I normally do not do these kinds of things, but Amy from Handmade Evolution invited me and it fits in with my series called 10 Things.

So, here’s 10 things about me. I tried to pick things that you probably don’t already know.

I’m now supposed to invite 5 people to share 10 things. I’m going to choose 5 people that I really would love to know more about and hope they decide to share…nudge, nudge. Abby from Abby Try Again, Victoria from sfgirlbybay,  Robin from A Chow Life, Irene from Bloesem, Vanessa from A Fanciful Twist.

P.S. Wednesday Indie Artist Fixx will hopefully return next week. We are having a bit o trouble scheduling times to interview artists with the summer break and all.

I was lucky enough to grow up in a family that chose National Parks over water park resorts and hiking over suntanning for our family vacations. (Thanks, Mom and Dad!) So when I think of the things that make me the most inspired and creative, I always come back to the natural beauty of our vacation spots. Here are ten of my favorite places that bring me my greatest artistic drive and zest for life!

1. Yosemite National Park, California: View from the top of Half Dome after a tiring and fulfilling hike up!

2. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona: My biggest accomplishment was hiking this spectacular natural wonder my senior year in high school. Photo from fundenburg.

3. Badlands National Park, South Dakota: Huge, wondrous expanses make up this childhood favorite of mine–plus Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse close by. Photo from rachel-amarette.

4. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon: The deepest lake in the country and the most vibrantly colored one I’ve ever seen.

5. Devil’s Tower National Monument, Wyoming: It’s worth it just to see the tiny specks of people precariously climbing their way up this massive volcanic neck. Photo from backpackphotography.

6. Governors Island National Monument, New York: This island offers some of the best views of New York City and has beautiful buildings from its days as a military base (when it was home to my parents!). Photo from cebete.

7. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming: Some of the world’s strangest and most intriguing natural spots are at this park, from mud pots to geysers. Photo from riverap1.

8. Zion National Park, Utah: A great place for casual hiking and amazing views, Zion’s wildlife and canyons are breathtaking. Photo from rene-germany.

9. Montezuma Castle National Monument, Arizona: The ancient cliff dwellings from around 700 AD are so well preserved and a mysterious look into the past. Photo from flissphil.

10. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado: There was a moose milling around in my campground at this park. Enough said. Photo from krossbow.

About the contributor: Amy Anderson is a former Indie Fixx intern and a graduate of Northwestern University. Amy has wanted to be a journalist since she was just 5 years old and she’s also into the indie design and crafting scenes as well.

10 beautiful spring-inspired things to wear & decorate with by minna of karuski for 10 Things. If you have your own idea for a great 10 Things list and want to put one together, send me an email.

Spring is finally here in Southern Finland! Snow usually hangs on for quite a bit after my friends from around the world start chattering about spring.  That leaves lots of time for a girl to dream and put together a spring wishlist.

1. ribbony zipper pouch by milkandhoneyhandbags – This soft yellow zipper pouch looks so sweet and would make a perfect companion to any springy outfit. The ribbon embellishment on the front is truly unique.
2. mini dress by iheartfink – I could use some color after a dark winter! This mini dress has a bold dark pink color. I’m loving the hand printed artwork on this it.
3. fleur de toi necklace by fleurfatale – I’m dreaming of flower garden, can’t wait to dig my fingers into the soil. Fleurfatale’s feminine necklace is just lovely.
4. hand balm by greenlivingsoap – First time I come across with a hand balm in a shape of heart and this looks so sweet. Would make a nice little gift to a friend as well.
5.  wool and linen shoes by lalashoes – These ballet style shoes couldn’t look much happier! Their beautiful salmon & light mint color combo almost screams for a spring day. The design of these shoes is both cute and modern, a little bit girly too.
6. needlefelted spring cloud by atelierpompadour – A cute, cute and happy cloud to hang by your window.
7. forest papercut original by thetimeisnow – This original piece is beautiful art work and cut patiently by hand. So airy and delicate.
8. camille brooch by latenightdrawing – As a cat lover I had to pick this brooch to my favorites. The brooch features beautiful Camille the cat, print of an original drawing by Swedish illustrator Carolina Grönholm.
9. light green bowl by mayluk – Contemporary bowl to serve salad or pasta. A cat decoration fits a cat lover’s home.
10. ceramic orange earrings by azuladoLittle orange earrings look like poppies. Can you tell I love flowers!

Need some relaxation in your life? Who doesn’t, right? Amy from Handmade Evolution (Etsy Shop Field Trip) shares 10 Ways To Relax for 10 Things. How do you relax? Share in the comments!

If you have your own idea for a great 10 Things list and want to put one together, send me an email.

By Amy from Handmade Evolution

Relaxation and time off work are now a couple of my favorite topics, so I thought it would be fun for us all to share our favorite ways to relax and to treat ourselves.

Nothing like a break for some tea or a decadent piece of chocolate right? I love to light a candle or two to give the room a lovely fragrance while working or reading. And how great is a bubble bath or deliciously scented bar of soap!

1.) Not Just Tea 2). Pur Bliss 3). Sweeties by Kim 4). Mooka Soap

The above is all about time away from the computer for me – usually spent lying on the couch or in bed reading a great book or magazine (there is something about paper for me still)!

5.) A Guide to the Birds of East Africa 6). Apple Iphone 7). Hettle 8). Wired Magazine

Cue the music… A great, positive song works wonders to keep me happy and relaxed, even if I am hard at work. My brother introduced me to this tune from Matisyahu, and it’s now one of my favorites. Finally – my sketch book. Getting my ideas on paper and brainstorming somewhere away from my office is something I really enjoy doing.

9.) Matisyahu 10). Disconsolator

I’d love to hear and be inspired by your favorite ways to relax!

Tara from scoutie girl shares 10 Things Every Mama Needs More Of for 10 Things. If you have your own idea for a great 10 Things list and want to put one together, send me an email.

Mommies need lots of things: extra diapers, healthy snacks, changes of clothes, sneakers, sweatpants, a sense of humor… but we often don’t get the little things that make us more fulfilled women, better mommies, and more loving partners. So when you start feeling that tugging sensation that signals the end of your rope is near, reach for one of these necessities!

1. Glamor – image by galaxie andrews

2. Pampering – pretty pink makeover by treehugger* via flickr

3. Date Nights – flirtation by ashley cloud

4. Time – deux/americano by dezene

5. Coffee (or other caffeinated beverages)

6. Fancy Shoes – l’apres soiree by the light fantastic

7. Chocolate

8. Sleep – sleeping in by the serendipity

9. Alone Time

10. Kisses – bath time by vantage photographs

Valerie of Studio Roseflash (& blog) shares her top 10 favorite FREE fonts for 10 Things. If you have your own idea for a great 10 Things list and want to put one together, send me an email.

I’m kinda font-obsessed. Fonts are basically a matter of putting a style to your content. So as you can imagine, they are important when it comes to designing your visual identity. In fact, I consider that choosing the right font can determine if your look will win the hearts of your prospects or repel them (which we certainly DON’T want!).

So I have put together a list of my top 10 favorite FREE fonts; not all free fonts are equals in design, so choose yours wisely. It should look good and be readable in a small format as well as a large one, should express what your content is all about AND be attracting your targeted audience like candy for kids!

1. ChunkFive
2. Sketchetica light
3. Devroye
4. Birra
5. Museo
6. Quicksand
7. Fertigo
8. Carrington regular
9. Rezland
10. Vegur

Alli of One Pearl Button shares her 10 cold weather essentials for 10 Things . If you have your own idea for a great 10 Things list and want to put one together, send me an email.

I don’t know about you, but when temperatures start to drop, the style of my clothes becomes a secondary concern to how warm they keep me. I get so cold in the wintertime that I’ve been known to ditch my bathrobe and instead wander around the apartment with a down comforter wrapped around me like some sort of arctic toga. Luckily for me and any other cold-a-phobes out there, creating a winter wardrobe that is both warm and stylish is easy with the help of a few key pieces. I consider these ten items (compiled in no particular order) cold weather essentials: mix them into your closet to make even your summer clothes wearable on dark winter days. As a bonus, most of the examples given here, all of which were found on Etsy.com, are handmade of recycled materials. Now drop the snuggie and prepare yourself for fashion that’s as good for the earth as it is for your core body temperature.

1. A Warm Cardigan — Ruffled Lace Sweatshirt by Supayana

Cardigans are my ultimate layering tool – I don’t think it’s possible to have too many. Of course you’ll get the most wear out of your neutral cardis, but a pretty embellished cardigan like this one would be a fun way to make a simple outfit pop.

2. A Cozy Sweater Dress or Skirt — Sweater Pencil Skirt by Peeko Apparel

Who said that sweaters should only be worn on the top half of your body? Sweater dresses and skirts look sophisticated, but are as comfy as PJs. The curvy front seam detail on this skirt would flatter any figure, while pockets keep fingers toasty.

3. Great Tights – Stems Bamboo Tights by Sweet Cheeks Panties

Tights are the perfect cold weather item: you can layer them to stay toasty in any temperature, or put them on under your pants when things really get frosty. Find a pair as unique as these and enjoy the practical benefits while making a fabulous fashion statement.

4. A Sophisticated Wool Skirt — Wool Fishtail Skirt by Janebonbon

When temperatures really drop, every girl needs a wool skirt. Pair it with thick tights and you’ll be even warmer than you would be in jeans. A skirt with a special detail, like this gorgeously appliquéd fishtail, will make you stand out in any crowd.

5. A Wear-Everywhere Scarf — Maggie Wrap by Tamily

What’s a winter wardrobe without handknits? I love a scarf that’s big enough to be worn as a shawl or a hood. This one looks amazingly soft, in a gorgeous natural brown that could work with anything in your wardrobe.

6. A Cute Jumper — Dalby Jean Jumper by Makool

Not just for schoolgirls, jumpers are perfect for layering in cold months. Wear it over or under a sweater for two totally different – but equally warm – winter looks. The neutral denim fabric, cute button detail, and roomy pockets set this one apart from the rest.

7. A Casual-but-Unique Sweatshirt — Spearmint Hoodie by Mungo Crafts

We all need a comfy, easy sweatshirt to shrug into on casual days. Casual doesn’t need to be boring, however – look for a sweatshirt with a fitted shape and flattering details. I would love to run errands in these gorgeous shades of green.

8. Flat Shoes – Green patterned ballet flats by De Bonis Orquera

Winter walks can be treacherous, so flats are essential. These would look as cute with jeans as they do with a dress.

9. A Perfect Wool Coat — Custom Vintage Wool Coat by Stephanie Teagu

As the ultimate winter accessory, you should absolutely love your overcoat. There’s a good chance that you’ll be wearing it everyday for the next few months, and you don’t want to be bored at the sight of it by the time March rolls around. A beautifully shaped coat custom made out of vintage wools might be just the ticket for making your heart flutter every time you pull it out of the closet.

10. A Lovely Capelet — Embroidered Leather Capelet by Jessamity

Finally, while they aren’t the most practical outerwear, who can resist the sweetness of a shoulder cape? I doubt this one would do much to keep off the chill, but the gorgeous recycled leather and embroidered details could warm your soul, if not your limbs. Maybe some things are worth shivering for!

Nicole Docimo of Blue Bicicletta (& blog) shares a wonderful list of 10 Ways to Be Everyday Creative for today’s 10 Things .  If you have your own idea for a great 10 Things list and want to put one together, send me an email. Extra brownie points if you draw your list like Nicole!