Today, my horoscope told me;"Although you may attempt to keep your work schedule simple today, it will still probably grow out of control. Forget about fitting everything into your calendar for a while, for you are likely biting off more than you can control."
Seriously, I felt like it could have been talking about the last few months.
So, news! No, it's not that I'm pregnant. I just thought I should clear that up. One of my Japanese friends gets very excited every time I tell her I have "news". "You're pregnant!" she blurts out. I feel bad for disappointing her each time.
No, instead, a new baby of sorts. I finally got the Kimono Reincarnate Etsy store opened! I really wanted to have more listed in there for it's big "Hey world, I'm here" announcement, but well, see the above in this post.... I have so much more to list, some gorgeous fabrics and papers I've been collecting for months as well as lots of little crafty things I've been working on, but that will get done gradually.
So, to celebrate, I'm giving away some of my Tokyo trip goodies.
Firstly in the package is a collection of artists' cards from the Design Festa. Some postcard size, some smaller.
Then there's also this little kokeshi strap made from antique kimono fabric and leather. She's another Design Festa find.
And.. there's ten not-so-fat not-quite-quarters of new Japanese cotton and cotton blends.
But wait, that's not all! I'll also throw in some surprise goodies. Some of my new Etsy-like products that haven't been listed yet.
So, how do you get your hands on this stash? Easy. To go into the win, do one, (or both) of two things.
1) Comment on this post. I WAS going to ask you what Japanese craft stuff you'd like to play with and what you'd do with it, BUT, as I'm trying to fit more into the hours of my days, I'd love to hear what you do to find balance in your life.
2) Who said money can't buy love? Well, I'm going to bribe you. You can get an entry into the giveaway by "heart"ing my Etsy store.
If you do both, you get two entries!
If you're a non-blogger, feel free to enter, but don't forget to put your name on the entry somewhere!
I'll draw the winner next week on Wednesday night-ish.
Good luck!
101 comments:
Oh, what la truely lovely and generous giveaway. I'm droolong uncontollably. Please throw my name, Sue Cahill, in the hat.
(sbonetsue at yahoo dot com)
Wow, that's so nice of you!
What do I do to find balance? Well, as my work doesn't leave me too much free time, I try to meet with friends, and just wind down with a favorite book or TV show.
Crafting is also a good pastime for me, although I must admit I haven't been crafting too much lately. Maybe I should get back to it.
Irit (iritca at gmail dot com)
Oh, it's so kind of you to offer prizes to win. I would love to win some of the japanese fabrics please, especially the matryoshka one. And super good luck for your new etsy shop, you are bound to do very well selling those lovely fabrics.
Fantastic giveaway!!
I love the Japanese material!
But that is one hard question - you're really making us work for it!
At the moment I'm not finding enough hours in the day and my blogging and sewing has had to take a back seat for a month or so.. so I guess prioritisation and not feeling guilty or bad that you can't do everything..
Suzi (suzi at suzical dot co dot uk)
I have a nap - just a short one - on whichever days I can. It's amazing how much that can improve my productivity later in the day.
wow how generous!
Well i recently decided to find balance in my life by evaluating my wants against needs, and then giving up the rat race, getting a part time job just to generate the income i need (as opposed to "want"), and to spend the rest of my time doing the things i like to do which are all documented on my blog.
I never have enough hours to sew but I use my biker social life and interests to counteract my unintersting work life.( given the british weather, I get to spend weekends in muddy fields all over the country !!)
Hi Melanie,
I haven't yet achieved balance in my life, there's too much I have yet to do :)
But I can avoid feeling guilty about not doing it all when I remember that my mother told me a long time ago
"You can have it all and you can do it all, but just not all at the same time"
Gina
Woo hoo, look at all those yummy goodies!!! You're so very generous to be giving it all away! The balance I bring to my life is via a bit of sewing. I only just started but wish I'd done so earlier as I find it so relaxing. Congrats on your Etsy shop. I'm off to heart it now!
Please count me in for your generous giveaway!
Balance - what's that??!! With a toddler, bub no. 2 on the way, working part-time from home and also trying to setup an Etsy store, well I feel out-of-kilter most days. I'm afraid I don't have much advice for you! The one thing I do try to do is just focus on what I'm doing now and try not to think about all the other things I have to do. If it's housework time, that's what I do. If it's play time with my son I focus on that and enjoy it and try not to think about all the work I have waiting for me when he goes to bed!
PS I just hearted your store (user completefragments).
Yeah! I'm so excited for you!
As far as finding balance in my life, since giving birth to Squirrel, I have become a list maker. I carry around a little notebook that I make lists in...a grocery list, a to do list for that day, a to do list for that week, etc. I have found that as I do that, I'm more aware of what has to be done and what I would like to get done, and then I prioritize. Sometimes that means that the bed doesn't get made, because I choose to spend more time playing with Squirrel.
You have some very scrummy things in your giveaway.
How do I find balance in my life??? Being at home with an 8mth old, creating balance can be tricky. So I made a plan, and I've stuck to it. I break my day up into two. The mornings are chore time- groceries, washing, cleaning, etc and the afternoons are mine to do as I please - usually sewing. I find everything is done, clean & tidy without any fuss. And I'm happy.
Oh- and I also hearted your etsy (store user: boobook). Cant wait to see all your goodies when you fully stock it.
Ooh, that stuff looks ace, esp the fat quarters (I'm a sucker for Japanese prints), so please add me into the mix.
How do I find balance?
Well, being creative and reading about everyone's creative endeavours via their blogs is Number One for me (as my work is quite corporate, and not an environment when you can be super creative).
Retail therapy also is very restful
Having brunch with friends on the weekend, or going to funky bars.
And watching my bunnies laze about under my dining table.
Oh, wow, that you are having an amazing give away!!!!! Plase put my name in the bucket :)
Now what do I to keep balance in my life....I have a calander and everything on it. I even make trainman put his hockey games on there so we dont go making plans and later find out one of us is busy. I also have a craft room that I spend many hours
in...sewing, creating, learning, it is my oasis.
I checked out your etsy store and I cant wait till you are up and running at full tilt..there is some fabric that I am eyeing up already. If it isnt already gone.
I will be hearting your etsy store. I love Japanese fabric.
Cheers Kyla
I do yoga to find balance in my life :) It keeps me calm, focused and lets me wind down after a hard day's work.
Oh, and I've also heart-ed you on etsy :)
xxx
bunnybox9 at gmail . com
Congratulations on your new ETSY store and what a great way to celebrate! No wonder life has been so crazy for you with so much going on.
As with you, I also find that balance is an ongoing goal. I try and stay focused on what I am doing so that I don't get distracted and (as boring as it sounds) also prioritise my list of things to do so I get to do fun things AND the stuff I have to do!
I also try to have some down time (not with the TV or computer) but some real time just to stop and be still. It isn't always that easy, but just a couple of minutes each day and the results are worth it.
Good luck with your store - I'm on my way over there now to take a look. Not too sure about how to heart it, but I will definitely be trying to work it out. Cheers!
What what a lot of goodies there-very generous giveaway.
Balance??????What is that!! I try and walk every morning and be organised so I have more me time-sometimes it works but not always!Hope your etsy store does well:)
Wow!!! What a fantabulous giveaway prize. Pleeeeeeease can I play?
I am the World's worst at prioritising stuff and the World's worst housewife. I just kind of forget to do cleaning and stuff, in favour of crafting. Luckily I only work one day a week - at the moment - so have 4 days to make stuff. Yay!!
Whoa- I would love to win. I think the best way I try to balance is do the stuff that has a fixed time- walk in the morning, going to appointments- and then cut into the hours of the night for all the miscellanea....Not the best strategy, on second thoughts. I end up putting off my creative hobbies for ages...
I'm Izzy at (dizzyizzy191 at gmail dot com)
great giveaway, Melanie!
Balance. *sigh* This is something I need to work on! I wish I had a great answer, but I don't. ugh. The more I think of it, I have so little balance. I tend to go crazy on something, and then everything else gets left behind, then I get cranky because everything is out of kilter. lol Thanks for the reminder!!
-I hearted your shop... but I would have anyway... your stuff is lovely. :o)
Ooh, you are so generous Melanie.
Hmm, like many others, there just isn't enough time to do everything I want. I do whatever needs my attention first, and also my husband helps out at home so that's really good. I guess I just prioritise.
balance -- what's that? I try to take computer free vacations.
Sharon
yoga is my balancing act. =)
even just 5-10 minutes to relax and calm down is good, you can even do some yoga in bed! ^-^
Hi and congratulations on your new Etsy Store. I've recently retired but now am busier than ever. I do volunteer work, patchwork and all that entails and try to get the gym three times a week. I also help my daughter and son-in-law with my granddaughter in Brisbane and visit son in Canberra whilst also looking after husband. Eeek! I try to make sure I have one day per week alone and not going anywhere - a lot of this is catching up on housework etc. but it also allows me to think my own thoughts which is very important to my sanity!
Good luck with everything.
stephwalker at bigpond dot com
Great givewaway idea, and very generous too. Please count me in. I love your Flickr photos. Eadaoin (Eadaoin.Flynn@btinternet.com)
Congratulations Melanie, it's a fantastic achievement when you have such a full life. Understandably you ask the question How do we find balance? Through Passion, it drives me to want to do the things I love not only for my two children but but also to keep me happy. Happy Mama equals Happy Family. I don't always get it right and have learnt the hard way many times over the last 10 months, but a through juggling children, work, play, community work and a partner I find I am still learning to create the right balance but what keeps me going is that fact I love my life.
congratulations...opening and selling on etsy must have been big fun. i'm up for your give away.susan buchanan
Oh, what fun to be able to have the opportunity to win such wonderful goodies from you! I have been lucky lately and I cross my fingers and toes that it holds a bit longer...
I am not so great at finding balance either. I usually do all that I can and then collapse... I have a tendency to concentrate heavily on one thing and then realize that I have been maybe neglecting my children an bit so I drop everything and focus on them. I hope that in there end there is some type of balance... You seem to have so much drive and so many interests (similar to me!) that it is hard to find time for it ALL. I usually do best when I have a good plan and stick to it. Can't wait to see what you find helps!
Sorry, I see now that people had left their email addresses: emily at online dot no
~Emily
Oh, what a lovely and generous give-away, Melanie! Such gorgeous stuff :) I'd love to enter...
About balancing: I don't! I try every day but I can't seem to balance my life; I'm hopeless. There's just too many nice things to do besides the ones you HAVE to do! So I just smuggle here and there and try to fit as many hours in a day as I can (which generally means I go to bed very, very late...). I hope you succeed!
Ah, my email... bibi.poortman(at)wanadoo(dot)nl
Oh my gosh would I ever be in heaven if I won this giveaway.
Right now I have no balance in my
life as I'm getting items ready
for a booth at Art Unraveled in
Phoenix in August and helping my
daughter make a scrapbook.
Jan Cregar
OOOhhhhh I'm so excited!! Ok, for me to find balance - because my job calls for no creativty whatsoever and a lot of talking on the phone, when I get home I'm very quiet and find that doing something, anything, creative definitely helps balance things. It could be anything from doodling while watching tv to sewing to painting, as long as it lets out some of those creative juices. I also read alot, it helps clear my mind of what's usually rolling around up there.
Thanks so much for having a give-a-way!! I must admit I was coveting some of those fabrics you had shown us.
Hello! I just found your site through Today's Creative blog...now I'm going to have to add you to my reader!
As a single mom and full time student, finding balance is a continual challenge for me. Finally, I've learned to turn off or ignore my cell phone. It's the hardest thing in the world but it makes such a difference.
I also make time every week, even if it's only 15 minutes, to go on a nature walk with my daughter. No matter how rushed I feel I force myself to let her stare with wonder at all the bugs and things. It's hard to let myself slow down to her pace, but by the time we're home I feel like I've had a whole day off.
It's not much, but it works for me.
I just hearted you (is hearted a word?) on etsy, my username is generations at work.
Balance? I feel rather unbalanced lately-- but getting out in nature and taking long walks helps!
Sometimes looking at the lake is very soothing too~~~~
Oh, count me in!!
Beautiful fabrics! I'm off to etsy right now! JennC in St. Louis
WOW! Balance? Hey I'm still in the "I will get through this day! I WILL get through this day!" phase of my life. One thing that does help (and doesn't always work) is I get up @ 5:30 or so. I know - it's early, but that's when my house is quiet and I can get myself together before my life starts coming at me full force wanting to be fed.
Thanks for the give-away. I'm headed to the shop now!
Good luck in your new venture! To make time for myself I have reduced my sleep time. It is lovely to get up before the rest of the family and spend a quiet hour sipping tea and rading my favourite blogs.
I find balance by learning to walk way. Sometimes I Can't get everything done in a day I want and still have time for what is important (family). I do what I can and learn to walk away if I cant get it all done. Dwelling on it make it worse.
nnmnj00(at)msn(dot)com
I'd love to be in your give away. Linda Head
Balance in your life--- hmmmmmmmmmm as soon as you think you have it, something else happens and your rebalancing - my last child left home- Feb. I am still finding what to do this season. Now he's joined the Marines, I am finding what I can do to support him in this.
I can't resist entering - what a great prize! To find balance... hrrmm... I guess I try to make everything I do enjoyable (like buying exciting fresh organic produce to cook with) and hug and kiss my loved ones very often!
All the best, Danielle
(aromacy at gmail dot com)
Oh wow! So generous! Congrats on your new store!!!!
hard question, I've been doing some cross-stitching again and that's REALLY helping me stay sane lately
So glad I found your blog thru Today's Creative Blog. Should be fun to read!
I can't say that I'm very good at balancing, but the thing that has helped me and my husband the most is each having a night. One night a week (usually Tuesdays), it''s my time to feed the kids and put them to bed and my husband can do whatever he wants. Then on Wednesdays, it's my time. Neither one of us feels guilty doing whatever we want and we are both happier because of it. It doesn't help unless we plan it.
Congrats on the Etsy store. The origami paper is lovely. Good luck with it.
Great giveaway too. I heart that matryoshka fabric sooo much.
Now as for balance. For me it is a psychological task as much if not more than a logistical one. I tell myself often that it's OK to let go, that there is plenty of time in life, and that balance is a wave and a journey, not a constant state of being. I am trying to work more with my natural rhythm and on a good day it works well!!!
I "Hearted" you at Etsy-my username is clgp1953. I totally love your blog, I will be subscribing. Your bags in your shop are incredible!! Just too beautiful!
chris p
oh that fabric is beautiful! Congrats on your etsy store!
So far my "finding balance" has been difficult, but making a daily plan and lists, and trying to stick to them and get through them has been helping...
I find that if I have chocolate in my diet everyday, I have something to look forward to.
Congrats on the etsy shop!
I think you will do very well, I loved everything you were teasing me with!
congrats on your new shop! it looks super cute.
OOh, pick me, pick me!!! I love beautiful papers, especially for making books.
For balance...me time. Even if it means just staying up way past everyone's bedtime and watching a movie, or sewing, or sewing while watching a movie. Just the total peace, and knowing that there will be zero demands on my time and energy any second, is so energizing.
Oh, and I would be happy to heart you, too, if I could figure out how the heck to do it!! I must be blind!
Balance, I'm still working on that one, but I'm trying to keep more organized by using a planner and netvibes.com. The site lets me keep to-do lists, calendars, my e-mail accounts, see all my blog feeds, and even keep track of flickr and other sites.
Really, though, I find that trying to take at least just 5 minutes each day to zone out, relax, sketch, listle to music, anything so long as it's peaceful "me" time, really helps me focus and get through what life throws my way!
Good luck with everything. I'm sure your shop will do wonderfully!
COOL! What great prizes!!! I LOVE those fabrics - beautiful!!! I can't wait to check out your shop!!!
Oh balance. I always feel I should be doing a hundred more things than I actually am... I actually clear my head with unplanned time. Having an hour where I do not have to do anything at all. I might watch tv, or play a computer game or lie around and read a book. Anything so long as it's not achieving anything. It's how I used to be as a kid and I think as adults we get caught up on achievements far too much.
I also struggle with finding balance in my life, and every day I strive not to beat myself up for the things I didn't accomplish, but to appreciate the things I did, and to move on to the next day :)
Oh my goodness....59 comments before me!
I just wanted to say congratulations on opening the etsy shop...your bags are absolutely beautiful! I will be saving my pennies to buy something very soon.
I keep lists. It's the only way I'm able to get a lot done in a short time and have some time to craft at the end of the day.
Hi!
I've hearted your store at etsy... I've been reading your blog for a while and loved the look of your stuff. I now have to save a bit and buy a bag :D
To find a bit of balance I may go for a walk, read, snooze, watch all those shows on the lifestyle or lifestyle food channel... and being with my boyfriend.
I really want to find another past time...
Bec (starwolvie)
Kudos for opening an Etsy - your prize offering to celebrate is very generous. With our own little Asian princess I am sure I would have fun playing with these items. Thanks for the chance!
I'm So excited for your Etsy store!!
Oh my goodness! You have the most FABULOUS things in your etsy store. And your giveaway is making my mouth water, so please, please, please, please PICK ME!!!
I did 'heart' you in etsy, it comes up as e2c2....
To find balance? I do a few things, but being creative is the best one. I LOVE doing something creative, whether it's for my business or just with my kids! A good book while at the gym is a VERY close second. heehee
Ooo, beautiful stuff! I've never been good at balance and, having just had a baby, any semblance of it has gone out the window. I'm trying though, does that count? I cut a bunch of things out of my day once baby arrived, but still trying to prioritize properly. I play music, that keeps me sane, and I bring baby along when I can to expose her to it. I love that. Reading the comments, I'm going to heed some of their advice and hopefully get a little closer :)
Off to the etsy shop!
Love your giveaway!
I find balance through exercise. I used to hate to exercise now I am realizing just how much it energizes me and recharges my life.
Amy (mom2will at cox dot net)
Wow, This is a dream giveaway! To find balance, I just try to keep perspective on everything. This means I try not to let one thing take up all my time. I give myself a time limit and reachable goal and force myself to finish with it whenever I reach that goal.
Balance? There is no such thing! The amount of time and energy needed in each area of our lives is always in flux, so prioritize based on needs at the time, and then shift your focus as life requires it. That is what gets me through the day anyway! I was trying to choose a favorite item in your giveaway, but how could I? I love it all! Thank you for throwing my name in the hat, Christian Stordahl!
I have what I call "black-out days" - when I feel like I need a day just to myself, I look ahead in my calendar and randomly choose a day that has nothing planned yet. I mark a big "X" across and and it is reserved just for me to do whatever I need to do. If someone asks me to do something on that day, I say I'm unavailable...because I am! I'll be busy taking care of myself.
What beautiful things you are giving a way. My bestfriend would die over these things. She lived in Okinawa for a few years and fell in love with the culture.
Balance is one of those things that you pray makes it into your life sooner than later. I am an at home mom with two little girls and I haven't felt very balanced lately. With my little one fastly approaching 1 I am having a little more freedom during the day to get organized which truly helps me feel balanced. I am also having more time for me so I am able to work on projects that have been sitting for a while.
Hi, I would love to get in on your giveaway...any fabric is always fun use, but fabrics from Japan, I have to say, I've never had the pleasure, so that would be pretty exciting!
Balance is always a work in progress with me...I'm a single Mom with 2 young kiddies, I'm a quilter, work out 3 times a week at least, always doing home dec, work full time, etc...so I do the best that I can do, and somehow the most important stuff rises to the top, and you have to realize that some things you just have to let fall to the wayside...I'm learning every day! :)
my e-mail is darcybyrnn@yahoo.com
woo hoo! can't wait to see your etsy store.
Love your fabrics and just found your blog. I find balance by listening
to books while I do other crafty things.
Oh my goodness, would I LOVE to win this! It all reminds me of my Japanese Friend (Mayumi) who I met during high school. I always wonder where she is today.
Balance? Well...that's a hard one...kinda' like finding the fountain of youth, lol. I try to make to-do lists everyday and at least include one fun thing for myself. It helps, and I always look forward to rewarding myself with this little moment of time.
Congratulations on your Etsy shop. The fabrics you are offering for this way generous giveaway are lovely.
linda
(prihodal at wildblue dot net)
I found your blog after reading a post on Today's Creative Blog about you and your new Etsy store. I had to come see.
As for what I do to find balance? I blog to clear my head of all the creating musings that build up, I try to wind down before bedtime with a favorite book (even if heavy eyelids only stay open for a few short minutes) and I try to stay connected with friends (mostly by sending recipes or photos in email or by responding to crafty emails they send me).
Congratulations on your lovely new Etsy store!
(isdihara at verizon dot net)
being a mum I end out sleeping less to get balance in my life between mummy duties and my own personal persuits!!! Night time I am Shell...daytime I am mum. Only 3 more years and I can be mum during the day too....
Love the stash count me in!!!
xxx
what a generous giveaway! i hope your shop is super successful!
finding balance...i usually just attempt to find balance, but a great unwind for me is a hot bath, a good book and a cup of tea
something that helps me cram everything into my days is giving myself extra time in the morning (yes, that does mean getting up earlier, yuck) lol!
thanks :)
Very cool giveaway! Please enter my name, and thanks for the chance to win!
I balance my life by compartmentalizing! First, I take care of myself! (the secret) Second I take care of my family. (i have to be first or there's be nothing of me to give!) And then finaly I take care of my businesses. (yes, plural)
It's all good in the end!
*Heidi*
Hi Melanie,
I'm new to the crafting world and the blogging world, but am totally enamoured of your site and your work. I dabble in craft and find that is what gives me balance in my life and joy too, although I am only starting out. I come to your site for inspiration and to drool. Good Luck with the store, keep inspiring and creating such beauty -thanks Jeni (please count me in for the giveaway!- i have my fingers crossed!)
oooooh! Such unique and beautiful prizes! I love doinf collage work and I'd love to try some japanese paper collages ; )
To find balance in my life I'd have to say I make a point to have "me time" at night after the little one is in bed. I take the time to regroup, calm my mind and relax. Whether that means, sewing, crafting, cooking or just sitting with my feet propped up on the couch,and enjoying the quiet. I take time to reflect on the days happenings and prepare for tomorrow. I cherish my 'me-time" and guard it carefully : )
now about those japanese papers ; )
http://pumpkinseed-unscripted.blogspot.com/
Huge congrats on the etsy shop. I've been thinking about it but haven't taken the plunge yet. Hmmmm, now how do i balance stuff... I have a great husband who helps a lot... a great mum who always sends me home with food, food and more food... and multi-tasking while watching tv is a must (that's where most of my crafting happens!!).
Beautiful fabric, beautiful blog.
Balance...ahh, we all want it. All I can tell you is don't forget to do the things you love. AND remember the dishes CAN wait until tomorrow. Jodi B.
(JBuckmister@clearwire.net)
Count me in. Ive discovered Chai Latte and although its not the absolute answer to work life balance it certainly helps me unwind at work and at hope.
Cheers
Libby
What a nice giveaway! To balance my life...hmmm I'm not very good at that. But I do make sure to save a moment or two for myself with no guilt attached. When I feel satisfied (creating, thinking, reading) then I can devote the rest of my time to other things and people without resentment. You have a great site.
A balenced life is my constant goal. When I start to feel out of control, I do things in 15 min. increments. 15 min to clean the kitchen, 15 min. to check e-mail, 15 min. to read a book and relax. A short chunk of time is easier to deal with and I always feel like I"ve accomplished something
oh, ok I'll have a crack at it too!
Your goodies are too hard to resist :)
Balance? hmmm, cooking-crafting-collecting and enjoying life with my dearest...throw in a little blogging.
Good wishes for your etsy venture!
I need a schedule and the only thing that makes it work is to get enough sleep and eat right! The only way to balance my life.
cpullum@yahoo.com
Wow, what a fabulous response to your giveaway! And what a generous giveaway it is too! Congratulations on your shop! I've been lacking broadband access lately, so only just catching up on blogs, and I'm SO happy to hear you've opened an Etsy shop. I've hearted you already (and just so you know, I'd be doing that even without the incentive of a giveaway entry :)). So, work/life balance huh! Very hard with kids, as the lines are SO blurred there - being a stay-at-home mum IS my work (and craft is my hobby) but then the kids are my life too...BUT, I do try and take time to be still and just take notice of what's going on in my head and body, so I can be aware when things are getting out of kilter. Sometimes I need more 'me' time, sometimes more 'Matt and Me' time, and sometimes we just need more 'family' time. I don't think there's any definitive answer for how to achieve balance, but I think that taking that time to just sit still and take notice of how you're really doing, is a good start :) Answers then often pop up all my themselves! Good luck with it all. Cheers, Bec
93!!!! Holy cow! You're give aways are much more popular than any I've had. It must be all the AMAZING looking goodies you've got to give. So generous.
Anyway, I'm not sure of my chances, but please toss my name in the draw too!
Balance, that's a hard one! I kinda except that there isn't always a balance and don't feel guilty about it! Oh, and being tired is sometimes a good thingif you've acheived stuff!
Fortunately, I have few things I have to do these days. Finding the time for things I WANT to do is still hard.
One thing that helps my day is to do my journaling (back to the Artist Way 3 morning pages) first thing in the am...6am-ish. It centers me and I also keep a separate pad for things that come to mind - my short daily to do list.
I also share I-cal (MAC) items with dh so we know where each other is and what our commitments are.
I also found that I could use Flylady's "You can do anything for 15 minutes" concept in a lot of areas. If it's not a fun 'to-do' I do it quickly and get it over. Those 15mins are balanced by 5 min breaks. It's amazing how fast some things go but seem soooo time consuming - In MY Head.
Exciting giveaway! I love the products, as a scrapbooker and cardmaker they are oh so exciting!
I've found the best way to find some balance and add some time to my day is to stop the procrastination and "eat the frog" (I read this on someone else's blog, but don't remember yet) first thing every day. My getting the things I stress about out of the way, I am more focused and achieve more in less time!
I try to find time to let my creative soul run wild. Even if it is just surfing the net to find beautiful things LIKE your blog.
jwaters4@suddenlink.net
Thank you for hosting this! Not sure if I still have time to go in the draw, but I'll give it a go anyway ......
To keep balance in my life, I always remember to notice the little things. I love gardening and being outdoors, and I take my camera with me most days so that I can capture a particular sparkle on a dewdrop, the light shining through a translucent leaf, interesting textures in the dust, etc...
It's fun reading about others experiences too...
BTW - good luck with your etsy store!
xx Juddie
Please count me in on your wonderful giveaway! The fabrics, colors and goodies are beautiful! Congrats on getting your Etsy store up and running!
Mmmm, what a droolworthy package of goodies!!
Ah, balance! I keep the balance by bribing myself to do all the boring stuff with rewards of fun stuff. For example, if I scrub the kitchen then I get to play on Etsy for a while. :)
(reposted coz I can't spell)
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