2.29.2012

Be Inspired - Swirls in Nature

Words to Inspire

“The growth of understanding follows an ascending spiral rather than a straight line” 
 Joanna Field

Idea to Inspire

Relax your mind and let inspiration flow by doodling swirls today.

Photos to Inspire

One of my favorite things to doodle is swirls. Swirls can be found everywhere, even in nature. These photos from Pinterest show some of the beautiful swirls found in nature.


Source: flickr.com via Monique on Pinterest


Source: flickr.com via Cindy on Pinterest

Source: squidoo.com via Kerry on Pinterest



Source: weheartit.com via Cindy on Pinterest


Add To Google BookmarksStumble ThisFav This With TechnoratiAdd To Del.icio.usDigg ThisAdd To RedditTwit ThisAdd To FacebookAdd To Yahoo

Pin It

2.28.2012

Artist Inspirations - Milk & Honey Naturals

I found Courtney Jo's all natural products via her blog. I am a fan of her mix of stories about her family, her products, and  what every comes to mind. Thanks Courtney Jo for taking the time to share with us what inspires you to create your all natural products.

Courtney Jo - Milk & Honey Naturals


I have been creating my own natural products for over a decade. I can remember as far back as 11 years, making cabbage acne masks from a book all about natural cures from the bible. I really pushed myself to create after I had a few unusual reactions to synthetically produced products. After struggling with problem after problem for years, I finally turned to only natural care. Most of what was available in stores was unscented or medicinal smelling, boring and flat out bland. Over the years I have done a lot of research on holistic medicine, herbal therapies, natural cures and have learned a lot about how earth products nurture, nourish, heal and cleanse. I started experimenting with herbal infusions for color, pure essential oil blends for punches of amazing natural aroma, swirling, layering and sprinkling for visually interesting effects. With a small nudge from my husband, Milk and Honey Naturals was born.

Mandarin Truffle Lip embellishment
I started my business with a head packed full of knowledge, college training in business, hands that love to create, $200 and a big dream. I'm really scrappy when it comes to wise investing, researching the market, putting together a workable business plan and I learn fast. After the first year of exhaustingly hard work and a lot of seed planting, I was able to stay home with my twin boys and help support our family for what looks like the foreseeable future.


The biggest inspirations behind my shop are family and health. They really go hand in hand. When I read the ingredient lists on regular store products, it irks me to no end. I've become even more fussy about ingredients since having my kids. I remember finding a baby lotion that actually boasted "no essential oils, only fragrance." There is a long list of essential oils that are not only safe for kids, but can actually help with conditions like colic. I dream for my family, I create for my family, I work hard for my family and I share my creations so that all people and all families can have access to quality natural products.

Pamper Me gift Set 
My process first starts with the functionality of a product. I always ask myself what I would like to get out of what I'm trying to create. I research and find the natural ingredients I need to get the results, then it's on to design. I take visual inspiration from anything and everything around me. It can be a slice of cake from a European bakery, to the colors created by light peeking through fall leaves all the way to a beautiful marble floor I remember from childhood. I compose ways to use the necessary ingredients to create my design and with a light hand, leave it at what naturally occurs.

Honey Almond All Natural Handmade Soap
Visit Milk & Honey Naturals and see all the wonderful products Courtney Jo has to offer. Don't forget to stop by her blog as well and get to know Courtney Jo the mother, wife, and artists.




Add To Google BookmarksStumble ThisFav This With TechnoratiAdd To Del.icio.usDigg ThisAdd To RedditTwit ThisAdd To FacebookAdd To Yahoo

Pin It

2.27.2012

Motivation Monday

                             Source: yesandyes.org via Valerie on Pinterest

Add To Google BookmarksStumble ThisFav This With TechnoratiAdd To Del.icio.usDigg ThisAdd To RedditTwit ThisAdd To FacebookAdd To Yahoo

Pin It

2.26.2012

Quick Poll

I would love to know what kind of jewelry you like to wear. If you have not had a chance to take my poll (on the left sidebar) please take a moment and share your thoughts. Only 4 days left.
<---------------

Thanks for sharing!
Add To Google BookmarksStumble ThisFav This With TechnoratiAdd To Del.icio.usDigg ThisAdd To RedditTwit ThisAdd To FacebookAdd To Yahoo

Pin It

2.24.2012

DIY Friday - Fun with Buttons

If your like me you have lots of buttons in boxes and jars around your home. Their are so many cool buttons, I sometimes find myself buying buttons even when I'm not making anything. Check out what I found  on Pinterest, fun and easy projects you can do with buttons.


Source: allyou.com via Melissa on Pinterest








What have you made with buttons?
Add To Google BookmarksStumble ThisFav This With TechnoratiAdd To Del.icio.usDigg ThisAdd To RedditTwit ThisAdd To FacebookAdd To Yahoo

Pin It

2.23.2012

Five Questions

Today I have five questions you can ask yourself when starting a new project or working on one of your big significant goals.

These questions are to help you find clarity, give you some direction, and inspire you to get started. 

There are no right or wrong answer, your answers are personal to just you. 

Grab your journal, some art supplies, a pen and pencil, and find a quite place to yourself to answer these five questions:

~ What do you really want to accomplish?

~ What's your plan?

~ What would be the fastest most direct way to accomplish your plan?

~ What are three major obstacles standing in your way, and what can you do to overcome them?

~ Are you on the right path to get there?

I also created a printable document with the five questions.  This document will give you space to work through each question, doodles to color and help relax your mind , and space to add your own. 


printable link


You don't have to answer them all at once, or in this order. Do what is comfortable for you. Once you have your answers, they should help guide you towards creating your plan and getting started on accomplishing your goal. 

How do you prepare when starting a new project?





Add To Google BookmarksStumble ThisFav This With TechnoratiAdd To Del.icio.usDigg ThisAdd To RedditTwit ThisAdd To FacebookAdd To Yahoo

Pin It

2.22.2012

Be Inspired - Birds

Words to Inspire

“To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not, rich; to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart; to study hard; to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common - this is my symphony. 
William Henry Channing

Idea to Inspire

Do a little bird watching today to relax your mind and be inspired.

Photos to Inspire

I love looking out my kitchen window and watching the birds at my feeders. In the spring we get an amazing collection of colorful  birds, but nothing like the beautiful birds in found on Pinterest. These photos showcase a collection of birds with amazing colors and textures.


Source: flickr.com via Kerry on Pinterest







Add To Google BookmarksStumble ThisFav This With TechnoratiAdd To Del.icio.usDigg ThisAdd To RedditTwit ThisAdd To FacebookAdd To Yahoo

Pin It

2.21.2012

Zero Inbox

How many old emails do you have sitting in your inbox? 

To be honest I have about 25 old emails saved on most days. I try to take any action that is needed and delete any unnecessary emails, but I always have about 25 sitting in my inbox.

Today I am going to share an idea for emptying your email box to zero emails and making space for creative inspiration.

In this process you will not be getting rid of emails you need for future reference, you save those in an email folder. It's about having zero email in your inbox.

Having emails pile up in your inbox call out for attention, making it difficult to decide what to work on. Having an empty inbox means no distractions or competition for your attention.

Consider the content of your inbox  in three categories:

Stuff you don't need - automatically delete any of these type of emails.

Stuff you might need to refer back to - these are the emails you move out of inbox and store in you email folders.

Stuff you need to take action on - these are items you need to put on your to-do list.

Don't have a to-do list that is working for you - Here is a link to a printable options:

Printable to-do list

You can also keep your to-do list online with GoodTodo.com


I have not tried this program, but reviewed the site and I am going to give it a try. You can transfer emails right from you inbox and on to your to-do list, and any item you don't complete gets moved to the next day. Two features that I think would be really helpful.

However you choose to track your projects and to-do list items, clearing your email inbox will make staying on task easier. Think of how nice it will be to have a cleared out inbox giving your mind more space for bigger inspiring thoughts.

How many email to you have in your inbox?




Add To Google BookmarksStumble ThisFav This With TechnoratiAdd To Del.icio.usDigg ThisAdd To RedditTwit ThisAdd To FacebookAdd To Yahoo

Pin It

2.20.2012

Motivation Monday

Think of your day as a canvas.

You have control of what goes on your canvas, and you can paint your day your way.

We go through our day cluttering up our canvas with info from the internet, gossip, commercials, and politics. None of these outside factors paint a pretty picture.

The more control you have over your day, what you do, and how you work, the easier it will be to stay motivated, make good business choices, and reach your creative goals.

Open up Drive in Be free by soulstokesstudio
Start your day with a blank canvas, and fill it with colors, shape, and texture that will guide you to greater success.

How are you filling up your blank canvas?


Add To Google BookmarksStumble ThisFav This With TechnoratiAdd To Del.icio.usDigg ThisAdd To RedditTwit ThisAdd To FacebookAdd To Yahoo

Pin It

2.17.2012

DIY Friday - Recycle your Plastic Bottles

Instead of tossing those plastic bottles or even putting them in the recycle bin, recycle them into things you can use.



Source: duitang.com via Cat on Pinterest



Source: duitang.com via Cat on Pinterest




How do you like to recycle your plastic bottles?


Add To Google BookmarksStumble ThisFav This With TechnoratiAdd To Del.icio.usDigg ThisAdd To RedditTwit ThisAdd To FacebookAdd To Yahoo

Pin It

2.16.2012

A Small Window of Inspiration

Ever notice that you get some of your best ideas when you drifting off to sleep or right when you wake up. Those few minutes are when your mind is in it's most relaxed state, letting ideas come easily.

Being creative is an exercise in problem solving. Sleep facilitates insight that often solves problems, sparks new ideas and design forms.

When I wake up I try to take a few minutes just to lay their and let my mind wander. I have come up with some of my best ideas when I just wake up and I have started to record them on an app on my phone. For some reason if I move to much trying to get a pad and pencil the ideas start to fade and I can never get them written down exactly as they come to me.

Keep a note pad or recorder next to where you sleep. Having easy access to document your ideas makes them easier to remember and put them into action.

Surround yourself with things that inspire you and can help the process both in your waking and sleeping hours.

Do you find those few minutes before you fall asleep or wake up to be inspiring?


Add To Google BookmarksStumble ThisFav This With TechnoratiAdd To Del.icio.usDigg ThisAdd To RedditTwit ThisAdd To FacebookAdd To Yahoo

Pin It

2.15.2012

Be Inspired - Lightning

Words to Inspire

“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.”
 John Muir

Idea to Inspire

Storms have amazing color and textures, why not collect and be inspired by your own collection of storm photos.

Photo to Inspire

I love storms. These photos from Pinterest are beautiful and inspirational.

Source: flickr.com via Adrian on Pinterest

Source: nogg.se via Kristy on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Adrian on Pinterest


Source: flickr.com via Adrian on Pinterest


Add To Google BookmarksStumble ThisFav This With TechnoratiAdd To Del.icio.usDigg ThisAdd To RedditTwit ThisAdd To FacebookAdd To Yahoo

Pin It

2.14.2012

Last Minute Valentine Ideas

Not ready for Valentine's Day? Here are some simple last minute ideas to make your Valentine's Day special.

Make your own cards


Source: cuorhome.net via Lizzy on Pinterest



Food Ideas






HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY



Add To Google BookmarksStumble ThisFav This With TechnoratiAdd To Del.icio.usDigg ThisAdd To RedditTwit ThisAdd To FacebookAdd To Yahoo

Pin It