Happy Friday! I have a new favorite font for you guys! Looking at this font just makes me happy. It makes me feel like a fun summer is approaching and I just want to go eat snoballs, ride a ferris wheel and lay out on the beach!

Mikado is a friendly, casual type family designed by Hannes von Döhren. It is intended to be used everywhere where a pleasant feeling should be conveyed. It has the openness and regularity needed for agreeable reading, and a lively and informal appearance that makes it shine in large headlines, slogans and logos. Mikado has a positive, kind of “out-of-the-box-appearance” in big sizes, but because of its straight architecture the fonts are also very legible in smaller sizes and longer texts – in print or on screen.

Mikado is equipped for complex, professional typography with alternate letters, ligatures, arrows, fractions and an extended character set to support Central and Eastern European as well as Western European Languages. Love Potion and Brandon Grotesqu, two of Hannes von Döhren‘s other fonts have shown up on this blog before as favorites!

Description and samples from MyFonts.

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“Bonnie, you are 23, you are way too young to have skin cancer. This concerns me.” As if those words were not scary enough to hear, at least five additional times I heard the doctor say “He’s way too young for this…” sounding incredibly concerned each time he muttered it.

That was 22 years ago. Aloha. My name is Bonnie Cribbs, and I blog over at Beach Money CEO, tweet at @boatingBonnieC and I am addicted to the sun. OK, so “addicted” may be a very strong word, but I sure do love all things summer & sunny. I spend much of my summer at the lake having fun on my boat and I absolutely love the ocean and sitting by the pool….and I drive a convertible. I’m overweight and balding, so having a good tan has been rather important to me – at least I can have a good tan going for me, right? And for a living, I sell skin care products. It almost sounds like a conflict of interest, doesn’t it?

As summer is approaching, I want to talk about taking care of our skin this summer. It will be a Hodge-podge of how-to-protect-your-skin tips. Katie Rodan, one of the infamous doctors who created Proactive Solutions and most recently founded Rodan + Fields Dermatologist said “Genetics are only responsible for 20 percent of how your skin will age. 80 percent is in your control and that’s great news. It is never too late to change your skin’s destiny.” The sun is the culprit for most of that 80%. So that’s great, we know what to protect ourselves from. Now we just have to know how….and actually do it.

10 Minute Rule

In the time it takes you to have your morning cup of coffee, or wait in line at the Starbucks Drive Thru, the sun is working it’s magic on your skin. Before leaving the house, always use sunscreen. Sunscreen is not just for a day at the pool or for a few hours at the park. If you are going to be out in the sun any at all, wear sunscreen. In my car I keep a bottle of sunscreen and a hat. I love having the top down, but I always want to protect myself from the harmful and dangerous rays.

Reapply Every Two Hours

“I’m not burnt, I don’t need more sunscreen.” That is really bad logic. There is a deeper purpose than simply preventing being burnt, your skin needs to stay protected from the sun. In addition to applying sunscreen before leaving the house in the morning, reapply every two hours…and yes, especially when you’ll be out in the sun. But don’t be fooled, UVA damage can also occur in the house.

A little Dab A Do Ya

That’s such a misconception. When applying sunscreen, most people do not apply enough, so make sure you follow the bottles direction and apply liberally.

How Old??

That’s not just the question people will be asking you when you tell them you are only 30 when your skin looks 40 (or visa-versa if sunscreen is used), but it’s also the question you need to ask about the bottle of sunscreen you are applying. Sunscreen loses its effectiveness over time, so always be sure to you check the expire date before you buy or before you apply.

It’s So Cloudy Today!

As I mentioned earlier, I have a boat and spend much of the summer out on the lake. Those cloudy days when the suns rays are not directly beaming down on us are always the days people get sunburned the most. And then they wonder why. Don’t be fooled by the cloudy day, the sun is still getting to you. If you see light outside, the sun can do damage to your skin.

Avoid Tanning Beds

I was in college in the late 80′s. This was before the time that everyone knew that tanning beds were bad for you time limits were on the beds. In the Spring I went to the tanning bed a few times a week and stayed in for 45 minutes each. Yes, I had an incredible tan and remember well that my time in the tanning bed was definitely some of the best naps I had in college (while listening to the cassette tape of Dirty Dancing), but, well, did I mention skin cancer at age 23? Avoid tanning beds. They’re not worth it.

Is There A Pill For that?

I have two points to make here. Yes, there is a pill to take to get your Vitamin D. So don’t use “I need my Vitamin D” as an excuse. The other point is this: If you are on medication, be sure to know how it affects your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. There are a lot of medications out there which increases your skin’s sensitivity toward the sun so don’t be caught by surprise and burn at even a faster rate.

I See Spots

If you have new bumps, hard spots, new growths or changes to existing moles, freckles, birthmarks…be sure to ask your doctor about them. It’s always best to catch it early. Catching them early is a very good thing – it allows you to have the spots removed before they spread. Again, check with your doctor.

The Speedo Rule

If you are a guy and have a desire to wear a speedo, resist that urge. Just don’t do it. OK, so this has nothing to do with sun protection and should just be considered a public service announcement.

At Rodan + Fields, all of our skin care regimens have sun protection at their core, including sunscreen in our cremes. We also have sunscreen, lip shield, etc. We have you covered from head to toe. You can visit my shop to find out which products are right for you.

As I mentioned earlier, I blog at Beach Money CEO. Most of my post are related to helping your business succeed, business tips, motivational pieces, some skin care tips and the occasional post about something personal. Please feel free to stop by and visit me there!  

GIVEAWAY TIME!

As if these awesome skin care tips were not enough, Bonnie is also offering one lucky Ciera Design reader a $50 American Express gift card! You can use this to purchase all of your summer skin care necessities! Or whatever else you may need for the summer! Giveaway open to US shipping addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!! Have any questions? Feel free to contact me. If you are in a reader click out to access the Rafflecopter entry form. Please note that your entry will be removed if you do not complete it correctly. Photo from Anthropologie, design by me.

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And then… we played flip cup, it was hilarious. Even my mom and dad played!

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The Art // This painting titled Galena by Erik Jones stopped me dead in my internet browsing tracks. She looks like she’s wearing some futuristic head-dress. The splashes of lines and colors create an exotic mane, but her features and expression is so calm and elegant.

The Inspired // This ceramic vessel by Elke Sada is a piece of art on it’s own. It looks as if a painting has been cut up and molded into a bowl.

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Click Here To Download the Mother's Day Card

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These days, it seems like everyone is starting their own business or blog, which crowds the market and makes it hard for anyone at all to stand out – unless you make yourself different, memorable and remarkable.

Today I’m sharing a few ways to make your business stand out from the rest.

1. Take the rules and throw them out the window

There are just some things that certain niches don’t do, simply because no one has done it before. One way to become memorable is push the envelope and think outside the normal box that everyone else in your industry lives in. It can take lots of brainstorming and work, but creating a service or a product that is different from everyone else’s will pay off. Think of Virgin America Airlines – what other airline has mood lighting and screens in every headrest that allow you to watch tv and surf the internet without a laptop? They thought outside of what other airlines were doing and are hugely successful because of it.

2. Use practices of your favorite brands and infuse them into your own

You love your favorite brands for a reason – maybe they offer little extras with each purchase or they have the best customer service on the planet. Write down all of the reasons you love your favorite brands, and try to figure out ways to infuse some of those things into your own brand. This will help you build a brand you love while standing out  because you’re a little bit different from the rest of them.

3. Offer something unique

Just because other designers offer branding, web and illustrating services doesn’t mean you have to too. Know what you’re good at and stick with that. If you have restaurant experience and love the fast paced world of hospitality, think about focusing your design services just toward hospitality companies. That way you’re working only with clients who are in an area of work you’re an expert in, and you’ll become known for just working with those certain types of clients. This helps you create a unique brand among others who are offering all sorts of services to all sorts of people.

4. Don’t wait for permission

If you want something – go for it! Don’t wait for people to reach out to you, if there’s a project you’re dying to work on or a collaboration you want to do, be the person that reaches out. You don’t have to wait around for someone to give you permission to make your dreams happen. Be the connector and people will see you as a person who knows what they want and knows what types of projects they want to work on. You’ll set yourself apart from those waiting around for success to fall into their lap.

What ways have you tried to set yourself apart from the crowd? Share them in the comments!

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Whimseybox is the original subscription for DIY and craft lovers. Each month WhimseyBox sends subscribers a box full of craft projects along with a project idea. If you sign up through this link, you’ll get $5 off!

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Popular Posts in April:

- How to Stay Productive- Turn Your Instagrams into Magnets
- Festival Fashion
- Out & About Satsuma Cafe
- Timelines and Project Management
- Always Look on the Bright Side
- Chicken Salad Sandwiches
- Friendship Bracelet DIY

Ciera Design Elsewhere in April:

- 40 Creative Ways to Use Chalkboard Paint on Brit + Co.
- Always Look on the Bright Side Freebies for WhimseyBox
- DIY Geometric Felt Coasters featured on Henry Happened and My Craft Assistant
- Spring Sips So Good They’re a Sin
- Mason Jar photo on Pottery Barn’s Instagram
- Rose Crescent Business Cards on The Beauty of Letterpress
- Make your bathroom a sanctuary using the five sense theory
- Great Wall Art Ideas Anyone Can Create

Thanks to everyone who shares my content, I really appreciate it!

If you’ve got a blog, biz, or brand that you think would be a good fit head over to my advertising page for details! I’m accepting new sidebar ads, as well as more creative partnerships, so if you have any ideas I’d love to partner up! The featured sponsor spot for May has been snatched up but you can reserve June now!

P.S. The winner for the Stickygram giveaway was selected, congrats to Lacey K. If you were not the lucky winner, use code “MOMGRAMS” to get 3 packs for the price of 2!!

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YOU WILL NEED

4 yards of waxed cotton cord or embroidery thread, connector charm, scissors, tape, ruler, super glue

DIRECTIONS

1 Cut the knotting cord into two 30 inch, two 20 inch and one 10 inch lengths. Fold the 20 inch piece in half, pull the loop through the connecter charm, fold it over, and pull the rest of the cord through the loop. Repeat the step on the other side of the charm. These strands will remain anchored.

2 Tape it to something sturdy so the bracelet is secure while you make the knots. Center the 30 inch cord under the two middle strands. Fold the right cord over the middle strands and under the left cord.

3 Pull the left cord under the right and middle strands and through the loop on the right side. Pull the strands tight and push the knot up to the top. 

To finish the other side of the knot, fold the left cord over the middle strands and under the right cord. Pull the right cord under the left and middle strands and through the loop on the left side. Continue going back and forth until you get to the desired length (keep in mind that the clasp will take up approximately half an inch) and then move on to the other side. See video below.

4 To finish the knots, thread both cords up 3–4 knots along the backside. Pliers or a needle may help with this.

5 Cut the ends and dab them with super glue so that they are even more secure. Do this process to both sides.

6 To create a sliding closure, shape the bracelet into a circle and overlap the ends. Using scrap cord, temporarily tie at the ends. Take the 10 inch cord and center it under the strands. You’re going to start the knot exactly the same way you did before.

7 Create 4–5 knots and finish the ends the same way you did before. Undo the temporary ties. The two sets of middle cords become the adjustable ties of the bracelet. Adjust it to fit your wrist and trim the ends.

Thanks to Jasmine for modeling for me!

If you have an extra sec, I’d really appreciate if you could head over to Kollabora and heart my Travel Map Corkboard project so I can win a credit to purchase more awesome craft supplies from them!

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I’m a total and complete sucker for good chicken salad, and I have been for as long as I can remember. When I was little, one of my favorite dinners was chicken salad in pita pockets! I’m lucky to be friends with Connie, who is a wonderful cook all around, and a fantastic chicken salad maker. Now that I’ve talked her into giving me the recipe, I don’t think my chicken salad-loving life will ever be the same!

I spotted this fun font, Mayonaise by Maria Nunes, several months ago, and was just waiting for the perfect recipe to go with it: something a little retro with a nod to the 1950′s. I love that the font is crisp and clean, but still has a hand-written vibe. It is decorative and special, but completely easy to read. It’s kind of perfect!

Connie’s Chicken Salad Inspired by Mayonaise

2 cups mayonnaise
2 Tablespoons dry ranch dressing powder
1/2 cup Cool Whip
4 cups cooked, chopped chicken breast
1 cup chopped celery
1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced
1 cup cooked orzo pasta
1/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1 cup chopped grapes

In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, ranch dressing powder, and Cool Whip. Whisk until smooth, and set aside. In a large bowl, combine all remaining ingredients. Toss with mayonnaise mixture, cover, and refrigerate until needed.

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Sponsoring Ciera Design not only means that you get to advertise your blog or business to my lovely readers, but it also means that you’re supporting me in creating what you see here on the blog!

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1. Beet, Arugula & Goat Cheese Grilled Cheese 2. BLT Grilled Cheese 3. Kale, Grilled Garlic and Cheddar Panini 4. Chile Relleno Grilled Cheese Sandwich 5. French Onion Soup Grilled Cheese 6. Grilled Brie and Goat Cheese Sandwich with Bacon and Green Tomato 7. Grilled Turkey & Brie Cranwich 8. Havarti Dill and Cucumber on Rye 9. The Loaded Nacho “Game Day” Grilled Cheese 10. Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese 11. Super Food and Fresh Mozzarella Grilled Cheese 12. Brussels Sprout and Bacon Grilled Cheese 13. Bratwurst, Sauerkraut, and Muenster Grilled Cheese on Soft Pretzel 14. Brie and Roasted Grape Grilled Cheese 15. Buffalo Chicken and Grilled Cheese Sandwich 16. Bacon Jam and Brie Grilled Cheese Sandwich

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Whenever I don’t have my ‘real’ camera, my iPhone and Instagram is my go-to for capturing memories. It’s no secret that I looove Instagram, so of course I’m going to love anything Instagram related! In a couple of quick steps, you can turn your Instagram photos into magnets with StickyGram. It’s a fun way to bring your digital Instagram photos to life! I have a few sets up on my dry erase board in my office and thanks to the awesome folks over at StickyGram, you can win your very own set! One lucky reader will get a set of nine StickyGrams! And if you are thinking ahead… this would make an awesome Mother’s Day gift!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!! Have any questions? Feel free to contact me. If you are in a reader click out to access the Rafflecopter entry form. Please note that your entry will be removed if you do not complete it correctly. I received a free set of Stickygrams but all opinions are my own.

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Q: What tips do you have for developing a project production schedule?

Q: What do you do when a client needs a project done yesterday?  

A: Consider WHY the project is so pushed for time. Do you get the feeling that it is because the client is disorganized and waited until the last minute, or was it more outside the client’s control? If you know the deadline would require pulling all-nighters and working weekends, you may consider charging a rush fee to complete the project in the required time frame. If the client is not willing to pay the rush fee, then my advice is to walk away. These types of clients do not appreciate your time or talent. If you take on the project and do not charge a rush fee, the client will continue to manage future projects in the same manner – rushed and last-minute. In a sense, you would be inadvertently ”training” your client for repeat offenses. 

 

Q: How do you handle multiple deadlines/overlapping projects?

A: As a freelance designer, time management is a skill that needs to be constantly honed. We would all like a steady and consistent stream of projects, but the reality is that there are typically dry spells when you are wishing for more work and then BAM – multiple projects hit and you end up running around like a crazy person. When you are balancing multiple deadlines, I suggest taking out your calendar and prioritizing. Break up the work into chunks and set “mini” internal deadlines for yourself. If you have a 24-page newsletter you are designing, set a goal of completing 6 pages by a specific date. The next day you can change gears and work on another client’s logo. It’s ok to bounce back and forth between projects – just make sure you are still working efficiently and that you don’t sacrifice quality on one particular project because you spent ALL your working hours on another project. 

 

 

What about you? What has been your biggest challenge in handling timelines and project management? 

 

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Mint Lace Shorts / Hello Sunshine iPhone Case / Jelly Sandals / Straw Hat / Fringe Crossbody Bag / Rain Boots / Floral Crown (or DIY) / Retro Sunglasses / Braided Skinny Belt / Strapless Dress / Crochet Tank / Friendship Bracelets

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The Art // Natalie Nicklin’s colorful, geometric mixed media art has me thinking Space Race/Cold War with a updated hipster flare. I love the soft pastels and the harsh blacks. Her Society Six shop has lots of affordable print options that it makes it hard to choose just one!

The Inspired // This Alyson Fox Triangle Pillow Cover from West Elm echoes the soft colors and geometric shapes of Natalie Nicklin’s art. This would look really good on my sofa…

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