Easy Living

Good Morning Whimzies!
I have been sick since Sunday, and each day seems to be getting progressively worse.  In fact, I felt so bad yesterday, that I didn't even feel like getting a post together...so I doubled up for you today!  I am hoping for a productive and relaxing (is that possible?) Saturday. In order to kick off this relaxing Saturday (Super Bowl Eve) I want to begin the morning by sharing some great ways that I have found to relax.  Not only that but a great collection of pro-relaxation etsy finds!
 Enjoy :)

Clockwise from Left:  handmade lavender and oatmeal soap, white stone rock candle, , relax art, chocolate strawberries black tea, spring morning, lavendar bath salts, breathe recycled wood sign, fabric eye pillow, luxurious throw

7 Powerful Relaxation Techiques

1.  Shut out everything that doesn't pertain to your day off.  

Now is the only time that is important.  In order to truly be in a state of relaxation we can't be worrying about what happened yesterday, or what may happen tomorrow. And don't worry about allowing yourself to do this...worrying doesn't help anything anyway!

                                    Carpe Diem!  Seize the day! 

2.  Surround yourself with beautiful things.

(And this is where my etsy collection of the day comes in handy!)  Yes, thats right your environment does matter!  We may not be aware of this, but it is so true.  Think about it...have you ever noticed that some rooms are easier to relax in?  Look at your surroundings...a mess will scream there is so much to do and will create unneeded and unwanted anxiety.  Tidy up and create a pleasant environment full of things that YOU love.  Wouldn't a fresh vase of flowers and a view of your favorite pictures make you feel  SO much better?  Eager to kick back and enjoy the day?  Go for it!

3.  Meditation.

Sometimes we just need to silence our brains in order to really achieve true relaxation.  We can control our thoughts and keep the mind still in order to find clarity and peace on a day like today. Actually, it is recommended that we meditate 10-15 minutes each day in order to detach ourselves from the pressures we feel in our everyday lives.

4.  Productivity, not Procrastination.

Relaxation doesn't mean spending the whole day doing nothing (I could never do this unless I were SICK, VERY SICK!)  We need to learn how to relax during any activity because sometimes life doesn't slow down enough for us to have a mental health day!  Make priorities!  Don't put yourself under pressure by doing several things at once.  Do one thing at a time and enjoy doing it. When you’ve completed your necessary work, then you have the reward of pleasing yourself without a guilty conscience.

5.  Do NOT depend on the opinions of others...

this places a burden on our mind by worrying about what others think.  No matter WHAT we do others will find ways to criticize, hold your head up and for the sake of your mind- don't be a people pleaser :)

6.  Time to yourself.

Don't make yourself at the beck and call of work and others.  MAKE time for yourself.  It is essential to truly being able to relax.  Set aside a part of the day when you do not take calls or emails (texts, etc!)  and just do something YOU love <3

7.  A Change is as good as rest.

If you find yourself in a routine...do something different!  A good tip is to take a walk or get outside...don't just spend time on the internet or watching tv.  A breath of fresh air does a body good!  Allowing ourselves to get away from our daily activities will help take your mind off of every day life.

Oh YEAH...And breathe!  :)

Resources: pickthebrain.com

Food for thought Whimzies!


Also today in TRWOW, check out...
*Belated Friday Photo of the Week (below) sooooo cute!
*For a new Whimz Gem click here!

Belated Friday Pic-of-the-Week

I fell in love with this little pooch on www.marthastewart.com.  This was one of many frosty winners in her snow angel 2011 pet photo contest and I just had to share it with you as the photo of the week!  Go check out the rest of the winners here !  I would love to see your doggie snow pics as well, please share :)

Pssst...skip back a couple of posts and you will see my snow angels on a recent snow day :)

Oh da da da deer...

Clockwise from left:  woodland friends, vintage ceramic deer figurine, cute woodland fawn, my darling deer love, peaceful tree deer, fiona fawn pillow

Possibly my favorite woodland friend?  The deer.  Deers are beautiful, sweet, and charming little animals that add magic to any scenery.  Think about it...almost every fairy tale has a bambi skipping through the scenery, why shouldn't our fairy tale include one too?  Every deer in each design is whimsical (we love "whimz," right? wink wink) indeed giving a pleasant cheerful vibe.  Including one of these deers in a room or in your wardrobe would be sure to lighten the mood and brighten the day!


Check out the Magical Make for the day here!

Whimzical Wednesday: Today I am Loving Gold and Teal

Gold and Blue Landscape, Golden Sunrise Handmade Lattice Scarf, Spring Bouquet Necklace, Florentyna Gold Necklace, In The Tree Print, Lemon Icing And Seafoam Rose Garden Ring, Coffee Cup Sleeve, Isabel Earrings, Our Ups and Downs

Teal and gold has long been a favorite color combo of mine.  I can remember discovering how well they compliment each other as a kid, frequently reaching for these colors when I wanted to create a masterpiece.  My eye is still drawn to these colors when they are paired together...  What two colors do you love to see paired together?

Other New Posts on TRWOW today:
-Check out Delectable Dishes for a Creamy Potato-Cheese and Bacon Soup!
-Look below for ground hog Phil's forecast!

Happy Groundhog Day!

Groundhog Q-2 Pie

       Well Whimzies, it looks like we are in for an early spring.  Phil surveyed his surroundings and found no shadow, so an early spring it may be!   According to legend, if Punxsutawney Phil (the groundhog) sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring.  The celebration of Groundhog Day began with Pennsylvania's earliest settlers. They brought with them the legend of Candlemas Day, which states, "For as the sun shines on Candlemas Day, so far will the snow swirl in May..."

Punxsutawney held its first Groundhog Day in the 1800s. The first official trek to Gobbler's Knob was made on February 2, 1887.

Goodbye January, Hello February!

“Freezing

Cold winds,

Biting chills, and

White snow fluffed hills

Valentine’s day, oh how gay!

President’s day is coming our way.

February, sweet and small, greatest month of all.” 

~Eric Lies

Sweet February

Lets talk February:

-February is the shortest month of the Year- it has 28  
                                    days (29 on the leap year)
-The 2nd day of February is known as "Ground Hogs Day" 
The ground hog is to come out of its burrow to give us his own little forecoast...
      Sunny?  The ground hog will see his shadow and spring     
                  time will begin!
      No shadow?  He will go back in his burrow and sleep 
                      for more winter weather is on it's way!
-Super Bowl Sunday is the 1st Sunday in February
-Valentines Day:  Young & old exchange cards with loved 
        ones, a tradition that is hundreds of years old dating 
        back to the 1400's.
-The 3rd Monday in February is Presidents Day
-The amethyst is the birthstone for February birthdays!
-The Primrose is the flower for this lovey dovey month


Check out TRWOW other features for the day ...
*Embellishing Fancies: first feature ever for embellishing fancies, find out how to get celebrity style for less!
*What's Driving Miss Daisy?:  Drop below to check out why I am crazy for daisies!

What's Driving Miss Daisy?

Black and White Daisy Photograph, Chalcedony Briolette Charm Necklace, Daisy Wreath, Daisy White Beanie with Visor, Daisy-Boutonniere,  Daisy Tote, The Daisy Hair Pin, Joy Art Print,  Teapot Boquet

While it will be a while before we see this beautiful little flower bloom, we can still bring them into our lives a little early!  Daisy's have a favorite flower of mine because  they are so simple yet stunning all at the same time.  I am tempted to go ahead (if I had some extra money that is...know the feeling?) and start buying some of these items in order to make sure that I will have plenty of daisy's in my life come spring and summer!  What about you?  Are you daisy crazy?