and write any ideas that come to mind. I try to remove all judgment and criticism. If I like an idea then I start to create or search for pictures.

Links are researched next to prove my points. I might jot down a couple of lines and then I walk away from the computer and let the idea sit in me and form.

And sure sometimes, I really should be wearing this T-shirt while listening to friends and family tell stories. Once in a while I hear myself saying out loud, "Now that would make a great post."





Between you and me, I miss the color and feel of pens for when I used to write my short stories. Now its the clicking of the keyboard that tells me I'm home and feeling creative and ready to blog.



Coffee shops are amazing for my creativity, especially if I have some music to rock out to. The coffee shop is not my work, or home and the smell of the coffee let's me know its time to create.



I get asked by my friends, family and followers of this blog how do I come up with so many topics. My response is, "How can't I?" I have so many thoughts, ideas and experiences bubbling inside. To write it all out has been a gift.

I love the blog advice, to become a success you need to live, eat and breath your blog...and I do. It has become a joy to work on and other times I just stare blankly at the screen. So the next time I start to feel writer's block, I will remember to go the coffee shop and think retro blogging 101. What tips so you use when you feel blocked for posts?

Wishful Wednesday: summer blog pictures

On this Wishful Wednesday, it seems I've been traveling a lot over the last couple of weeks. So much so, when I wake up in the mornings, I have to remind myself of the city I'm in. Some of the cities I've been to are: San Francisco, Toronto, New York, Buffalo, Houston, Atlanta and Charlotte, NC. Here are some fun blog pictures, if you haven't been able to travel this summer. ~ Shhh I won't tell if you don't...

I saw this storefront walking down the street in Toronto. SO, even dogs ask each other this question? And for the record, no doggie, I think your butt looks fab in that dress.

Yes they do!

We saw this truck on our way to Fenway Park. Bostonians have pride in their city and so they should. I think Boston is a great city with great people.

How cool is this storefront. What do you think they're advertising? Purses or their blog.









This display was in a storefront in Charlotte, NC. BTW the Charlotte airport looks like a shopping mall which can be very scary if you have a long layover. Don't worry, I behaved.



Let me know by commenting below which travel blog picture is your favorite?

Blogging advice; Eat breathe and live it

It's been almost two years, that I secretly started writing this blog. Under the Sheets~shhh was my secret and I thought I would never share it with anyone. I am so glad I was able to let go, feel confidant in my words and share. And so many wonderful things have happened because of it. Then one day I was given the best blog advice ever! "Your blog will become successful only when you start to eat breathe and live it!" This became my blogging words to live by.

* Photo courtesy of Jimmy Backius

How does working on your side project of writing consume you?

Do I like giving myself homework? Well no, but I love the feeling of creativity that this blog gives me. I actually feel like something is missing if my posts aren't done. And whenever I see a scenario that makes me say out loud, "that would make a great post" I know I am truly done for.

I wonder what's happened to me? Suddenly I see life in colorful words. For example I was talking to my brother in Toronto and he told me about an amazing restaurant they just had dinner at called O.Noir. "Dining in the Dark, when you eat food in the dark, your remaining senses are heightened to savor the smell and taste of food." And my first response to him was, "What an amazing concept. How should I write about it?"

I guess only bloggers can understand how my life and my art has combined so seamlessly that I am starting to lose the line.

And where did I go to learn my new blogging craft. I would read a lot of articles about social media, read other blogs that I admired and Honey would send me posts by Seth Godin.

My blogging advice I'd like to pass to you is to network as much as you can. Develop relationships with other blogs so you and your community will continue to grow. Well at least that's what happened to me lovelies!

* Photo courtesy of James Nader

If you had a friend who just starting out blogging, what advice would you give to them? Have a great day sweetie!

Subscribe: Become A Follower to Under the Sheets-Shhh

Do you want to be the first to read what I am thinking? Need some thought provoking email sent directly to you instead of spam?

Well, all you have to do is sign up to become a follower of my blog, if you like what your reading and want to be updated as soon as a new post is published. You can subscribe by choosing to follow this blog or subscribe to posts.

To foll0w this blog in your reader of choice by clicking on Follow This Blog on the right hand side. You can also choose to subscribe to the Posts or Comments.

Please become one of my followers...come on...don't make me beg :)

Laura

Free sponsorship for blog makeover

How many things in this world can you get for free? Well, I've been starting to do a little blog makeover, do you like it sweetie? And I reconnected with my need to support all lovely things. On the left hand side of my blog I'd like to advertise your creations and help get the word out, for free.

So free sponsorship does exist?

I have a love for fashion, food, jewelry, photography, dance, travel and handmade vintage.

Email me with your interest sweetie at shhh.under.the.sheets@gmail.com.

I can't wait to learn more about what your creating and adding your blog banners. Shout it from the rooftops...free sponsorship and advertising on Under the Sheets-shhh.

Coffee talk: Why do I blog?

Time for some coffee talk...it's been one of those weeks where my life twisted and turned. And sweetie I'd love for you to send some positive vibes over my way. It took me a couple of days to realize that sitting down and writing can help. But when did this blog turn into a security blanket for me? Under the Sheets~shhh is there in times of good and ready to catch me if I fall.

Why do I blog?

I've been asked this question many times when I proudly talk about my little blog. At what point did I feel the need to share all of my thoughts with the world? My blanket includes every comment that I get, every picture I take and every thought for a post.

When times are busy I love to ask you to guest post and when times are slow I have somewhere to turn to be creative and free.

It seems when I 'm on a road something happens and I have to change my way. I seem to always land on my feet and can see later on see why the road has changed by a move or change of job. What advice would you give someone to keep their chin held up high ?

Fifth Blogger Award for Under The Sheets-Shhh

Under The Sheets-Shhh was given it's fifth blogger award by Linda at Psyche Connections. Thank you so much Linda for honoring this blog's fabulousness. Before nominating other amazing bloggers, I wanted to write to you about three things which show what being fabulous means to me.

1) I completely agree with the BBC sitcoms Ab Fab's (Absolutely Fabulous) definition in Wikipedia. The plot reads 'Edina Monsoon and Patsy Stone are two immature, chain-smoking, alcoholic, prosperous but preposterous substance-abusing fashion and fad-obsessed Londoners who value fame and style over substance (unless they are controlled substances)." Oh come on how fabulous is that?!

2) I wish I could have been Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast At Tiffany's because 'although we never find out what Holly's occupation is, it is implied that she makes money by providing wealthy men with platonic company.' Oh come on how fabulous is it that of a 1961 movie?!

3) Anytime a woman can find her true voice and feel confidant in who she is is complete fabulousness to me.

So the people that I know are fabulous and deserve the 'Your Blog is Fabulous' award are:

Bon Don Who Throw's A Cupcake? Honestly?
Jules at Mean Girl Garage
Lipstick Diaries
Girl Meets NYC
This Is Clutch
Pj at It is what it is Sometimes
Poshhh at Babydoll Rage
Chez le laquet!
Tanya at Capitvate Me
Pseudonymous High School Teacher

So, there are a few things you need to do after accepting this award:
1.) Post the logo on your blog.
2.) Pass it on to at least 10 of your blogger friends.
3.) Please link me, Laura at Under The Sheets-Shhh in your post.
4.) Link the awardees as well.
5.) Let your awardees know you have passed this on to them by going to their blog and leaving a comment.

Tell me what is fabulous to you? Congrats to all of you and thank you again Linda for my fab award.

Monday retro editorial pics

With another rainy San Francisco Monday, I felt like I needed a little color. And I love these retro editorial pics to cheer me up. Sweetie, I still haven't figure out how I can pose like these lovely models throughout the day, but I promise to try if you do?

Is she looking for more pink balloons or being careful not to pop them with her fabulous shoes?

Love these editorial shots by Amanda Elkins a L.A. photographer. Amanda has a fresh way of capturing her subjects and I love her use of light. Great job Amanda!

Stunning...just stunning. All of the blues work together with the drama of her draped dress. How many people do you think it took to help her get dressed?





This ballet-esque bride shows off her elegance, grace and unique style while posing on the ground.

I am very into balloons today! Ah rain, rain go away and come again another day in June please!

This picture is so beautiful and I found some of these editorial pics from a wonderful blog called {a glamorous little side project}. If you haven't been over to her blog yet check her out. She has an incredible eye for lovely photography and is my new blog crush. Tell me sweetie what do you do to cheer yourself up when its pouring outside?

Fourth Blogger Award for Under The Sheets-Shhh

Under The Sheets-Shhh was given it's fourth Lemonade blogger award from the very thoughtful George who writes LostNight's Scribblings. George's poems always touch me and seem to inspire me to write some of my memories into posts. He must think that Under The Sheets-Shhh shows great attitude and or gratitude. I hope a little of both. Thank you George, you're the best.

Before passing this award onto other well deserving bloggers, I would like to share with you five attitude and five gratitude things that you didn't know about me.

So attitude should be very easy for me......Try not judge that:

1) I can snap at you very quickly if after repeating myself three times you still haven't heard me.

2) I need about 7-8 hours of sleep every night. Without it I can be very cranky. This would be the perfect time for you to see my attitude in full force.

3) I will give you attitude if you are sitting behind me in the movies and kick my seat. Once by mistake is OK. Twice is another story.

4) Please say bless you after someone sneezes. If you don't I might correct you.

5) If I am left on hold for too long and that horrible phone wait music is playing, watch out to the people around me.

And now for my gratitude list:

1) I am thankful for each and every day of learning and growing.

2) I thank whoever is responsible for creating cotton candy, palm trees, wet noses on dogs, hugs and Tonka trucks.

3) I still write my gratitude down weekly in a gratitude journal so I can realize all of the good that is happening in my life. (This also helps me when I am having a bad day.)

4) I am grateful for this new year and a new President.

5) I am thankful for recently finding R$40 real in my jean pocket. I took those jeans with me to Brazil.

My lucky nominees for the lemonade blog award are:

Medicated and Motivated (Such a great name for a blog.)

Three Bay B Chicks (These Bay Area ladies are so creative.)

Psyche Connections( Linda makes me feel like dancin')

Suburb Sanity (I feel like I am with you in the trenches :)

Thinking Out Loud (Insightful thoughts out loud.)

Pacing The Panic Room (Transitions can be easier with humor and insight.)

Vintage Lollipops (Bella is a gem!)

French Kiss (For their amazing love story.)

Fifi Flowers Design Decor (Fifi is such a talent.)

Clever Girl Goes Blog (Sarcasm in pink heels!)

Guest post on Birthday Girl's blog

I am super excited for you to read my guest post today on Birthday Girl's blog. Her eye for design, clean and classic pictures and her warmth comes through in each post. Plus we just found out that we live near each other. Not to worry, I asked Becca to write a post for Under the Sheets in the upcoming weeks. And hopefully we'll meet for coffee soon. Oh I feel an interview post coming...

Let me let you in on a little secret...come in a little closer...promise not to tell? OK I love guest posting on blogs. Especially when our blogs have a lot in common. It's like a happy little blog marriage.

And who wouldn't fall in love with a Birthday Girl that reminds you to celebrate your life? Under the Sheets~shhh readers, my guest post will remind you of another post...Come back and tell me which one... Have a great day lovelies!

My favorite blogging advice

Writing positive words can be very difficult in the blogging world. Blog burnout, harsh comments and negativity can make it easier to vent then to find the good in things. Last October, I went to the SITScation conference and heard some wonderful blogging advice. Can't wait to read yours....

"Every time you sit down to write or put your ideas out there in a post, remember that one day your grandchildren could be reading it."

This advice reminded me to think of the impact that I have. And I have the choice to be either negative or positive.

One day when I’m 80 and my children or grandchildren want to learn more about what their grandmother was like they'll just Google my name. What will they find and read about me? So I need to produce words that I don't mind them seeing. It's easy to press publish on a post without thinking about who it can affect. Keep this blogging advice in mind and it will become easier to be more positive in your posts. (Click here to order your own wedding time capsule.)

When I was in the fifth grade I remember our class putting together a time capsule. We filled it with pictures, stories of us and our hopes for the future. We buried it in the backyard of our school. We believed if someone from the future dug up our time capsule our existence would be everlasting.

But isn’t a Blog, or Twitter today’s current time capsule? These social media tools help stamp us into time. I just have to remember to choose this as I draft my post thoughts and tweets.

And to Molly and Billy, my future grandchildren, you found my blog and I hope you appreciate this advice. Please be kind to your parents and yes Grandma was young and had a lot of fun in San Francisco! See you just found the proof! Back to you lovelies, what is your favorite blogging advice you give to other newbies?

Be In Style blog review

I was recently contacted by the lovely fashion blog Be In Style to see if I'd like them to review my blog. What a lovely compliment sweetie! And then I was flattered by their review of how I see things in my little corner of the world, San Francisco. Be In Style is all things fashion, deals, trends and some gossip, but it's all class and lovely things.

Review
~
Laura, the blogger for Under the Sheets~shhh, lives in charming San Francisco, California. She blogs about everything from Grace Kelly’s wedding dress (over thirty seamstresses worked on her incredible gown!) to outfits for 80’s-style workouts. One of her most recent posts is about a trip to Tuscany and Rome. She makes these romantic Italian places seem like the one and only place any fashion-lover would want to live!...When you get a chance head over and check out the review.
~
Let me know what you think sweetie!

Happy Blogaversary to Under the Sheets-shhh!

Happy one year anniversary to Under the Sheets-shhh and to little ‘ol moi! Thank you my blogging friends, for an incredible year of growth, support, care and understanding.

I was once given the advice that blogs can change over a year and boy were they right. I started off by writing more story posts and then Under the Sheets-shhh changed into more of a lifestyle blog. (Click here to read one of my first posts.)

So much good and bad has happened over this last year and I thank you for going with me on this journey. I was able to use this blog as my creative outlet to release my inner thoughts and wishes. Looking back, I see I’ve written posts that had mostly happened in my past and tried to stay away from what was happening in my life at the present moment. You may be wondering why? I think mostly to keep my privacy and because of my fear about the black hole we like to call the Internet.

Announcing big changes to Under the Sheets-shhh over the next year. Ahh shucks you guys, this is so exciting!

Drum roll please…my plans over the next year is to let you in on my life more and share with you my present day experiences. I would love to combine my two loves of writing with the lifestyle pictures. How does this sound to you my lovelies? I’d love to get your thoughts and comments about this.

And in the spirit of sharing with you what’s happening in my life, I have some wonderful news

to share with you...

Two weeks ago, Honey proposed and we’re engaged. I am very happy and excited about our future. (Catch up here to read about our love story.)

I’m about to go through planning a Hindu and Jewish wedding. We fondly call Hinjew. We’re not the first or the last couple to attempt this, but going outside of the box is never easy. I hope we can have a combination wedding and have a lot of warmth and loads of love on our big day.

Blogging friends please don’t worry, my plan is to not make this a wedding blog, but ask for your help with the drama that comes with planning a wedding and maybe bounce an idea or two off of you. In addition to these posts, I’ll continue to write to you about life in San Francisco, relationships, Wishful Wednesday, society, current topics, sarcastic stories and I’ll throw in some recipes and photography. Will you come with me on the next chapter of my life? ~Laura