Miss You

Hello everyone! I haven't got a lot of time right now - I'm busy with listing some new goodies in the shop, and then will be spending the day with Marley. I just wanted you all to know (and perhaps this is too much information), that I've been missing you all, and thinking of so many things I want to share. 

For instance, I finished one of my WIP projects: a custom eye pillow for my pregnant and lovely friend, Jen. I created a custom herbal blend specifically for the needs of expecting women. If you need to feel light as a feather these days, take a look and treat yourself. At $18 USD, it's an uplifting remedy you can afford.

light as a feather herbal eye pillow for mommies

Also, I've been spending a lot of time this week working on my constant WIP: me. I'm constantly trying to better myself, it's been especially pertinent to me since becoming a mother. I want so much for Marley to grow up happy, healthy, and balanced - and without a huge therapist bill. Who knows how much influence any of us really have as parents towards that end - but it is one of my biggest goals in life. 

One of the most useful tools I've found recently, amongst MANY others which I hope to share with you, is the book,"Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline" by Becky A. Bailey. 

I found this book on super-mom Amanda Soule Blake's blog, Soule Mama. Most modern books about discipline emphasize gentle and loving discipline as a means of teaching, not punishing. This is easy enough to achieve on good days. But when everything is hectic, you're in the midst of crazy PMS, and your toddler just climbed the bookcase for the tenth time today - it can be really really difficult. So I'm sharing this book with you because it is different then most, in that it emphasizes the need for parents to FIRST gain self-control, and learn to view the world from a loving view; and THEN tackle positive discipline. Three days in and it's already working for me - in every area. And that is why I love it - it's helping me become a better person, not just a better parent. 

I hate to evangelize, but I seriously think I'd like to share some of what I've learned over the next few days. And if you're expecting - or struggling in this area - take a gander at this book. It's really good news.

New Herbal Blends

I've got some exciting news for fans of my Herbal Eye Pillows: I now offer three more complex and sophisticated herbal blends! As with all of my other Herbal Blends - these are also composed of Certified Organic herbs and flowers:

• Halcyon Days: Need some tranquility? Joyful and calming blend of Egyptian Chamomile, Cornflower, Honeysuckle, Lavender, Lemon Thyme, and Spearmint.
• Cottage Garden: If you're trapped in an urban jungle, escape with this refreshing blend of: Red Rose Petals, Lavender, Cornflower, Lemon Thyme, Honeysuckle, Ginger, Jasmine, and Spearmint.
• Silk Road: This exotic blend will revitalize your body and mind. Red Rose Petals, Honeysuckle, Ginger, and Cinnamon.

I've also decided to give my customers more freedom in choosing their favorite blends. I've always enjoyed custom orders - but I thought better to save you, my client, the hassle of contacting me for one. So as of tomorrow - my Herbal Eye Pillows will be listed solely as the design - the Herbal Blend will be your choice, and can easily be specified in the "Message to Seller" upon purchase.

Also, I'll be releasing new handmade products this weekend, and more in the month of January. Can't wait to see you in the shop!

Get to Work

Aahhhh...today was the first day back in my make-shift studio since...I can't remember. That's how long. Likely two weeks - clearly two weeks too long. It was such a great feeling to be at the machine again, arranging the applique, pouring the herbs. Since being featured in TrueNorthParenting Magazine, I've been averaging a couple sales a day! This is clearly the way to go. Not to mention the Storque article I was 'related' to. Always seemed that being featured on the front page was the best - NOT SO. With a Storque feature, it's permanent and archived. Yippee!

It couldn't have been a better day to stay inside - it's been snowing all day. That's right, I'm living in a Winter Wonderland. I'd show you pictures, but honestly - falling snow must be experienced - it translates poorly in photos. So, I thought instead, I'd show you photos of me in my transitory winter studio - aka the dining room:

The studio needs a LOT of work - so no actual "space" photos here, just faces to the names today.

And the Survey Says....GIVEAWAY

GIVEAWAY CLOSED.

Well, almost free. Actually, I'm going to ask you for a teensy weensy bit of feedback, and for your time, you will be entered in a giveaway for an Herbal Eye Pillow of your choice.

1) What is your first impression of my shop?

2) What is your favorite item?

3) What is just far too overpriced?

Bonus: If you are an Etsy Seller and win, you will ALSO be written up as a Featured Seller on my blog!

Requirements: You must be 18 years old to enter. This giveaway is open internationally. Giveaway is closed at 11:59pm on Sunday, November 8, 2009 Pacific Time. Winner will be by random draw and will be contacted by me. The winner must confirm their win within 24 hrs of my email or a runner up will be drawn.

How to enter!
First Entry: Visit Elan Vital Anthology and answer the survey questions by responding in the comments below. Let me know which Herbal Eye Pillow you would like.
Second Entry: Follow my blog for second entry!
3 Extra Entries: Blog about this giveaway and hyperlink to the blog. Let me know in your comment.
5 Extra Entries: For each purchased item from ElanVital Anthology during this giveaway, receive 5 extra entries! Be sure to post comment here so that I know the purchase is from you.

Limited Edition Herbal Eye Pillows

For those of you familiar with Elan Vital Anthology, you probably already know that my bestsellers are my Organic Herbal Eye Pillows. For those of you who don't know - my herbal eye pillows are made using certified organic herbs and flaxseed. There are a variety of custom blends, each created for a specific need: unlocking the flow of creativity, sleep aide, improving concentration, etcetera. All of the herbal eye pillows are fabulous for headaches resulting from eye strain, sinus pressure and migraines. Moreover, all of the eye pillows promote rest and relaxation.

The photos above are of my two new Limited Edition Herbal Eye Pillows. The "Fly Away" pillow is made of peacock blue silk noil and cerulean blue silk satin with a chocolate brown and cloud blue cotton bird applique. The "Vintage Bouquet" pillow is made of a vintage cotton/linen blend floral with cobalt, cornflower, and chartreuse roses and daisies. Contour stitching outlines the blue roses in magenta and red threads. Brown and orange floral circles from a vintage Japanese cotton have been appliqued to create rhythm and pop. It is also backed with the cerulean blue silk satin.

Any of the Herbal Eye Pillows at Elan Vital Anthology make for an excellent gift for yourself or someone special. At only $18 each, why not treat both of you?