Anything is Possible-LoveLeeSoaps

How often do you come across soap in the shape of a mushroom or better yet, little gnomes?! That's what I thought: not very often(although with Etsy, I have come to realize anything is possible), and our featured artist of the day is definitely in the category of 'anything is possible.' Just take a look at her shop if you don't believe me!!

Give a warm welcome to Leeana of LoveLeeSoaps on Etsy!!

Living in Daytona Beach, Florida, Leeana has been crafting since she was a little one-Her family members are all creative entrepreneurs, so it's only fitting that she ended up crafting too!! As she told me, there is always someone crafting something in the family ;-)

At this given time, Leeana's Etsy store is her main source of income because she is a full time student who is majoring in Graphic Design(wow, a lot of Etsians are majoring in Graphic Design!).

She got started with Etsy when she lent a helping hand to her mum and her mum's shop, WildOliveKids. "She kept pushing me to start an Etsy shop with my bath and body products-She didn't tell me that it would take over my life(and her house)!! I think she's having second thoughts." Ha! I can totally relate to that, but that's a story for another day.

Besides her bath and body products, Leeana likes to try her hand at other crafts, one of which is learning how to sew(if you check out her mum's shop, you would guess it's in the blood). Further down the line, she would also like to get into stamp making!

It's not hard to tell where she finds her inspiration-It's EVERYWHERE! "I love working with fun shapes and bright colors," says Leeana, "I am especially inspired by circus and candy items!" Just take one look through her shop and your head will be reeling with all the possibilities from traditional looking soaps and products to her food inspired creations to even wacky products like dentures(you heard me correctly)! It's like walking into a miniature fun house :D

Some things to know about Leeana, her shop, and her products:

*You can follow Leeana's business progress through her blog: LoveLeeSoaps on Blogspot!

*She also can be found on Twitter.

*Love her pictures? I know I do, so you might want to check out Her Flickr Account for more lovely photos of her products!

*Got an idea for a party? Custom and wholesale orders are welcome! Just convo her with the details.

*You can find all of Leeana's lovely product scents on her Profile Page.

*For payment, shipping and other important information, check out her Shop Policies Page.

Some advice from Leeana: "Never give up. All things are possible. Its definitely true that when one door closes another one opens but only if you think positive and make it happen. If something is not working, figure out how to change things so it does work. You really have to live and breathe whatever your passion is. You have to think outside the box. Promote in the forums always and keep working on pictures. Also the more you update your shop and re-list items, the more attention it will get."

Seriously, if your planning a party or just happen to LOVE odd items, I'm betting you can find anything at Leeana's Etsy shop, LoveLeeSoaps! I mean seriously, where else can you find soap dentures!? I for one can totally foresee some wicked Halloween themed gift baskets and or bags being put together ;-)

Love and Energies.
Kayla

Items in Blog:

Sweet Berry Bar with Exfoliating Blueberry Seeds

Strawberry Champagne Whipped Body Butter(4 oz)

Watermelon Mushroom Soap

Don't Forget!

Don't forget our first Giveaway Cubed Event contest ends tonight at 11:59 cst!!

You can't pass up the chance to win these amazing earrings(can you?!)...

For information on the event, Click Here!

To enter this giveaway, Click Here!

Mailbox Monday(8/31)

Mailbox Monday divulges into the inner workings of my mailbox throughout the week. From books to jewelry to free samples to random magazines and letters-You never know what will be in the mail this week...

***********************************************************************


1. I finally got a necklace that I won a while back from my blogging friend Graces blog, Sandier Pastures(although it was my fault the necklace was delayed-That's a story for another day though). It's absolutely stunning! It's from Lillyella on Etsy which has a wide variety of some very beautiful jewelry pieces to choose from. I had picked this out for a friend and I can't wait to give it to her!!






2. I have been wanting to try this new product out called Ooba, which is a drink infused with different floral essences and thanks to Valerie of Sweeps4Bloggers, I have not 1 chance to try this out, but 3(I got 3 coupons redeemable for 3 bottles of Ooba)! Now to find out where around here carries them =]






3. So apparently when you get random pieces of mail offering you deals on larger items like cars, it means your credit is good! I did not realize this and my mum kindly informed me of that little detail-I'm quite excited now!!

My, My, My...More Awards!!

Thanks to a very special lady named Sandy, I am honored with two more awards this Friday! If you didn't know, Sandy is a regular of T.E.E and has her own blog where she does features and reviews: Hodgepodgespv. If you have a chance, go on over and check it out!

Now onto the awards:

The Super Comments Award


I'm really not sure what the rules for this award are and since I got it once before, I'm just going to not pass it on for now.


Who Loves You Baby Award


This award is designed with one purpose in mind: To award those people who have awarded you in the past.

1. Ruthie of Rose Work Jewelry
2. Melissa of Outnumbered 3 to 1
3. Chelsea of Mama Make's Money
4. Dee of Runako Designs
5. Nicola of Ambient Girl Designs


Love and Energies.
Kayla

Featured Blogger Friday-FreeSampleFreak

I love Brandie! If you haven't heard of her site before now, then you are missing out MAJORLY-Seriously, she has some of the best freebies this side of the W.W.W.

(where she finds them all, no idea but I don't complain Lol)

It's only right that for all she has provided for me, I try to return the favor ;-) Sooooo, let's take a trip over and see Brandie at her blog, Free Sample Freak!

Q. What's your name and your blog? What other information would you like to share?

Brandie, Free Sample Freak (http://www.freesamplefreak.com/), I am a lucky mom of a four and three year old. I love finding new ways to save everyday and I am addicted to free samples. =D

Q. Why did you choose that name for your blog?

I actually had several names in mind, but they were all taken...finally Free Sample Freak just came to me...I think it fits perfectly though!

Q. Why did you start blogging?

I am a stay at home mom and my husband is a teacher. We all know how underpaid teachers are! We were buying a house and I started looking for coupons online for ways to save at the grocery store...then I found the world of free samples! I was addicted immediately. It really has changed our lives and helped us in so many ways. I wanted to help spread the word to help other people who struggled too!

Q. What kind of stuff do you cover with your blog? Is there a specific genre you write about or is the sky the limit?

I blog about free samples, coupons, hot deals, new ways to save and so much more. My blog is an all around make money, save money, get stuff for free blog!

Q. Name one thing that you love about your blogging job.

I love being able to help people and I absolutely love all the comments and interaction I have with my readers. I have the most faithful and awesome readers and my blog's success would not be possible without them!

Q. Name one thing your not so fond of about your blogging job.

HaHa...ummm..lack of sleep. I sneak out of bed at 4am every morning to start blogging. This is a very peaceful and quiet time in my house. I used to get up at 5 and then I decided that wasn't early enough. I have too much to blog about, lol. I always need more time!

Q. What's one random fun fact about you?

I am a big goober and I laugh out loud to myself and at myself all the time!

Q. Inspiration comes in many forms for different people. What inspires you?

This is a tough question. There are so many things that inspire me!

Q. Any advice for other bloggers?

You have to love what you do..and not just in blogging but in life in general! Blogging is not as easy as most people think..it does require a lot of time and a lot of effort!

Q. Where else can we find you(Etsy shop, other blog, Twitter, Facebook, etc)?

Baby I am everywhere, haha!

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/freesamplefreak

You can be my friend on Facebook, be my Fan, Follow me on Networked Blogs...I could go on all day! :)

Health Update Thursday(8/27)

I'm sorry I haven't been quite 'here' the past few weeks-Ever since we moved my sister into her dorm and she went away to college, it's been a blur of days running into nights because I'm not sleeping again and it's bad...

I feel guilty that I'm behind on my features and giveaways and emails, but I just can't seem to get into things-Whether it's the lack of sleep or the full moon within the week, or both, I have no idea.

Physically I'm doing very well. I'm walking quite well(with immense pain, but no pain no gain right?!). I do have to take it very slow each day because I don't want to overdo and end up backsliding back to bed rest.

Mentally, however is a different story. Like for instance, this little message is taking me an hour to write because I can't concentrate and things slip easily away from me.

If I haven't gotten back to you, I promise Its not because I haven't tried. For those features I haven't finished, I'm sorry and I thank you for your patience. I think I need to take a few days off until I can actually concentrate.

Love and Energies.
Kayla

Giveaway Cubed: Contest #1

Giveaway Cubed Event: Giveaway #1
(If your new to this event, Click Here for details)

Welcome to the first giveaway of our Giveaway Cubed Event sponsored by Max of Krafty Max Originals on Etsy!!

Our first giveaway is for an amazing pair of swarovski crystal hoop earrings-Here is their description:

"These beautiful earrings will catch the sun and ‘fly’ away just like the dragonfly inside them. Crystal and Teal colors are perfect for any outfit. Hoops measure at 2 ½” in length."

So here is what you all have to do:

Rules:

1. You MUST include a way to reach you whether it be an email or blogger URL.

2. Each comment, mandatory and or extra, has to be separate.

3. Unfortunately The Giveaway Cubed Event giveaways and prizes are only for US citizens. If you so choose to participate and are outside of the US, you may enter and pay for shipping only if you are a winner.

Mandatory Entry:

You must visit Max's store, Krafty Max Originals and brows around for a bit. Come back and leave a comment with your favorite piece.

Extra Entries:

1. Follow my Blog(1 extra)

2. Follow Max's Blog(1 extra)

3. Subscribe to Me(1 extra)
*Located on the right-You can't miss it.

4. Subscribe to Max(1 extra)

5. Follow Me AND Max on Twitter(1 extra)

6. Tweet this giveaway(1 extra)
-Win a Beautiful Pair of Swarovski Crystal Dragonfly Earrings @

7. Blog about this giveaway including a link to Max's store(3 extra)

8. Purchase anything from Krafty Max Originals(5 extra)

That's 1 mandatory entry + 14 extra entries which = 15 entries total!
Good Luck!

This contest is for United States citizens and will run until Monday August 31, 2009 11:59 pm central standard time. I will contact the winner within 24 hours of drawing their name. You have 72 hours to claim your prize and send me your shipping information. If I haven't heard from you within that time frame, I will choose another winner.

Win It Wednesday(8/26)

~*!*~Win It Wednesday~*!*~

Win a Triple Chocolate Enrobed Brownie Cake from BakeMeAWish.com!!

Ends August 31, 2009

Enter Here

Win a Yellow Flower Zipper Pouch with Clip from CharmDesign.com!!




Ends September 1, 2009




Enter Here

Win a LiveScribe Pulse Smart Pen from LiveScribe.com!!!

Ends September 2, 2009

Enter Here

Usable Works of Art-McGdesign

We have quite an interesting artist today on The Eclectic Element! I don't think I have run across one like her just yet. I do believe that her unique artwork style combined with what she does with it is what had me take an instant liking to her!

Everyone, say hello to Susan of McDdesigns on Etsy!

Susan currently resides in the Southern part of New Jersey. In her words, 'somewhere between a horse farm and the blueberry fields.' She told me she finds herself very fortunate to have both the city of Philadelphia and the Atlantic Ocean just a short drive away-I don't blame her for being grateful! Three lovely words: Sand and Shopping ;-)

Ever since she can remember, she has had one or more projects going. Her mother has also been a great influence on her when it comes to her crafting: "My mom taught me to sew, make candles and so many other crafts." When she grew up, she attended Rhode Island School of Design and majored in Graphic Design earning herself a BFA. Since she was there, she also found herself taking advantage of the classes they had such as photography, silk screen and weaving.

Here is something that you didn't know: Susan worked as a Graphic Designer for Campbell Soup Company for a few years. How cool is that!? After her Graphic Designer venture ended, she then settled down as a full time mom of 4 children. She tells me Etsy is a new part time gig as of this time.

I think this is what attracts me to Susan and her art-Not just the fact that her art is beautiful, but it has use: "I am a practical artist. As much as I adore paintings on the wall, I am all about being able to use my artwork, be it something functional the house or a piece to wear. I love to paint. I love to sew. Right now I have combined these to make tote bags and purses with original artwork appliquéd on them."

Susan has a few favorite mediums she works in, some of which depend on the type of art or craft she chooses to do at any particular time: "My favorite drawing material would be chalk pastels. Since the product of that is such a fragile drawing I have turned to acrylics. When it comes to fabrics and fiber, I like to use cottons and wools."

Some things to know about Susan, her work, and her business:

*A fan of Susan? Then follow Her Blog :D

*She works in a smoke-free, pet-free environment.

*If your interested in buying multiple items from Susan, contact her and she will recalculate the shipping to make it easier for you!

*For payment, shipping and other important information, check out Susan's Shop Policies Page.

If you haven't been able to view any of Susan's work before, I think it's a great idea just to pop over to McGdesigns on Etsy and take a look around. It's very interesting to see what can be created and actually used when it comes to artwork, such as her Copper Candlestick holders! We should all take into consideration how we can transform our art into something usable like Susan has done with hers!

Love and Energies.
Kayla

Items in Blog:

Original Painting Apple Tote

Hand Painted Birch Tree Folding Table

Copper Candlestick IV

The Giveaway Cubed Event

Thanks to the genius mind of Max of Krafty Max Originals on Etsy, who has brought you not one, but two giveaways in the past(viewable Here and Here), we have ourselves a Giveaway Cubed Event!

Not exactly sure what that means?

It's very simple-She has offered T.E.E. readers a unique opportunity to win THREE of her beautiful, handcrafted jewelry designs. That is correct, you(yes you!) could go home with one, two, and or three pieces of fine swarovski crystal goodness.

Here's how it's going to work:

Giveaway #1: Wednesday August 26-Monday August 31
Giveaway#2: Monday August 31-Friday September 4
Giveaway #3: Friday September 4-Tuesday September 8

Our first giveaway will start today, Wednesday August 26, 2009 and run until Monday August 31, 2009. There will be a mandatory entry and extra entries like always-So treat it as a regular blog giveaway.

On Friday, I will announce the winner of the first giveaway and like usual, you will have 72 hours from the email I send to claim your prize and send us your shipping information.

Here is where it get's tricky: On Friday after the first winner is announced, the second of the three giveaways will commence, BUT if you entered the first giveaway, you WILL NOT have to reenter the second(or third for that matter).

That is correct, your entries from the first giveaway will be carried over to the second and ultimately the third giveaway.

There will be entries such as blogging and tweeting open to everyone to do each giveaway, but I will separate those entries into two categories: The First Entry People(who have already entered the first and second giveaway) and The Second Entry People(who have not entered any giveaways yet).

If you have any questions, just ask! And don't forget to come back tomorrow for the start of our Giveaway Cubed Event!!

Good Luck Everyone.

Love and Energies.
Kayla

MckLinky Blog Hop(8/25)-Too Funny!

Of course you have to have heard those jokes the redneck comedians like Jeff Foxworthy like to tell: "You might be a redneck if..." Well welcome to the Lymie Zone where you can find anything Lyme related, all the time-Lol-

(You'll have to excuse me while I write this, I medicated myself to induce sleep since I haven't had a decent hours sleep in days).

Sometimes you just need to let go and laugh at yourself or the situation your in, which is why one day I went in search of Lymie jokes. I found a whole plethora of different jokes from silly little poems to you-might-be-a-Lymie-ifs to regular jokes...One of my favorite Lymie jokes, which I can totally relate to, is as followed:

Three ladies with Lyme were discussing the problems of living with the disease. One said,
"Sometimes I catch myself with a jar of mayonnaise in my hand, in front of the refrigerator, and can't remember whether I need to put it away, or start making a sandwich."

The second lady chimed in, "Yes, sometimes I find myself standing on the stairs and can't
remember whether I was on my way up or on my way down." The third one responded, " Well, I'm
glad I don't have that problem; knock on wood." as she rapped her knuckles on the table...then said,"That must be the door, I'll get it!"

Happy Hopping Everyone!!

Love and Energies.
Kayla

Inspirational Tuesday(8/25)

"If you want to feel rich, just count all of the things you have that money can't buy."

--Anonymous

What inspires you?

Seriously Photobucket? Seriously?

You all may have noticed that most of the pictures, ads and whatever else that may have been on my blog has disappeared and in their place is a very ugly 'Bandwidth Exceeded' notice curtsy of Photobucket.

Seriously?!

Who knew that once you hit a certain amount of space on your PB account, they did that to you? I certainly DID NOT.

I'm so angry at them, I could just....Deface their ads! Okay, that wouldn't solve anything(although it would make me feel better).

This calls for drastic measures-I'm switching all my photos and other content over to a different service. I'll be damned if they trick me into shelling out $25.00 for a 'Pro' account.

P.s. If you currently have a paid advertisement on my blog, this will not effect the amount of days you paid for-I will extend your ad for however long it takes to get them visible again!

Mailbox Monday(8/24)

Mailbox Monday divulges into the inner workings of my mailbox throughout the week. From books to jewelry to free samples to random magazines and letters-You never know what will be in the mail this week...

***********************************************************************

Sadly, this week hasn't been very eventful when it comes to the mailbox. I did receive a few random odds and ends such as an application for student loans(like I can use that...*rolls eyes*) and a coupon for Victoria's Secret(which really went to my mum, but she gave it to me). I did, however, receive a lovely thank you card from a lymie friend out west, so that was a pleasant surprise.

But other then that, nodda! Oh well, hopefully this week provides more fruitful Lol

Love and Energies.
Kayla

Sandier Pastures: $50 gc to Bei Bambini

Win a $50 gc to Bei Bambini Children's Clothing!!



Ends August 25, 2009



Enter Here

4x7 Original Artistic Print *Winner*

I know I haven't been around the past few days, but hopefully This Post explains why-I promise I am going to be back bright eyed and bushy tailed Monday morning!!

But right now, we have some unfinished business to take care of-The winner of Robin Maria Pedrero's 4x7 Original Artistic Print!

Congratulations to....

#33
Cherdon

cherdon said...

I follow your blog

I'm sending off an email right now! You know the drill: You have 72 hours to get back to me with your contact information, otherwise I'll have to choose a new winner.

Thank you all for participating and a very special thank you goes out to Robin who made this contest possible and who has also been truly wonderful!

Love and Energies.
Kayla

Gonna be M.I.A. for a Few Days

Hey guys! I know I have been neglecting my duties as a blogger, but I have good reason-I swear!

It has been a mad house around here the past week due to my sister going off to college on the 20th of August. Of course there is all the running around town for necessities and other random 'O.M.G-I-NEED-THAT' things, the crazy dash around the house to find out what she can take down with her that would save us some much needed $$$, and the whole packing process in general...It's just insanity.

My mum is freaking out because there is so much to do and not enough time to get it all done. One thing that needed to get done no matter what was getting new phones and we FINALLY got them phones today, so we can check that off the to do list. That's a story for another day though, which is wrought with danger and some definite pissed-offness.

(I <333 my new phooooooooone)!

Anyway, I just felt bad that I haven't been doing a lot with the blog and that I've missed a few featured artist posts the past week. Oh, and if I haven't gotten back to you, it doesn't mean I'm ignoring you(I swear)! Once we move my sister in on Thursday, things will die back down around here and I can get back to my blogging universe.

Although, this all gives me some new material to write about :D

Thank you all for understanding!

Love and Energies.
Kayla

Judith B. Designs: Stationary Set Giveaway

Win a Lovely Letterpress Stationary Set from DauphinePress.com!!


Ends August 22, 2009


Enter Here

Be Apart of the Action: Visit The Art Inquirer!

I first got to know Jose when he purchased some ad space on my blog-Of course me, being the nosy person that I am, had to hop on over and see what I was advertising!!

I mean come on now.

Anyway, Jose is apart of the blog The Art Inquirer, which is your source of news for the artist and the art appreciator. It is very cool if I do say so myself-All sorts of interesting information on different artists, art techniques, wacky and odd-ball things you wouldn't know, etc.

I'm telling you all dear readers about this blog because Jose is doing something truly wonderful!

From August 1, 2009 until December 31, 2009, The Art Inquirer will donate $1.00 to UNICEF Portugal for each 1000 unique visits!

If you want to learn more about what Jose is doing, just visit his site HERE.

Inspirational Tuesday(8/18)

"What are the three words guaranteed to humiliate men everywhere? 'Hold my purse.' "
--Unknown

What inspires you today?

For the Little Angels-Donna's Little Angels

Welcome to The Eclectic Element Donna of Donna's Little Angels! If your not familiar with her shop name, you might be more familiar with her Etsy username: babygirl3605.

Donna is a single mother of two who currently finds herself living in the town of Henrico in the state of Virgina. From what see of her lovely creations in her store, you can tell she caters to a much younger crowd ;-)

When asked about her start to crafting, Donna didn't hesitate to give recognition to her mother, who got her started with her crocheting hobby, and of course we can't forget the school friend who got Donna started with her other craft: Jewelry design!

Donna started to pave her own way in the handcrafted world when she found Etsy, which ironically started from a single motherhood group she belonged to-The woman there recommended her to the site and here she is! Not only did she find Etsy, but she has also discovered Artfire and Bonanzle, too! You can find all of her work in all three of her online venues.

Even though she has only been open for a few short months, Donna has already made an impression on the handmade community with the work that she is doing! Some of her feedback, 100% by the way, contain things like, "Very cute! Love the colors and they work great! Highly recommended seller!" and "Excellent workmanship." How can you argue with those people?!

Her inspiration and motivations for her work come from both of her children-They love it when Donna makes something special just for them(and I don't blame them!).

Some things to know about Donna, her work, and her business:

*Besides Etsy, you can find Donna's work on Bonanzle and Artfire!

*If you view her shop announcements, she's always up for custom orders so contact her with your ideas!

*If you have sensitivities when it comes to jewelry like her earrings, just say the word and Donna will accommodate your needs =]

*$5.00 from every blanket and $2.00 from everything else sold will go towards a Children's Hospital.

*For payment, shipping and other important information, check out her Shop Policies Page.


Advice from Donna: "Don't stop having fun with your craft. If you do take a brake."

You all know me, I'm a sucker for anyone who is doing good and Donna of Donna's Little Angels definitely found a place in my heart! I'm so happy to be able to do this feature for her! If you know someone who is deserving of one of Donna's beautifully made products, take a quick look around one(or all) of her shops and see what you can find. Remember, she also does custom orders :D

Love and Energies.
Kayla

Items in Blog:

Sunflower Baby Blanket

Clear Purple and Brown Earrings

Duck Toy

You Best Check that Corn!!

As some of you know, I have been walking a little bit here and there with the help of Johnny(my walker). Well Saturday, I started walking much, much better! Actually, I didn't even have to use Johnny some of the times either. So you can imagine why I want to be up and around the house...

Well I decided to venture out into the front room where the rest of the family was kinda using the walker and kinda not and just standing there talking to my family. Imagine my surprise when I see a little black thing dart from under the couch to under my beading station...

I froze.

My family noticed and before they could ask, I yelped, 'I think I just saw a mouse!!!' Of course I couldn't be sure that's EXACTLY what I saw because it was just out of the corner of my eye, but like good little men of the house, my dad and sister's boyfriend started to rummage around under my work station-All the while the females of the house jumped up on the couch(excluding me-I jumped up on Johnny Lmao).

I still laugh at what happened next. Out of nowhere, my mum screeches(and I do mean screeches) '*AHHHH* HE'S OVER THERE!' Although, it kind of sounded like, 'AHHHHYHESOVERTHERE!!!!'

Chaos ensues with mum dumping out a container for my dad to catch the little bugger, my dad and sister's boyfriend closing in on the spot where the culprit had last been seen, my sister holding the dog so he doesn't get in the way, my dog barking and jumping all around cause he had seen the scampering little fur-ball, and me, still on top of Johnny. Lol

It ended up the mouse ran into the bathroom my sister and I share so we just shut the door for a little bit to regroup.

After a while of us debating on the pros and cons of killing vs. letting go, we decided to let him go(after a forceful argument from my sister and I that went something like, "He has a little mouse family so were letting him go!" *evil eye*).

Here are some pictures I took:

Here is the little trouble maker(although, he is quite a little cutie). And don't worry, he really isn't that hairy-We just haven't swept the bathroom linen closet in forever *hangs head in shame*

I asked my sister's boyfriend, Our Mouse Catcher, to pose with his catch, but the little butthead wouldn't. Lol

I thought we should have let him go in the field down the street, but apparently they thought the front yard was okay.


So hopefully the little guy doesn't find a way to come back into the house and goes back to his own family somewhere with an interesting story to tell. On a different note, were not exactly sure where he came from either-Were thinking he came with the organic corn my mum and dad purchased at a local farmer's market that morning...

Moral of the story-Check your corn before you bring it home.

J'Adore tien Blog: Another Award!

I feel so special today!! I was humbled with this amazing award from one of my favorite blogs, Runako Designs by Dee. Dee is also credited for the Girls Night Out Blog--If you haven't visited, your missing out!!

So now, I'm suppose to name 5 things I love, then then forward to 10 more of my favorite blogs. I like how Dee passed her awards on, so I'm going to do the same...

First, 5 things that I love:

1. Of course, I love my family and friends.
2. I love Nature-I have a special place in my heart for our Mother.
3. I love Learning-There is just something about knowledge that is wonderfully empowering.
4. I love my arts and crafts.
5. I love books-As with learning, there are limitless possibilities when you pick up a book.

Now for the theme: I'm choosing the 10 bloggers that I find do the most good in the handmade community:

1. Blog Friendly PR
2. Crocheted Little Things
3. Etsy Item of the Day
4. Hodgepodgespv
5. Jenieshell's Design Challenge
6. Kind Over Matter
7. LilacPOP
8. Sandier Pastures
9. Tricia's Dish
10. Unique Woman in Business

Thank you all for making the handmade movement a success!! I'm off to share the good news with everyone :D

Love and Energies.
Kayla

Mailbox Monday(8/17)

Mailbox Monday divulges into the inner workings of my mailbox throughout the week. From books to jewelry to free samples to random magazines and letters-You never know what will be in the mail this week...

***************************************************************************

1. First off, let me tell you all that this win was a complete surprise! Not only did I not remember entering for the book, I have no idea where I entered for it!! I was just left a comment on one of my posts saying I won, so I sent my info and received my book-But that's not all...When I got my book in the mail, I was flipping through it and my mouth fell open: It was AUTOGRAPHED! I don't think I have ever gotten a signed book in my life...I was so excited, I could barely contain myself(plus it helps that the book is by one of my favorite authors) :D


2. A while back, I was informed that I had won something from SheBlogs.org(which like #1, was a complete surprise). Well it arrived at the beginning of the week and O.M.G...It's so awesome! They sent me my own breakfast blend of coffee-Personalized and everything! Just take a look at the above pictures and be amazed :D





3. I don't know how I keep getting random business magazines, but one of the magazines that I'm 'subscribed to' is Inc. So I got one of those in the mail along with a few other things(that was a great mail day for me). Why do I receive these you ask? I have no idea. I figure one of these days they will have something useful in them that will make me a millionaire...

One can only hope.





4. Valerie over at Sweeps4Bloggers has done it again!! Okay, well technically I won, but she sent me a wonderful book as a prize which I can't wait to read. And yes, it's another self help type of book(you all know how I loooooove those)!


5. You all know Robin of Robin Maria Pedrero, who is currently holding a contest for a 4x7 Original Artistic Print(Enter Now!) and who I did a feature for last Friday(Read Here)-Well, she was just too sweet and sent me a little thank you care package that I absolutely fell head over heels for! I just can't get over how beautiful her work is(If you haven't seen any of it, I highly, HIGHLY suggest hoppin' on over to her shop or entering her giveaway).



6. And on a less exciting note, I got a credit card bill(which has a balance of zero F.Y.I.) and some sort of voting card...I know, useless info, but hey, they were in my mailbox! Lol

Here is to a happy Monday!

Love and Energies.
Kayla

Slapdash Sunday(8/16)

Slapdash Sunday is a day for your proverbial week 'leftovers.' Is there something you wanted to say, but just forgot? Is there something you want to write about, but isn't worth a whole page? Do you have a random thought, funny or otherwise that needs to be written down?

That is what Slapdash Sunday is for!

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1. Sometimes, people can be very innovative when it comes to crafting and arts-Fashion is no different! Thanks to Dee of Runako Designs Girls Night Out, I got to see a few unique fashion statements. Let's just say there is A LOT of protection packed into those outfits. Lmao. Take a look for yourself!





2. I know it's a few days late, but Happy 19th Birthday to my friend Christine!! I'm very proud of my present I made for her(I'm working on another project so hopefully there will be pictures to look forward to)!




3. Speaking of projects in the works, I'm still thinking through the last one I mentioned so thank you for being patient! I know this is going to help all of us in the long run ^.^

Small Talk Six-Relaxation Techniques.

From MomDot:

"We would like to invite everyone to join in on a new weekly meme on MomDot called “Small Talk Six!” Since weekends are generally a little slower around the blogosphere, we thought this would be a great way to have a quick, fun, interactive meme.

All you need to do is grab one of the graphics below for your “Small Talk Six” posts and your sidebar. Then make a short (or an elaborate) post on your blog in response to the assigned topic of the week (see list here).

You can respond to each topic with a list of 6 words, 6 phrases, 6 sentences, 6 paragraphs, or 6 photos. Get the idea?"

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Happy Saturday everyone and welcome to another round of Small Talk Six! Today's topic:

6 things you do, used to do, or want to do to relax



1. Oh Oh, I know this one! If I had the $$, I would SO treat myself to a spa day-No, spa week! I have never actually gotten anything professionally done(unless you count a massage by a family friend) let alone go and spend a week at a real spa so that would be pure heaven for me.



2. One of my favorite relaxing pastimes is curling up in a chair with a good book. I mean who doesn't find that relaxing?


3. I used to do a lot of exercising and yoga-Wouldn't you think that that would have the opposite effect on a person?! Maybe, but for me it was totally flipped. Exercise in any shape or form would relax me(which is why I loved to do it).


4. Meditation. That one is pretty self explanatory...



5. Hanging out with friends. Sometimes, you just need to hang with people who understand you and let loose.

6. Naps. Another self explainatory concept...


Happy Saturday Everyone!

Love and Energies.
Kayla