Let Yourself Go and Rejuvenate!

Discover your best self:
This means something different for everyone, but there are a few universal things you can do to get there.

~Write down what you want: There's something magical about putting your dreams- no matter how big or small - in words. Do it, then revisit them every six months.

~Be alone: Claim 30 minutes as your own daily, then do something us for you, whether that means sitting on your deck with a glass of wine of reading a chapter of the latest best seller.

~Give of yourself: When life crowds in, it's easy to lose track of your connections to those in need. Volunteer and get reacquainted with your generous spirit.

Be Indulgent:
There are few better ways to recharge than pampering. Have a couple of hours to spare? Head to a day spa for a relaxing rubdown. Have more time? Indulge in a three day wellness getaway.

Home Base:
The rejuvenation doesn't have to end when you go home- it's easy to turn your space into a private sanctuary. First, set the scene. The trickle of a water feature adds instant ambiance to any room. Light aromatherapy candles, like lavender will help you unwind.

(excerpts taken from article in this months O magazine, pg. 42)
photo credit

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EtsyKids Design Challenge for July: Dainty Damask

Each month EtsyKids Team members are challenged to create a unique item within a chosen theme. This month's challenge, "Dainty Damask", was picked by last month's winner Birdie Baby Boutique. EtsyKids members will have until July 19th to submit their entries, and voting will be open to everybody from Wednesday, July 21st to Tuesday, July 27th. So, be sure to come back to the EtsyKids blog for a new post on the 21st to see all of the entries and VOTE! In the meantime, please click here to get a sneak peek at some exciting entries so far!

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STOP!

Before I start preaching - I may as well say that I am the worst about doing for myself...so my finger is pointing at me to! ;)

I 'officially' have my very own studio! I signed the lease on Thursday and me and the boys moved me in this weekend (YAY) BUT that has reminded me how important it is to take a step back from your day to day and breathe. You MUST NOT continue on empty just to keep everyone else happy! Let's face it - if you're not happy ( I mean real happy - not the fake smile happy) and giving back to yourself then everyone will end up not happy eventually!

I was cruising through lots of parent magazines last night and found a few good tips for Happy Mommy.....Like to hear 'em - here they go:

~Take a walk outside and Breathe - we need fresh and air and we need sunlight. If you're stuck in the office and/or in the house 24/7 your body will start to fatigue.

~Play music and Dance and/or Sing

~EAT! Your body will let you know what it wants - so give it what it wants in moderation. And Water is a MUST! Be nice to your body and it will be nice to you!

~Get out of the house by yourself even if its just for a night. Get a hotel room down the street. Watch TV uninterrupted, read magazines, catch up on your stack of books - heck - even just taking a bath without the background noise of a household is nice!

~Take people up on their offers...to babysit, clean, cook, whatever - DROP the 'I must do everything myself b/c no one does it like me' act and just say please and thank you! You'll feel so good that you did and the people that are doing the favors will feel GREAT that they could help! WIN WIN!

~Even if you have to get up half an hour early - shower, brush your teeth and dress every day - it makes you feel good and gives you a fresh start to the day!

SMOOCHES! XOXO

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Wee Folk, Garden Gnomes

Baby Gnome Christmas Ornament by Fairyfolk
Gnome Gnomeville Euro Knot Jumper Dress by SewSoNancy
Roly-Poly Gnomie, felt friend by woolies
Knitted Gnomes, assorted colors by HandworkArtStudio
Gnomie the Gnome by smallthreads
Gnome (set of three, 35x35 playsilks) by BeneathTheRowanTree
The Porscha Skirt w/Polka-dot Halter Top by LibbyLusBoutique

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Eat Your Veggies!

Sweet Yellow Vegetable Toddler Romper (3-6mo) by Berchtasbelly1
Crocheted Vegetable Play Set by honeybee69Eggplant bodysuit and ruffled diaper covers gift set by ReaGun
LiliBug Peas and Carrots Hair Clip Set by LiliBugBoutique
Peas Please Bodysuit, 18 mo by BuggaLove
happy summer planting - carrot by sabahnur

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For the Red, White and Blue

Each week EtsyKids team members search the hundreds and hundreds of EtsyKids listings on Etsy for items that catch their eye and co-inside with a fun theme of Daisycreek's choosing. These highlights are listed in our weekly promo thread on the Etsy Forums. This week she put out a call for everyone to show off their colors - their flag colors, that is. Here is just a small collection of items from our USA members that are highlighted this week. Check out this weeks thread for more great links, or to contribute your own.

Wrap N Snap Reversible Car Seat Belt Covers by AmyRoseDesigns
Mini Cupcake Clippie Pair by AllThingsGirly
Circus Fever -10 Issue Poms by prosttothehost
Un-Bear-Ably Adorable Teddy Bear Afghan by marykaren
Stars and Stripes TuTu Skirt by PoppySprouts
Flip Flip Applique Girls Top by Brkids
Dessert Felt Play Food by feltplayground
Dalmatian Red Little Girl Jumper by thetrendytot
Embroidered Flag Headband from thesouthernbaby

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EtsyKids Design Challenge - We Have a Winner!

Congratulations to the winner of this month's challenge 18.Nautical theme custom word name blocks- set of 6 by babybirdieboutique! Baby Birdie Boutique is a charming store created by two stay at home moms. It offers a wide variety of trendy handmade pieces, from cute accessories to elegant home deco for little tots. You can view more of their creations by following this link.

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