Happy Halloween Everyone!

Happy Halloween Everyone!!

Halloween is my FAVORITE holiday-Why you ask? Well, there isn't just one reason that I love the holiday. Here are a few reasons:

• Halloween is based of a Pagan solstice called Samhain, which celebrates the dead and departed.
• This is the only holiday you can go around begging for candy from other people.
• The air-It's crisper and cleaner in the Fall.
• You can dress up to be anything you damn well please!
• I love seeing the little kids in their costumes >.<
  

Unfortunately, the past few years I haven't been able to celebrate Halloween as much as I would like because of health reasons. This year is definitely better, but It looks like another sit-home-and-hand-out-candy years.

And I'm fine with that(or so I keep telling myself). There is always next year!

Hopefully you all have an amazing and safe Halloween! For your enjoyment, here are some pictures of Halloween past....

My past that is!

~*!*~The Hippie~*!*~

~*!*~The Kitty~*!*~

~*!*~The Maiden~*!*~

~*!*~Dorthy~*!*~

~*!*~The Gypsy~*!*~

~*!*~The Goddess~*!*~

Saturday's Picks(10/31)-Happy Halloween!

What else is there to say but:

~*!*~Happy Halloween~*!*~

Enjoy!

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Halloween Tombstone Novelty Candle from kittredgecandles

$8.00

Creepy Crawly Halloween Card from GabriellaDesigns

$12.00

Mens Glow in the Dark Nosferatu T-shirt from nwshirts

$20.00

8x10 Cemetery Scene in Charleston from allisonostertag

$20.00

Ouija Board Necklace from Peeno123

$18.00

Ink Tease Designs {Feature and Giveway}

I met our featured artist in the Etsy chat-She is new and I just LOVE helping out new people :D I personally think it says 'Welcome to the neighborhood' in a give-you-a-steaming-plate-of-homemade-brownies type of way!

So let's all get on the welcome wagon and say a big hello to Rachel of Ink Tease Designs!

Working as a dance and Pilate's instructor in Vancouver BC, Canada, Rachel has always loved to draw, sew and create. Her mum loved to sew as well, so she comes by it quite naturally!!

She found Etsy by accident-"I was looking on the Internet for information on screen printing and a shirt that was posted in an Etsy shop came up. I thought the Etsy site was so neat, and I wanted to start a small store on it!" With that in mind, Rachel opened up her clothing store! Besides her fitness career, Etsy is her new side project, and she's loving every minute of it!

As you can tell from her beautiful products, Rachel works in screen printing and stenciling on t-shirts, skirts and other articles of clothing-"I sew my own skirts and halter tops in bamboo jersey (eco-friendly!) I'm hoping to start making my own T- shirts soon (rather than buy them). And I'm planning to add a few dresses (hand made and screen printed) to my store soon!"

Wow, she is a busy beaver! Just take a look at her shop and products, you will be blown away(I know I was)! If her style didn't grab you, her devotion to keeping her products eco-friendly will.

Some things to know about Rachel and her products:

*Make sure to keep an eye out for new and exciting(not to mention eco-friendly things)!

*Feel free convo her if you have any questions!

*She is new so make sure you help her out and follow her on Twitter!

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

{The Giveaway}

Win your choice of a beautiful Bamboo scarf from Ink Tease Designs!

You can view a little more about these lovely scarves from one of Rachel's Listings.

{The 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.

{Win It}

Visit Ink Tease Designs and tell me something you love!

{Extras}

1. Follow my Blog(1 extra)

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

3. Follow Me or Rachel on Twitter(2 extra)

4. Tweet this giveaway(1 extra)
-Win a Beautiful Bamboo Scarf from InkTeaseDesigns@ http://bit.ly/2W6T7H

5. Tell me one thing you learned from Rachel's feature(1 extra)

6. Blog about this giveaway leaving a link(3 extra)

7. Purchase something from Ink Tease Designs(5 extra)
(Make sure you mention this contest in the message to seller)

That's 1 mandatory entry + 13 extra entries which = 15 entries total!

Good Luck!

This contest will run from Friday October 30, 2009 12:00 pm central standard time until Friday, November 13, 2009 11:59 pm central standard time. The winner will be chosen via Random.org and will be contacted within 24 hours of the drawing. 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.

click here to view my full Disclaimer Policy

Simple Joys Prize Pack Giveaway {Extended}

I just wanted to let all my readers and non-readers alike know that I am extending the Simple Joys Prize Pack from Betty Crocker Giveaway another week (11/6/09) because frankly, I've been lazy and I didn't advertise it as well as I could have.

And I would like to hit over 100 entries.

So if you haven't entered yet, go do so now!!

Enter Here

Featured Blogger Friday(10/30)-Just Jules

TGIF everyone! I know when it hits Friday, every one's mind wanders to the weekend-But before your mind wanders too much, let's greet our featured blogger for this Friday's Post!

Welcome Julie of Just Jules!

Julie's blog is one of my favorites(I even have it bookmarked in my 'Daily Blog Round' folder)-I always love to see what she has to say this day.

Hopefully, you all will enjoy her as much as I do!

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


My blog is called 'Just Jules'. I started blogging right before Christmas '08, I started blogging as my best friends Christmas present. I would always rant on her on the phone and she kept saying I should write this down. She said it was all she wanted for Christmas. How could I refuse.


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


My nickname is Jules. and sometimes being "just" you is enough. So, I am Just Jules.


Q. Why did you start blogging?


See first question.


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 write very randomly. Something that happened during the day. Something that bothers me. Observations in my world. Events that I find normal and mundane I have come to realize others are interested in - so I post a lot of things like that. Anything that floats to the surface of my brain. Really.


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


It serves as a creative outlet and give me something to think about. Also, it has given me the opportunity to notice things in my life. Small pieces of information stand out because I think about writing a post about them, or I imagine something as a photo - I notice small beauty around me now.


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


The feeling that I have to blog everyday.

Q. What’s one random fact about you?


Hmmmmm, I refuse to get the flu shot.
(virtual high five from Kayla)

I wear a size 8 shoe, and have been looking for a pair of black heels to go with my dress I am bringing on my trip and can't find any that fit.


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


Everyday life. My kids. Other bloggers.

Q. Where else can we find you(Personal Website, Etsy Shop, Twitter, Facebook, Etc.)?


I am on facebook. Email for my name.

Simply Shiny-Shiny Adornments

We have another jeweler today who goes by the name of Kristy! Her shop: Shiny Adornments on Etsy. Or if you prefer a personal website, she has that too!

Currently residing in the city of Wichita in the state of Kansas(she's officially a flyover state resident), Kristy has been 'artsy fartsy' since forever-"Mostly in the home improvement mode. I can hang a mean sheet rock wall and tile floors like crazy."

That can definitely come in handy down the road!!

She started making jewelry several years ago because she could never find pieces in colors she wanted to wear with her work attire. As a full time employee for a huge corporation, Kristy needed to look her best and by golly, I think she has accomplished that!

If you take a look through her shop, you can see the beautiful jewelry she creates-When asked exactly what she does, Kristy said,"I create jewelry pieces with gemstones and silver, but have recently started more metal work. The torch and I aren't best friends yet, but I'm bribing her with chocolate. LOL" Any torch in their right mind would go for chocolate ;-)

She works with many different materials in her pieces, but she is a big fan of silver and gemstones. "There is just nothing better than pounding the heck out of plain silver wire and creating something beautiful. Well, except for sending that piece to live with someone else across the country or ocean. I don't know how to describe that feeling exactly. It's a wonderful thing."

Things to know about Kristy and her work:

*Besides Etsy, you can find Kristy's work on Artfire, and her own personal website, ShinyAdornments.com.

*You can also keep up with the latest shenanigans on her blog, Simply Shiny!

*Love her stuff and want to keep up to date? Subscribe to her Newsletter.

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

Advice from Kristy: "If you want to sell online, find a like minded group of individuals who will help you and answer your questions. Also, learn to take better photos."

If you have a chance, definitely take a look through Shiny Adornments and see what Kristy has to offer. Her pieces are beautiful and would make a wonderful gift for anyone!

Love and Energies.
Kayla

Items in Post:

Cerulean-Artisan Teal Blue Apatite and Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings

In Knots-Artisan Sterling Silver Knot Bangle Bracelet

Artisan Rainbow and Silver Pendant Necklace

What Can I Offer You?

I'm having a bit of a blogging slump today-For the life of me, I can't figure out WHAT to write about! So I just thought I would remind you what The Eclectic Element can offer you and your businesses and or blogs:

• Free 2 week advertisement trial-Seriously, no strings attached! I would love to fill up my blog with your wonderful ads. So your helping me out while I'm helping you out!

• Features-If your interested in a feature for your company or site, just let me know and I'll get you the info and questions. No matter if your a bit time company or just starting out, I'm an equal opportunist kinda person :-)

• Reviews-I do a wide variety of product reviews; If your interested in having something reviewed, just drop a line and I'll give you all the info!

• Advertising a giveaway or contest-If you have a giveaway you want to advertise, I would be more then happy to help you out by doing a quick post.

• Holding a giveaway or contest-Would you like The Eclectic Element to hold a giveaway for one of your products? I usually hold contests on Fridays and have them last 2 weeks(plenty of time to get the word out)! Interested? Just drop me a line!

• Anything Else-I'm definitely a helper, so if you have something that needs to be done or something that you just need information on, let me know(Seriously! I mean it).
  

If any of these things has captured your attention and you want more information, just comment on this post, or Go Here.

Love and Energies.
Kayla

Win It Wednesday(10/28)

~*!*~Win it Wednesday~*!*~

Win a $100 Gift Certificate from GypsySoule.com!!

Ends October 30, 2009

Enter Here










Win a Signed Copy the of Five for Fighting CD!!

Ends November 11, 2009

Enter Here














Win a T-Shirt from FierceOrganic.com!!

Ends November 24, 2009

Enter Here








Have any giveaways you want to advertise?
Link them below!!

It's a Team Effort-Bijoux Designs For You

Welcome April and Glenda of Bijoux Designs For You on Etsy!

This jewelry making mother and daughter team lives just outside of Toronto, Ontario Canada, and got started with Etsy when they both decided an expansion on their family crafting business was needed-The world wide web seemed only natural, so after exploring and researching different venues online, Glenda was the one who stumbled upon Etsy and they both agree it's been a wonderful experience!

Both woman love Etsy, but it's Glenda that makes it a full-time job. April on the other hand, has a real life job that consists of waitressing a couple days a week; Besides that, Etsy and being a mother dominate most of her time.

When asked, April told us about her love for crafting:"My mother has been creating something my entire life so it was no surprise that I inherited the fever from her." April and Glenda both have their perspective arts and crafts, but one thing that is a shared passion is their jewelry making.

Between the two, they create a variety of jewelry and beaded gift items-In my opinion, one heck of a jewelry stock! "My mother is the talent behind the seedbead work (I just don’t have the patience) and she loves the spiral stitch. I personally am addicted to flowers/earrings so I love to create those…of course I have to make a few “test” pairs to try out myself!" With which I have to agree with! I mean, you need to test run some of your own products to make sure they are 'safe.' Lol

Some things to know about April and Glenda:

*Make sure to check out their supply shop on Etsy-Rough River Beads: Beading Supplies.

*Social networks you can find them on: Twitter.

*Make sure to also check out their Blog: Bijoux Designs For You!

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

Advice from the Mother-Daughter team: "To believe in yourself and your business, to learn all that you can, to keep improving your products, pictures, shop and to remember that there is a wealth of support and knowledge out there to learn and grow from."

Here is something wonderful that Bijoux Designs For You is offering for the holiday season: $5.00 stocking stuffers! As if that isn't enough, they are also going to be doing a show at the Moose Lodge in Lindsay Ontario November 7th from 9-2 for the Christmas Crafts and Collectibles Show where you'll be able to find April and Glenda showcasing our handmade gifts and a selection of beading supplies!

If your in the area, don't miss it!!

Love and Energies.
Kayla

Items in Blog:

Garden Goddess Earrings

Grace-A Mint, Bronze and Bell Flower Necklace

Set of Six Aqua Disc Stitch Markers

The Mommy-Files-Halloween Blog or Treat!

I participated in the Halloween Blog or Treat Event over at The Mommy-Files and it was the most fun I've had in a LONG time!! Seriously, I can't wait until the Santa Swap event coming up in November!

That being said, I woke up one morning and there was my package from The Stolworthys of How Worthy Are You(We're Stoleworthy)! I seriously LOVED the box it came in-I counted over 25 stamps on that thing! Let's just say they all added a certain character! he he

My Blog or Treat Package contained:

• A set of scrapbook paper (all Autumn related)
• Some stickers to add to my ever-growing collection (also Autumn related)
• A box of Candy Corn flavored Dots
• A box of Raisinets (dark as asked for)
• A Snickers bar (Also dark chocolate)
• And a lovely handmade card

I loved all my lovelies and I just wanted to say again,

Thank You All So Much!!

Love and Energies.
Kayla

MckLinky Blog Hop(10/27)-Family Fun

Welcome to another installment of MckLinky Blog Hop! This week's topic:

Family Fun

There are many things you can do with that topic, but I'm going to tell you 3 things that come to mind when I think of Family Fun:

1. Family (Fill in the Blank) Night: You can do so many things with this-Family Game Night, Family Movie Night, Family Baking Night, etc etc. I'm pretty sure if you enjoy it, you can make it a Family Night!

2. Museums: Every month at most museums, they have a 'get in free day.' So you can be educated, while saving your family some money! Not to mention the quality time being spent together :D

3. Arts and Crafts: This is one I know very well! If your a crafty family, you can spend hours upon hours doing things together-Scrapbooking, building things, knitting and crocheting. My sister and I grew up in this type of environment and it's continued throughout the years.


I know that there are many other things that you can do with your family, but these are just 3 things off the top of my head at the moment.

Happy Hopping Everyone!!

Love and Energies.
Kayla

Inspirational Tuesday(10/27)

"To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom."

--Bertrand Russell




What inspires you today?

Surrealism Artwork-Paintings By Tye

Ya'll know how much I love featuring artists, and today is my lucky day because I get to feature one talented and AMAZING artist who goes by the name of Tye.

His Etsy shop-Paintings by Tye J Schloer.

Tye lives in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota called White Bear Lake, and informed me that he has been painting as far as he can remember-In particular was a great memory he shared of one of his earlier pieces: "I've always been a painter-My first mural was a giant ninja turtle I painted in my room when I was 7."

Now if that the sign of a true artist, I don't know what is!

Unfortunately to Tye's disappointment, he has a 'real life' job working in the family business of heating and a/c work. He hopes to soon make that leap into being a full time artist!

There are many different artists and techniques used today, so I asked Tye what he preferred as his technique-He told me that he is a surrealist oil painter who works mainly larger scale stuff at the moment, but hopes to branch out later on.

Tye's paintings are definitely one of a kind! I'm a big fan of the surrealist artwork and his work definitely catches my eye-Others are in agreement! "This painting is outstanding--and I am delighted to have it. Cannot believe the talent this man has," says one person who purchased from Tye. Another one said, "Love it, love it, love it! Colors and detail are so much more brilliant than pictures; it's a beautiful piece of art!"

If that doesn't tell you the amount of talent Tye has, I don't know what else I can say to convince you!

Things to know about Tye and his work:

*Everything in his shop is original-If you have any questions about his work, don't hesitate to send him a message!

*Tye also takes custom orders so if your fascinated by his work, drop him a line!

*Make sure to follow Tye's Blog: Art By Tye on Blogspot to receive updates on past, present, and future paintings, as well as a few giveaways ;-)

*For payment, shipping, and other information of the like, check out his Shop Policies Page.

Advice from Tye: "Don’t give up!!! No matter how things look now just keep on doing what you love and always follow your dreams." Short and sweet but 110% true!

Love and Energies.
Kayla

Items in Blog:

22x28 Inch Original Spray Painting-Ice Cold

18X24 Inch Original Oil Painting-The Hour Draws Near

6x4 Feet Original Oil Painting-Forever and Ever

SATeam Wrist Candy Holiday Giveaway!

SATeam Wrist Candy Holiday Giveaway!!

Wouldn't you like to win this AMAZINGLY beautiful work of wearable art!? Thanks to the SATeam(Starving Artists Team), here is your chance:

The SATeam's Holiday Sale Sale starts today, October 26, 2009 and runs through December 6, 2009, and and every purchase you make during those dates at any participating SATeam's shop(Listed Here) earns you an entry to win the giveaway...

You can also find SATeam's holiday holiday sale items on etsy by searching for: SATEAMWRIST

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Don't miss out on this opportunity to get some seriously amazing deals while you get some holiday shopping done-Not to mention that beautiful bracelet as an added incentive :D

Click Here for More Details.

The English Language

I stole this from Annette over at Fairy Blog Mother because of the fact that it's simply AMAZING!

20 reasons why the English language is so hard to learn:

1. The bandage was wound around the wound.
2. The farm was used to produce produce.
3. The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.
4. We must polish the Polish furniture.
5. He could lead if he would get the lead out.
6. The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.
7. Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.
8. A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.
9. When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.
10. I did not object to the object.
11. The insurance was invalid for the invalid.
12. There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.
13. They were too close to the door to close it.
14. The buck does funny things when the does are present.
15. A seamstress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line.
16. To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow.
17. The wind was too strong to wind the sail.
18. Upon seeing the tear in the painting I shed a tear.
19. I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.
20. How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?

Let's face it - English is a crazy language. There is no egg in eggplant nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple. English muffins weren't invented in England or French fries in France. Sweetmeats are candies while sweetbreads, which aren't sweet, are meat.

We take English for granted. But if we explore its paradoxes, we find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig. And why is it that writers write but fingers don't fing, grocers don't groce and hammers don't ham. If the plural of tooth is teeth, why isn't the plural of booth beeth?

One goose, 2 geese. So one moose, 2 meese? One index, 2 indices? Doesn't it seem crazy that you can make amends but not one amend? If you have a bunch of odds and ends and get rid of all but one of them, what do you call it?

If teachers taught, why didn't preachers praught? If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat? Sometimes I think all the English speakers should be committed to an asylum for the verbally insane. In what language do people recite at a play and play at a recital?

Ship by truck and send cargo by ship? Have noses that run and feet that smell? How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites? You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill in a form by filling it out and in which an alarm goes off by going on.

English was invented by people, not computers, and it reflects the creativity of the human race (which, of course, isn't a race at all). That is why, when the stars are out, they are visible, but when the lights are out, they are invisible.

How about when you want to shut down your computer you have to hit start.


Happy Pondering Everyone!
Kayla

Mailbox Monday(10/26)

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...

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1. I've been waiting for this damn thing for what seems like FOREVER!! It finally arrived Monday: A $20.00 check from one of the survey sites I belong to, Toluna.

This is my first survey type payment, so I'm pretty happy!

2. Check out This Post explaining what the heck the picture to the left is, and why it got me very emotional!

Love you Suzy Q :-)

3. Stupid magazines...

4. I got my Halloween package from my paired blogger from The Mommy-Files Halloween Blog or Treat!! I'm so excited but I'm going to have to make you wait until I get a chance to post about it :D

5. I'm just blown away!! My friend Grace over at Sandier Pastures went on a trip to Japan this past week with her family and was kind enough to remember me by send a BEAUTIFUL postcard of Mt. Fuji in the spring.

I'm so touched! That was such a wonderful thing to get :-)

Thank you so much Grace!!

What did you get in the mail this week?

I've Been Featured!

You know, there is something exciting and thrilling about waking up to being featured on someone else's blog/site! It just makes your whole day :D

If you would be so kind, pay a visit to Jennifer a.k.a Speedy on her blog Eighty MPH Mom and check out what she had to say about me in my Feature!

Thanks again Jennifer-Your amazing!!

Love and Energies.
Kayla

Slapdash Sunday(10/25)

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. So as if Win It Wednesday isn't enough, now I have a MckLinky to register your giveaways on my Contests and Giveaways Page!!

So what are you waiting for!? Start entering those giveaways :-)

2. Say, if your a blogger out there would you want to join up together to do some sort of event? I'm kind of in a blogging funk and need something to get me out!

Any ideas or volunteers?








3. I don't have $150.00 to spend, but while playing one of my many instant win games I won $30.00 off $150.00 purchase at Bluefly.com

If anyone is interested, contact me and I'll give you the coupon code!!





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Wanna be apart of Slapdash Sunday?
Grab the button below and blog along!

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