Art Nest Pincushion RingGIVEAWAY!!!!

Another fun giveaway by ArtNest at Grosgrain. You can find these lovely rings at http://artnestshop.etsy.com I'm a sucker for pincushions. Hopefully, I'll come across some great ones I made as I finish organizing and unpacking. If not, I'll whip up some new ones to share with you.

Art Nest Pincushion RingGIVEAWAY!!!!

Your Perfect Handbag Will Find You

I was reading in a wonderful little book this morning, Life Lessons Learned While Shopping by Amanda Ford. It is a book I bought on a shim years ago, because the price was reduced and it seemed interesting. I have read it many times over. I reminded me something I've known to be true, but sometimes forget...Years ago, before I began making my own purses, there was a particular designer I loved. I could no bring myself to pay the high price tag; however, when I found one of his bags on sale (clearance with an additional 40% off was my favorite), I was overjoyed. Now the flaw with this thinking was that when I didn't find what I thought was a good price, a bought a cheaper purse. I was unhappy with the cheaper purse and bought another in a short time. The point is I ended up spending more money on inexpensive purses I was not happy with. Keep these points in mind:
Think quality over quantity
Wait for sales
Absolutely look in outlets, thrift or consignment stores, you might get lucky
Give yourself permission to dream of what you want
It's OK to take time to think about a large purchase-sleep on it
When I was younger, My Aunt was my shopping partner. We often went to lunch to think about a purchase. When we made up our minds we reminded ourselves it what we wanted was still there, it was meant to be. I've since learned that if it's not, there is something better waiting for me. Don't worry, your perfect bag will find you.

Coco and Friend

She may look sweet, but look at her wrong and she'll go after you. An ornery cat, but we love her. It still makes me smile when I think of her when she and the kids were younger. She wore a bell around her neck; the kids ran when they heard it. Crying, "Coco's going to get me."

Fabulous Giveaway by Grosgrain

As always another fabulous giveaway by Grosgrain! I wonder how she finds the time. More than that, such great photos. Be sure and take a look. It's an inspiration to see the before and after photos. Maybe we should be a bit more cautious of the things we throw away (of course that is only if you are actually going to make the time to do something with it).

Pleated Petal Tank ANTHROPOLIFICATION GIVEAWAY!!!!

Focus on Abundance

A couple of years ago, I found a book in the library called Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnack. I've since found my own copy in a used book store. Think about the following quote:
"When you focus on abundance rather than lack in your life, you will be designing a wonderful new blue print for the future"

I read a passage daily. Changing one's thought process (how we look at life and what we tell ourselves) is a slow process. I have noticed as my viewpoint shift, my life has moved closer to where I want it. In fact I am often amazed at the many unexpected "gifts" I have received. Basically, the more I focus on hats good in my life and am thankful-the better it gets.

Have, Do, Be...

Here is my Have, Do, Be Exercise: In my lifetime I want to have...
my own business
own a home (at the beach)
a beautiful garden-pick fresh veggies daily
a family car & a car of my own (convertible)
hot pink motorcycle
loving, honest partner
health, happiness and stability for my children
simple, uncluttered home-a place for everything and everything in it's place
sewing studio
simple wardrobe
During my lifetime I want to do...
drive a motorhome around the United States
go to Hawaii and lounge on the beach
Visit Europe-see more of it this time
take up yoga
bellydance again-not be afraid to dance in front of people
visit relatives & friends who live far away
write a book
learn French
be independent-be able to take care of myself and children even if I don't have to
During my lifetime I want to be...
honest-not afraid to communicate(no more walls)
independent
fearless-not let fear keep me from taking action
giving-find ways to give back and not fear lack in doing so

Clarify Your Values

What do you value most in your life? What exactly is a value? A value is how we wish to conduct ourselves; an ideal of how we should behave. Can you easily express your values? Here is a fun exercise to try...It is called the Have, Do, Be Exercise: Take out a piece of paper and write as many answers as you can to the following:
In my life, I want to have...
In my life, I want to do...
In my life, I want to be...(these can be character traits)
Your lists will most likely contain themes or similarities. These are clues to what you value!

Say Thank You for What You Have

I feel the need to spend a little time venting...I apologize. I'm tired of hearing the negative talk about the current state of affairs. I realize things have been bad lately and it may take some time to turn around; stop being negative.

Your mind does not know the difference between fantasy and reality. That is why what ever you tell yourself over and over will come true. You make it real.

I have come to realize the importance of a positive outlook and I refuse to live in lack again. I am grateful and say thank you for every good thing in my life. I am amazed at the continual flow of abundance into my life. Yes, things are though for many people right now and everyone is making changes in their lives to make ends mete. My life is blessed. Thank You!

The Biggest Lesson

What is the biggest lesson to learn in life? Is it learning to let go of fear? I think fear is our biggest obstacle to overcome. It stops us dead in our tracts; not taking action when we should. Not listening to the voice in our head that tells us what we know we should do. How do we get past fear? Simple. Take action. Easier said than done. Now what? Break it down into 'baby' steps. "Tiny choices mean tiny changes, but it is only with infinitesimal change, changes so small no one else even realizes you're making them, that you have the hope for transformation. " -Leo Tolstoy

My First Bag

Handbag, Purse, Bag or Pocketbook. What do you call it? A woman carries a bag for most of her life. I can't remember how old I was when I first carried a handbag. I have memories of a white bag when I was six, but I think there was a red leather handbag before that.

What did I carry in my bag at such a young age; light pink nail polish, lip gloss and maybe a comb? I wish I could ask grandma.

I've watched my daughter start to carry her own bag over the last year (she is ten now). I have to wonder what is so important for her to take with her. I'll have to ask her and get back to you.

What did your first handbag look like? What necessities did it hold?