Autumn Inspiration

Needing a little inspiration...it is Autumn but it is still in the 90's! Ready for cool crisp weather, cozy afternoons on the front porch, family get togethers with lots a delicious seasonal food and long walks at the park with beautiful colored leaves everywhere! You can view the link below for some lovely items I found on Etsy.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c9978065e748eeffcd4078c/borrowed-time

I found some inspiration just from searching on Etsy. I am feeling a little bit closer to Autumn already...

My WISH List ;)

I have been consumed with several projects lately and I am realizing that I need to invest in a few things to make my endeavors more productive. I am currently repainting a large bookshelf, upcycling a desk, upcycling a dresser, making items for my shop and both booths at the Fayetteville Trading Post. I have projects scattered across the house and on the TINY back porch. Then realizing that I have NO money to invest, I decided to make a wish list...keeping my eyes open for sales + saving a little here and there as it is available...

If I could have FIVE things, these would be it!!!

1.) An electric sander....my hands are working for NOW but are so sore after upcycling furniture.
2.) An electric saw...I have some projects I want to try but can't until I get one of these ;)
3.) Sewing machine...although I am not currently sewing anything, I would be if I had one of these.
4.) A NEW drill...mine broke and I can't keep up with the husband's....
5.) A house out in the country with a REAL work space...this is a stretch I know, but my ultimate goal. We are currently renting a townhouse, well in the middle of town...my work space consists of a SMALL area in my bedroom and a large closet for storage.

Aside from the house, I am going to attempt to purchase all of these items by the end of the year...or drop hits to friends and family for my birthday in October and Christmas...If you would like to buy me a gift, feel free to pick from the list above...LOL

A Post from HeartMade Blog

I was on my twitter this morning and came across a neat little tweet that led me to the Etsy forums and that led me to an amazing blog! I had to share her post because it was so well said. I am struggling with time management and this just fits in . Hope you enjoy and don't forget to check out her blog....

Here are a few tips + strategies that have helped me so so much to strike a balance between my work life + personal life:

1. Take lunch breaks. This one sounds simple, but it's really a bit complicated. We all have to eat right? But eating in front of the computer is no eating ethic any of us should follow. Use your 1-2 hour lunch break to really sit back + relax. This is a great opportunity to cook a homemade meal + go out for a short walk + lunch out with your gals or anything other activity that gets you to disconnect + vent.

2. Make appointments after work. Doing extracurricular activities outside the office environment is essential to the feeling of balance. Book a yoga class + cooking class + dance lesson + learn a new language + make appointments to see a friends. When we make plans ahead of time we are more likely to stick with them.

3. Establish your limits. Set sticked bounds about when you will start + stop checking your BlackBerry messages + e-mails + Etsy convos. Resist the urgency to stay connected 24/7. When we don't establish clear limits between our professional + private life, we lose sight of balance.

4. Free days. Pick a day of the week to really disconnect 100% from all responsibility. I used to work everyday of the week with the excuse that work was crazy busy. Now I work harder during the week + organize my schedule so I can take my weekends off to go to the beach with my boyfriend. This has been the single best decision I have taken in my career. I feel happier + less stressed + because I organize my weeks so well to be able to leave for the weekend, I actually get more work done during the week. Listen to me please: get off your computer at least one day a week - you will thank me later.

5. Me time. Pick a moment in the day or week to really be by yourself + meditate + think about your week + write down your goals and dreams + read an inspirational poem + listen to your favorite tune. The time you take for yourself is sacred + extremely important for finding inner peace.

6. Make time for your body. Your body is your temple, nourish it by eating foods that are good for you + exercising regularly + sleeping your 8 hours. A healthy body is a happy body.

xo,

Mayi Carles

Thanks again for the lovely post, Mayi. I am now following her on Twitter...can't wait to see what other advice she has to offer! ;)

http://www.heartmadeblog.com/