2011 Diary Project

Recently in the Etsy forums I ran a post about the 2011 Diary Project. It's an opportunity to design a page in a diary and list your website for FREE.

Here is the basic Information from the website:

You want to design a page?

If you are an artist, crafter, photographer, musician, poet... and if you promote

your art by the web, you can be part of this project.
It is free and it is an opportunity for you to have a free publicity,

with no obligation of purchase.

New size: 8½" x 7". Each date will be designed by a different creator and will be printed on a high quality, opaque, recycled paper. There will be 2 dates in each page, 3 notes pages, 7 address pages, 12 months pages, 1 introduction pages, 1 year pages, a 2012 page, and 7 positive message design. Total: 208 pages, with 397 different designs.

Some covers will have a design, and some will be plain, to decorate it as you like.
There will be also the CD version that will contain the

complete pdf file, ready to print, with instructions.
With the CD, you go to a photocopy center and you ask for the quantity of book you want, with the paper of your choice, the cover color of your choice, the color spiral of your choice.

For more information click the link below.

Don't hesitate, there are only a few pages left for this great opportunity.

Some of my Favorite Things

I love to spend a few minutes (or hours) on Etsy to check out new items. Here are a few of my favorite things.

Summer Fun




These shops are full of fun treasures. Take a few minutes and check them out.

Share a link to one of your favorite things on Etsy in the comments section.

Instant Energy Boost

We all have a lot on our plate, family, jobs, our business, friends, events, school, the list could go on and on. On days when you just feel like you are running on empty, try one or even two of these tips to get your recharged to start or finish your day.

On a dreary day wear a bright color - most energizing colors red, orange, and yellow.

Add the smell of citrus - with your body wash, or a couple of slices of lemon to a glass of water. Need a serious boost? Put a couple of drops of citrus, lemon, or bergamot essential oil on a cotton ball and inhale. This is my personal favorite, I love anything citrus.

Have a peppermint - it will stimulate a part of your brain that will make you more alert.

Take a deep breath - many of the toxins in our body or expelled by breathing, simply close your eyes and take several deep breaths.

Crank up the music - and get up and dance.


Fill a vase with fresh flowers - there was a study at Harvard that showed that people who look at fresh blooms have higher energy levels.

Write thank you notes - it's hard to be stressed and feel grateful at the same time. Take a few minutes and write notes to someone who has helped you recently.




Sit up straight - poor posture puts uneven pressure on your spine making your muscles work harder causing them to tighten up. Practice sitting straight when your working, over time it will become a habit.

End your shower with a burst of cold water - a quick short blast will perk you up.

You can read even more ideas in the July 2010 Real Simple Magazine


What do you do to stay energized?

Be Inspired - Summer Flowers

Words to Inspire

To see the world in a grain of sand, and to see heaven in a wild flower, hold infinity in the palm of your hands, and eternity in an hour.
William Blake

Idea to Inspire

Flowers are a great source of inspiration. You can easily add a vase of flowers to your work area, spend a afternoon in a flower garden, plant a pot with a variety of flowers and put in a sunny window. Be inspired by the beauty of the season.

Photos to Inspire

Flowers are one of the wonderful things about summer and today's Flickr collection is a beautiful collection of flowers to inspire you.

Yellow Flowers by Swami Stream

Water Lotus Revisited by marc50

Cry Me a River by Haribo's Photos

Hibiscus La Bokeh by Steve Page ~ iTail

Aster by Hubub3

Inspiration can come from everywhere, I hope today's post inspires you to find a new idea.

Creative Business Quick Tip - Business Cards

This is a partial reprint of a post I did last year June. It's such a great tip, I thought I would share it again.

Business Cards

I rarely change purses, when I do I always forget something. Well one evening I was going out with my husband, and I dressed up, so I changed to a different purse.

While we were out 3 people asked me for cards and I was so mad because I had forgot to add some to my purse.

My husband shared with me a little secret of his about how he started putting extra cards in the pockets of his coats, his briefcase, and his travel luggage, because he was forgetting them when he traveled.

I thought what a great idea!

Put a few business cards in your extra purses, and the pockets of your coats you will never be without your cards, and the more cards you pass out the more exposure you will get for your business.

If nothing else, it will sure make it easier to remember to pass them out.

Do you take your business cards with you every time you leave the house?

My New Favorite Movie

This past weekend I saw the movie Inception and it was amazing.

I can't even express how much I enjoyed seeing this movie, and how it inspired me in so many ways. The story, the action, and the visuals had me glued to my seat.

I have been reading and learning about dreams for the last 20 years, and this movie had interesting views on dreams, creativity, and inspiration. Did you know that your mind uses your creative ideas to create the visuals you see in your dreams?

I'm looking forward to seeing the movie a few more time, just so I can get more details.

If you have the opportunity to see this movie, check it out! If you have the options to see it in IMAX do it, it's was worth the extra money!

Have you seen or do you want to see Inception?

Journal Prompt - Dreams

Dream Traveler's Journal by papermajik on Etsy

We know that inspiration can be found all around us everyday. But did you know you could be inspired while you sleep?

We all dream every night. We may not always remember them, but if you take a few minutes before you get out of bed in the morning to write or draw the basic ideas for you dream, list images, and also how you feel, your dreams can be valuable to you and your creative process.

The night before put you journal/sketchbook next to your bed. In the morning before you fully awake, think about the images your saw in your dream and a brief recap of what happened. Then open your eyes and write or draw everything your remember.

You need to do this right away when you wake up in the morning, because we forget 90% of our dream within 10 minutes of waking up.

Try writing down your dreams for a week. Use the images or ideas from your dreams to create a piece of art. Let your images inspire you, and guide you to new ideas.

Do you use your dream images when you are creating?

Dream Poll

Just Before I Close My Eyes by eyeful

Today I have a quick poll about dreams.


How often do you remember your dreams?
every night
sometimes
never


Do you write down your dreams?
yes
no


Do the images you see in your dreams inspire you to create?
yes
no


Share your answers in the comments section and feel free to add any comments.

Dream Facts - Part 2

I can't spend the week talking about rest, relaxation, and sleep, without talking about dreaming. All important things for your creative process. In May I had a post called Dreams full of interesting facts about dreaming.

Today I have a few more interesting facts to share about dreams.

Once Upon a Time by Janiece Seen by whimzwhirled

♦One third of our live is spent sleeping. Which means the in an average lifetime you spend about six years of your life dreaming.

♦Studies have shown that your brain waves are more active when you are dreaming than when we are awake.

♦People who are giving up smoking have longer and more intense dreams.

♦If you snore, you cannot dream.

Japanese Garden Arch Infrared by AramsEyes

♦Research has shown that the house is the most common setting for dreams.

♦Chocolate in a dream may symbolize that the dreamer feels the need to be rewarded and deserves special treatment.

♦Colors in dreams can be interpreted only in the context of the dreamer’s relationship with that color. For example, the color red may be experienced as love for one person—but for someone else, red may denote blood.

Vintage Paper Hand Stamped Altered Art Projects by 2BeContinued

♦Vitamin B complex (B6) and St. John’s Wort have been shown to produce more vivid dreams.

♦Common dream that transcend cultural and socio-economic boundaries include falling, flying, nakedness in public, and unpreparedness. These shared dreams arise from experiences and anxieties fundamental to all people.

♦In general, pregnant women remember their dreams. This is largely due to the extreme hormonal changes during pregnancy.

Stop by tomorrow and participate in my poll about dreams!

Do you know any dream facts? Please share

Be Inspired - Sleep

Words to Inspire

“Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise”
Benjamin Franklin

Idea to Inspire

Try spending a day in bed. Relax, read things that inspire you, watch art movies, sketch, journal, enjoy a day recharging your creativity.

Photo's to Inspire

Today's Flickr Photo's are a collection of beautiful places to sleep and be inspired.

Bed with a view by karbon69

Beach Hammock by IronRodArt -Royce Bair

Pueblo Bonito Pacifica -Cabo Beach Beds by Pueblo Bonito Resorts & Spa

Sleep in Luxury by Paradise Spa

Inspiration can come from everywhere, I hope today's post inspires you to find a new idea.

A Good Night Sleep

With so much going on in our lives, running our business, taking care of our families, running earrands, sometimes we need help to get a good night sleep.

Try these easy tips to ensure that you are getting the rest you need and getting a good night sleep.

Create a better sleep environoment

• Keep down the noise level.

• Keep your room dark during sleeping hours. No flickering TV or computer.

• Keep your room cooler while your sleeping

Create a relaxing bedtime routine

If you relax and wind down before bed you will sleep easier and more deeply.

• Take a warm shower

• Listen to soft music

• Have a light snack and a warm drink

Get stress under control

• Practice deep breathing

• Try progressive muscle control (tighten you muscles slowly starting at your toes up to your shoulders and then relax them all at once)

• Visualize a peaceful and restful place

What tips do you have for getting a good night sleep?

What Kind of Sleeper are You?

Sleep (slep) n.

a. A natural periodic state of rest for the mind and body, in which the eyes usually

close and consciousness is completely or partially lost, so that there is a decrease in

bodily movement and responsiveness to external stimuli. During sleep the brain in

humans and other mammals undergoes a characteristic cycle of brain-wave activity

that includes intervals of dreaming. b. A period of this form of rest. c. A state of

inactivity resembling or suggesting sleep; unconsciousness, dormancy, and hibernation.

Sleep is important part of our life. We don't always get as much as we want or need, but their are some great reasons for getting the sleep you need.

Learning and memory - sleeps helps the brain commit new information to memory

Metabolism and weight - Sleep deprivation may cause weight gain and affect your appetite.

Mood - Sleep loss may result in irritability, impatience, inability to concentrate, and moodiness.

Now we know the definition of sleep, and the importance of sleep, why not give this quiz a try to find out what type of sleeper you are. What type of Sleeper are You?

Stop back and share your results.

Create Your Own Home Spa

Can't afford to go to the spa? Create one at home. I found a special collection of Etsy Artists with items to create the perfect home spa.

Manuka Lavendar Soy Tin Travel Candle by BLCBodyShop

Spa Fusion Energizing Herbal Soap with Almond by SoapyPleasure

Citrine Leaves Buckwheat and Lavender Pillow by Mireio

Herbal Aromatherapy Spa Salts with Lavender Buds by dianjane

Slippers by SpoilMeChic

A Day at the Spa Gift Box by Green Valley Naturals by cindydevore

These shop have a variety of items for your home spa. Give all of the a visit and enjoy all the supplies you need for a relaxing day of pampering yourself.

Check This Out...

This is a monthly post where you can share 3 things about yourself or your business. Giving us an opportunity to get to know each other and our businesses.

Suggested ideas:
-business goals or goals you have met
-books you are reading
-a new project you are starting or doing
-places you have visited
-blog posts you have enjoyed
-a post you have written that you would like to share
-new items you have added to your shop
-new materials you are working with
-family plans or an event you are excited about
-need help with an idea - ask for help

All I ask is that you are a follower of my blog to participate and that you check out a few links from the other people who leave comments.

Let me know if you have any ideas or questions, I would love to here your suggestions. You can contact me at additionsstyleblog@gmail.com.

Be Inspired - The Spa

Words to Inspire

“Relaxation means releasing all concern and tension and letting the natural order of life flow through one's being”
Donald Curtis

Idea to Inspire

Spend a afternoon pampering yourself. Do a facial, a manicure, soak your feet, and enjoy being relaxed and recharged. The next day you will be ready for a day of creating.

Photos to Inspire

As much as I would love to spend a day at a spa, going is not in my budget any time soon. So today I have a collection of Flickr photos of items you would find in a spa. Enjoy the peaceful beauty of the spa.

Ayurveda Health Spa Phuket, Golden Tulip Mangosteen Resort by Mangosteen Resort

Spa at Chaa Creek, Belize by Chaa Creek Belize Resort

Enjoy luxury day spa treatment in New Zealand by luxurytravelbutler

Bath Salts and Orchid by Daniel Hurst Photography

Inspiration can come from everywhere, I hope today's post inspires you to find a new idea.

Creative Business Quick Tip - Build a Support System

We want to do it all, run our business, take care of our family, and hang out with friends. As we know it can be very challenging to do it all and do it all well.

Building a support system will help you to better meet your goals, and still have time for family and friends.

Here are a few ideas for building a support system.

Family - If you have family close by, tap into those sources to help with child care, run errands, pack orders, maybe just to bounce ideas off. My sister lives in another state but we talk about ideas, she helps me make plans, shares her ideas, I relay on her and her support daily.

Friends - Sometimes they are just as good as family. They will support you when you need it and give you a place to vent when needed. I have several friends in my support system and each one helps in different ways. A friend of mine who lives in New York is trying to start his own business and we have set up weekly phone meeting to help support each other in our business ventures.

Neighbors - They are close by and most of the time willing to help. Sometimes it can be hard to ask for help, but if your in a spot, they are there to help.

Don't forget to also include business contacts in you support system. Choose people that you can talk shop with and share business ideas.

It is important to remember to pay back the favor with your family, friends, and neighbors when ever possible. It can be difficult to ask for help, but if you build a support system you may find that you are able to get more things done and see your business grow.

When do you Feel Most Creative?

I am a morning person.

I like to get up in the morning exercise, spend some time outside, do my computer work and any paperwork I need to complete.

After most of my busy work is done, that is when I can be creative. I need to have projects and paperwork off my mind so I can spend my afternoon feeling my most creative.

Everyone has a different schedule and when they feel most productive. What is your best time of the day?

When do you feel most creative?

Journal Prompt

Inspiring Quote: When you are inspired by some great purpose, all your thoughts break their bonds: your mind transcends limitations, and you find yourself in a new, great, and wonderful world.

Patanjali, Father of Yoga

When you have a few extra minutes, take out your journal/sketchbook and with pictures or words answer this question...

My great purpose is...

It's a big question and will require a little time to process your answer. Just remember to answer the question for yourself! No one has to ever see it but you, so be honest with yourself.

When you are having an off day, take out your book and reread your answer for a little boost.

When you are documenting your goals and dreams on paper, do you prefer to draw or write?

Whats your Favorite Magazine?

I love magazines!! I could sit and read magazines all day long. When I need a quick creative boost it's the perfect thing to get the creative juices flowing.

I like a wide range of magazines including fashion, art, decorating, craft, business, and travel. When I can't afford to buy them I go to the book store, grab a cold drink and spend a couple of hours going through magazines.

When I want to bring some home so I can lounge and read them I check out a whole stack from my library.

Leave me a comment of your favorite magazines, and I will create a list of must read magazines in a future post.

Whats your favorite magazine?

Take Care of Your Number One Tool

As online business owner/shoppers, we spend a lot of time on our computers. We don't think about it much, but all that time on your computer gives your hands a work out. Our hands and our wrists get tired and sore. It's important to take care of them daily.

I do hand massages often throughout the day. I had carpal tunnel surgery on my wrist several years ago and learned the importance of taking care of my hands.

As artists/crafters we use our hands all day long, so make sure you are taking care of your number 1 tool.

Easy self hand massage

Here is a like to simple steps for doing a hand massage - Self-Massage for your hands

This youtube video shows a great technique that you can do in less then a couple of minutes.

Try reflexology (also for overall health)

Reflexology is the physical act of applying pressure to the feet and hand with specific thumb, finger and hand techniques without the use of oil or lotion. it is based on a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands with a premise that such work effects a physical change to the body.

Here is a link to a chart for all the zones on your hands - A printable PDF chart

Hand care

Taking care of your hands and keeping them moisturized is important for their over all health.

Here are a few ideas for creating your own hand care products.

-Bee-Pollen Hand Cream- this can be made by using melted petroleum jelly, beeswax and glycerin. Using this cream on a daily basis makes your hand super soft.

-Cocoa-Butter Hand Cream- this is a wonder natural hand cream lotion having the goodness of cocoa and butter. Completely devoid of toxins and synthetic fragrance, including this cream in daily natural hand care regime is a good idea.

-Almond-Butter Hand Softener- this hand cream lotion has the goodness of almonds and butter. It leaves a beautiful fragrance on the hands and relaxes the tissues.

If you don't want to create your own products there are a variety of products available on Etsy.com.

Add some simple steps to your daily routine for taking care of your hands and they will stay strong and flexible.

What do you do to care for your hands?

Be Inspired - Fruit

Words to Inspire

“Kind hearts are the gardens, Kind thoughts are the roots, Kind words are the flowers, Kind deeds are the fruits, Take care of your garden And keep out the weeds, Fill it with sunshine Kind words and kind deeds”
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Idea to Inspire

Boost your creativity and feel energized by enjoying at least 4 fruits everyday.

Photo's to Inspire

Fruit is not only good to eat it can be very inspiring to look at as well. These Flickr photographers have proved just how beautiful it can be, with these amazing photo's.

Kiwi Fruit by sypix

Dogwood Tree Fruit 10 by LongInt57

minimal fruit #5 by .:barbarina:.

Exotic fruit: Kino or Kiwano helenabraga

Inspiration can come from everywhere, I hope today's post inspires you to find a new idea.

Accessory Style - Red, White & Blue

This weekend in the United States we are celebrating The Forth of July. In honor of the 4Th I have selected a collection of accessories, by a variety of Etsy artists, you can enjoy all summer long.

Red Shaggy Chainmaille Bracelet by janabolic

BUZIOS White Specialty Leather Bracelet by vymana

Chic Navy Blue Organza Flower Headband by myflowershop

Vintage Style Feathered Half Hat in Red by janinebasil

White Nuno Felted Silk scarf by JVhomeworks

Lightweight vintage Woman's Hat in Navy by vintagejudy

Check out all the cool items in each shop, that will be perfect anytime of the year.

Have a great weekend, new post on Monday!