How does a person catch a break on cash these days? I would imagine we are all thinking about ways that we can make an extra buck, given our economic situation and the fast-approaching holiday.

Maybe you should set up a lemonade stand. Imagine the looks from coworkers passing by your desk as they notice your newly decorated office space with a wooden stand, a pitcher of lemonade and some plastic cups neatly stacked beside it. That would be kind of silly, wouldn’t it?

But seriously, there is a website called Lemonade.com, where you can set up your own “lemonade stand” and promote products that you like and make money when people buy those products. Crazy!

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Do you remember your mother or father telling you things like, “Don’t assume — you just make an ass out of you and me” or “Don’t take it personally, dear … ” ? Maybe you just remember them telling you to always do your best. Whatever the case, as much as you may not have wanted to hear it, your parents were right.

I read Don Miguel Ruiz’ book, The Four Agreements, and now try to live my life by those agreements. They are quite simple:

1. Be impeccable with your word.

What do you think you will find inside this fabulous purse? Money? Cosmetics? Keys? Maybe a cell phone? How about cake?

If you guessed cake, you are correct. It is amazing what talented people can do!
Check out more great cake designs.

What does a project manager write about in a blog about design? That is the question I asked myself when I was asked to blog for Go East. Hmm. Let’s see. The first things to come to mind are inspiration and simplicity. These seem like good design-related topics that interest me. Whew, I feel better now that I have something to write about.

Inspiration. This being an olympic year, I am inspired by the Olympics. The colors, the choreography of the opening ceremonies, the costumes worn by the Olympians during the ceremonies, the shoes worn by the sprinters, and the flags all are very inspiring. But most of all, the athletes’ determination, dedication, strength, hard work, will and desire to do the very best they can gives me motivation to be the best that I can be. I enjoyed watching each event in the Summer Olympics in Beijing.

Simplicity. I am a simple person. I like simple things. I like simple design. Therefore, I was drawn to this website about a book called, The Laws of Simplicity” by John Maeda. I think these laws are very helpful in terms of design and life in general. I’m sure I will do my best to live by them.

It should be simple.