It's Simply Lindsay

08/31/17

4 common grammar mistakes (and how to fix them).

Even before I became a high school English teacher, I felt passionately about correct grammar. Strangely enough, I never received strong formal grammar instruction in school because when you were in the advanced English classes, the emphasis was on reading, critical thinking, and writing.

As any avid readers can relate, grammar and vocabulary comes more naturally the more you read because you internalize the rules and words in practical action. I think grammar and vocabulary are actually more effective this way. Although, admittedly, I do not know all the grammar rules and crazy nuances that come with our wonderful English language, I actually do not think they are all that important.

Woah.

Did the English teacher really just say that? Yes, I sure did. Let me explain though. I value being able to write and speak compelling arguments. How compelling will your argument be if you have incorrect spelling, poor grammar, and limited vocabulary? Not very, you guessed it.

08/22/17

Inspiring Imagination with Mouse + Magpie

This post is brought to you by Mouse + Magpie and The Motherhood. All opinions are my own.

John Keats once said, “I am certain of nothing but the holiness of the heart’s affections, and the truth of imagination,” and oh how this rings true to me. When my sweet Ginny made me a mom, I couldn’t imagine any more greatness – greatness in love or fulfillment of life; she was the little nugget that made everyone’s lives better and certainly mine more whole.

To see her love and purity grow and develop into the most curious little lady has been the greatest joy. And just when I had convinced myself baby number two would be loved but not as loved, because there was just no way my heart could grow, the holiness of my heart’s affection proved me wrong, delightedly so.

Olive was born and our world smiled as hearts swelled, and this sweetest dumpling is ahead of herself. She watches her big sis with eager eyes, soaking it all in. She rolled over after a few weeks, crawled at 5 months, and pulls herself up now at 6. And more than these physical developmental milestones, I’m delighted that she will learn from her sister’s imagination.

08/17/17

Why are white people whispering the word ‘black’?

Here’s my disclaimer as I open up a racial conversation: I’m a white woman living in the Chicago suburbs where I also grew up. My husband, family, and neighbors are white. In grammar school, I can remember two girls who were black, and in a high school of about 2600 people, everyone around me was pretty much white. I honestly can only recall one black student, without thinking too deeply or consulting my yearbook, because he dated a girl in my social circle. The most colorful part of my day was in my locker hallway: I was sandwiched between the fun-loving, kind group of Albanians and a group of harmless, white boy potheads, and, only to be discovered years later, across the hall from two lesbians. Oh, and I had a friend who was Jewish, how very exotic.

Some people may criticize and say I’m not the right kind of person to write about race because I’m white; I don’t even really know many black or brown people. But I think I’m exactly the type of person who should be talking about this, and hopefully other people who look like me will listen, and people who don’t look like me will weigh in.

I love my town and had a great education there, but it wouldn’t be until I went to college that I realized the white extent of the sheltered bubble I lived in.

07/17/17

SeneGence party place mat

As a SeneGence distributor, I’m always trying to find new ways to improve my business, help my team, and I’m happy to share resources with you, too! Some, like these cards, are totally free and others, like these non-watermarked cards, have a small fee, but all are created in the spirit of helping your business.

I saw this idea for a place mat in a Facebook group I’m in and decided to make it my own; the idea is to print these off for home parties. The attendees can write down notes and wish list colors for future reference and leave the party with your contact info, too.

Feel free to share this original post in your groups, with your teams, or pin it for future reference. Read on to see how to personalize and download the mats.

Related posts:

Distributor-approved LipSense carrying cases

SeneGence Wish List Spreadsheet

Why we should be more like drunk girls in the bathroom

Why It’s Time to Get Rid of Basic B****

07/12/17

16 Must-have coffee table books

As a lover of books, it’s no surprise that my recent fixation with home decor is coffee table books. What better way to add height, levels of interest in coffee table and book shelf styling, beauty, education, and interest than with a good coffee table book? Answer: there is no better way.

A good stack of books is instant art but even better because this art gives you hours of enjoyment, endless talking points, and entertaining conversation. My infatuation with these books began as a girl, pooling over my parents’ Erte art books; looking at them now, I still feel the rush of fascination and nostalgia with each colorful, exotic page.

My book picks have something for everyone – the traveler, hostess, floral enthusiast, bakers or lovers of cake, the fashionistas, fun-fact wizards, home decor aficionado, lovers of art, elegance, people, the world, and everything in between. {Just click the images or text below to learn more.}

 

07/7/17

Solicitors, protecting yourself, and the law

The door knocks.

You weren’t expecting anyone, but a few things can happen.

1. You simply ignore it, not knowing if it was a visitor you needed to take.
2. You answer, only to be bothered by someone selling you cheaper energy, pest control, books, makeup, insurance, etc. You wait and listen to be polite or say you’re not interested, only to be answered with persistence pushiness, or a knock at your door later that evening.
3. You do or don’t answer, and the ‘solicitor’ is really just casing your home, learning your schedule, and seeing if you’re a good target.

Either way, solicitors generally mark an uncomfortable, annoying, or even dangerous moment in your day.

In my neighborhood lately, we’ve had the same pest control company making its way through our community, leaving many moms at a minimum, annoyed, and at most, downright scared. That’s why I wanted to  put together some information about solicitors, your rights, and what to do when you’re called upon.