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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Strong Powerful Women: IVY BERKE - NONSTOP FITNESS INSTRUCTOR IN HER FIFTIES

Posted by Lisa Johnson on

Strong Powerful Women: IVY BERKE - NONSTOP FITNESS INSTRUCTOR IN HER FIFTIES

        This is the second in a series of blogs about strong women I know, and this month's choice is Ivy Berke, my "Cut Above" class teacher.  Her fitness career has spanned more than three decades, and she manages to run her own businesses, model for Athleta, and still have boundless amounts of energy. From the first class, I noticed there was something about Ivy that glowed besides her incredibly gorgeous smile, and I had to find out what it was.   You've been doing this for more than thirty years. What drew you to this career? I really did...

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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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Tag, Rummage, Estate, and Garage Sales: The Good, The Bad, and How to Tell If It's Worth Your Time

Posted by Lisa Johnson on

Tag, Rummage, Estate, and Garage Sales: The Good, The Bad, and How to Tell If It's Worth Your Time

Tag sale season is right around the corner.  My inventory is low, and I am hungry.  As the ads start to appear on Craigslist, as well as the occasional sign stapled to a telephone pole, I feel stirrings inside, and get ready for the hunt.  But not all sales are created equal, and as the season slowly begins, I have to be careful not to race right out to everything I see, no matter how tempting.  There are the wonderful sales, and the ones that are a complete waste of time.  Here is a general guide to a few types...

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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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