Be good to you and win a tote!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009


When I was pregnant with our first child, I babysat for a family who had three young boys. The mother, Mary, kept an immaculate house and was extremely organized. I admired the pride she took in her family, home and occupation. Although we had numerous conversations about all of these subjects, there is one particular piece of advice she offered that I have theoretically lived by.

Mary once told me, “Whatever it takes, be sure to get yourself ready first.” Regardless of what you might have planned, she reiterated, every morning, you need to take a shower, style your hair and apply your make-up.

At the time, I really couldn’t imagine not wanting to beautify myself. However, these days with four children of my own, I know more than ever what Mary meant. It is not really a matter of desire but rather a matter of time and the real or even sometimes perceived lack thereof.

I firmly believe it is important to put your best foot forward. When I look good, I feel good and that feeling becomes a part of all that I do from taking care of my home and family to managing Watermelon Wishes --- it is all relevant.

As of late, I’ve been feeling more stress than I would like. Understandable, as three of my four children are enrolled in different schools and participate in extracurricular activities. So, in an effort to offset some of the madness, I have decided to make a diligent effort to do something nice for myself everyday. Nothing huge, just a moment or two in which I extend some kindness to me.

This week, I am taking a little time (10 to 15 minutes) each day to reestablish my scrapbooking area. There once was a time in my life that I would scrapbook everyday. I find it to be a very relaxing hobby and enjoy it immensely. Yesterday, I uploaded hundreds of photos to be printed and went to the craft store to pick out a new album (which I will be sewing a custom fabric slipcover for…so, stay tuned fellow scrappers, I feel a new product coming on!)

So, I am curious…what do you plan to do nice for you today? If you are willing to indulge me, and will post the details of your random act of kindness below, for all to read, you will be entered to win a Watermelon Wishes tote bag (pictured left).

Practical and eloquent, this tote would make a lovely handbag or moderately sized diaper bag. It is crafted from Amy Butler’s Garden Maze in Sand and Olive Coriander fabrics and chockfull of defining features:


• Six way divided interior slip pocket

• Double padded handles with comfy 11” drop

• Swivel key fob

• Oversized button tab closure

Approximate measurements: 16" x 12" x 10" x 4"

Wondering how to win? I will choose my favorite entry and announce the winner here on Monday, December 14, 2009. Your entry should include your name and city as to keep someone else from claiming your prize (Ex: Andrea Chapman, Haymarket). International readers are welcome to enter and I will pay all shipping costs to the destination listed in the posting.

Good luck and have fun being good to you!
Andrea

9 comments:

Mala said...

Today I plan to go through the big stack of magazines I have lying around and tearing out all the ideas I find inspirational for activities, gift giving, etc. I have an "idea" binder where I store all these tidbits. (Mala Mason, Pittsburgh)

Altered Beauty said...

Today I plan to do a few things. The first is that I am going to get enough sleep for once! I work nights full-time in addition to my Etsy shop, and I usually don't sleep enough. I also plan on organizing the area beside my bed, because it has gotten crazy and I always feel better when it is clean. The last thing I am going to do is spend some time with my husband and my seet dog Buddy...they both make me feel better! (Ashley Robinson, Fullerton)

Annette said...

You are so right! Taking time for me everyday makes it easier to give my time to everyone else. Today I'm going to fix myself a cup of tea, put my feet up and enjoy the lights on the tree! The bag is gorgeous by the way!
~Annette, Lexington Park

secret cake said...

It's so true! I't's so easy to lose yourself when you're trying to be all things to everyone else.

As a wife, mother, co-worker, daughter, friend and volunteer, I didn't make time for ME. So, I started my Etsy shop as a way to stay plugged into the creative world where I get so much inspiration and enthusiasm!

Beautiful bag; thanks so much for the opportunity!

Anonymous said...

I am a mother of three boys at three differents schools, so I can relate to the madness some days. The me time ia rare and something I must schedule. When, all of the boys are asleep and the hubby too! I read or watch the endless amount of DVR shows. I know it isn't much but, I always feel a little bit relaxed the next day knowing that I finally watched "Grey's - from two weeks ago" =). I love your designs!
Randi Berter (Texas)

Marla Rae from Rome, GA : ) said...

I have had a very stressful few weeks. My grandfather had to have an emergency triple bypass surgery and has been in icu for 17 days now. They were just able to remove him from the vent today and so far things are looking up. I have been at the hospital non stop so tonight I am going to indulge in a nice hot bubble bath and my favorite book..Jane Eyre! Thanks soo much for this opportunity! I love your work and your blog! Hope you are having a wonderful day! : )

Anonymous said...

Today was a great day! I have been trying to redeem a gift certificate for a pedicure I received 2 years ago! I am 9 months pregnant and the thought of bending over to actually paint my toes nails let alone trim them seemed next to impossible. I decided I want to look at pretty toes while pushing out this sweet baby. :) So today was the day! Hubby had to work so I dropped #1 and #2 off with the grandparents and off I went.....I decided I need to do this more often and maybe throw a massage in there too next time! :)

Erin P from Denver, CO

Raine said...

Thanks so much for the good reminder to take some time for myself today:)
I have two small children ( two and a half and 6 months) so finding even a few momment for myself can often be challenging.
To add to the busyness we have decided to make all our Christmas gifts this year (what was I thinking) !! :)
So my plan to take care of myself tonight is put the kids to bed, and then instead of working till all hours of the night, I am going to take a book and read while sipping a nice hot cup of Earl Grey tea. Sounds so nice... how long till bedtime.....?
PS The Bag looks amazing, I am heading back to your Etsy Shop (ps My etsy name is TheGlassPolkadot, just a shopper, no store of my own)

Raine said...

Opps I forgot to sign off...

Loraine from Abbotsford, BC, Canada

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