Making New Friends in 2010

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Are you looking to make more friends and meet new women with similar interests? Do you feel lonely or alone at times and wish you could meet more people, but just aren't sure where or how?

A couple of years ago I was discussing with a girlfriend the challenges of making new friends in a new city (and in my case, a new country). Sometimes we are looking for new friends not just because we've moved or they have but because we need more positive people in our lives that are interested in the same activities, hobbies or are at similar places in their lives. Once we are out of College/University, making friends becomes more difficult. We're no longer surrounded by such a large group of similar-aged people.

Especially for women in their late 20's, 30's and 40's, this can be a difficult friend-making time. This is because of the varying lifestyles and transitions people go though. Some have families; some are married, some are still single and dating and you may no longer be able to relate to some women that you once went to college with or knew since elementary school. If you're a new mommy and your friends are still dating, they may not understand baby's nap times and your exhaustion level and may start spending more time with their other childless friends. No problem, you can meet other moms who understand and appreciate what you are going through.

The first year and a half that I lived here in the U.S., I focused on my immigration paperwork, starting my design business and getting our own home in order. I didn't create much time to make friends initially because I wasn't sure where to look and as a result spent much of my time with my mother-in-law and my husband's aunt. I love them dearly but I needed to find some women my own age.

In early 2008 I stumbled upon an amazing website that allowed me to connect with other like-minded individuals. I was specifically looking to build a new group of friends here in Florida since my closest ones are now many miles away. While we have the phone, e-mail, Twitter and Facebook, that just wasn't cutting it anymore for me. I longed to have some close girlfriends nearby again to go shopping with, make crafts with, scout out deals at garage sales, watch chick flicks and eat cupcakes with. Boy, is hubby glad that I was able to find some great friends! He's off the hook from pink cupcakes and early Saturday yard sale trips! ;)

The website that I found is called Meetup. The reason why this site is so wonderful and successful is because you can join as many groups as you wish, free of charge. You can join and meet up with a group once or forever! The site is based upon local groups in your own city and country that you can join whenever you like. So, whether you're into walking your chihuahua with other dog owners on a regular basis in a local park for pup time, meeting up with a group of ladies for Martinis or meeting single men in a fun and exciting venue with no pressure, this website is your oyster!

After joining a few groups and going out to meet everyone for the first time, I got used to the 'new kid' feeling and then became a regular of a game night meetup, a women's social group and even started and organized my own local ladies Sex & The City social group for those that love the show. While I no longer run that group due to my schedule, I still love hanging out with the girls and I have made so many wonderful and sweet female friends. Hubby even joins me once in a while for the game night meetups. So, whether you're looking to meet new friends, a potential love interest or you are looking to make new 'couple' friends together, this website it where to go.

I've seen groups for those who cruise together, like outdoor adventure like rockclimbing, women's running groups, raw food, vegetarian/vegan groups, boot camp workout groups so if getting into shape this coming new year is what your goal is, it might be fun to meet other goal-oriented individuals.

I highly encourage you all to check it out. All you need to do is type in your country and zip/postal code and then you can search by interests. You'll even get your own dashboard showing you all of your calendar events and it shows who has RSVP'dso you'll know who is attending before you meet everyone. There are plenty of privacy settings too, so no worries about having weirdos find you online. lol

I don't know anyone that couldn't use another great friend or fun group to be apart of where you are free to be yourself.

I am so grateful to have 'met' so many of you (my readers) online during my first full year of blogging. Thank you for being so wonderful, leaving such great comments and sending me questions too. For those that are a little more shy, feel free to leave a comment, share your opinion and say hello when you stop by. I LOVE reading your comments and mail!

Have you heard of www.meetup.com before? Have you joined any of their groups? What do you love most about it?

Here's to making some great new friends in 2010!

Love Your Life & Fulfill Your Dreams!

I wanted to share a message that was on my heart this past week. I've always felt strongly about this but this week in particular I was even so bold as to use it as the post on my facebook page. I want to encourage others, especially women, to realize their full potential and live out their most desired dreams. These were my words:

"Karla is amazed at how enthralled people are with entertainers and celebrities. It's time for us to get excited about our own life and fulfill our dreams instead of watching others live theirs! :) "

We live in such a celebrity and entertainment culture where reality tv shows have now become the norm. Watching endless amounts of drama, diva behavior and shows that contain the name 'gossip' such as Gossip Girl are influencing the younger generations. It's time that we arise and shine to our calling and purpose in life and live out each day to the fullest; using our gifts, skills and abilities, contributing to the greater good and experiencing a sense of accomplishment that empowers us to live an even fuller life.

I'm not suggesting that television is bad or that we shouldn't watch it at all-we're only human and I believe that there are a great deal of shows that are not only entertaining but also educational too. I happen to DVR many HGTV shows as they fall into that category for me. Not only that, they provide inspiration as I'm constantly creating new ideas for my business clients.

It's important to surround ourselves not only with uplifting, supportive and loving friends and family, but also to empower ourselves by all that we read, watch and listen to. What we spend our time on is a true reflection of what we value in life.

I've been reflecting on this all week. With the vast array of choices available in the form of tv shows, I've found myself recording multiple shows and later watching them and then wondering where my evenings went  and why I didn't finish that book I wanted to read or the laundry I meant to fold. It can truly be a distraction, keeping you from experiencing what you truly want most out of life. I've been challenging myself to delete some of the shows  I once recorded so I can spend even more time on the things that I love and bring me the most joy. So far this week, I have felt as though my days are longer and I seem to have more time to get everything done.

I encourage you to spend more time in the coming weeks on building up what truly matters to you and what great things you want to see happen in your own life. Is it a business you've dreamed of starting or home projects you've been putting off, or perhaps more quality time you've longed to spend with your children? Maybe you feel a bit purposeless right now or lack the passion and zest you once had. Try starting afresh with a Goal list and add ten things that you've always wanted to do or accomplish. Start working towards crossing those off one at a time and putting the exact date beside each once completed. Stretch yourself-add something that you don't think you can do and keep working towards it over time.

A wonderful audio CD set that I really enjoyed is titled Love Your Life by Victoria Osteen. I highly recommend it and it would make a wonderful gift for anyone. I received my set as a gift and it is such an uplifting compilation of messages for any age. *I am in no way compensated for this suggestion, this is my personal opinion.

My husband is also an Author and has written several books on this very topic, with a life coaching background he has many e-books available for those that desire to live their dreams, become empowered and achieve greatness. Click here for more information.

I hope you will feel accomplished in all that you do this coming week and that the hours you spend in your days are put to good use, that you feel a sense of pride and truly love the life that you've been given.

Have a Blessed Weekend!

Blog Poll: Need Your Feedback!

Okay, so this post has nothing to do with Christmas cartoons, but I did think it was an interesting image to post since we are less than 3 months away from Christmas! Today's post is however about polls.

I would love for you all to vote on the latest poll 'I Want to Read More Classy Posts About....' in the left hand sidebar which is located directly below the 'Leave a Comment' blinkie.

I am asking for your feedback on blog post topics-What are your favorites to read and what do you want to see more of in future?

It was 8 months ago that I began this little Classy blog and I want to continue it by posting on topics that you are most curious to know about, learn about and those that are inspiring and perhaps thought-provoking.

Oh, and if you haven't had a chance to vote on our other blog poll 'What Does CLASSY Mean to You?' you can vote on this one as well, this will be an ongoing poll so you can see how others' views compare with yours.

A few cool tools have been added for your convenience. See others' comments on recent blog posts under our Recent Reader Comment list and join the conversation! Now you can easily share us with tyour friends with the Facebook and Twitter links too. Also added was a search bar at the top of the page so you can quickly and easily search for topics that are of interest to you.

I can't wait to see what you all have to say!

Blogging or Venting?

Over the past few months I've come across some really interesting, entertaining, well-written, beautifully designed and informative blogs. I love seeing each person's individual writing style shine through and the great perspective that others often provide through their blog pages. I often feel inspired to use a new painting technique, try a new recipe, or just do something different. This is one of the reasons I start my day by spending about 10 minutes browsing through my favorite blogs before I begin work, because it makes me feel good.

On the contrary, I have also come across several blogs that look like an excuse for the writer to vent or get a lot of negative things off of their chest. These blogs range from personal to political and are not shy when it comes to controversy. While everyone is entitled to freedom of speech and stating their opinion, I'll be honest, these are the blogs I try to avoid. We all have many things that we deal with in a day, some good, some not so favorable and I'm not interested in the burden of someone else's drama. My hubby's motto is: 'Show me your friends and I'll show you your future'. I have to agree with it wholeheartedly, as I even noted most of the blogs that these venters followed were equally as negative and dramatic. I suppose misery loves company.

As a rule of thumb, even if girlfriends are not around to discuss the details or a significant other is unavailable, posting such information in the form of a blog, facebook, twitter or myspace is not proper etiquette and is really very unclassy. If there is an issue with someone, the best thing to do is take it up with the other person/people face to face and then move forward leaving the past in the past, with a clear mind to focus on the positives!

I want everyone to feel comfortable when they visit 'Classy & Fabulous!' and I am committed to keeping this a drama-free zone both in content and comments. I hope you find this to be an informative, sometimes funny and most of the time inspiring blog where you can relax.

So, what are your favorite and most inspiring blogs? Leave us a comment and share the URL so everyone can enjoy it too! :)

Have a wonderful weekend!