psy·chot·ic leop·ard sīˈkädik/ˈlepərd/ noun · anything that is funky, interesting, beautiful, niche, useful, and grabs one's attention

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RUDE ATTITUDE: How Twenty One Pilots & Panic at the Disco Inspired a "Too Cool For School" Sneaker Fashion Trend

Posted by Lisa Johnson on

RUDE ATTITUDE: How Twenty One Pilots & Panic at the Disco Inspired a "Too Cool For School" Sneaker Fashion Trend

When I was thirteen, a boyfriend of mine was so annoyingly into computers that I vowed never to use one.  And then I ended up marrying a software engineer, who set up my first email account.  Flash forward a couple of decades, and Psychotic Leopard would not exist without the freedom and reach provided by the internet. I used to scoff at the idea of meeting people online, but it does open up a world of possibilities for a former backpacker whose single motherhood forces her to stay local.  Luckily, the computer provides me with chance encounters every so often,...

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Bringing New Life to Old Things, and the Sexiness of Nerdy Boys' Hands: Refinishing a Dresser

Posted by Lisa Johnson on

Bringing New Life to Old Things, and the Sexiness of Nerdy Boys' Hands: Refinishing a Dresser

One of the big changes with my new relationship, which isn’t so new anymore, is that my boyfriend actually likes to DO things together.  Instead of sitting and watching shows nearly every night as the highlight of our “time together,” he actually likes to go tag “sailing” with me on Saturday mornings, so we’re able to kill several birds with one stone:  I work and spend time with him, he enjoys treasure hunting, and he’s got a great eye for stuff I miss, and is happy to stand guard while I do my last loops and revisit what I might...

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BENEFITS OF BARTER: Take the Quiz! What Do I Have To Trade? What do I Want?

Posted by Lisa Johnson on

BENEFITS OF BARTER: Take the Quiz! What Do I Have To Trade? What do I Want?

Barter, the exchange of goods or services for other goods or services without using money, is a wonderful way to save money, make friends, and get great stuff!  It helps develop key survival skills in any economy, and fosters an environment of collaboration and sharing. For some reason, however, many people initially become uncomfortable with the notion of trade.  When speaking to friends about my idea of hosting a swap, often they will say, "But I don't have anything to trade!" or "I'm not sure what exactly I need."  Fear no more, and take my handy dandy "What do I have to...

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BENEFITS OF BARTER - The Serendipitous History of a Swapper - Part 1 in a Series of Four

Posted by Lisa Johnson on

BENEFITS OF BARTER - The Serendipitous History of a Swapper - Part 1 in a Series of Four

Why trade?  In this economy, why not?  Barter, or the act of trading without the use of money, has many benefits, including the following: SAVE CASH - benefit without spending money SAVE TIME - have others do what you prefer not to MAKE FRIENDS - everyone has something to offer HELP THE ENVIRONMENT - reuse, recycle, reduce EXERCISE YOUR BRAIN - learn how to negotiate and much more EMPOWER - value labor and develop self-reliance, as well as the power of negotiation BUILD COMMUNITY PRIDE - collective power through the individuals in a group HAVE FUN! My earliest trade occurred...

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