Be good to you and win a tote!

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