A Beautiful Ripple Effect » Etsy

Color Me Happy: Mint

Carolyn — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:31:00 +0000

Mint green is such a bright and cheerful color. It’s hard not to smile in its presence. I had a lot of fun creating a minty ombre heart design against a natural linen canvas. I may use the ombre hearts for some Valentine’s Day fun as well :). I hope this burst of color brings a little smile to your day. What color is inspiring you lately?

sources: photograph of woman with mint sweater (elle moss on etsy)| arrow card (ashley pahl on etsy) | mint chocolate chip ice cream photo (cindy loughridge on flickr)

more color inspiration: color me happy on pinterest

… a very green giveaway (ends tomorrow evening!)

I Am Project Giveaway

Carolyn — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 10:00:18 +0000

I have mentioned the I Am Project previously on A Beautiful Ripple Effect (here) and am excited to celebrate the opening of their Etsy print shop today with a fabulous giveaway!

About the I Am Project:

Our wish is to affirm and inspire the beauty in every woman, to celebrate the uniqueness in each of us, as well as the commonalities that unite us as women. We want to create a space to confront the dark places that come with growth; to witness women being valued for more than their bodies, clothes, or societal projections; to feel inspired by stories and images; and to become more deeply rooted in who we are as women. We want to become a net of resources that will nurture and fortify each other’s confidence, and fill women with awareness of the extraordinary beauty that each of us uniquely brings to the world.

Giveaway Details

PRIZE: A print of your choice (5×7″ or 8×10″ format) from the I Am Project print shop.
TO ENTER: Comment on this post with the words “I AM!” and …
BONUS ENTRY: Follow The I Am Project on Facebook
LOCATION: No restrictions!
GIVEAWAY CLOSES: Friday October 7th at 9 PM EST

images: i am project

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GIVEAWAY RECIPIENT: HALEY!! Congratulations, Haley! We will be in touch via email :). Thank you to everyone for entering!

Color Me Happy: Creamy White

Carolyn — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 02:04:52 +0000

Today, the color of choice is CREAMY WHITE. Of course, I chose this color immediately after Labor Day because I’m not in favor of abandoning this gorgeous color just because the calendar says so (and I’m not alone). So that’s the back story—why I (or the rebel in me) chose the color. Then, when looking for inspiration for this post, creamy white took on new meaning. I noticed that I gravitate towards light neutral tones when I’m feeling frazzled and am craving simplicity and stillness. Light tones are calming and allow me to reflect on the beauty of simplicity. How about you — what color soothes you?

sources: see all the items featured above in my etsy treasury.

The Glitter Inspired Giveaway

Carolyn — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 02:09:25 +0000

I would love to escape into a world of glitter. Something about glitter just screams, “FUN!” And who doesn’t need an added jolt of fun?! Let’s end August on a glittery note with a big sparkly giveaway. Are you in?

Super simple giveaway with THREE winners :). Each winner chooses one item from the glittery eye candy below.

Giveaway ends Friday September 2nd at 9 PM EST. Enter by leaving a comment below – share how glitter makes you feel! The winners will be announced on ABRE Saturday September 3rd Tuesday September 6th. Check back to find out if you’ve won!! This giveaway is open to US residents.

Let the glittery fun begin!

giveaway items: tinygalaxies organic silver post earrings with white gold | social proper glitter stripe note set | deborah lippmann nail polish set | martha stewart glitter (set of 12)

additional image credits: glitter background (paper source) | glitter + glam photo (via pinterest)

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This giveaway was not sponsored by any of the featured companies. I just genuinely love *glitter* and my incredible readers. This is a little thank you from me to you for your support and generosity. However, if you’re interested in sponsoring a future giveaway just send an email to carolynblog (at) me.com.

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The Winners of the Glitter Inspired Giveaway Are . . .

Congratulations Chelsea, Deb, and Darnita!! Check your inbox for a glittery message :)!

Heart to Heart

Carolyn — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 11:00:19 +0000

Last week, I had so much fun learning about some fabulous new Etsy boutiques from the Share Your Hearts giveaway (giveaway winners to be announced this week!). Thank you for providing a wonderful distraction from the chaos and excitement that fills my life during these last two weeks of wedding preparation.

To be honest… I don’t feel ready, which is strange since we’ve been engaged for 2.5 years and dating for 8 years. I have ZERO nervousness surrounding the decision to spend the rest of my life with my best friend and prince charming… but I’m nervous about being “good enough” on the actual day. There are the silliest worries, but rather than hide behind a facade of everything is just “perfect” and “wonderful”… I thought I would share some of the randomness running through my mind, right now :). Any advice or “I totally had that thought or… have you had this random thought…” are one hundred percent welcome and would be lovely to read so I can know for sure that it’s not just me!

:: unfiltered random + somewhat embarrassing thoughts ::

… i wish i had done this and that for this person or that person to show my appreciation

… i could do something different than the “this and that” mentioned above to show different people my appreciation (but when do i have the time?)

… i am a horrible bride and should have done x, y, and z a year ago (why did i wait so long?)

… did i pick the right dress? it’s gorgeous, but is it the right dress for me?

… i have no idea how to write my vows… i’ve tried and tried but the words aren’t right

… will i have time to truly enjoy the actual day or will i be too busy pleasing everyone else?

… i wish i had done more cute little stuff for my hubby to be for the wedding day (and his birthday – the day before)

… will i be a good wife? what does that even mean — a good wife?

It has been a long journey to get to where I am today… where we are today as a couple. And I want to focus on that element of our wedding — this new chapter together. I want to relish our special moments and stop worrying about perfect anything. It’s a struggle, but one that I’m going to embrace rather than ignore. I want to enjoy this time as a couple and forget about expectations and labels. And the hubby to be is my partner in this battle — I couldn’t be luckier.

:: must share this video – you and me by dave matthews band – soo deliciously good ::

Disclaimer: For the next couple of weeks, I will try to balance my sappy wedding posts with “regular” posts but be prewarned that I haven’t prescheduled anything so I may be blogging a bit more about the journey down the aisle and all that comes with it!

… Anything you want to know about this time? Chime in and I’ll be sure to write about it!

images (top left to right, clockwise): AlicesLookingGlass, MyFairLadee, wrenandchickadee, vilarrealceramics, “make me happy” bear via etsy treasury (can’t find store name! please comment if you know the source)

Share Your Hearts: A Giveaway Celebration

Carolyn — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 03:16:29 +0000

It’s October and I have finally snapped into wedding mode … even experienced my first middle of the night wedding panic attack last night! With anxiety and stress mounting as well as unbelievable excitement, I find myself treasuring moments of stillness and calm. And it seems that there is one serenity trigger that never seems to fail: Etsy. It has become my virtual security blanket. Rather than focus on my mounting to-do list and somewhat strange virtual addiction, I want to celebrate… with you!

Let’s create a personal treasury of our favorite etsy gems! Share a favorite Etsy shop in the comments for a chance to receive an Etsy item of your choice ($25 or less). There will be TWO giveaway recipients! So be sure to chime in and share your favorite picks by Friday October 8th at 10 PM EST. ~~The recipients will be announced by Monday October 11th!~~

Ready!? I am! Share your Etsy Hearts! And be sure to spread the love by inviting others into our fabulous little soiree!

images (top left to right): indobaytextiles, olive; (bottom left to right): tuuni, eatpraycreate

Updated October 14th: Giveaway Winners!! (chosen via a random number generator)

Winner 1: Janelle (Etsy Fave: Hijirik’s Studio)

Winner 2: Clearly Composed (Etsy Fave: Aged and Opulent Jewelry)

Do you adore dates?

Carolyn — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 17:57:53 +0000

The busier I become the more I rely on design and handmade sentimental pieces to inspire all aspects of my life. As a graduate student, I rely on my calendar to guide me from point a to point b. Dates were never very meaningful to me… until now, 41 days pre-wedding! It finally feels real (very real!) and I’m excited to begin this new chapter in my life. Recently, I have noticed a strong pull towards all things date-related. It’s fun to watch my relationship with dates evolve from an all-or-nothing mentality of dates = deadlines to a more inviting mentality of dates serving as inspiration and a spark of excitement!

… what is your relationship with dates? rsvp: adore // despise // neutral

brilliant dates: almost sunday designs, west willow designs, evapaul design

30 Ways to De-Stress Now

Carolyn — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 22:21:50 +0000

Is everything as urgent as your stress would imply? -Carrie Latet

In today’s harried society, stress has become an everyday fixture. Our busy schedules, the internet, smart phones and texting have all contributed to our almost total inability to completely unplug from work, the world and our numerous other responsibilities. The result? We are a stressed out nation. While fully disengaging from the constant worry in our lives may prove infeasible, there are ways to seize an opportunity to regroup, rejuvenate and de-stress now.

Stretch

Stretching increases flexibility and circulation, which can help you feel more relaxed almost instantly. So go ahead and strrrrrrrrrretch. Feel better?

Smile

Smiling has been proven to enhance our moods and diminish our feelings of anxiety. Besides, we all look better when we’re not sporting a sour puss! To really look and feel your best, try to find something that truly gets your giggle on.

Get Stepping

Taking a quick walk can help raise your endorphin level and eliminate some of that tension, regardless of whether you can squeeze in a full mile or just a fast minute.

Pamper Yourself

Perhaps a full day at the spa just doesn’t mesh with your jammed pack calendar. However, many spas offer mini-treatments that only require a small amount of time while still providing a huge, relaxing impact.

Deep Breaths

Fortunately, breathing is a requirement that we don’t have to set aside additional free time to achieve! Take a moment, close your eyes and breathe deeply to get rid of some stressful toxins on the exhale.

Vent

Find a confidant (or therapist) to help release some of that pent up frustration. You’ll be amazed at how motivated and reinvigorated you’ll feel once you start getting things off your chest.

Listen To Soothing Music

Playing gentle or classical melodies can help set the tone for your entire day. If possible, download some free music applications directly onto your computer so you can continuously stream in the tunes.

Prioritize The Worry

When addressing the issues that have you feeling stressed, ask yourself; “Will this be important to me in a week? A month? A year?” Posing these questions will help prioritize what truly deserves worrisome scrutiny…and what may be a simple overreaction on your part.

Steal Some Me Time

Getting a few “all about me” moments can truly help to regroup and refocus when life becomes a little too tense. For some “me time” tips check out this post!

Tea Time

Tea comes in all sorts of soothing brews and can be enjoyed virtually anywhere. Steep a pot, inhale the relaxing aroma and sip…slowly.

Join A Gym (And Really Go)

Consistently incorporating exercise into your daily routine will help increase cardiovascular fitness and endurance while simultaneously decreasing your anxiety level. Plus, you’ll have an opportunity to meet some new people and socialize.

Find Your Happy Place

Everyone has a place that puts them at peace. When overwhelmed with tension, go there for a little R&R. Physically not practical to get to that special location? Close your eyes and travel there in your mind. Do it….now…

Find A Hobby

Everyone needs a fun activity to provide distraction from the daily grind. If you don’t have a current pastime, start with something simple that doesn’t require a lot of focus.

Bathe

Sylvia Plath penned; “There must be quite a few things that a hot bath won’t cure, but I don’t know many of them.” How can you argue with that logic?

Sleep It Off

Even a quick “power nap” can have a huge impact on our focus, energy level and motivation. When life becomes too stressful, steal a few z’s and awaken refreshed and ready to tackle the next item on your to-do list.

Write It Down

Journaling provides a great outlet for releasing stressful events and ordeals in our daily lives. Plus, a journal offers an “in-your-own-words” account of previously tense moments. Reviewing periodically can help you see if you tend to exhibit a pattern of unnecessarily sweating the small stuff.

Do Something Nice…For Yourself

We often take care of others in our lives, but when was the last time you gave yourself a little TLC? Treat yourself to a relaxing beach day, go for a long solo bike ride or simply give yourself permission to curl up on the couch with a good book and you’ll immediately feel the tension diminish.

Sing A Song

Turn on your favorite tune and sing…loudly. Tone deaf or not, you’re guaranteed to feel better.

Bust Out The Two Step

Since the stereo is already on, get dancing. The movement will help release tension and provide some natural energy to face the rest of your day.

Keep It Simple

Do your best to not over orchestrate life events and responsibilities. For example, rather than cooking an elaborate 3 course banquet for a planned dinner party, simplify the menu, serve it family style and have the company and conversation be the focal point of the meal.

Catch Up With Friends

Pick up the phone and make a date with your buddies! Spending a little quality time with those that know and love us most can be an excellent way to alleviate some of the dread we’re often plagued with.

Break It Down
Sometimes tackling huge tasks can completely overwhelm us. Determine if these action items can be simplified into easier to achieve step-by-step bullets.

Identify The Low Hanging Fruit

If you can’t break down the big stuff, scan your list of responsibilities to determine which ones will be the simplest to complete and start there. Getting the easy stuff done will make the overall load lighter and give you a genuine feeling of accomplishment to keep you motivated as you power through the rest of your obligations.

Learn Something New

Sometimes stress can make us feel powerless and useless. Counteract these feelings by learning something (anything) new. Mastering a new concept, hobby, game, etc. will reinforce how smart and innovative you really are. This tip has been extremely powerful for me as I re-enter the world of academia and battle feelings of never knowing enough.

Eliminate Negative/Toxic Influences

Often, we bring enough negativity into our own lives without receiving heaping helpings from those around us. Identify any outside influences (co-workers, frenemies, etc.) that may be adding to your negative and stressful emotional load and eliminate them as much as possible.

Learn The Power Of “No”

Staying positive is a great thing. However, saying “yes” to everything can truly overwhelm us. Saying “no” and setting some boundaries can feel empowering and help keep your calendar free from any additional (and unwanted) responsibilities.

De-clutter/Donate Gently Used Items

Pick one closet in your home to go through and reorganize. Create a throw away pile and a pile of items that can be donated to local charities. The newly cleaned closet coupled with knowing you’ve done a good deed will definitely eliminate some negativity.

Channel Your Inner Guru

Meditation and prayer have long been touted as having healing powers. Find a spiritual practice that works for you and implement it into your life daily to help soothe anxious thoughts. For a great look at how one woman incorporates spiritual practice into her life, check out on of my favorite reads: Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.

Review Your Bucket List

We all have one – that list of things we plan on doing “someday”. Make today that day. Pick one item and coordinate a plan to get it done.

Volunteer

Find a cause or center dear to your heart and donate some of your time. Helping those less fortunate than you is a great thing…and it will also bring some clarity and perspective to your own life.

. . . . .

Living a completely stress free life is practically impossible for most of us. However, with a little practice, patience and a healthy dose of self-forgiving, partially de-stressing our day to day existence is a very attainable goal.

Do you have a hard time simply relaxing? Do you feel like tension and anxiety are normal staples in your emotional portfolio? How do you de-stress when life starts to overwhelm you? Please share in the comments!

P.S. Can you tell this has been a hot-topic for me as I wrestle with insecurities and stress-overload associated with the start of a new academic year and my wedding in 45 days!?

images: pin wheel designs (amy rubin flett)

Pure Bliss: Images to Make You Smile (and lovely giveaway)

Carolyn — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 11:00:35 +0000

Whenever I need a moment to breathe or a quick zing of positivity, I find serenity in visual inspiration. Each image that I look at evokes a different emotional response — creating an exciting adventure. I have so much fun curating little collections from these journeys. Below is a collection made just for you entitled “Pure Bliss.” I hope that whatever your circumstance may be today, at least one of these images makes you smile.

Comment on this post for a chance to win one item from an artist featured below. Comments will be closed Sunday, June 20th at 6:00 pm EST. TWO recipients will be announced Monday June 21st! The recipients will be able to choose their favorite item (item must be $25 or less). Comments make me smile!

:: credits ::

row 1 (from left to right): Nan Lawson, Kristybee, Indo Bay, Tuuni

row 2: Lynda Naranjo, Maisy and Alice, Yvette Inufio, Little Brown Pen

row 3: HeyZee, L. Evans Photography, The Light Fantastic, Quotes and Notes

:: announcements + more ::

-> I have quietly launched a very new and exciting service, Discovery Sessions. These 1 on 1 sessions are part idea consulting and part coaching. They are magical! I plan to post all about this new type of service, how it came to be, and all of those juicy details in the coming weeks. But if you want to grab a spot to work with me during June or July, secure your spot quickly. As of June 13th, only six spots left!! Click here to learn more, purchase your session(s), and begin immediately via the online welcome guide!

:: update (june 21, 2010): giveaway recipients! ::

… and the two recipients are Anna and Jadyn! congratulations, inspiring ladies!

… and to all individuals who left comments, look in your inbox this week for a special little goodie from me :)

Tuesday Treasures: Begin.

Carolyn — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:29:51 +0000

“Tuesday Treasures” is a weekly series. Each Tuesday, I highlight information and inspiration related to a specific topic. This week’s focus: BEGIN.

: : begin : :

… to create from a blank canvas
… to experience
… to take the first step
… to take bold action (“gulp!”)
… to start
… to let go
… to trust yourself

There is beauty in being a beginner.

Fresh

New video is live on Spring! During the month of March, we are talking about one hot topic: MONEY! The first video (of four) is focused on this question: How do you trust that you can do what you love and the money will follow? And of course, new video = new giveaway. Spend a few minutes relaxing today with Spring – a video conversation with four unique perspectives!

Affirmations

Affirmations are powerful statements/phrases that help motivate you to take a leap of faith, to trust yourself, and to begin. [Affirmations have many meanings; however, in this context, we'll use the definition above.]
- Printable Affirmation Gift Set Freebie by Kind Over Matter
- Create your own affirmation cards. Read: How to Use a Mirror, a Pack of Index Cards and a Pen to Change Your Life

Handmade Inspiration

Seedling – A mini seedling sprouting from a planting pot by Do Little Design
Dreamsetting Kit – One of many inspiring products in the 101Birdtales Shop
Begin Necklace – Etched Silver Necklace by Lisa Hopkins
Explore. Dream. Discover. – Print with Mark Twain Quote by Earmark

Inspiring Words

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off your bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sail. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

- Mark Twain

Give yourself permission to forge beyond the resistance and BEGIN. Today.

What will you begin today?

{image: Jennifer Morris}