I first read about Brooke and Grant when I saw that they made the chalkboard speech bubbles on Photojojo. And wouldn’t you know it, within a few clicks I was reading their blog Playing Grown Up. Well, let me just say I was sure they were the type of people I could instantly become friends with. You see – Brooke, Grant and myself share a certain philosophy towards growing up. That is – it should be fun! Take a moment to read the about section of their blog and  it’ll have you believing that these two are closer than anyone else to finding the fountain of youth. Even if they’re not, they make growing up no big deal since it’s clear they don’t ever plan on taking things too seriously.

After watching the No Impact Man documentary, I began to feel guilty for how many disposable products I use. Sometimes, it’s an impulse water bottle purchase. Last week, I forgot to recycle my plastic grocery bags. When a friend sent me the link to the Life Box Company, I couldn’t believe how simple it was. These boxes are embedded with seeds; all you have to do is cut them up, plant them and water them, and trees will grow. No joke! There are birches, alders, pines, hemlocks and cedars just waiting to sprout. Next time you have to move, plan ahead and order some of these boxes. Mother Nature will smile down on you!

Juan Weiss is a designer and illustrator from Buenos Aires, Argentina who mixes traditional drawing and digital media to create his characters. His latest is this man in a bear suit, drinking a cocktail and totally chillaxin. Pick him up for free download on your iPhone, iPod or iPad here.

Somewhere in between twenty minute hikes to stages across Golden Gate Park and those delicious sweet potato fries, I caught up with Chromeo at Outside Lands to find out two things they’re really excited about right now. Coupled with their funny fixation on my phrasing (you’d think I was the first person to ask them what they’re “pumped” about), P-Thugg and Dave 1 gave us the inside scoop on some collaborations from their new album, Business Casual, out September 14th. Hint: it involves an awesome redhead and a blood-sucking indie rocker. Are you ready to get stoked, pumped, and psyched? Watch on.

Hey, who says that drinking needs to be associated with tequila shots and loud, obnoxious people? I would much rather slowly sip on a beer and listen to some jazz with a group of friends. I think that’s the image that Matt Braun and Chris Mufalli had in mind when they created Tuned Pale Ale. Promoting “social spontaneity,” the duo transformed beer bottles into musical instruments — you drink to a certain point, check the label to see what note you’re hitting, and blow on the rim. Get a couple of friends together and you’ve got yourself a veritable jam sesh. (via WooHome)

New ideas are always resisted, even if they’re great. You know that. Maybe the idea seems too far-fetched and ambitious, or perhaps it’s so simple that everyone who didn’t think of it is hoping it’ll fail. That’s it right there – sadly, there are people out there that don’t want an idea to take off unless it’s theirs. Such are humans, unless they know better.

And it’s hard to deal with that. Because maybe you just had the epiphany of a lifetime and no one gives a damn. It’s ignored, criticized, called stupid and pretty soon you’re believing the words coming out of everyone’s mouths instead of how you really feel. So make like Hugh MacLeod and ignore everybody. If you need to vent and shout “Fuck him/her”, do it (in your own privacy). But know that when I say ignore everyone, know that I really just mean ignore unconstructive feedback. Criticism without an explanation drives me mental, but learning from people constructively tearing you down is essential. Learn to recognize the difference and channel any rage you have into energy towards your projects.

Photo by William Mahnken

Just think how ridiculous a lot of things we have today were at conception. Weren’t the first trips into outer space ridiculed by doubters? Wouldn’t social media seem ludicrous to explain to someone 20 years ago? My point is that progressive change doesn’t come from people fearing being shot down. They just find a way to make it happen. Your struggles probably aren’t nearly as insurmountable, unless you’re figuring out time travel, and in which case I REALLY want to meet you. But yeah, don’t be afraid to pursue something just because someone thinks it’s silly. I’ve always liked the Wayne Coyne approach where he admits he makes something he likes and believes there are other people out there that will too. Everyone doesn’t have to. And it might take you 9 different ideas and a whole lot of emotional energy before something sticks, but trust that you’ll get there and it’s worth it.

Ready to take action? Be sure to check out:
Procrastinating Writers – Some guidance for writers but you can apply it to anything really
Best 8 Ways to Deal with Detractors – A great gameplan from the always awesome Zenhabits

Need more reminders? View the entire How To Be Creative series here.