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Elan Vital Anthology

• April 24, 2010
• 11:49

  Garden of Holly Giveaway Winner Announced

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

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  Hi All -
  I'm on a quick holiday in lovely Portland, Oregon - but had to check back in to let you know that we have a winner for the Garden of Holly Giveaway:
  Selene said...
  I love the soap sets so I can try all those lovely soaps!
  Thanks to everyone for entering [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• April 21, 2010
• 12:58

  Eco-Wednesday:Sore Throat Remedy

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

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  Colds and flus always seem to strike at their worst in transitional seasons such as Spring and Autumn, don't they. If you've got a family, than even worse - once one member of your family has the cold - you are all usually doomed. There are of course healthy practices such as exercise, good nutrition, and hygiene to prevent those nasty little viruses from preying on you and your loved ones continually. But eventually, they are gonna getcha. 
  source
  Marley recently came down with a nasty sore throat and head cold, which of course as soon as she began to get better, Jeff and I picked up as well. Sore throats are probably the worst part of a cold, and I really felt for my baby girl, because other than infant motrin - I thought there was nothing I could do for her (not now, or even when she's older - children's medicines have become too suspect for me). Regular cold medicines always make my body feel weird too...
  source
  So I did some research, and created a delightful tea that is easy to make and the ingredients you are likely to have in your spice rack and refrigerator as well. It really soothes the throat for two - three hours, better than any lozenge or numbing spray I've ever tried - and it tastes yummy too! I felt so good knowing that my family was feeling better with all-natural, organic and healthy ingredients that work with our immune systems naturally. ***If you're pregnant - this is also safe for you to take, so don't suffer a minute longer!***
  Here's the recipe (Per mug of tea):Hot waterGinger, sliced 1/4" thick, and lightly crushed (toss about 4-6 slices in depending on taste)1 tsp anise seeds, crushed1 tsp organic lavender flowers, crushed (you can find these in the spice aisle)1 tbsp organic thyme or lemon thyme1 - 2 tsp honey depending on taste1 tsp lemon juice
  
  
  sourcesource
  
  Leave the ginger in the bottom of the mug, but place all seeds and herbs in a tea strainer (the clamping kind are best). Let steep at least five minutes. Remove tea strainer and ginger with a spoon. Drink and rest.
  
  ***For little ones, hot drinks are not generally a big hit, so let it cool down - while the heat is generally a soother - the natural power of these herbs and other ingredients are really what soothes. They can drink it lukewarm, tepid, or room temperature.
  
  I'm sorry to say I haven't come up with a cure for a runny nose - other than just accepting that it's your body's way of beating the cold. It can be downright miserable though, especially when you get to a chapped nose. For that, I recommend using Organic Sleep Balm by Badger, the balm soothes your skin, and the lavender, ginger, rosemary and other essential oils really help you breathe easy. Try it as a relaxing massage on your upper chest too instead of products like Vick's VapoRub. 
  
  
  
  
  
  Here's hoping you don't get a cold - but if you do - here's hoping this helps you this season!Best,Tar [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• April 19, 2010
• 12:12

  PLAN Giveaway Winner

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

  Tags:    [edit]

  
  
  Congratulations, Julia! 
  You are the winner of the PLAN Miracle Pounding Toy Giveaway from CSN!
  Please contact me within 48 hours at:elanvitalanthology@gmail.com
  with your address so I can send your shipping info along!
  Thanks to everyone who entered - and have a great day!Best,Tar [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• April 17, 2010
• 9:39

  What do you work at?

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

  Tags:    [edit]

  This question seems a bit vague to me, but I'll try to answer it in the way I'm interpreting it, which is: What do I work on in terms of self-improvement?
  
  In terms of self-improvement, the work is vast and limitless, I am a recovering perfectionist - and so I struggle with just accepting myself the way I am. Right now, that's the most important work. But I regularly "work" and research on parenting, relationships, health.
  
  Please do let me know if this did not answer your question as intended.
  
  Best,
  Tara

  Ask me anything

  http://elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com [elanvitalanthology.etsy.com]
• April 16, 2010
• 9:53

  Artist Interview: Charmaine Olivia

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

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  If you haven't yet come across her work, then let this be your introduction to one of my favorite artists, Charmaine Olivia. She is able to use many medias: oil paint, drawings with watercolor, photography - not only is her work charming, seductive, and chimerical - some of it is just plain funny. The "A Deer Wearing Gym Socks" was my introduction to Charmaine Olivia quite some time again; and I absolutely adored the color, the style - and the gym socks! I had no idea of the versatility behind the artist of that funny little painting until recently...
  
  You can see all of Charmaine's work at her deviantArt page; or purchase at her Etsy shop.
  1. I can not believe that you have had no formal training (your work is exceptional)?! Please tell us more about your transition from soy sauce and napkins to oil paint and canvas?
  I feel like the soy sauce "paintings" that I used to make when I was little were an important part of my development as an artist. I think that some parents may have considered this inappropriate behavior, but I am so grateful that my parents never told me to "stop that nonsense", even when in a public restaurant. They've always been supportive of me as an artist, which I am super grateful for. Then when I was a little older, around 8 or so, my aunt taught me how to use oil paints. We used to go down to the beach and paint  the waves and sky. Since then, I have definitely branched away from the traditional way of painting that my aunt taught me, but she gave me the confidence to do it on my own. However, it wasn't until a few years ago that I really started taking myself seriously as an artist. I ultimately decided against going to art school and took some time to really figure out if pursuing art was what I wanted. It was.
  The artist, at 8, painting Plein Air on the Beach.
  
  2. You came on the scene only a little over a year ago - at least at Etsy. You have gained massive exposure elsewhere - Envelop, Pingg, etcetera. Do you spend a lot of time marketing yourself?I don't spend a ton of time marketing myself. I first started posting my work online through deviantArt and eventually I was able to gain a little following and some momentum. Since then I've started a blog, twitter and facebook fanpage. All these tools are extremely helpful for anyone trying to get their word out. Then I had my first big break last year when I started a contract with the Scandinavian design company Bolia and had my first solo show in San Francisco last October. It's all about getting noticed by the right people, and every little mention helps. I am so thankful for all you bloggers and art-lovers :) And now I'm proud to say Urban Outfitters is selling one of my prints as of last week! (Which has been my dream for a while now).
  3. You use elements of the natural world in your artwork - aspects of your art have an aboriginal or tribal quality to it. Can you talk about the natural world as influence on your art?I think my fascination for tribal and natural elements stems from my mother. She's always been interested in archaeology and history and we love watching documentaries together. We used to love flipping through National Geographic and looking at vibrant people and animals from other parts of the world. Now that I live in San Francisco, there isn't a ton of nature around me (at least where I live) so I sort of make up for that by including it in my work.
  
  4. Honestly, you're just so intriguing - there's more I'd love to know...but I can't think which question to ask. If you want to tell us something else - feel free: (or, if like me you're equally intrigued about the multi-talented Charmaine Olivia, just follow her blog to learn more)
  I really, really love tea. I'm kind of a tea fiend. Drinking peppermint tea with honey and doing crossword puzzles with my boyfriend Joe is probably one of my favorite things ever!
  Ms. Charmaine Olivia, currently
  I hope you all have enjoyed learning more about the strikingly talented artist and all-around nice gal, Charmaine Olivia. I will see you all next week!
  Best,Tara
  [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• April 14, 2010
• 11:59

  Eco-Wednesday with Garden of Holly (+ GIVEAWAY!)

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

  Tags:    [edit]

  A little decision I've been toying with since Eco-Clean How-To Week - is to make Wednesdays a special weekly feature around here at my wee EVA Blog: Eco-Wednesdays! Each Wednesday will focus on eco-friendly DIY recipes, indie businesses (and maybe giveaways), lifestyle tips & tricks, and as you know - I love shopping...so of course, cool eco-friendly stuff. For our first Eco-Wednesday, we have a Guest Blogger, Holly Grippe, from Garden of Holly at Etsy (She's also our first Guest Blogger, yay!)!
  source
  Garden of Holly is proud to offer a line of beauty products and cleaning supplies that are non-toxic and synthetic free. All of our products are handcrafted in small batches and made to order.  We use only fresh organic, certified organic, and wild crafted ingredients.  Only therapeutic grade essential oils are used in our products.  Also, none of our materials are ever subjected to high heat. These facts, as well as obtaining almost 100% of our supplies from local suppliers, allow us to offer the most fresh and potent products possible.  Our products are rich in minerals and vitamins readily absorbed by the skin. 
  sourcesource
  I love introducing new customers to the radiance and health that can be experienced using healing aromatic herbs and oils. I feel that looking beautiful should not come at the expense of your health or the health of our planet. Men, women, young and old, all use personal care products every day. Soap, lotion, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, sunscreen, makeup, etc.; what products do you use daily? We feel it is important to know what’s coming in contact with your skin. At Garden of Holly, we recognize that everything you put on your skin enters your body through your pores and is carried throughout your entire body by the circulatory system. That is the reason we never use any parabens, petrochemicals, phthalates, synthetic preservatives, artificial fragrances or dyes. 
  Garden of Holly is excited to offer one lucky EVA Blog reader a wrapped, 4 0z. Healthy Hands Organic Protective Hand Cream! 
  
  
  To enter the giveaway, just visit the Garden of Holly Etsy shop, and return to the EVA Blog with a comment about your favorite product! As always, extra entries can be obtained by tweeting, facebooking, and blogging the giveaway. Giveaway will run until April 23rd, 11:59 PST [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• April 09, 2010
• 18:12

  PLAN Miracle Pounding Toy Review & Giveaway!

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

  Tags:    [edit]

  
  
  I am so excited friends, because I have a really fun product review (it's a PLAN wooden toy perfect for toddlers) and GIVEAWAY!!! Wooden toys make the best toys for kids, not only because they are durable, colorful, and don't make all those dreadful battery-operated noises; but because they aren't made of plastics. Also, something about wooden toys just inspires little and big imaginations further. 
  A while back, the lovely folks at CSN/Stores contacted me to see if I would do a product review. I could have anything I wanted from anyone of their 200+ departments up to something like $55...they've got a lot of great stuff, from toddler beds to bags and accessories.. And it strikes me that they're in that sweet spot between a lot of growth, and still trying to get to be a bigger online retailer - so they have excellent customer service. But I'm not into corporate-life, so it would only work for me if one of you could get something special too! We worked it out...and here it is:
  source
  It's a great little toy complete with 5 wooden balls, that wooden moon thing, and a wooden hammer. The little tike simply puts the balls into the half-moon, pounds the balls with the hammer, and POP! out comes the ball - rolling to the bottom again. They can do this over and over with glee! And here are some photos from Miss Marley's personal review...
  
  Okay, let me just say that it was so much fun to watch her excitement with discovering a new toy; and even the way the product is packaged in brown bags, made for separate play sessions, and different games. But when she discovered the hammer...that's when the toy just scored major points for her! She eagerly threw all of the balls into the half-moon thing, and gleefully whacked away. I love this last photo in the bottom strip as I watched her hit those little balls and it began to dawn on me..."Did I really just give my nearly-two-year-old-daughter a wooden hammer?"
  
  Yup. It would appear that I have given my sometimes crazy and amped up little cutie a wooden hammer. And somehow, I don't think I'm getting it back.
  If you would like to give your little beloved and sometimes crazy kiddo a PLAN toy just like this one, all you have to do to enter is this:

  • Visit CSN/Stores, and return to the blog to comment about which of their shops you'd be most interested in visiting.
  • Follow the blog using the "Follow" tool at left. Whether you follow the blog or not yet - include your email as some of your profiles are not complete with emails. Thank you kindly.

  For additional entries (each action is worth 1 additional entry, please leave separate comments for each; and if you've facebooked, tweeted, or blogged - leave the URLs and/or userIDs):

  • Facebook the blogpost.
  • Tweet the blogpost.
  • Blog the blogpost.

  This giveaway runs through Sunday, April 18th at 11:59 PM (PST). I'll announce the winner on Monday, April 19th!
  PS - Nice things CSN/Stores is doing to be Eco-conscientious: 

  • Located in Downtown Boston, employees commute by rail, bus, bike, or walk - no cars!
  • Participate in Boston City's Lights Off Program: all building lights shut off from 11pm-5 am
  • Minimal packaging materials.
  • I'm sure there's more...

  
  
  
  
  [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• April 08, 2010
• 13:08

  Dreaming of a Garden

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

  Tags:    [edit]

  Hi Everyone,
  The taxes are done - with minimal damage done. Yessss! And so now, onto what I've been dreaming about (besides bicycles)...gardening, gardens, flowers, succulents, ornamental grasses, firepits, barbecues...it's definitely safe to say I'm ready for skipping spring and heading straight into summer. Which, according to the locals where I live (Bend, OR), is likely to happen. It has been snowing on-and-off since the Spring Equinox. Today we're due for a massive snow-storm (according to the local weather guy who can never get it right, because the weather here is that strange). 
  
  sourceSo, enough about snowstorms while you all start your seeds and enjoy your bulbs pushing their way up through the ground. Today, I just have to share some great finds with you all about gardens, planters, DIY projects, etc! Since I can expect to be kept indoors for awhile (til June I hear), I'm thinking about making some of these sweet seed packets for local friends...
  
  
  sourceOr maybe just getting one of these adorable succulent planters from Succulent Love to tie me over for a while...
  sourceI'd be soooo happy if I could scrounge up some cash to pay for a big indoor meadow like this...
  sourceor just had the know-how to make and care for these amazing gorgeous indoor hanging plants...sourceAnd I'm still dreaming of the snow-melt, and lounging outdoors. I've found the ideal and over-the-top expensive hanging chair that's just perfect for under the Juniper Pine in the backyard...sourceMore Woolly Pockets products for outdoors as well, including the lovely Wally for retaining walls or just vertical surfaces of any kind (seems perfect for an herb garden)...
  sourceI've found the loveliest hammock out there...
  sourceWhich, I will admit, I found on Overstock.com. I scoured Etsy for hammocks...but apparently the crafting world finds that it is far more important for either your newborn to have a knitted hammock for a photoshoot that is overdone - or your vermin to have a hammock for when they throw out their backs. It's definitely fodder for Regretsy.
  Anyhoo...when the sunshine comes...I'll be on my back deck, resting (with plenty of SPF and water)...with an outdoor mini meadow on my deck, like her...
  source
  How are you getting your gardens ready? Any good finds? Please do share [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• April 03, 2010
• 8:52

  Today It's All About You! Show Us What You're Made Of!

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

  Tags:    [edit]

  Today, I have taxes and family on the brain - as well as a few other things. So it wasn't easy to come up with something for today's post...
  source
  So, I referred to my list of blog post ideas (if I don't keep one...well, you've seen how it can go here in the past with erratic posting)...and remembered, that I'm very very interested in YOU, friends.
  If you're anything like me (and the simple fact that you are here, indicates a high likelihood you are) - you are also on the constant lookout for interesting blogs (and handicrafts).
  source
  There's just something about blogging...
  source
  But if you have a blog (or handmade product, tutorial, etc.), then you know, that promoting it can be a bitch. And I had this idea: 
  source
  There's a lot of us in this wee space called the EVA Blog at this point. And we have a lot of similar interests, ideas, talents, and aesthetics. Why not promote and share your blogs and whatnots here today - in the comments?!
  sourcesource
  And this way, all of the readers here can see your blog, thing-a-ma-jig, tutorial, and what-nots; and you can spend the day enjoying it with less time devoted to work.
  Sound good? I hope so.Best,Tara
  
  [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• April 01, 2010
• 10:43

  I Want To Ride My Bicycle, I Want To Ride My Bike...

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

  Tags:    [edit]

  I want to ride my bicycle! I want to ride it where I like!!!
  Alas, Target Boutique has given me the Royal Screw-Over; and cancelled my order for my Darnley Bike. You may recall, it was the one I described as being even cooler than this one...
  
  ...which is now out of stock, and selling on eBay for $450. Don't even get me started...
  And so, now, there will be no bike. 
  
  
  At least not for a while. And I am dying to get out of the house! I have visions of bicycles dancing in my head; and dream of the freedom and benefits I could experience whilst riding one...
  sourcesourcesource
  Prior to the whole "Liberty of London is coming to Target" excitement that ensued, I had always been content to have vintage Schwinn cruisers. They are an awesome ride - and require minimal mechanical engineering (which is good for me, since I tend to be all thumbs when handed tools). But over the course of innumerous moves, I had lost or sold my Schwinn cruisers. Whack! (that's me smacking my forehead.) I have of course been doing the eBay search, and the craigslist search - as of yet, to no avail (I'm on a really tight budget). 
  
  And if I could just find myself a nice, vintage Schwinn Cruiser (or Speedster - they do look rather nice, don't they), then I might just have to outfit it with one of these...
  sourcesourceboth found on Etsy...
  And, as much as I love Schwinn...ohmigoodness - I don't think I've ever seen bikes as cute as these Alexander Girard bikes by Electra! Liberty of London for Target can kiss my you know what...
  source
  I'm not sure which one I like the best...and there are three other designs as well...but they are pricey - $600 USD or something insane like that. Definitely cute.
  I guess the point here is I've got bikes on the brain. I want one. If you've got one, and it's just been leaning against a wall, lonely, and waiting for you to take it out - don't keep it waiting. Refer to the chart above of "Benefits of a Bicycle" and get out there.
  source
  It's calling you...and you'll feel like this when you're out there - just you and your bike and the open road...
  sourcehttp://elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com [elanvitalanthology.etsy.com]
• 8:55

  Mountain Rose Herbs GIVEAWAY New Winner

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

  Tags:    [edit]

  Hi There,
  Sorry to say that I never heard back from Erin, so it was time to draw a new winner. And the new winner is...
  Jeff!
  Jeff, I have your email, so I will contact you to let you know - and we'll get the ball rolling so that Mountain Rose Herbs can ship your awesome gift package to you shortly.
  All the best,Tara
  PS - Sorry Erin : [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• March 30, 2010
• 11:00

  Eco-Clean GIVEAWAY Winners

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

  Tags:    [edit]

  Hi Everyone! 
  Thank you so much for holding out an extra day for me, I had some medical issues that needed to be dealt with yesterday - so I could not give you all the news of who won those fabulous giveaways.
  The winner of the EVA Dryer Sachet Set is Maria Isabel, a sweet and regular reader who has been reading my wee blog for a while now. I'm glad to see her win, and I'm sorry I don't have more sets to giveaway to those of you who are also sweet and wonderful, old and new friends. 
  And the winner of the really great Cleaning Basics Starter Kit from Mountain Rose Herbs is, Erin - there are a couple of Erin's following the blog; but this Erin said:
  Erin said...
  I would love to try their Invigorating Hair Oil. It sounds splendid. Nothing like a good deep treatment! [www.mountainroseherbs.com] Erin, I have no way to contact you - so please contact me by April 1st via email: elanvitalanthology@gmail.com with your shipping address so that I can send your info directly to the nice folks over at Mountain Rose Herbs.  [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• March 27, 2010
• 10:44

  Cleanliness is Godliness, Consider Yourself A Goddess

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

  Tags:    [edit]

  Ladies (and Gentlemen), we are done. We have cleaned our homes from top-to-bottom in a new, efficient way. We have learned new tricks and tools to get the job done faster. We have learned how to spare the environment and our budgets by making our own cleansers from really simple ingredients. And learning how to make anything by hand makes even a sucky job like cleaning a bit more fun. Though I can't emphasize enough - really good music makes it really good too! So take a load off, Sally. You are all done.
  source
  Now, if you were once "Domestically Disabled" like me, you don't have to wake up like this anymore...
  source
  I have one more chore for you today though...and it's a quick errand - you'll be so glad you ran. Here's the shopping list for a recipe that is all about taking care of you:

  • Epsom Salt or Sea Salt (3 tbsp)
  • Baking Soda (3 tbsp) 
  • Vegetable Glycerin (1 tsp)
  • 1 tbsp of jojoba oil, kukui nut oil, or any massage oil you prefer
  • 5 drops of rose essential oil, or 1 tbsp of rose water (rose water is less expensive)
  • 5 drops of ginger essential oil, or 1/4 oz crushed fresh ginger

  Mix these ingredients in a jar well, and shake vigorously, pour under the hot water. Make sure the water is as hot as you can take it, this will make the bath last longer; and your muscles thank you later.

  • 1 English Cucumber (cut into 1/2" slices)
  • Petals of 2 Fragrant Roses (preferrably red roses - the color is stimulating)

  Toss these in just before you take the plunge.
  source
  You may also want to make sure you have some tea lights on hand, and buy some fresh flowers to brighten up the house - it is spring after all! Before drawing the bath, spritz your linens with your linen spray, light the tea lights, turn on some soothing music...and remember - this is you time.
  source
  I'll be back Monday with an Etsy Seller Feature and Giveaway!  Now, go shopping for those ingredients, and rest-up, Domestic Goddess.
  
  source
  Best,Tara
  
  [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• March 26, 2010
• 10:18

  Eco-Cleaning: In The Bedroom

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

  Tags:    [edit]

  In the bedroom, nearly all previous recipes and cleaning techniques apply from the living areas - and even the linen spray from the laundry day. But there is still work to be done:

  • Remove all bed linens and window treatments, launder as prescribed. If your drapery calls for dry-cleaning - try and find a "green" dry-cleaner. I'm sure there's not much green about the process; but it's gotta be better than your standard guy.
  • Now that your bed mattress is exposed, go ahead and sprinkle your lavender scented baking soda deodorizer atop. Leave it for thirty minutes. Then vacuum the mattress (be sure and use the extensions/attachments, She-Ra) , flip it over - and rotate. If you've got a pillow-top mattress, it won't be necessary or possible to flip it over; but rotate it. If you've got a standard mattress, repeat the deodorizing sprinkle, the 30 minute wait, and the vacuum. Now you've got a dust free, sweet-smelling mattress.

  source
  While those thirty minutes of baking-soda-magic are ticking away, there are a few things you can do:

  • Dust your windows inside, hose them off outside, then use your glass cleaner and a squeegee to finish the job in/out. It's time consuming, and may take an extra day - but once those flowers outside start to bloom; you'll be oh-so-happy you can see them. And if you have screens, take those down and scrub them with some dish soap and hose them off - they collect a lot of yuckiness).
  • Probably a more appropriate chore for the half hour(s) you'll have on hand are taking care of the floors: vacuum or sweep/mop.

  source

  • ...Or, you could begin the process of storing away your winter wardrobe, and bringing the spring/summer wardrobe in. This is always my favorite part - because after an entire season or two of not seeing part of my wardrobe - it's like I've just gone on a shopping spree!
  • If there are any clothes that you can't stand any longer, don't fit you, whatever - place them in a bag or box (depending on how many there are) and donate them to your favorite cause. Or, if you're strapped for cash, take them first to your local consignment shop and see what you can get for them. Then donate.
  • And before you seal the box on that winter wardrobe, toss a couple of small rags with about 5 drops of your favorite essential oil on them to keep your clothes smelling fresh when you return to this box in Autumn.

  Don't forget to give cushions a smack down, most bed pillows can and should be laundered, vacuum the upholstered lovely slipper chair or fainting chaise, and dust the knickknacks. Just reread the living room(s) post for a reminder on what needs doing. But by now, I trust you are all little eco-cleaning divas.
  sourcehttp://elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com [elanvitalanthology.etsy.com]
• 9:18

  Big News + BIG GIVEAWAY

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

  Tags:    [edit]

  I love this part of the week. Everything is coming to a close, you've all been enjoying the recipes and cleaning tips; been busy little bees enjoying the spring air and ushering in the season with your new state of mind and your newfound way of eco-cleaning. We still have some more posts to come, what with the Bedroom being overdue, and a very special day of self-treats plus ANOTHER giveaway on Saturday. 
  But, as a lot of you have been wondering to yourselves and aloud in your comments "Where can I find some of these basic ingredients?"...well, I've got BIG NEWS:
  source
  Okay, maybe not that big. But it came as a huge surprise to me; and will undoubtedly leave your jaw dropped...
  source
  But, this surprise giveaway will leave you feeling like a little kid on your birthday (should you win)...
  source
  And if you don't win, you are still a winner, because you will undoubtedly become more familiar with Mountain Rose Herbs, as they have generously teamed up with the EVA Blog to give one of our lucky readers a basic eco-cleaning starter kit (sans vinegar - they don't carry that)!!! Here's what you'll win:

  • 5 lb bag of Baking Soda
  • 5 lb bag of Borax
  • 16 oz Castille Soap
  • 16 0z Vegetable Glycerin
  • 1/2 oz Organic Lavender Essential Oil 
  • 1/2 oz Organic Tea Tree Essential Oil
  • 1/2 oz Organic Lemon Essential Oil

  In order to be entered to win this fabulous prize, all you need to do is go visit their site; and let them know what product you'd be most interested in trying sometime (please copy & paste the link in the comments section). Also, if you aren't following/subscribed already - do so and leave your email address.
  
  Feel free to wander through all of the product categories. For those of you who are completely new to working with bulk herbs, carrier oils, making your own teas and herbal tinctures, you might want to take a look at their Aromatherapy, Bath & Body Care, and Home, Garden & Gifts sections first. 
  Extra entries are available (1 ea) for: tweet, facebook post, or blog post about this giveaway. This gives you a total of 4 possible entries!
  Deadline is March 28th, 11:59PM (PST), Winner to be announced on Monday, March 29th.
  If you have time while you're on their site, be sure and sign up for their newsletter - it's a bimonthly email that features timely recipes of all kinds.
  Best,Tara
  
  
  
  
  [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• March 25, 2010
• 18:55

  Eco-Cleaning: Dryer Sachet Giveaway Update

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

  Tags:    [edit]

  Hi there everyone:
  I realize it's a bit unusual, some would even say it's rare form, to host a giveaway for something without showing a photo of the prize. It's definitely a bit of a tease - and I've decided to make it go longer! Photos of the sachets won't be coming until the Monday post when I announce the winner! It is rather monstrous of me, but...
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  Okay, obviously, I haven't got a clue where you live. And "love" is a strong word. But I feel quite a fondness for all of you; and I will have the winner's address (only used for shipping). Don't worry now, I'm not some sort of weirdo, I just thought that was the cutest "monstrous" image I found all day.
  Best,Tara
  [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• 10:56

  Eco-Cleaning: Laundry Anyone?

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

  Tags:    [edit]

  Thanks everyone for understanding my need for a day off, I'm sorry that I broke the agenda - that was unprofessional; but the nice thing about being a blogger - is there's a semi-professionalism that I feel I'm responsible for, which is great - since that's all I've ever been able to achieve in the real world anyways.
  Okay, whether you do your laundry at home, or you frequent your local laundromat - you can still go au naturel.
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  • Liquid Laundry Detergent: 1 cup liquid castille soap, 2 cups water, 1 cup washing soda, 1/3 cup salt - warm the two cups water, washing soda and salt until mostly dissolved, then transfer to a one gallon container (a cleaned, reused milk container is perfect for this); Add the castille soap to the gallon container, and fill container to top with water. This will be enough detergent for approximately 64 loads: use 1/4 cup per regular load. 
  • Fabric Softener: You'd really be surprised what a little bit of vinegar will do to soften your clothes, as well as disinfect them. During the rinse cycle, toss in 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar. The vinegar smell will rinse out; and be covered up by your fabuloso Lavender Dryer Sachets (instructions to follow).

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  A quick note about what to expect from your laundry detergent: it will clean as well as any other "green" product you use; it will disinfect and soften when you add the vinegar to the rinse cycle; it will not be super sudsy like many of the products that you might be using now, that aren't "green" or "eco-friendly", due to the charming lack of SLS. "What's SLS, Tara?", you might be asking - or you could be wiping your brow, "Phew!" with a sigh of relief that crap isn't in there. From either position you sit - you're getting the spiel now:

  • SLS: What is it? Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. What does it do? It makes sudsing action that we've become programmed to associate with cleaning. You can find it in (of course, your cleaning products) toothpaste, shampoo, shaving foams, bubble baths - if it suds - it's there. It's also a known skin irritant, can cause allergic reactions in the mouth from dental products, and a possible carcinogenic. Just click on that hyperlink up there for a much simpler breakdown of how freakin' scary this stuff is - and then promptly go on tirade through house removing every last bottle containing the crap. 'Nuff said.

  If you'll be tossing your clothes in the dryer - I will be offering a giveaway of a set of 3 EVA Dryer Sachets (One with Lavender, One with Rose, and One I'll let the winner decide on based on my stock of herbs and flowers). Now I haven't been a good little crafty blogger, so I haven't even had time yet to make them, take photos, and get you all excited - let alone do a photo-DIY...
  But wait, there's more!! I've got photos of the super-sweet vintage fabric I'll be adorning these EVA Dryer Sachets with:
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  To enter the giveaway for the EVA Dryer Sachets, please visit the EVA Etsy Shop, and tell me what your favorite item is. Also, if you aren't already following, now you know the drill - good for each entry is a mandatory subscription - and I think you'll be glad you did! Just be sure to let me know in the comments if you are a new subscriber and your email. 
  For an extra entry (each of these is worth one) tweet this post, facebook, or blog. Comment with your twitter name so I can find you, your blog so I can read/follow, and your facebook link - so we can be friends!
  There will be at least one more giveaway tomorrow, deadlines for all entries are Sunday, Mar.  28th at 11:59PM (PST) - I'll announce all giveaway winners on Monday morning! Good Luck!
  Here are the instructions for making your very own Lavender Dryer Sachets:

  • First of all, you will be in need of Cotton Muslin, you'll determine the yardage, because it depends how many of these you want to make. You need thread of course, and can either hand sew, or use your trusty machine. And organic lavender flowers, again, these can be found from Mountain Rose Herbs or other such places. 
  • To make one sachet, simply cut two 5" squares of your muslin, and sew together using 1/4" seams on three sides. Turn inside out and use a pencil or better yet, a bone folder to make neat corners. 
  • Fill with your lavender flowers nearly to the top; but leave about an inch so that you can turn in a 1/4" seam, gently iron (avoiding the flowers), and sew shut. 
  • It's that simple!

  These bags are reusable, and when you sense that the lavender isn't freshening up your laundry with the strength you want; just take a seam ripper and open about 2-3" on your top side. Empty the lavender into a bowl, refill your sachet with new lavender, and sew shut again. 
  Now, for that lavender just waiting in the bowl. Crush it in your hands, or even better with a mortar and pestle. Keep it around for the next time you vacuum with baking soda - instead of using essential oils, toss out the crushed lavender flowers. Let sit for a half hour as usual. Aahhhh...I just love the smell of lavender. If you don't, there are plenty of other dried flowers you can use in the same manner.
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  And for those of you who love to use the elements of the sun and air to dry your clothes - now you don't have to worry about tough towels and sheets - that fabric softener will keep them smooth and soft as they dry in the spring breeze.
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  And lastly, the subject of ironing. We all have to do it  - and if you sew, you do it more than just on laundry day. So here's a great recipe for a delicious smelling ironing water that will double as a linen spray before you lay you down to sleep:

  • In a sterile 16 oz. bottle: 3 oz. unflavored vodka, 12 drops lavender or your favorite smelling pure essential oil, 12 oz. purified water. Spritz on linens as you iron, or on bed linens about a half hour to hour before sleep.

  I think that covers yesterday's post and gets us all caught up for today's post - the Bedroom...
  See you again later today!Best,Tara
  
  [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• March 24, 2010
• 11:52

  Eco-Cleaning: Back After This Message

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

  Tags:    [edit]

  Sorry friends, but all of this eco-cleaning madness has got me in need of the day off. I've just got to refresh myself with some rest and relaxation before I'm in danger of sounding like an eco-friendly Martha.
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  So sorry to disappoint you and let you down, I'll try to spring back tonight with those laundry recipes and how-tos...I just think you understand the consequences of sounding like Ms. Stewart [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• March 23, 2010
• 11:49

  Eco-Cleaning: The Bathroom (My Least Favorite)

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

  Tags:    [edit]

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  We can all admit it, no one likes cleaning this room. It's generally yucky - with bits of funk I don't even want to describe. Fortunately for you, you may have already begun to tackle this funky chicken of a room with some of the recipes you've been supplied with already. 
  I realized all that's left from yesterday's recipe list, which is applicable to your toilets, sinks, and tubs as well is the all-natural drain de-clogger. Do you remember when you were a kid, there was the erupting volcano experiment?
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  All you knew was that something was going to happen, but you didn't know what, and it was so exciting! Who knew unclogging that sink that's been stuck draining slow for a while now could give you (and moreover, your kids) the same thrill?!

  • First, pour one cup of baking soda down the drain
  • Then, pour one cup of distilled white vinegar (add a few drops of yellow/red drops food coloring if the kids are there)
  • After the eruption and the kiddos bubbling and squealing -- pour one pot boiling water down the drain to finish it off.
  • Flush, or turn the water on - you'll be amazed at how the water flows now!

  Here's a great great antiseptic soap solution for you and the kids (triclosan is the key ingredient in those antibacterial soaps); and not only does it work, it's really bad for you because it kills the good germs too:

  • In an 8 oz squirt bottle, fill bottle with purified water, leaving about an ounce. Add 1.5 tbsp of baby-scent castille soap, and 20 drops of lavender essential oil. Gets hands clean, and gets rid of bad germs. For little ones, help them remember to wash hands long enough by singing the "ABC" song - that's about as long as it takes to really get your hands clean. Use warm water.

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  Cleaning the shower is no fun: there's soap scum to deal with - and possibly, mildew:
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  For mildew and soap scum on hard surfaces, your soft scrub and spray cleansers will do. But if  you have shower curtains and liners - you'll need to wash those. The curtains can likely be laundered in the machine; but you'll probably need to take that liner outside, and either scrub it down or spray it and then scrub. Or both. 
  Now, onto the tools of the trade:

  • A natural bristle brush
  • Recycle your old toothbrush, don't throw it out (just boil before using) - it's great on grout and the metal sleeves for shower doors; and really just about any other disgusting little crevice.
  • Bucket with sponge and warm water to wipe away any excess baking soda from your soft scrub.
  • Lint-free cloth for glass
  • Micro-fiber dust cloth

  http://elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com [elanvitalanthology.etsy.com]
• 10:11

  Eco-Cleaning: Smelling Good

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

  Tags:    [edit]

  
  This is my absolute favorite part of the entire week, teaching you how to make your house smell delicious with the simplest of ingredients. It's also one of the hardest to find photos for, since our sense of smell just doesn't seem to translate well visually. Ah well.
  Here's a quick and simple recipe which will use: some of your produce that's past the point of eating, but not the point of redemption, fresh herbs, fresh flowers from your garden (or just go for a walk and take a few here and there, like I do), and a few spices you'll likely have in your spice cabinet.

  • The simplest variation on this recipe is a starting point - you'll find what you love as you play around with it; but do start here so you get the idea: citrus peel, cloves, cinnamon sticks, 1-2 twigs of fresh rosemary, and perhaps the petals from a fragrant rosebud. Toss into your smallest saucepan with water, and bring to a simmer on the stove. Replenish water as necessary. Should last approximately 6 hours for a 1500+ sq.ft house (even with the windows open!)

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  • If you aren't going to be around the house for a while, but you've just got some lingering smells - like in the bathroom - or maybe the kitchen after a particularly smoky, meaty meal, than I suggest an odor capturing Fragrance Spritz: 8 oz spray bottle filled with distilled white vinegar and 30 drops of your favorite organic essential oil. Since we aren't trying to kill germs here - and we're just trying to make the place smell lovely, feel free to go CRAZY and choose an essential oil that truly appeals to your sense of smell. I'm a huge fan of Ylang Ylang, it makes everything smell better. *Bonus: it's antiseptic as well! Oh, and in case you were thinking, "But now my whole house is going to smell like vinegar!" - it won't - the vinegar smell dissipates in about twenty minutes, and the essential oil sticks around. That goes for all the cleaning solutions as well. 

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  • And here's a bonus for freshening up your car without that awful dangling cardboard tree: In a small jar, soak a cotton ball or two with the essential oil of your choice. Place the jar under the seat of the car (no lid). When the scent wears off - the cotton ball has dried off. Just repeat with a new cotton ball. No more pine-scented parabens making their way through your car.

  And a quick product plug from my Etsy shop, if you'd like to try my Simmer Sachets, please take a look - they are made on the premise of the first recipe I've shared with you; but I've been doing this for a while, and they are heavenly.
  
  Finally, a word about the big "why" as to making the change to these forms of air fresheners vs. incense, scented candles, plug-ins, air-sprays, etc.: 

  • Incense smell lovely - particularly the Japanese ones. I used to be quite the fan, until I found out all that smoke was also packed with resin. I just didn't want that for my lungs or Marley's developing lungs. I have missed you lovely Japanese incense, I really have.

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  • Scented candles, those little diffusers with the tea lights and the yummy "fragrances", plug-ins, and air-sprays all have one thing in common - synthetic fragrances. Synthetic fragrances, just like perfumes, include dangerous chemicals to achieve the fragrance - which have been linked to allergies and asthma. For more information on "Fragrance", see this link.

  http://elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com [elanvitalanthology.etsy.com]
• 8:28

  This is A Test...This is Only A Test

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

  Tags:    [edit]

  
  
  This is a test, just a quick interruption of our regularly scheduled Eco-Cleaning How-To program for the week. Because, well, for the most part - it's sounding a lot like this around here:
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  That's right, crickets. I'm getting a lot of silence from you, dear readers - and I'm getting a wee bit nervous that I might be boring you to wander...
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  Now that that's out of the way, if you won't mind filling in the blanks on your own brand of survey...
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  And just leave a bit of feedback here or anywhere else this week to let me know you're still here and all okay. Then I can ditch the "Anxiety Girl" cape and particularly the tights - yuck.
  Thanks everyone [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• March 22, 2010
• 21:02

  Eco-Cleaning: The Second Recipes

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

  Tags:    [edit]

  source
  Here are the recipes that will make cleaning your kitchen a natural breeze:
  

  • Liquid Dish Soap: In a container of your choice (a thoroughly washed squirt bottle from your former brand of liquid dish soap is ideal), add 1 cup liquid castille soap, 3 tbsps water, and 20 drops of tea tree oil (or lavender if you prefer the scent). This soap can leave a bit of a film, which is why the vinegar rinse is such an important step in the handwashing. 

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  • All Natural Soft Scrub for sinks, countertops, etc.: In an old 12 oz glass jar with lid, add 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup castille soap or until you have a consistency like cake frosting, 15 drops of an antiseptic essential oil (I prefer tea tree oil for this recipe, just because it smells super-clean). If you have leftovers, add 1 tsp vegetable glycerin to keep moist.
  • Antiseptic Soap Spray: If you've got areas that are so grimy you want to wash prior to using the All-Purpose Cleaner, by all means - get to it: Fill a 16 oz spray bottle with about 15 oz. of purified water, add 3 tbsp castille soap, and 30 drops of tea tree essential oil. This is some serious cleaning spray, perfect for surfaces that get a lot of germy scum - it's going to come in very handy when you head to the bathroom tomorrow. Just follow it up with the All-Purpose Cleaner to rinse away any soapy residue.
  • Optional Glass, Tile, and Surface Cleaner: This one is great for ceramic tiles and other surfaces as well as your All-Purpose Cleaner. It also works for glass. It's just a matter of preference at this point, and who doesn't love choices? 16 oz. Spray Bottle: 1 cup Rubbing Alcohol, 1 cup water, 1 tbsp distilled white vinegar. Choose your poison.

  And finally, the much discussed, and frankly, put-off, mopping solutions. I don't know why I procrastinate sometimes...that's for another blog post, another day. 
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  • General Mop Solution: Perfect for tile floors, vinyl, or linoleum - Fill a small bottle (reused hot sauce bottles are the best for this!) with 1/4 cup castille soap, 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar, and 20 drops of tea tree essential oil. Mop as usual, and keep a bucket or clean sink close-by filled with 2 gallons of hot water per solution for rinsing. 

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  • Wood Floor Mop Solution: For super glossy floors, in a 20 oz. spray bottle, add: 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar, 1 tsp. glycerin, 20 drops lemon essential oil, water. Spray, mop as usual, and quickly buff dry to protect your floors.

  Now, your kitchen is so clean, and your floors are so clean - you could eat off of them. Or lie despondently like a starved fashion model if you felt like it...
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  I'm sorta hoping you'll just relax and daydream on your freshly mopped floors like this:
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  You know you deserve it. And hey, the agenda just changed: Home fragrance will be included tomorrow. I'm WAY too wiped out today. Sorry darlings. 
  Best,Tar [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• 10:37

  Eco-Cleaning: The Kitchen & The Floors

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

  Tags:    [edit]

  This is probably, second only to the bathroom, my least favorite part of cleaning. The kitchen's always got icky food-stuffs that trip-up my mild case of OCD, and as if seeing it up close isn't bad enough - you've gotta get your hands in it. Okay. Now that that's out of the way, I'll stop procrastinating with this entry and help you to get through this. We can all get through it together.
  
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  The first thing is to make sure you've cleared off all countertops and work surfaces of any dishes that need washing. If you've got a dishwasher - good for you. Even if you have got one, sometimes there's just too many dishes to fit in one lead and you have to hand wash. I love handwashing dishes (weird, I know). It is a time of the day after the cooking, entertaining, and enjoying the meal that I can digest not just the food, but the whole of the day. It's one of life's uncomplicated processes that allows for remaining efficient, and drifting off into a world of one's own. Int the event that you love to hand wash as much as I do, the following are some tips that will make the nastier bits (i.e. crusted on grease) a cake-walk:

  • First, it helps if you have a split-sink; but if you don't, you can create one with a deep rectangular tub that sits atop your countertop or in part of your (perhaps) one great-big sink. 

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  • Here's the order to handwashing dishes that makes it all like butter baby:
  • First and foremost, scrape all the food bits off the plates, pots, pans, and pyrex. (Extra points for composting said food bits).
  • Now, before even thinking about those dishes, sprinkle a bit of baking soda into each crusty pot, pan and pyrex (and if there are funky cooking utensils - toss them in a large crusty saute pan). Add a bit of hot water, gently agitate the water with a dirty utensil, and set those pots aside for your grand finale!
  • Now, regardless of your sink set-up, if you're still with me here - you've got two basins of some sort. On one side, you have a basin filled with warm soapy water; on the other side, a basin filled with warm rinse water with a splash of white distilled vinegar. And of course, you have a dish rack or loving partner/friend to help dry those dishes you're working so hard to clean.
  • First, clean, rinse and dry all of the glassware. Second, the plates and bowls. Third, the silverware and cooking utensils. 
  • And now, for your grand finale: The dreaded greasy, crusty pots and pans. With hot water (do this over the soapy basin), rinse the baking soda out of your pans. Voila! Can you believe it?! Almost every nasty little bit of stuck-on gunk that would have required gobs of harsh chemical cleaners and way too much elbow grease for my style is gone! Just give it a swish in the soapy water, rinse in the vinegar rinse water, throw it on the drying rack - and pat yourself on the back!

  The dishes are done, now comes the time for potentially polishing your cabinets if they are wood (you can find the recipe here), or using the all-purpose surface cleaner for any painted surfaces, plastics, enamels, and yes - you heard me - stainless steel (without streaks!) For cutting boards or other work surfaces that regularly have food prepped upon, spray with all-purpose cleaner overnight and allow to absorb. To quickly sanitize any areas, spray with the all-purpose surface cleaner, and follow with a quick spritz or wipe of Hydrogen Peroxide.

  • You'll want to be sure and deodorize your microwave: Using 3-5 slices of Lemon, placed in a bowl with 1 cup of water, microwave on HI for 3 minutes. Keep door closed for 3 mins. Open, and wipe down inside of microwave. Deodorized and clean.

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  • Obviously, your sponges need some TLC too. Perhaps you use dishrags and simply launder them frequently; but if you use sponges, you're probably in the habit of keeping them longer than you should without sanitizing, or just throwing out. Those sponges can be reused and it's easy as pie: Either in the microwave for 3 minutes (in a lidded bowl) or on the stovetop in boiling water - with slices of lemon for good measure. If using the microwave, be ever so careful when removing that lid - the steam is SO hot, and can scald you. Let the water cool for a while, then remove and rinse your freshly sanitized and deodorized sponges in cool water for five minutes.
  • If you need more scrubbing power for your basic sponge, but don't want to buy one of those plasticky scrubbers from the shop - here's a great solution and reuse of something that was going to be tossed or recycled at best: take the mesh bag from garlic, onion, you know the type - and cut it to size so you can toss your sponge in there. Wrap with rubber bands or secure with butcher's twine. It's gentle on your dishes, but gets the grubbies off.
  • Now of course, you will need to scour and scrub your sink to it's original shine. Recipe to come later today.
  • And in the event that you find yourself with clogged drains - I've got the simplest, healthiest, and funnest drain de-clogger you'll ever make and use. Later.
  • Oh right, cleaning and deodorizing the refrigerator: This is something I used to do only when I would move from a place (which was FAR too often), but everytime I do it, I see the benefit of doing it more frequently. If you're smelling something funky coming from your fridge, and all offending products have been removed - you're smelling the fridge. It's time to clean the fridge with Antiseptic Soap Spray shelf-by-shelf, and get some new baking soda in there. The classic 16 oz. Arm & Hammer baking soda box should be refreshed every month.
  • Last on the list, sweeping and mopping - and I promise to include those recipes for mopping today. 

  Just think, when you're all done with these steps, you will feel as lovely and safe as she does in her kitchen:
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  [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• March 21, 2010
• 20:00

  Eco-Cleaning: Indoor Air Quality

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

  Tags:    [edit]

  In cities across the world, the health of the air is monitored. Particularly in the summer, in a big city or a valley, you can see a "Bad Air Day".
  
  
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  We primarily can't see the air pollution in our homes, unless you're talking about those little dust faeries you catch a glimpse of in a sunbeam. Most of the pollution in our homes is either brought in from the outdoors, tracked in on our shoes and trapped by our carpeting; or is actually from the stuff our homes are made of. 
  Three simple solutions:

  • Take your shoes off when you come home, leave them in a basket by the door, and wear a sweet, cozy pair of house slippers.

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  • Make sure you're using a HEPA filter vacuum. Otherwise, you might as well do this with the contents of that vacuum bag when you're done:

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  • Unless it is a "Bad Air Day" or it's freezing outside, throw open those windows - and invest in some houseplants. They keep the indoor air clean and healthy - and they're pretty.

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  There are many more things to be done, these are the beginnings to a healthy home. If I've missed any tips/tricks you know about - please share. Always, always, share. If you want to learn more, try first my favorite resource for this info: Healthy Child, Healthy World. You don't have to have a kid to want to have a healthy home.
  [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• 14:59

  Eco-Cleaning: The First Recipes

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

  Tags:    [edit]

  source
  These are the first of the recipes that you will be using as you clean your living areas; but keep in mind that you will use them in other rooms, and perhaps in other capacities. That's one of the great things about these cleaners - they are so very versatile.
  Every cleaning kit needs the multi-tasking, all-purpose surface cleaner - your new, improved, organic kit will be no different:
  

  • Fill a 16 oz. squirt bottle with a 1:1 solution of distilled white vinegar and water. Add 15-20 drops of an essential oil with antiseptic qualities of your preference (tea tree, lavender, lemon).

  Use this recipe for cleaning surfaces after dusting, such as plastic or metal blinds, painted wood surfaces, painted walls, molding - and those once-funky fan blades.

  • Furniture Polish: Fill a 16 oz spray bottle with 1 cup light olive oil, 20+ drops pure essential lemon oil, 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar, and fill remainder of the bottle with purified water*.

  Shake well before each use. Spray onto your rag, or directly onto furniture. Buff dry immediately. *Purified water is optional, but recommended based on pH levels of tap water being too hard/soft for proper treatment of wood. You can and should also use this polish on any wood cabinetry you may have throughout your home.
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  • Glass Cleaner: Fill a 16 oz. spray bottle with Club Soda. That's it. Spray your glass. Wipe with a lint-free rag. 

  I promised you all a fabulous carpet cleaning method that is all natural, as well as some remedies for removing stains:

  • Mineral Water is an excellent all-purpose stain remover
  • For fruit juices/red wine: blot with towel and cold water. Keep blotting and add kosher or sea salt or club soda to lift the stain.
  • Grease: Pour boiling water over the grease, then dry baking soda.
  • Blood: Cold water or hydrogen peroxide OR a paste or cornstarch with water. Allow to dry and brush away.
  • Rust: Saturate with lemon juice. Rub with Salt.

  Now that you've pretreated your stains, prepare a mixture of 1/8 cup castille soap to 2 gallons of hot water. Steam clean using standard equipment. Repeat process until water comes up clear. Allow to dry before heavy use (translate: kids, pets).
  And as for deodorizing the carpet, depending on how much square footage you have to cover, you'll need a 1/2 cup to a cup of baking soda. Add about 20 drops of lavender essential oil per cup, and stir. Sprinkle the aromatic blend atop your carpet, and let sit for 30 minutes to do its thing. After that half hour, vacuum as normal - and enjoy the fresh, clean, phthalate-free air.
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  Onto the tools of the trade. As I've mentioned, 16 oz. spray bottles are a favorite of mine. As well, a glass shaker (like from the pizzeria) is perfect for the baking soda deodorizer sprinkle, lint-free rags - like the ones you can find from the company Twist are a favorite in my kit for dusting and mopping (I even attach them to the base of my old Swiffer).
  Now I am going to completely blow your minds and go against the gospel of Martha, Mothers, Grandmothers, and French Maids everywhere by saying this: Feather Dusters do nothing but further spread the dust. Unless you have the right kind (expensive ostrich feathers) – you are just making a bigger, allergy-fest of a mess. So unless you feel the need to dress up like this when you clean:
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  Just don't use it, it doesn't help with anything. What you need are microfiber dust cloths: they pick up the dust and keep it held on tight – it's like some sort of dust magnet. When you collect too much dust on one cloth, just take it to the sink, clean it off in warm water with a drop or two of tea tree or lavender oil; and set it in the sun to dry. On to the next dust cloth. 
  [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• 10:49

  Eco-Cleaning: The Living Spaces

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

  Tags:    [edit]

  When cleaning your living spaces such as living rooms, studies and offices, etc.; there is a method to the madness that will have your space spruced up in no time:
  

  • If you've got clutter that needs organization, you're obviously going to have to start there - and I'm not even getting into that. By now you're a big girl (or boy) and have found the way that works best for you (or you can work on it with a little humility and research).
  • And as you've walked around your rooms, you couldn't help but notice the occasionally accumulating dust bunnies or drop of this or that that's become a Pollock-like mark on your lovely hardwood floors. Thank goodness for carpets - you don't actually see all the funk that is in those!
  • Once everything's tidied up, unless you are a die-hard minimalist, you will have knickknacks or ob jet d' art (depending on the eye of the beholder), books, artwork on the walls...the list goes on. You've naturally thought about dusting everything at eye level - but to be really efficient - look up first.
  • Yuck. There's probably the odd cobweb that's managed to avoid detection and collect dust; if you've got a ceiling fan, just step up on a stool or chair to see what's been blowing around the room...eeeww!

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  I think you can see where I'm going with this - you want to start at the top, because dust settles naturally at the bottom. If you want to save yourself some extra time, and have the manpower or She-Ra like strength, move upholstered furniture out of the area you'll be dusting in - and take the cushions outside at this time, laying out on a canvas tarp for a later beat-down. Oh yes, cleaning can be good for you in many ways - I forgot to mention the free therapy.
  Okay, by now, you've worked your way from wiping  all those cobwebs and disgusting fan blades off; now it's time to dust the knickknacks, electronics, books, etc. on the shelves and tabletops. Don't forget as you remove the knickknacks, books and what-nots for dusting to dust and polish those shelves and tabletops. Now it's time for the walls. First, remove the artwork from your walls, and set aside - you're going to clean your walls with a very mild solution. Dust, grime, and grease from our hands and even from so far away as the kitchen travels and settles in on our walls - so while this may be the most tedious of tasks for the day - just do it! You'll be so happy with how bright and colorful and clean your walls look again. Now dust the artwork, and polish the glass with the glass cleaner of course. Rehang. Gorgeous.
  Time to dust and polish and furniture with a hard surface (think tables, desks, built-ins, mantles and fireplaces, wooden chairs, etc.). Be sure when polishing the wooden furniture to buff it dry so that there are no streaks and no possibility of water damage from the polish. As you're polishing each piece, She-Ra, 
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  you might want to consider moving it (the chairs and the like); because your next move is treating the floors. For hard surface floors - sweep and mop. Recipes later today will include both hardwood mop solution and all-purpose hard surface mop solution. If you have area rugs, take them outside and leave them with those dusty cushions - they too are in for a bruising. 
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  Wall-to-wall carpeting is a labor of love: first you'll need to pre-treat any stains, and then use the carpet steaming technique/recipe I'll be sharing with you later. If you're just too pooped for this, I hear ya. I've got another neat trick up my sleeve that will not only deodorize those funky carpets, but leave each room smelling sweet. Plus, it's going to give you the half hour you need to go outside and kick the crap outta dust.
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  This part is really simple, because it's all based on your own brand of Kung-Fu, Grasshopper. There is no right or wrong way to beat the dust out of a cushion - just get yourself one of those blue dust masks even if you don't have bad allergies 'cause all that dust is super gross. When you've finished with the dusty smack down, head back inside and rev up your vacuum. Run it over the carpets/rugs a couple of times. So fresh and so clean.
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  Consider it done my friends.
  PS - This will all go SO much faster with really great music.
  [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• March 20, 2010
• 19:44

  Eco-Clean How-To Week: The Agenda

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

  Tags:    [edit]

  
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  Naturally you're just dying to know how this week of spring cleaning, handmade, eco-conscientiousness will unfold. And I don't blame you - we all have busy lives - and knowing when you have to tune in and when you can maybe skip it is important. For those of you who still haven't bought in to the whole "eco-friendly" thing, I encourage you to stick around. Not because I'm trying to convert all of you;
  
  but because one thing that doesn't always get made clear about "eco-friendly" is that it's not just good for the environment. When it's handmade (homemade products) you're cleaning with - it's great for your wallet. And everyone these days can jump on that wagon.

  • Sunday, 3/21: Cleaning Living Areas: Living Rooms, Workspaces, Etcetera - the tips and tricks to make this process as quick and simple as possible.
  • Sunday, 3/21: The recipes you need for these areas: All-purpose Surface Cleaner, Furniture Polish, Glass Cleaner, Carpet & Rug Deodorizer; the best tools for these tasks.
  • Sunday, 3/21: Information about Indoor Air Pollution, tracking pollutants inside, and how to reduce both.
  • Monday, 3/22: A day dedicated to Cleaning the Kitchen: Handwashing Dishes, saving water - and getting them CLEAN, degreasing surfaces, cleaning and deodorizing your refrigerator and your microwave. 
  • Monday, 3/22: The recipes you need to your kitchen sparkling clean: Dish Soap, Surface Degreaser, Basic Floor Mop, Hardwood Floor Mop, Cake Frosting Soft Scrub, Drain De-Clogger
  • Monday, 3/22: How to make your whole house smell delicious with ingredients from your spice cabinet, produce drawer, and garden!
  • Tuesday, 3/23: A simple day covering the most dreaded room in the house to clean: the bathroom. I'll share with you my favorite tools and techniques - and advise which recipes are appropriate for which jobs. 
  • Wednesday, 3/24: Wednesday is Laundry Day at Eco-Clean How-To Week. First we'll start with a post of recipes for handmade laundry detergent, fabric softener, ironing water/linen refresher.
  • Wednesday, 3/24: I'll be celebrating Laundry Day with a look at some of my favorite handmade solutions to eco-friendly laundry: clothespin aprons, felted wool dryer balls, lavender dryer sachets.
  • Wednesday, 3/24: A Giveaway for all my beloved readers for a set of lavender dryer sachets made by me!
  • Thursday, 3/25: A complete overhaul of the bedroom(s) as well as the windows of the house - inside and out. Most recipes have been covered in previous days posts, so we'll mostly be covering all of the really fun stuff like flipping mattresses, freshening things up...you know...the fun stuff. Ugh.
  • Friday, 3/26: Little eco-cleaning extras like super stain removers, eco carpet cleaning, reminder of basics cleaning kit list (plus a little surprise extra!)
  • Friday, 3/26: Yeah! You're done and your house is so clean! DIY Self-Cleanse Bath Recipe for you to treat yourself.
  • Friday, 3/26: Etsy Featured Seller: GardenofHolly and GIVEAWAY for Organic Protective Hand Creme.

  That's all folks - that's the entire week outlined thus far. I've got a few other things in the works, but I can't promise anymore than what you see here so far. At this point, I can promise you a damn clean house and a sense of accomplishment and pride in doing it all handmade [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• 9:59

  Eco-Cleaning How-To Week: Kickoff

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

  Tags:    [edit]

  A little over a year ago, while Marley was still just a wee thing - I began assessing not only how I wanted to raise my daughter - but what kind of environment I wanted to raise her in. Amongst the myriad books that I read as I descended into my exploration of homemaking, was one with the credible title, "Healthy Child, Healthy World: Creating a Cleaner, Greener, Safer Home" by Christopher Gavigan. 
  
  
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  Well that seemed like the book for me: I knew I wanted my daughter healthy; I figured it couldn't hurt to learn a few more tips and tricks - but figured I already pretty much had the "green" part covered (i.e. recycling, compost, biodegradable diapers, "green" products like Mrs. Meyers, Seventh Generation, Burt's Bees, and the like). And I most definitely wanted Marley growing up in a healthy world! So I read on...and quickly realized that my home was in fact overrun with chemical toxins and pollutants. Not only were they bad for the environment-at-large, it turns out they are incredibly toxic to our bodies - particularly little bodies.
  
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  I don't want to freak you out and turn you off to reading on - but I admit I experienced my own panic attack at this point. The Environmental Working Group has a great list on their site of popular consumer products, and the effects of those formidable-to-pronounce ingredients, on our bodies. When I took a look at this list, I went on a zealous tirade and disposed of all offending products immediately. Whew! We were safe at last.
  And then I was in a real conundrum: I still had to clean my house. How was I going to wash my dishes? Deodorize and vacuum my carpets? Mop my floors? Wash the laundry? Good God! How was I going to get tough on grease and grime? Keep my bathroom sparkling clean?! Would we all need protective suits? Gas masks?
  
  
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  As it turns out, my brief moment of panic was easily subdued when I realized that I already owned nearly all of the ingredients necessary to make my own, tough-on-grease-and-grime, sparkle-inducing, non-toxic cleaners; and they were all in my kitchen pantry. O Happy Day!
  Without further ado, here are the raw materials for your basic eco-cleaning kit:
  
  
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  • Baking Soda
  • Distilled White Vinegar
  • Lemon Juice
  • Light Olive Oil
  • Club Soda
  • Isopropyl (Rubbing) Alcohol
  • Cornstarch
  • Lemons
  • Purified Water (only necessary if the water in your tap is too hard/soft)
  • Borax
  • Washing Soda (cleans as well as Borax; but also softens the water - optional)
  • Castille Soap
  • Vegetable Glycerin
  • Organic Tea Tree Essential Oil (antifungal, antimicrobial, antiseptic properties)
  • Organic Lavender Essential Oil (antimicrobial, antiseptic properties)
  • Organic Lemon Essential Oil (antimicrobial, antiseptic, insecticidal properties)

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  You can purchase these ingredients at your local supermarket, but some of them (essential oils, castille soap, vegetable glycerin) may be more difficult to find. Try looking in your local Whole Foods or any natural foods/health market. Since I end up using so much of the stuff, particularly baking soda, vinegar, castille soap, and those beloved essential oils - I try to buy in bulk. 
  
  
  While they don't have the vinegar - they do carry just about everything else - and maybe other products you'll be wanting from other recipes later this week. I highly recommend my beloved Mountain Rose Herbs. They carry primarily certified organic products, and if it's not organic - it's sustainably harvested. And their business practices would make Rachel Carson proud. (You can also click-thru to their site directly from the banner ad at the bottom of my blog).
  
  
  Now that you know the ingredients for a well-stocked, merciless-on-funk and gentle to your bodies and the planet, cleaning kit are so simple - feel free to go on your own zealous disposal tirade. Just make sure to check with your local waste provider as to the proper disposal method for these chemicals. 
  
  
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  Never flush down the toilet; and especially never mix bleach and ammonia, it's a lethal combination.
  
  
  Later today, I'll be back with the agenda for the week, so you can know in particular which days you definitely want to check in, if not all - not to mention: what's ahead.
  
  
  Best,
  Tar [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• March 19, 2010
• 10:59

  Domestically Disabled

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

  Tags:    [edit]

  
  Did you learn how to clean growing up? I didn't. Not that the lessons weren't forced down my throat: chores, chores, and more chores. (By the way, if you're reading this Mom and Dad, we can dispute these facts later, like when Marley's of chore-forcing age.) But the how-to's, the why-for's, and the little tricks to make it easier weren't really taught. Well, maybe they were and I just wasn't really interested.
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  Up until my mid-to-late twenties, when I finally got my own place (no more housemates with OCD, no more co-dependent boyfriends whose definition of clean was way less lax than mine); I had proudly considered myself "Domestically Disabled". 
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  Quite honestly, until there was no one to turn to for those tedious dishes, taking out the trash, or washing the laundry; my definition of clean was at best an embarrassing idiosyncrasy and at worst a major character flaw. I'm sure depending when and whom you asked - it really could be both. Mid-to-late twenties are certainly a time for character growth and this "quirk" was no exception: it was time to hang up the tiara.
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  I embarked on the journey to learn a whole new life subject, the long-disdained, home economics. Surely I came to master the once-foreign laundromat, iron, wash those tedious dishes, mop floors to shine and not stick, clean glass without streaks, make my bathroom sparkle. It was like I had become a Pod Person. It truly was an amazing transformation, aided not only by the first lone apartment; but the metamorphosis of motherhood that begins with those nesting instincts. With minimal elbow grease and the chemical alchemy of SC Johnson (A Family Company) products, my apartment was sparkling clean. 
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  But I began to wonder about this baby growing inside me, and the world she would inherit - and what was in those chemicals anyway? How were they affecting her growth? So it seems strange to me; and probably people that knew me not too terribly long ago, that I should be advising, illustrating, and professing the benefits of Eco-Cleaning for a week on this here little blog. But it's going to be great - and I do have a lot to share with you - and hey, it's free. Even if it is from a Pod Person.
  source
  Save the date: Check in on the blog from March 20th (this Saturday, Spring Equinox) - March 26th
  [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• March 18, 2010
• 9:53

  How Much You Can Love

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

  Tags:    [edit]

  Being a parent is by far the most rewarding and the most challenging position I've ever taken on in my life. I can think of only one thing more challenging, probably being a soldier. And nothing remotely as rewarding - although saving lives in any capacity is definitely up there. That's how intense it is - like life and death. Not always, but it stretches you to the limits of who you think you are, everyday; and that is no easy task. You will love like you never imagined possible. 
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  And, you will at times, turn into some sort of devil-woman you never knew was inside you.
  It is easy to love your child, but it is really hard to remain composed at all times. As you know, I've read innumerous books on the subject, attend parenting classes, and have a close circle of parent friends to kvetch or delight with; but still I have found I am just not going to be that perfect mother I thought I could be when Marley was a little bun in the oven...
  source
  or even when she was this tiny. (look how sweet she is!)
  
  Your child will teach you, inspire you, make you laugh...
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  And one day, being naked will become a top priority for your sweet thing - and you'll be so excited, because along with being naked, comes an extreme interest in the potty. Diapers be gone!source
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  And then, your child will teach you what it's like to feel terrorized as she rips her diaper off, runs around the room in circles; and as all of your parenting lessons fly out the window you shout, beg, scream, "No! No! Don't Do IT!"...and, She pees all over your carpet. 
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  As she rubs her hands around in it and you try to regain your composure whilst heading for the cleaning supplies, muttering like Yosemite Sam, you realize your child is growing up, exploring, and has just taught you again - how much you can love.
  source
  
  
  
  [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• March 17, 2010
• 16:14

  Where do birds go when they die? There are always birds around, but you rarely see a dead bird. Kind of a macab subject, but I am curious.

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

  Tags:    [edit]

  I think there's a special birdie heaven, right on my front stoop. Or back porch. Or near any doormat my cat expects me to find them. Poor little birdies.
  
  When they don't end up there, they end up in disturbingly life-like poses, mounted on the walls of their murderers.

  Ask me anything

  http://elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com [elanvitalanthology.etsy.com]
• 9:05

  a.e. wilder GIVEAWAY Winner!

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

  Tags:    [edit]

  Good Morning, Sunshines! 
  That was an exciting giveaway for my blog - and I am so touched for Abigail by all of the incredibly lovely comments you've had for her. I'm putting together a little document with all of those sweet little nothings from you dear, darling readers - so that she can turn to it if she's ever feeling down, uninspired, or whatever - how we artists get.
  Meanwhile, using Random.org (a truly cool Interweb find for the math dork in all of us), we've haphazardly determined the winner! 
  
  MARCH 10, 2010 3:44 PM   Emily said...I love the placements and would love the Elephant pencil case!
  I will be contacting you by email today, Emily - in the event you aren't religiously and faithfully reading the blog.
  For those of you that didn't win this giveaway - don't despair, 
  source
  those sweet pencil cases are only $10 a pop; and Abigail has extended the secret sale to my readers! Just type "ELANVITAL" at the Message to Seller for an additional 15% off. 
  
  [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• 7:43

  The Stylish Medic Alert Bracelet FOUND!

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

  Tags:    [edit]

  I know what your thinking: "Tara, 'STYLISH' and 'Medic Alert' don't even belong in the same sentence. At least, that is what I've thought for nearly twenty years now. Parents, family, friends, and loved ones...I guess of course, good doctors as well, have all tried to convince me that for my own good, I really ought to just get one.
  Like this:
  
  
  Oh sure, it's for my own good...but since when has fashion been for my own good? I went through the whole high heel phase (thankfully, I came to my senses!). And I just couldn't imagine wearing such a sterile, sickly-looking, chain-gang contraption around my wrist 'in the event of an emergency'. Call me capricious, vain, or whatever other adjective comes to mind. For nearly twenty years, it wasn't happening.
  But now I have a daughter - and I figure it's time to get over myself. There is far more at stake than my fashion sensibilities. So I scoured the internet far and wide and still, nada. Sure, the designs have gotten a bit better than the ubiquitous chain with dog-tag above; but nevertheless looked cheap and ugly. Like a light-bulb going off above my head, it occurred to me to search the Handmade realm of Etsy.
  This is how I found Michelle Verbeeck, maker of custom leather jewelry - including seriously hip leather medic alert cuffs. This is the one I settled on, almost instantly:
  
  I feel super-cool wearing it, and safe and sound now too!
  
  
  If you have a loved one, or you yourself have a condition, and are in need of something more suitable for your everyday wear to protect yourself 'in the event of an emergency' I highly recommend Michelle's Etsy shop. Or, if you just want some unique leather jewelry, that too can be found with Michelle:
  
  [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• March 16, 2010
• 7:37

  Get Your Green On!

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

  Tags:    [edit]

  With minimal effort, I was able to find some fairly sweet deals on Etsy for St. Patrick's Day. Alas, if you are reading this now, it is of little benefit to you to know that there are some amazing vintage finds out there in shade of kelly green, or bedazzled with shamrocks. Still, in good fun...a few of my favorites from my perusal of Etsy last night:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  This last one probably requires some explanation: it's an original, found in it's packaging, 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics Staff Windbreaker. It would look so much better on a cool girl than this guy, in my opinion. But it's still badass. Sorry I didn't even take the time with sources for this post. If you need to have, heart, or hold any of these sweet finds - just use the Etsy Search box, type "St Patricks", and drop-down to Vintage. I looked in Home Decor and Clothing. Who knows what other amazing Kelly Green finds there are to be scavenged within the pages of Etsy.
  Kiss Me, I'm Irish! Tara
  
  
  PS - I just came across this hip desktop wallpaper and had to add:
  
  
  source
  
  
  PSS - Don't forget tonight at the stroke of Midnight (I'm on the West Coast of North America, and feel silly admitting that due to Daylight Savings Time {and just who exactly is this lost hour of sleep saving?!} I'm not sure whether it's PST/PDT); nevertheless, at the stroke of Midnight - the aewilder giveaway will turn into a pumpkin and the winner will be chosen tomorrow. 
  Thank you so very much to all who have entered, and the lovely comments you've made about Abigail's art and charming shop. As well, thank you for subscribing to my blog - and participating in it with your comments. If you're new here - you might not have seen this post: Note To Reader. It's for all of you.
  xoxo
  [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• March 15, 2010
• 9:49

  And The Award Goes To....(Drumroll)...Me!

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

  Tags:    [edit]

  Thank you so much to one of my lovely regular readers, Maria Isabel, who has decided to pass along a Kreativ Award to me, for my blog. Other than the daily reward of your comments, this is the first such award I've been given for the effort, writing, and time that I put into this wee blog.
  Now while all awards worth having come with some strings attached (i.e. Oscars and their endless thank-yous to producers, directors, god; VMAs and all that drama), this one too is no exception: I must share seven secrets (translate: more things you didn't know about me) with you. Really, that's all?! And then I get to receive my award and proudly display it on my sidebar, nestled between my Etsy shop mini and some of my favorite bloggy buttons. 
  Without further ado, Seven (more) Things You Didn't Know About Me:

  • I'm a nail-biter, always have been, always will be. Wish I wasn't - but whatcha gonna do?
  • I absolutely positively love to sing. Some songs make me feel all warm and tingly inside all over, like our National Anthem (which is weird with a capital W, because I'm no patriot); and other songs, like John Lennon's "Imagine" make me weep with the beauty of his true vision.

  source

  • It's been a long time since I've gotten out there and shot anything other than Marley or goods for my Etsy shop, but I once had dreams of being a National Geographic photographer (ambitious, I know).

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  • If I were an animal, I would be a sloth. Not just because I love to lounge, but because I can be slow in my processes ever pushing towards perfection. However, I would be the one sloth in the Amazon with amazingly sleek, algae-free hair - due to my minor case of OCD.

  source

  • I also used to study Interior Design for about a year or so - I should have finished my schooling; but that's something you should know about me - I have had a bad tendency in my life to leave things unfinished. Because of this, I'm a Jill of many trades, master of none; and I'm finally okay with that.

  source

  • When I was twenty-one I shaved my head because I thought it was sexy. It was a bold move, and I stuck with it for a while; but really I looked like a Monchichi.

  source

  • I am an amazing cook.

  http://elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com [elanvitalanthology.etsy.com]
• March 14, 2010
• 12:56

  On Sleeping In

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

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  Today, I really wanted to take the day off and do just that, SLEEP. Preferably, from a gorgeous bedroom like this:
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  And after some time slowly waking up and perhaps even snuggling loved ones...
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  It only seemed right that a simple breakfast in bed should follow.
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  After which time, I should definitely spend some time outdoors, perhaps with a blanket and my favorite book...
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  But since taking all my meds for my epilepsy again
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  ...makes me feel like this most of the day...
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  ...it wouldn't be long before I was doing loads of these...
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  And promptly found myself back in bed, like this:
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  But what I actually did this morning was wake up shockingly early (6:00am!) with Marley, make breakfast, throw on a pot of coffee, start some laundry, and set her up with arts and crafts. Then, my friends, I got right down to it. Today has been in my mental calendar as somewhat of a holiday for about a month now (March 14th) - because it's the launch of the Liberty of London line debut at Target. 
  Now I am not usually a brand or trend-follower/maniac; but when I first saw this bicycle:
  
  ...with it's gorgeous 1960s inspired floral motif, I was hooked. What really made me sink my teeth into the prospect of such an expensive (for my budget) purchase, was that in lieu of the possible YEAR of driving suspensions put on me following my seizure, this stylish bike hardly seemed frivolous. In fact, it seems to me the only silver lining on losing my complete and total independence for the next three months to a year. Okay, I'm done complaining about that - I've got other people in my life whose ears I can bang on about that all day long if I want to. What I really wanted to tell you my friends, is that I didn't actually purchase THIS darling bicycle! It turns out that Target's holding out - they have an even more spectacular bicycle called the Darnley available for purchase now, which won't ship for another 2 - 4 weeks. It's golden, psychadelic, paisley motif is much more my style, and I figured I can hold out a bit longer (plus, for some reason, the shipping was HALF as much!).
  So, if you're headed to a Target Boutique near you today, or just jumping online - don't blow your wad - Target's got more goodies stashed up their sleeves to release it seems just in time for your next paycheck.
  Love you all and hope you have fun lounging, shopping, crafting, or however you decide to spend this lovely Sunday!
  Best,Tar [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• March 12, 2010
• 8:42

  Inspiring Me To Create (and spend) Today

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

  Tags:    [edit]

  Just some great finds from our fabulous interweb inspiring me to either make, makeover, or shop like it's 1999:
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  I just love little bunnies (I guess after the whole "Watership Down" bit from yesterday, you know that by now!). But a bunny family tree? This is really sending me into bunny-love overload.
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  Whomever the mastermind is behind the interior design in this craftsman bungalow deserves a medal - and a martini, straight up with olives. Love it Love it Love it!
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  This shirt for the young bucks makes me wish I had teeny boobies, or could be ten again just so I could wear it. If you are either - head straight over to Bleubird Vintage and snatch it up before it's gone in all it's golden stag glory.
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  A new piece from RVA's spring collection, this "Puttin' on the Ritz" necklace is absolutely fabulous! Want want want!
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  Another amazing vintage/modern mix interior that makes me want to throw all the furniture in the backyard and have a bonfire. Then head online to Etsy, eBay, and other fantastic venues for vintage steals.
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  And one final piece from Red Velvet Art's spring collection that, although it's silly, I absolutely love it - and believe I'm the kinda gal silly enough to pull it off. And along the lines of a makeover - I also want my hair that color. God, I have such a girl-crush on Allister! I just might have to shop like it's 1999 for that Lemongrass Bear Headband. Soooo cute!
  Have a great day!Tar [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• March 11, 2010
• 12:26

  Oooh...I'm telling! Five Things You Didn't Know About Me...

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

  Tags:    [edit]

  Inspired recently by Elsie Cake's recent post "Friday Night Secret Telling Party", which was inspired by this cool chick's similar-themed post...I decided I would share some things about myself with you that you might not know yet:
  I love Wheel of Fortune, and secretly hope to be on the show and win a ton o'money!
  
  sourcePeanut Butter and Chocolate Ice Cream is second to none, runners up being mint chip and pistachio. Everything else may as well be vanilla.
  
  sourceSomeday, I want a self-feeding frog (bugs totally freak me out!) - one that looks like this little guy here would suit me nicely.
  sourceAll kids play fantasy role-playing games...you know, Cops and Robbers, Princess Dress-Up, etcetera. I was the weird kid playing out Les Miserables and Watership Down...it was always a fight between me and this one girl as to who got to be Eponine. Pure dorkiness, I know.
  
  source source On my own little 'bucket list' (doesn't everyone have one?), I have: learn to play the cello - and I definitely wouldn't mind learning on a gorgeous glossy red one like this:
  
  sourceI took piano lessons in fourth grade, but they went about as well as if I were learning on a piano like this:
  sourceWhat are your secrets? I hope you'll share some with me - and you can always take the dare and share on your blog - it's kinda fun!
  
  
  Tara
  
  
  PS - Don't forget to check out the Interview with a.e.wilder + GIVEAWAY!http://elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com [elanvitalanthology.etsy.com]
• March 10, 2010
• 7:02

  Interview with a.e.wilder & GIVEAWAY

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

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  Recently in the Etsy Forums, I came across one of those avatars that captures your attention. It was this sweet little ditty, beckoning me to click-through.
  source
  Once I found myself in the Etsy shop of Abigail E. Wilder, I was so glad I took the time to follow my instincts and click on that wee thumbnail of linen and embroidered sweetness - because there is an entire shop chalk-full of even more sweet designs, all with a similar, simple aesthetic. As you well know, when I find myself inspired by a fellow Etsyian, an interview typically follows:
  Although the use of linen and embroidery is not a new technique, there is something very fresh about your style. It's hard for me to put my finger on it exactly; but I'm definitely loving the colors and use of vintage buttons.      I think that’s what I love about the materials I use:  they’re all so sweetly mundane.  I’m a simpleton at heart so I was drawn to the clean look of color on linen.  Linen has that wonderful quality of elevating whatever design you apply to it. 
  How has your personal style evolved over time - and where do you see it going?  When you began your Etsy shop, did you know that this would become your signature technique - or has it been a more organic process?My Etsy experience has been born from necessity.  She truly is the mother of the invention of the shop.  After my second child I had a doosie of a case of post partum depression.  I couldn’t find an ounce of my “old self” in the aftermath.  And while I wasn’t feeling inspired or creative (at all) I knew there was something to be gained by at least pretending to be creative.  So I taught myself to sew on a machine my mother gave me.  It seemed like a wonderful combination of keeping my brain preoccupied while my hands could work on something.  Needless to say, what resulted were tiny tote bags, embroidered pants, tea towels, and growth charts strewn about the house.  What started as a practical way to stave of the crazies…turned into an awesome experience.  I love every aspect of embroidery and sewing.
  I think my style in the shop has just been an offshoot of a “look” I’m drawn to myself.  I don’t know that I ever intended to develop a signature technique, but now that you mention it – there is a theme, isn’t there! 
  source
  While I continue to love working with buttons and linen and embroidery, what I appreciate even more is a handmade piece that is timeless.  I wanted items that recorded my babes’ birthdates, but I wanted them to be around forever, not just until I changed the décor in their room.  Thus was born the BirthDate Hoop.  So more than the materials I use, my process involves providing handmade beauty that will stand the test of time.  This is important to me in case we ever experience another “’80’s”.
  We all have many style influences. Who are some of the people you find inspiration from?        One influence was my time spent in a Montessori classroom as an instructor.  The Montessori philosophy places a high value on setting up and caring for a beautiful environment for the children.  Art prints from the Masters are hung at the child’s level.  Tables & chairs are wood.  The materials children work with and manipulate are color-coordinated.  The color scheme in the room is monochromatic to keep things soothing.  I was amazed at the positive influence a beautiful environment could have on children and anyone, really.  I can’t pretend it didn’t influence my style.
  source
  My first two sewing books were Amy Karol’s, “Bend the Rules of Sewing” and Lotta Jansdotter’s, “Simply Sewing.”  These two gals are amazing.  I also love Scandinavian design, Swedish design, clean lines…you know the drill.
  Your Etsy profile alludes to "bows and arrows" as well as Montessori. You've got my attention, and curiosity piqued. Please elaborate.       Well, I mentioned above that I taught in a Montessori classroom.  It was the best time.  And I love now how much the philosophy has seeped into my own parenting.  And yes, I do shoot bow & arrow. My husband handcrafted a traditional long bow for me on my 30^th birthday.  I just think it’s an amazing, primitive form of defense.  I only wish it were more acceptable to grocery shop with a quiver of arrows on my back.
  Not only has Abigail graciously, honestly, and humorously answered my questions - but she's also agreed to do a special giveaway just for the readers of Elan Vital Anthology! One lucky reader will win the pencil case of choice from her shop - and they are super-cute! This one is my personal favorite:
  source
  To be entered to win you absolutely must do the following:

  • Visit Abigail's shop, come back to the blog and comment about your favorite item in the shop, as well as which pencil case you hope to win. (1 entry)
  • Follow the Elan Vital Anthology blog, be sure and comment to let me know you've done so.

  For additional entries, you can (each of these is good for 1 extra entry):

  • Tweet about the giveaway, be sure and leave a comment with your twitter id so I can find your tweet
  • Blog about this giveaway, comment with a link to your blogpost.

  The giveaway will end on March 16th, at the stroke of midnight - when this blog post turns into a pumpkin. Until that time - it's fair play. The lucky winner will be randomly selected and announced on March 17th!
  If you can't wait to see if you win, or if you don't end up winning - Abigail's done us all one better - she's extending a secret sale just to Elan Vital Anthology blog readers. At checkout, simply enter "ELANVITAL" in the "Message to Seller" section of Etsy for 15% off your entire purchase.
  Good Luck [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• March 09, 2010
• 9:13

  Interweb Inspiration and Finds

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

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  I love it when you have an hour or so to just cruise the web with no particular destination in mind, and just follow links with the frivolity and spontaneity of a road trip. Today I found some inspiration from a couple of my usual daily reads: the fantastic Purl Bee, and the funky-fresh CraftZine.
  source
  This lampshade looks like fun, and is giving me all sorts of ideas for how I can make my own....Also over at the CraftZine blog, I found this PostCarden, which is a refined replacement to the tragically tacky Chia Pet:
  source
  There's so much goodness over at CraftZine, I'll let you head over there to decide which project to do for yourself...next stop: the Purl Bee. Oh how I love the Purl Bee, ever inspiring me with endless possibilities for new media to work with, and delicate, stylish execution of said media. Like this stunning sashiko tote:
  source
  While at the Purl Bee, a button on the sidebar caught my eye for mixtapezine...I love mix tapes, music, and the type of people passionate enough about both to make a business of it - so I clicked my way on over. It did not disappoint. Not only is the zine and blog about music, it sneaks an awful lot of playtime for crafty goodness. It was tough to pick just one thing to show you, but I decided on this gorgeous garden hex quilt:
  source
  And before I had to run off to the Post Office, the Grocery Store, and who knows what other exciting locales a domestic goddess such as myself may visit in a day - there was one more link luring me to stay online just a little while longer. And I'm so glad it called to me like a beacon in a storm, the button for Home Ec, quite possibly the hippest craftiest shop this side of the Mississippi. A visit to LA may well be in order, if only to visit this shop; but I'll definitely be getting this online meanwhile:
  source
  
  [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• March 08, 2010
• 17:09

  A Quiet Mind?

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

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  This afternoon, after a successful morning of working - I felt like taking a nap with my adorable little daughter. Now that she's in her big-girl bed (read: crib), I figure I've only got so many of these lazy afternoons left - so I'd better take full advantage of them. Trouble was, once I rest my weary head to my pillow, my mind began to stir. 
  Thoughts took flight like a chaotic flock of seagulls, dipping and diving through my brain - each one showing only a glimpse of its wing before the next appeared.
  sourceIt really was a mess. I thought about:
  

  • Making these bloomers that Alli blogged about, over at One Pearl Button.

  

  • Contacts, schedules, and articles for the "Eco-Clean How-To Week"
  • Finishing some of my crafty projects already, like my sexy adult version of these baby blocks

  
            from Rachel Denbow's tutorial at Smile & Wave (I just can't WAIT to show y'all those!)

  • Starting an indoor herb garden for my kitchen and my Julia Child moments
  • A super-cute design for dust cloths (yes, I've got cleaning on the brain, over here!)
  • How I should stop thinking about all of this and enjoy the nap with Marley.
  • How I should get off my ass and at least do one of these things.
  • How I should just blog about this.

  There were probably at least a hundred other thoughts fluttering by like so many butterflies, too flimsy to catch and keep. But at least I caught one of those thoughts and settled on it, huh? 
  source
  Yeah for Me!
  If you've got some secrets for how to quiet a busy mind, please share them with me - obviously, I could use some help in this area. And if you've got the same problem - let me know - misery loves company [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• March 07, 2010
• 14:52

  Mean Green and Clean...Okay, Not So Mean....

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

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  I've been up to something lately over here...with big plans in store for you my friends. I've been spending a lot of late nights studying, researching, and combing the interweb for some detailed information on a subject that I am passionate about, and I hope you will be too: eco-cleaning.
  sourcesourceCleaning isn't a topic that people usually get excited about, but if you'll just trust me - and stick along for the ride - by the end of the week long special, you'll be an eco-cleaning fool!
  sourceLike all good presents, this one won't be easy to wait for - but it will arrive just in time for your spring cleaning, packed with homemade cleanser recipes, tips and tricks, diys and tutorials, and even some other little surprises!!
  sourceIt's going to be great, friends - and it'll make that dreaded spring cleaning something that the crafter, cooker, and even gardener in you can look forward to! I'll be posting some buttons on the blog in the next couple of days for you to add to your blogs if you want to spread the good news and good fun around!
  Best,Tar [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• March 04, 2010
• 22:37

  Getting to Know Me, Getting to Know All About Me...

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

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  source
  Recently, I hopped up on the formspring bandwagon - mostly because it seems like so much fun. Not to mention, it's an opportunity for any and all of you to finally ask me those burning questions that have undoubtedly been keeping you up at night, like:sourcesource
  source
  And maybe you've got some more philosophical questions...like these ones:
  source
  source
  source
  However over-the-top, metaphysical, silly, personal, probing, irrelevant or irreverent your questions may be - I promise to answer them all thoughtfully and truthfully. I think formspring has got to be the next best thing since facebook for our voyeuristic culture, and I am all for it.  For those of you who don't yet know formspring, it's a simple little form generator where anyone and everyone can ask you anything, anything at all - with anonymity or not.
  Assuming you have some burning questions for me now or eventually, I'll be posting Q & A's from time to time on the blog as a regular feature. So hit me with your best shot! There's a simple question field and submission form directly underneath the RSS Feed and Follow Button on the left sidebar of the blog. I do so hope for some juicy questions! This should be fun : )
  sourcehttp://elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com [elanvitalanthology.etsy.com]
• March 03, 2010
• 15:28

  Note to Reader

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

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  I've been meaning for some time now to let you all know what it means to me when you leave your comments on my blog. I recently read somewhere that:
  "Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." William Arthur
  Honestly, leaving that gift all wrapped up and under the tree is not my intention. So, this post is for you, my lovely readers! Truthfully, hearing from all of you and learning more about your lives is one of the highlights of my day. It makes me feel like this...
  
  sourcesourceAnd everytime I read one of your comments, it's like catching one of these...
  sourceor touching one of these...
  sourceand I realize just how connected we all are.
  sourceAnd it makes me wish I could give each and every one of you one of these...
  sourcesourcesourceThank you again for coming back to read the little blog that I'm growing here. And thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, opinions, well-wishes, and yourselves with me. You really give this part of my life a new meaning.
  xoxo [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• March 02, 2010
• 17:53

  Staying in the Lines

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

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                                                                                                         Source: We Heart ItFor at least the better part of ten years, I have longed for a zebra rug. Not an actual zebra hide, mind you. That would go entirely against the grain of my morality; and, conveniently, the semblance of a dead animal on my floors is not exactly my desired aesthetic. Through countless moves from the dwellings of my twenties, to the nestings of my family roost to-date, the catalog stalkers have hunted me down and taunted me with images of furniture and accessories I could not afford. Thankfully, most often - I wouldn't even want the latest catalog trend - and wow! there are a lot. But in this past decade, there has been one trend that won't go away: the zebra rug - and that's just okay with me. 
  
  
  
  
  
  It's just such a versatile piece of decor, that I predict it will stand the test of time and be a valuable investment for every interior. I can see us all growing tired of our color schemes, certain furnishings, maybe even artwork - and the great thing about the zebra rug is its versatility. Those bold, graphic, sweeping lines of sepia and ivory like shadows on a dune; those lines lend themselves to any color scheme, and anchor any interior style.
  
  
  
  
  These are some excellent examples I've found across the web of the adaptability of the zebra rug: here seen in a monochromatic mid-century modern interior, a feminine contemporary decor, neutral classic scheme, eclectic complementary color scheme, a modern masculine complementary scheme, and a global design scheme. Succinctly, the zebra rug works. It ties a room together, and it crosses all major styles and schools of design.
  
  Above is the Zebra Rug available at West Elm. It is by far my favorite for the price; but there are so many available, including a sweet printed cotton version at Urban Outfitters. And if you want to balance your room with some bold, graphic lines; but animal prints just aren't your thing, you might try something like this:
  
  
  
  [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• February 25, 2010
• 21:35

  Big Girl Bed

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

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  Birdcage Lamp handmade by MeWhen I was pregnant with Marley, making sure she had a decidedly modern nursery with an uber-chic zebra wood crib, low, horizontal lines, bold, bright colors, and handmade touches was an obsession of mine. Her room quickly became the most lavished upon spot in the house - and definitely the best designed. With eco-friendly paint, vintage nursery rhyme illustrations, a handmade lamp I made for her, and that perfect crib -- it should have been the room we all spent most of our time in. But when we brought our Honeyplum home (named so for that sweet face and that lovely jaundiced color), there was no way I was parting with her. It seemed unnatural while I was nursing my newborn lass with an unstoppable appetite even to separate us with a co-sleeper. And once her appetite gained some normalcy, and I was no longer able to breastfeed, well...she was just so dang cute and snuggly. I promised Jeff we'd try the co-sleeper once she was bigger, thinking six months would be forever away. Six months came and went like a flash in the pan; we tried the co-sleeper for a night or two, but even the arm's reach distance was more than I could stand.
  Fast forward through two moves, two coasts, three states, and just over a year. It's been impossible, even if I had been ready before now, to transition Marley to a crib with so many moves. Sleeping with my twenty month old daughter doesn't feel as natural as it used to. The three of us in a queen size bed makes for some truly uncomfortable sleeping arrangements - and lately, I've been waking up with my face smothered in her feet and still falling off the edge of the bed. I finally decided enough is enough, I need some sleep! Over the past couple of weeks, while at friends on play dates, I've made a point of taking Marley to her friends' rooms and asking about their "big girl beds". This worked very well to pique Marley's curiosity, and she even asked if she could get in her best friend, Ella's big girl bed, recently. I think that build-up helped when I decided this was the morning, and could tell her that tonight, Daddy was going to build her 'big girl bed'. She got very excited, and kept saying 'Ella! Emily! Robert!' her friends' names whose big kid beds she had seen and we'd discussed. I was so impressed with her memory and acknowledgement.
  Despite her excitement, I had been reading a lot of books (as you all know I tend to do) about the issue of family beds, transitioning, and particularly attempting this matter with toddler. I expected that we would be in this for the long haul. She was not going to go to sleep in her big girl bed without blood, sweat, and tears - and it could take days, weeks,....god forbid, months. But none of the books could have prepared me for how well adjusted my little girl would be. None of the forum boards, pediatricians, and cautionary tales prepared me for how quickly she would lay down in her little bed, tell me not to sing the 'Go To Sleep Little Baby' song I'd sung for her since she was a newborn, she wanted the new hit "ABC" thank you very much, and drift off to sleep. Just like that. In her big girl bed. A big girl. No one warned me that the tears I should anticipate would be my own. I am so glad that we had our time together in our family bed...and that I will always have the fond memories of my sweet baby girl, snuggled up warm beside me.
  http://elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com [elanvitalanthology.etsy.com]
• February 23, 2010
• 10:04

  Been Gone For A While

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

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  Wow. It's been awhile. Resolutions are hard to keep - and blogging three to five times per week is no exception.  Some of you just make it look so dang easy. The past several days or so, I've been a bit down - and I've been debating whether or not to share that with you - but it was getting to look like it would be an even longer hiatus if I didn't...so here's my sob story, and then we (I) can move on:
  
  I have epilepsy. It's not so bad, really. Actually, it's been a very very long time since it's even affected me at all. So long in fact, that I recently convinced myself that perhaps my epilepsy magically went away. Thursday morning I was reminded to the tune of a grand mahl seizure and a thirty minute black-out that alas, my epilepsy did not go away. In fact, the medication I had been so good about taking (except for the past six weeks) had been keeping me from having lots and lots of these seizures it turns out. I have been spending my days bouncing between self-pity and kicking myself for not taking my medicine. I am ever thankful that I wasn't seriously injured, and that my daughter didn't see it happen - I think that would have really freaked her out.
  
  My last complaint is that the doctor has advised against driving for three months. Seriously?! Talk about paying for your mistakes!
  
  Okay, I am done with the complaining, self-pity, and disappearing acts. It is now time for me to step back up to the world of the living, healthy, happy, snarky, positive, and crafty. Tomorrow, I will return with something fun.
  
  Thanks for reading my rant/whine - I had to get it out [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• February 13, 2010
• 11:07

  Miss You

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

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  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 [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• February 09, 2010
• 12:56

  Antique Notions

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

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  bag of notions - $11 USDIt's no secret that one of my favorite pastimes is antiquing - and thrifting - and estate sales. I was indoctrinated to the world of once-loved belongings by my fabulous Grandma, Josephine. Grandma and I used to spend a lot of time together in my childhood - and there were a lot of amazing weekend afternoons spent at local antique malls, antique expo shows, and garage sales - whether shopping or selling. Even now, I feel like I'm with my Grandma when antiquing; and that feeling of being an explorer who has stumbled upon some ancient treasure still excites me.
  As you may well know, antiquing can sometimes be a let down. You scour the cluttered shelves, tabletops, and cubbies for that special something that truly reminds you of something - even if you don't know what. You are overcome with a desire to own that something - again, perhaps. And then you look at the price tag. Sometimes, you get really lucky; but more often than not, the wind is blown out of your sails - and the piece is replaced to it's dusty shelves. You walk away from the antique store forlorn, knowing that little gem will collect dust for years to come.
  Okay, so maybe it's not that dramatic or woeful for you. In fact, if it was so depressing, why would we ever go back? But I'm sure you've experienced that feeling on some scale - and had to walk away from said treasure trove empty-handed. But you don't have to leave all of the antiquities behind, to age and wither. Some antiques are truly affordable - and will fulfill that empty little spot inside every shopper. My personal favorite is antique linens and notions. Yesterday, in a belated birthday celebration just for me - I headed off to a town full of antique stores. And, my friends - I definitely scored well in the fabric department! Here are a few of the fabulous fat quarters I found - all for a dollar or less:
  Seriously the cutest Eskimos I've ever seen!Is it art? or is it just fabric? Amazing!
  incredibly sweet baby dress - $1 USD! [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• February 06, 2010
• 10:24

  Blue Screen of Death

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

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  Hello friends.
  I have to apologize to those of you who signed up for the Valentine's Mix CD - I will send it, but unfortunately, the other day my computer took it's last breath. I can only hope that all of my data can be retrieved - and as soon as order is restored - I will burn and mail you all a belated Valentine.
  This is what I wish my computer looked like upon it's tragic and early demise:
  blue screen fail whale
  
  Somehow, it seems it would have been more fitting.
  
  
  And so, I may be offline more than I wish - Jeff and I are sharing one computer now, and it's in his office, which I don't LOVE spending time in...I'm thinking I will use this time wisely and stop procrastinating on the many projects that are WIP or just swimming around my head. Life offline = Life productive. That's the goal anyways! 
  
  
  Best,
  Tar [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• February 03, 2010
• 13:40

  Personal Style: Colors

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

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  So you all know I've been trying on style again lately. It hasn't been an easy task to take on, particularly in the dead of winter. I love love love color, so getting revved up with gray skies and drizzly weather is challenging to say the least. But the other day, the gray in the sky let up a little, and the snow's been melting off by 11am; and simultaneously my style has poked its way back into my life, like a little crocus popping up through the snow. Based on my earlier notes, I've established that I love layers, hiding my waistline, and vintage details. I think today's look embraces these loves, with a healthy dose of vibrance to beat the winter doldrums:
  
  
  I'm wearing a sliver waxed linen mini dress from my days of Urban Outfitter lust, a purple striped cardigan (I wear this sweater more than I care to admit) from my recent desperate Gap moment, fuschia skinny jeans, vintage red floral scarf, and topaz rhinestone flower brooch found second-hand at Goodwill, my favorite funky socks (gotta love RVCA), and some cheap red buckle flats. I feel so good about this outfit - I feel like I'm somehow contemporary without being trendy - and the best part of all is that I've found new ways to work my wardrobe.
  
  Here's a hilarious outtake from the photo shoot, which Jeff so sweetly helped me with. This was his idea:
  
  http://elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com [elanvitalanthology.etsy.com]
• February 01, 2010
• 19:59

  Don't Forget

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

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                                          Sparklethot's Ribbons Don't Forget RingJust a reminder: I'll be mailing out Valentine's Mixtape CDs to any blog readers who want one. Just leave a comment here with your email so I can contact you for your mailing address. 
  The playlist is here.
  
  
  Follow my blog with bloglovinhttp://elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com [elanvitalanthology.etsy.com]
• 19:14

  Filament

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

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  Filament I
  
  Filament II
  
  
  Took out the paints yesterday. I am so happy with the results - best part about it - I never worry about what I make when I paint. Everything I paint comes from the play of water, brush, paint, paper, and music.  [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• January 31, 2010
• 15:12

  Year of the Ox

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

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  Just a teensy little painting I did a couple of years ago. I've been thinking about painting again - it's been a long time really...but it's so soothing. Maybe I'll try something this afternoon. I especially love painting on 3 x 5 postcard canvases like this one.
  Hope you're having a great weekend! [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• January 28, 2010
• 16:38

  Want versus Need

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

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  About a week or so ago, I decided to have a look-see at my favorite antique store in town. Mostly I prefer thrift stores to antique stores, because of the true reward that comes with finding a diamond in the rough. You really have to sift through countless amounts of useless, and sometimes smelly funky stuff in order to find an actual vintage gem. But I guess I was feeling 'lazy' the other day, and just wanted to be surrounded by gems, funk not included. A world of treasures was there to gaze upon, but there was one item that truly captured my heart: a 1924 L.C. Smith & Corona No.4 typewriter.
  
  Here's a picture of one I found on Flickr, so you can understand why I haven't been able to get it out of my mind. But the one I discovered is even better than that little lovely up there. How? you might be asking, could it get any better? Because the one I stumbled upon is purple! I've already secretly begun calling her Lilac actually. I woefully walked away from this little machine, because I couldn't justify buying an antique typewriter at this point.
  But it's quickly become an obsession. I started asking Jeff, my pseudo-hubbie, if he thought buying an antique typewriter was foolish. To my surprise, he quickly responded that using an old typewriter is, in his opinion, the secret to the Great American Novel. He has no idea how much trouble that little nugget of information may get him into...about $350 dollars of trouble if I have my way! I went to visit Lilac again today...just to see if she still gives me butterflies. It's definitely love. I want to have her, or is it need? Maybe I'll write the next Great American Novel. Or maybe, I'll just use Lilac to write the daily posts of the Great American Blog. Either way, I really think I have to have her [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• January 26, 2010
• 16:59

  I Heart Hearts Headband DIY

   » ‎ Elan Vital Anthology

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  It takes less than an hour (or maybe a bit more time if you are hand sewing) to stitch up this adorable velvet 'i heart hearts' headband! After I made the heart garland earlier today, I began to crave a stylish little something with hearts to wear...I've been meaning to attempt a headband for a while now (to keep my unruly bangs in check), and those hearts were just the inspiration I needed to set out.
  To make this sweet and simple headband, you will need the following supplies (most of which you probably have on hand):

  • 2" velvet ribbon in a rich red
  • felt: i used a sparkly red and cotton candy pink - and since i didn't have wool felt on hand, just used the squares you find at the craft store.
  • vintage cotton scraps, cut out into hearts
  • coordinating all-purpose thread (or embroidery thread if sewing by hand)
  • pink, scalloped elastic

  

  1. To get started, make two heart templates on paper, one large and one small.
  2. Using your templates, cut out hearts (one big, one small) from your vintage cotton.
  3. Using templates again, cut out hearts from the felt, but make both big and small hearts about 1/8" bigger all around.
  4. Pin the vintage cotton hearts on top of the felt hearts and sew.
  5. Use a sewing tape measure to determine the circumference of your noggin. We'll pretend it's 14". You'll want to cut the ribbon to be 10" and the elastic to be 4". Be sure and cut your ribbon with a "V" at the end so it looks pretty where the elastic attaches.
  6. Determine where you want to place your biggest heart, and pin. When sewing to the ribbon, try to trace the stitches you made when assembling the heart - this looks nicer.
  7. Place the smaller heart layered slightly atop your secure big heart. Sew.
  8. Secure the elastic to the ribbon with a pin, leave about 1/2" excess. The excess inch of elastic is to make sewing easier - you want the finished headband to be 13" so it's not loose when you wear it. Sew the elastic to the ribbon.
  9. Repeat with other end of the ribbon and elastic. Trim off the excess elastic.
  10. Wow! You're all done and you made a super-sweet headband! Wear and smile!

  
  http://elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com [elanvitalanthology.etsy.com]
• January 25, 2010
• 14:37

  I Heart Hearts

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  I've been a bad little blogger: about a week ago, I made promise of a Valentine's Day Mobile tutorial. Prior to beginning this little project, I had a magical concept in my mind of silk-wrapped branches, gemstones, hearts and birds. Upon execution, it looks like a couple of sticks with a lot of notions and bobbles dangling from them. Call me crazy, but I doubt you'd want (or need) instructions to whip that up.
  In a hopes to make it up to you all, I tried to rework the concept; but it's a concept that's either meant for another time - or another life. Instead, I made a sweet and simple little heart garland perfect for adding some life and color to my studio supply armoire:
  {there are those little butterflies I've also been loving lately...(not sure what to do with them, but they are fun to doodle for now!)}
  ...which, since I love hearts so much...is giving me more ideas. We'll see how those turn out, and I'll post the results later...
  
  
  
  http://elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com [elanvitalanthology.etsy.com]
• January 24, 2010
• 12:33

  Personal Style: The Departure

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  It seems to me that I had pretty amazing style when I was twenty-eight. The kind of style that was always well put together, unique, and comfortable. The kind of style that got a lot of positive attention from friends and strangers alike - my style was admired. When I became pregnant with Marley, hormones, shifting attitudes, and shifting waistlines conspired to knock me off my stylish pedestal. I remember when I started putting on weight in the middle of my fourth month: pants would no longer zip and a muffin-top was beginning to form on my once svelt waist. I doubt I'll forget the first time I stepped into GapMaternity: it was at once a haven of swinging tunics and secretive elastic-waisted pants; and simultaneously a sad demise to my own sense of personal style. Prior to that day, never once did I long to look like a humpty-dumpty version of a sailor, or a mass of pink ruffled jersey. But compared to the fit of my twentysomething wardrobe and the other budget-friendly options out there - these looks were a godsend. And so, in a misguided attempt to look halfway decent on a budget during my pregnancy, I lost all traces of my style. My post-natal looks were even worse: deprived of sleep and constantly nursing, it's been said and it's fair to say that when Marley was a newborn - there was something tragically reminiscent of National Geographic about my look. And that's okay. In the first month or so of life with your first baby, all bets and bras are off.
  Last night I watched the Sam Mendes film, "Away We Go"; and found myself wishing I had a pregnancy fashion do-over. Wearing a few basic indulgences in the lines of maternity wear, Maya Rudolph's character is incredibly stylish in a predominantly vintage wardrobe. I have to say I think that is the answer to looking good and keeping your own sense of style as your belly inflates and your ego deflates during pregnancy. Professionally altered vintage clothing, great basics - like perfect jeans, belly bands, and t-shirts, and knock-out accessories. And don't forget a couple of pairs of chic flats when your feet get bigger (if you're like me, they don't get smaller again, sigh).
  Maya Rudolph in "Away We Go"
  Lucy Ox on Flickr
  Although I lost my sense of style during my pregnancy, as my clock ticks and I go green with envy for every beautifully rounded belly and teensy weensy newborn, I finding hints of my style, like bread crumbs on a trail back home. If you're pregnant and looking for some style inspiration, take a look at this Flickr Pool: Pregnancy Style. [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• January 19, 2010
• 17:53

  Ooh La La Love - A Mixtape

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  Valentine's Day isn't a holiday that I feel usually merits much attention, so it's a bit odd for me, that I find myself completely fixated on reds, pinks, hearts, and love songs. This infatuation is quite contrary to my standard perspective that V-Day is a contrived holiday designed to make women of both single and coupled status alike feel like crap. But this year, I am definitely feeling Valentine's Day - not the holiday so much as the spirit of the holiday, as only children can understand it. They know that it's not about expensive jewelry, fancy restaurants, and the like. The kids seem to have this one cornered: handmade cards and gifts for loved ones, parties with friends, and lots of heart-shaped sweets!
  In that spirit, I want to share the love with everyone this year - so I've put together some valentines for all of you! In a few days, I'll be posting a tutorial for a Valentine's Day mobile, in a couple of weeks I'll share a recipe for some sweetness, and today - I want to give you a lovey-dovey mixtape. The playlist is below, and unfortunately for all of us, I'm not savvy enough with Web 2.0 to know how to make a mixtape online. So, if you'd like a copy - just leave a comment here & follow the blog - I'll email you for your address and mail your mixtape to you wherever you live!
  Ooh La La Love - A Mixtape

  1. Crazy Little Thing Called Love - Queen
  2. I Hear A Symphony - The Supremes
  3. The Saturday Boy - Billy Bragg
  4. Make A Plan To Love Me - Bright Eyes
  5. (You Knocked Me) Off My Feet - Sondre Lerche & the Faces Down Quartet
  6. Simply Beautiful - Al Green
  7. Samba De Bencao - Bebel Gilberto
  8. Razzle Dazzle Rose - Camera Obscura
  9. All My Stars Aligned - St. Vincent
  10. Something - The Beatles
  11. My Cherie Amour - Stevie Wonder
  12. That's How Strong My Love Is - Otis Redding
  13. You're My Best Friend - Queen
  14. You're All I Need to Get By - Marvin Gaye & Tammy Terrell

  http://elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com [elanvitalanthology.etsy.com]
• January 15, 2010
• 15:50

  Personal Style: The Beginning

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  What have I gotten myself into exactly? Somehow, I thought it would be easy to determine and recreate my style - it's not. It's not only time-consuming, but it's in many ways a complete blow to my (somewhat fragile) ego. It must be that I've been living in my little mommy-world for too long now: you know, the one where sleep is a precious commodity and style drifts to a backburner on a long-forgotten stove. I thought I'd do an inventory of my wardrobe to begin with, and see what my favorite pieces were. Perhaps, I dared, I would even take self-portraits in my best looks so you all could have a sense of my starting point. Maybe I'll drum up the courage for that revealing project in a few days (or weeks - I've just begun working out!); but for now, that is definitely not happening.
  Not only could I not find even one favorite piece in my wardrobe, suddenly, determining what I like from reliable sources online has become increasingly difficult. First, I went to Urban Outfitters, the credit succubus of my twenties. I hate to admit it, but perusing the pages of their catalog only made me feel old, as I kept thinking "Why are these pages filled with little girls?!". So, I stepped up my game and went onward to Anthropologie, another paycheck leech of days goneby...It certainly isn't as though I couldn't find anything I didn't like, just nothing I had to have. J.Crew was the same story. So I decided to look into the past. I combed through tons of vintage ads here - warning: this site is a time vacuum (albeit a fun one). After hours of clicking and feeling like my style must exist in the ethers of space, I came up with a few looks I like. Unfortunately, one of the eight is a look from a children's clothing line. But I picked it because it reminded me that I've always been most comfortable in tunic dresses, cardigans, and jeans. I love dresses over pants. I love layers. And I love cowl necks.
  I think this is a good start. And, I've found a new source of inspiration: Bliss, blog of goodies and grand design brought to you by Mrs. French. Whoever Mrs. French is, she's got a great eye, and enough time on her hands to put together a look book daily. Her site is true eye-candy - you can find it here if you don't already know it.
  And just so you all know, this process would be so much worse if it weren't for your support, ideas, and interest in the outcome. Thank you all for your love [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• January 13, 2010
• 10:50

  Personal Style: A Reflection

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  Since I signed up for Red Velvet Art's Style School, I've been giving my personal style and taste a lot of thought. As far back as I can remember, I've had a very eclectic style. One morning in my early childhood, while my mother slept, I got myself dressed and went over to my neighbor's to play. I imagine my mother waking, and panicking as she looked all over for me. I can only imagine her surprise when the neighbor called to double-check she knew where I was. Apparently, I had told her my mother was aware of my visit; but it was my get-up that gave me away:

  • Pajama Top: Check
  • Shorts: Check
  • Tank Dress: Check
  • Rain Coat: Check (Update: My mom wanted to clarify, this was a bright yellow, Smurfette slicker!)
  • Jelly Sandals: Check

  I should probably mention it was a hot summer morning! I love this little anecdote of my four-year old self asserting my independence and style. And I have distinct memories of dreading being dressed in a navy/forest green plaid jumper that my mom loved.
  So, the truth is, I've always had my own sense of style. However, as a thirty-year old woman, sometimes I feel my sensabilities haven't gotten much better than they were when I was four. I've been thinking a lot about my wardrobe, hair, and home decor lately; presumably I've given it so much thought because I am thirty. I still dress the way I did in high school: tattered jeans, vintage sweaters, t-shirts, chuck taylors - check. It seems it's time for me to enter that 'classic' decade of life, as I recall reading about in Vogue so many years ago. But I never can get comfortable in Banana Republic, Gap, or god forbid: Ann Taylor. It's the same feeling of dread and identity clash that I had in that plaid jumper as a young girl.
  I definitely want to revamp my style, have a more feminine and refined version of my wardrobe - but I'm at a loss. Over the next several weeks, I'll be posting some images that inspire and provoke me. As I put together a look book for Style School, I'll be sharing with you some of my favorite looks - and perhaps you can help me to see the common thread. Meanwhile, I'll be rocking my Chucks, jeans and t-shirt.
  http://elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com [elanvitalanthology.etsy.com]
• January 11, 2010
• 19:07

  Give Them What They Want

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  I love this little blog. It's a wonderful outlet for me creatively, socially, and intellectually. Sometimes, I'm a bit uncertain though, about how much some of you enjoy it? It can be hard to be objective about something one creates, and I'd love a bit of feedback from you, my beloved readers, so that I can make this blog a daily destination for all of you. It is a goal of mine this year to write at least 5 days a week -- but sometimes, I just run out of ideas.
  Please leave a comment for me, about what type of posts, information, and tutorials you would be interested in ~ and as always, just a reminder: If you decide to purchase something from my Etsy shop, as a beloved reader - you are entitled to 15% off your order! Just mention: "beloved reader" in the comments to seller section of shopping cart.
  Love,Tar [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• January 09, 2010
• 17:57

  Found Family

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  Yesterday, I was inspired by a post from Amy at Ponder and Stitch, in which she ponders about the lives of an unknown family, whose antiquated portrait she holds dear. I hate to be unoriginal here, but I was so glad to know I'm not the only one who's keeping old portraits hanging around, that I thought I'd share my story, too. On New Year's Eve 1999 I decided to do some digging through the storage unit in my apartment complex. I'm not sure what drove me to do such a thing at all, let alone on what was supposed to be the biggest party-night of my young life. But amidst all the cobwebs, dustbunnies, and clutter, there was one small cardboard box full of promise and romance. There in the darkness of the storage unit, I opened the small box to find hundreds of ancient polaroids, news clippings, birth and marriage certificates, and passports. I had stumbled upon the archives of someone's life!
  I took the box upstairs, and passed the last hours of the century piecing together the pictures and documents - stringing together her story. Her name now evades me, all these years later. Her story is burned in my brain: a young girl, working as a secretary in the midwest, meets a charming young man from British Honduras, leaves home to marry him, travels the world, and tragically passes away at twenty-four. And I can never forget her face. I tried for some time to locate any survivors, but as she had no children, and was the youngest of her family, there were none. Since finding the box, and learning her story, I have become her survivor. I restored some of the old polaroids, and have kept her in a proud place on the walls of my home since that night.
  http://elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com [elanvitalanthology.etsy.com]
• January 08, 2010
• 20:28

  Just DO It!

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  I'm so excited - tonight I just happened to check in on one of my favorite blogs, A Beautiful Mess, and learned that there are now extra spots open for Style School, brought to you by the folks at Red Velvet Art. Just a week ago I learned about the course, but was bummed to learn registration was over. So now, I won't waste any time - I have signed up for what promises to be a fun way to learn some new crafts from some stylish folks.
  If you're interested in signing up - do so now! [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• January 07, 2010
• 13:02

  Books of the Moment

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  Still plugging away at the bookkeeping, although it's going slower than necessary. Yes, I did this professionally for a decade - and my books are fairly simple, it shouldn't take longer than a few hours. But I'm procrastinating severely since I find it to be about as much fun as a root canal. In the vein of procrastination, I thought I'd take a minute to share some of my current fave page-turners with you:

  • "The Likeness", Tana French: This is the post-debut novel from Irish author, Tana French. Her debut novel, "In the Wood" was a captivating read, full of descriptive details to put you in the pages and a suspenseful storyline. I wasn't sure that a follow-up novel would be as good as the first - I hardly could have expected it to be better. Landing main character, Det. Cassie Maddox in an undercover gig, this one's been tough to put down.

  • "Animalia", Graeme Base: I used to spend hours reading this book as a girl, and I just recently found a copy for Marley. It's an amazing alliterative alphabet book, with gorgeous illustrations. Another great Graeme Base book for older kids and youthful adults: "The Eleventh Hour".

  
  

  • "Simple Sewing for Baby", Lotta Jansdotter: Why, oh why didn't I have this book about a year ago? This book has wonderfully simple designs to get you started on creating a full line of carefree clothing, toys, and accessories for your favorite baby and new mom. I think I like the Bib Kerchief on p.28 the best - what a stylish accessory for a teething tot, and super simple to make as well.

  
  http://elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com [elanvitalanthology.etsy.com]
• January 05, 2010
• 19:40

  Twenty Ten: A Year of Planning

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  Happy New Year everyone!
  I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season - mine was amazingly blissful, thanks for asking. It's been hard to put an end to my winter wonderland shenanigans; but I've been feeling awfully bad for not connecting with all of you. So, as of this chilly January eve, I am officially back "on", back to the blog, back to the shop, and down to business.
  I've got some exciting ideas swimming round in my head for Elan Vital Anthology: both the shop - and the blog. The past several days I've been sketching like mad for some great new products to make and list (I hope you all like butterflies!); I've also been thinking a lot about what direction to take with my craft, and how much emphasis to put on my Etsy shop. There's a lot up in the air, and it's time to put the pen to paper, crunch some numbers, and pencil in some dates!
  While all I really want to do is spend some time with my newest endeavor: quilting; my first priority has got to be...bookkeeping. Ugh. For a decade prior to Marley's birth and subsequentially starting this little business, I was a full-charge bookkeeper, staff accountant, and tax preparer. This work wasn't completely awful: it paid well (have I mentioned I have a shopping problem?), was challenging in the same way puzzles are, and I was able to glean a lot about business from many successful and unsuccessful entrepreneurs. I knew when I became an entrepreneur that I would be doing the books, that I wanted to keep my finger on the pulse of the financials, that it would be one of the last tasks I'd feel comfortable outsourcing. And yet, a year and a half out of my day job - this is the LAST thing I want to do. I was completely awful about it in 2009 - in fact, I have a photo for you all to see the "files" I will be working from for the next few nights:
  
  Fortunately, I treated myself to Quickbooks Pro 2010, being that this was the primary software I used for accounting over the past ten years, I just couldn't settle for a free online version. If you have a good accountant, then you might not need the bells and whistles either - but if you keep track of inventory, cash and credit, payables - you really owe it to yourself to take the plunge. If you don't want to or can't do your own bookkeeping, there is a great Etsy Seller, Holly at Accounting Spot, who could be a great help to you.
  I can't wait to hurry up and finish this bookkeeping and get to the good stuff. [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• December 18, 2009
• 11:26

  Make Believe

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  Have I told you yet about the Brown Paper Package Exchange? Chances are, I haven't mentioned it. I've been so busy trying to boost my Etsy shop, that my creativity was null when it came to the gift for my recipient. Not good. I wanted to give her an Herbal Eye Pillow, but create a design just for her - this is what I started out with:
  It was so 'blah' - and not very attractive.
  Last night, I was looking at my latest little something I made for myself:
  I find this little banner really inspiring, and I have to admit I'm proud of how great it looks. I wish the photos didn't include the kitschy furnishings and decor of my furnished rental - but for now, I'm too excited not to share. It reminds me daily to create, believe in myself, and believe in the possibilities.
  As I was saying - as I gazed upon my "Make Believe Banner", it hit me! I had the perfect fix for the blase eye pillow I had made:
  Think she'll like it? [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• December 17, 2009
• 14:31

  New Herbal Blends

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  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 [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• December 15, 2009
• 11:02

  Going Home To Roost

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  Photo: Heaven Scent Simmer Sachets
  If you don't know this blog yet, you really should. Going Home To Roost is an wonderfully written blog, resplendent with fun tutorials, shop features, and great gift guides. I recently contacted the mastermind behind GH2R, Bonnie, about my shop - and specifically, my organic home products.
  She's done a wonderful write-up about my shop - which you can see here. I'd like to extend a special offer to anyone who is making a purchase: 10% off your entire purchase (on top of the 15% off Vintage Holiday section). Just write: "goinghome2roost" in the Message to Seller section upon purchase. Your discount will be refunded via PayPal [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• December 13, 2009
• 10:53

  New Year's Resolutions & Planning

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  Lucky Bee Press' Letterpress New Year's Resolution Coaster Set
  It's that time of year again, to begin thinking about improvements: self-improvements, home improvements, etcetera. I always find myself thinking about all the leaves I'd like to turn right around Thanksgiving - it seems to be an appropriate marker of shifts in attitudes. It's the one day of the year where being grateful is inescapable and contagious. I've got so much to be grateful for, proud of, and to work on.
  Some of my resolutions are the same every year, and every year get put-off until the following Thanksgiving:

  • Get Fit: Regular exercise, take up running, take up yoga, take daily vitamins daily, eat healthier.
  • Be Nice: Make more friends, be kinder to strangers, manage stress and anger better, volunteer for a worthy cause
  • Learn More: Take up a class, master a new skill, share and receive wisdom from others.

  In 2009, I have certainly accomplished a lot of my regular Resolutions - but let's face it - these are the kind of improvements that are a work-in-progress, an ongoing effort. They will all make my list for 2010, because while I've made more friends, been kinder to strangers, eaten healthier, and shared and received wisdom - I need a reminder to continue in that vein.
  Cabin + Cub 2010 Desktop Calendar
  Now that I'm a business owner - I've got a whole new set of Resolutions for 2010. I've stumbled upon some really helpful sources to make these Resolutions easier to achieve - and would love to share:

  • Clarify my brand and product vision
  • Plan and strategize for the year before it begins
  • Learn the wacky ways of SEO
  • Open up a second shop on Etsy
  • Learn more about Marketing
  • Blog smarter

  I'm sure there are plenty of improvements I'm not considering, that need to happen. Fortunately, I've got the rest of the year to think about them. Got any ideas about how I can improve my business - I'd love your feedback!http://elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com [elanvitalanthology.etsy.com]
• December 11, 2009
• 21:09

  Results: Toys for Tots Drive

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  Last night was the deadline for the Toys for Tots Drive in my Etsy shop. As in all first efforts, I expected that this would be a smashing success, with over $100 to buy toys with - and everything in the Vintage Holiday section of my shop sold. While it's great that I'm an optimist - next year, I'm going the way of the realist: better planning, more visibility to the cause, and even creating the toys to donate. Although my planning was minimal, and time management was again my enemy - we still managed to sell a couple of Vintage Holiday pieces. We never got past the $24 mark; so I had to switch my expectations of making ten kids happy to a smaller number.
  This morning, Marley and I headed over to Target to find some toys. It's been a very long time since I've stepped into a traditional toy aisle - and I have to say: If you want to feel like an old fart - just step into a modern-day toy section at your local Target, Toys R'Us, etcetera. It was damn near impossible to find a toy that wasn't plastered with licensed characters, flashing lights, making obnoxious repetitious sounds in the name of education. I really wished I could have bought only Haba, Plan, or Melissa & Doug toys - but quality, heirloom toys are not to be found at your local super-store. I found myself deterred and annoyed, and wondered what "play" really means anymore. That's a rant for another day. So staying positive here - I found a few great toys that will never go the way of the do-do:
  Play-doh! And lots of it.
  Crayons, and coloring books with a new twist.
  Chutes and Ladders.
  And "Don't Break the Ice".
  Because my expectations had been so high, I was almost disappointed in myself for the whole thing. And then I got to the drop-off box, and I remembered what's really important: Just putting something in that box. Thank you to everyone for helping me to do this - and for making the days of a few kids. I think we did good.
  
  http://elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com [elanvitalanthology.etsy.com]
• December 08, 2009
• 22:54

  Recycled Crayon Tutorial

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  Everyday, I make sure to have 'Arts & Crafts' with my daughter, Marley. She definitely enjoys when we scribble together with crayons or dabble in paint. Funny thing is, it seems her favorite part is eating the art supplies. When she's not nibbling on the crayons or chewing on the paint brush - she's throwing her crayons on the floor, breaking them into pieces - of course while saying "uh oh". Since her crayon set was trashed, I decided to gather up all the pieces and make big marble crayons which will be easier for her to color with anyway.
  Collection of Marley's broken crayons (note the nibble marks).
  It took a little bit longer for me than the instructions to be found online suggested, but the results were worth it. This simple craft took me back to the many crayon-days of my childhood: 'stained glass' with crayon shavings, the pleasure and satisfaction of the names of colors - like 'cornflower blue' (this was really confusing for my six-year old brain), endless hours of coloring books. I could continue to wax nostalgic, but instead - I've made a tutorial for you:
  First, you'll need to remove all of the paper. This is the most tedious part of the task, it seems Crayola has decided to glue their paper to the crayons these days...
  The next step is to sort your crayons. I wanted marbled crayons, but not too crazy-colored, so I created six groups based on colors: reds, oranges, greens, blues, purples, and browns.
  I highly recommend a mezzaluna for this craft - it lets you just rock the blade back and forth over the crayons, and keeps the bits from flying everywhere.
  Once you've chopped each color group of crayons, pour into baking cups.
  Baking cups placed in muffin tin, oven set to bake at 200F. Keep an eye on the crayons while they melt. And while you're waiting (other instructions promised a ten minute wait - these took nearly thirty minutes).....
  Munch on one of these yumyumyummy all natural ice cream sandwiches from RubyJewel. Obviously, this isn't a necessary step for your crayons to come out great - but it does make the time pass more pleasantly.
  Once you remove from the oven, simply allow to cool until hardened. I LOVE the green one...not sure why the others look so completely un-marbled. Ah well.
  Not bad, eh! Of course, now Marley's sure to eat her crayons - they look like Reese's Peanut Butter Cups!
  They work good as new - only better!
  
  http://elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com [elanvitalanthology.etsy.com]
• December 07, 2009
• 17:42

  If...

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  Found this amazing book while thrifting today. I feel so lucky...
  
  
  
  
  
  http://elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com [elanvitalanthology.etsy.com]
• December 06, 2009
• 22:04

  Wanderlust

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  It must be the cold weather that prompted this search for sea-faring fun. Searching Handmade and Vintage alike for: sea, ocean, nautical, and wanderlust...it's amazing what you will find.
  Since it's too hard to read the details, here are links to the items:

  • Over the Seven Seas Belt Buckle
  • 1940s Sea Foam Green Capelet
  • 'Neptune' by Bumble Belly Designs (SOLD)
  • 'Sea' 8 x 8 Print
  • Handmade Stationary Set
  • 10 Wanderlust Invitations
  • Teal Wrap Journal
  • Clipper Ship Screenprinted Tie
  • 2010 Letterpress Poseidon Calendar
  • Vintage Sailboats
  • Pearl Nautilus Fine Art Photograph
  • Sexy 70s Secretary Dress
  • Recycled Sail Messenger Bag
  • Modern Lucite Globe (SOLD)
  • Mint Green Mini Dress
  • Mermaid Rowboat

  http://elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com [elanvitalanthology.etsy.com]
• 20:20

  Get to Work

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  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.
  
  
  http://elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com [elanvitalanthology.etsy.com]
• December 03, 2009
• 10:28

  Vintage I'm Already Nostalgic For...

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  I absolutely love love love thrift shops, salvage yards, and of course - antique stores. It delightsme that part of my "job" includes being able to go to said places and justify my shopping habit simply by selling on Etsy. However, there's always a small moment of...dare I say it, reluctance - that occurs when I have to part with one of these treasures. This morning I woke to see another goodie sold, and while I'm of course happy that someone will truly enjoy this small wonder, the reluctance to part with her has crept in again. I'm reminded of being a young child, shopping for birthday party gifts for friends...and not wanting to wrap them.
  So I have, over time, tried to make a celebratory process of packaging. If it's a figurine you're getting, you receive a teensy thank you note for bringing it home (from the figurine, of course). Accessories, home decor, etcetera are also treated with an air of honor, sans note. This helps me resolve the "reluctance" and create real joy, imagining the buyer opening the package with delight - dancing around the house, clutching their glass bowl, figurine, or pillow close to their heart.
  Today, after parting with the Glass Songbird, I decided to pay a little homage to a few of my favorite vintage sales:
  
  http://elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com [elanvitalanthology.etsy.com]
• December 01, 2009
• 14:50

  EVA in the Press and other news!

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  It was a good, long trip to the Bay Area to visit with family and friends over the Thanksgiving Holiday. While I was away, several really great things happened to me, which made me contemplate going away more often. Well, not really, but it's uncanny how many good things happened which I have to be thankful for: a couple of sales, (including one towards our Toys for Tots campaign), our campaign was discovered by Hotels Combined - a fabulous non-profit based out of Australia which will contribute to the non-profit of your choice simply for mentioning the program! This blurb gains us $20 towards Toys for Tots!
  Also, while out of town - Elan Vital Anthology was featured in a blog, a crafting business guide, as well as being included in True North Parenting's Holiday Gift Guide! You can find an interview with me at Free Craft Fair, or learn about our giveaway winner's experience winning the herbal eye pillow at her blog: Mom of Boys with Toys.
  Update: The Toys for Tots Campaign has now reached: $23.80 towards toys to be purchased and donated December 12th, $35 from Hotels Combined for Toys for Tots in our Campaign name!
  http://elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com [elanvitalanthology.etsy.com]
• November 18, 2009
• 12:44

  Holiday Sales = Toys for Tots

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  It's been a while since I arranged a drive for Toys for Tots. In fact, I think the last time I organized something officially was a bake sale when I was in seventh grade. As the reality of this economy devastates the lives of more and more families - I feel compelled to do something again. I've decided to extend my Vintage Holiday Sale through the end of the year, and donate 100% of the sales towards purchasing gifts for children that otherwise may watch the holiday season come and go like any other time of year.
  Christmas has always come in very close seconds to Halloween for me, personally. But I haven't forgotten the magic that this time of year possesses for wee ones. Whether it's at my shop, or not, be a savvy shopper and make sure your money works double-time this year - shopping for altruism is a great feeling.
  Toys must be donated no later than December 12th - I will be blogging about the results of the sale - I want you to know what we can do [elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com] http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• November 15, 2009
• 12:05

  Interview with jenjems

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  There are many wonderful aspects to starting your own business on Etsy. As with any other venture, there's the sense of accomplishment, nurturing your own success, and regular challenges that make each day different. But what makes Etsy so refreshing is, in my opinion, the community. I have met many wonderful people - and consider many of them my friends. Today, I want to introduce you to one of my Etsy friends: Jen Moore, creator of jenjems, a beautiful line of jewelry with lines inspired by the natural world.
  Etsy is home to myriad talented jewelers, but jenjems is amongst the cream of the crop for her sophisticated designs, stunning materials, and importantly - her great business sensabilities. Over the past several months, I have been grateful for Jen's daily Facebook posts, which almost always make me laugh out loud. Perhaps more relevantly, I have been awed by her Marketing prowess. For example, jenjems' 'Hidden Treasures', a sort of scavenger hunt sale for her Facebook fans. Trust me, it's really fun and gratifying as a buyer. Beyond the clever twist on a sale, Jen has a lot of other great ideas which I asked her to share with us, as well as letting us know her better:
  I see you on Facebook, and I'm always impressed with the diversity of your Marketing strategies: Hidden Treasures, jenjems Parties, etc. Moreover, I'd have to say the reason your Marketing works, is that I don't feel I'm being sold/advertised to. It's actually fun! Where did you learn Marketing?I'm a shopper myself...to put it mildly; I guess you could say I'm somewhat of a shopaholic. As a Seller, my approach to marketing is to put myself in the buyer's position. I think, "How would I want to be sold to?", and go from there. I can't stand the hard sell: if someone is nagging at me "BUY MY STUFF" I tend to back off more than make a purchase, so I keep it low key. Because I take this approach, Marketing is kinda second nature to me. My approach to jenjems marketing comes from great shopping experiences, dreams, and innovating. My packaging is a result of both my obsessive compulsive nature, as well as a lesson about customer appreciation I learned as a buyer. I once made a purchase online for five pairs of shoes (see, told you I was a shopaholic!) They were each individually packaged with matching tissue and a cute, little sticker; they came with a very nice note, thanking me for my purchase. I can still recall the feeling of joy and excitement I had as I unwrapped each pair. When I started jenjems, I used that memory to come up with my own Marketing strategy for packaging. I want everyone to have that feeling of joy and excitement when they receive jenjems.
  'Hidden Treasures' was actually inspired by a recurring dream from my childhood: I was gathering "jewels" and placing them in a GIANT treasure chest. Each dream was in a different setting, but the end result was the same, I was searching for "hidden treasure". I thought, "Why not use that as a marketing tool?", and let my fans find the 'hidden treasure' in my shop.
  Jenjems parties are really just a fresh take on the classic Tupperware party. I figured if it works for their merchandise, why not mine? It's so much fun to gather with friends and shop in the comfort of your own home. Get a few cocktails in your friends and they're REALLY ready to shop!
  In your shop profile, you mention that you find inspiration in nature. I'm always curious to know what inspires artists - I think that it says something about their unique perspective. Can you elaborate?I am fortunate enough to have a beautiful commute each day along a stretch of highway with farmland on either side. It's a nice way to start and end my day, and I'm always inspired by the scenery: like the way the sun hits the tips of the trees, the curves and shapes of the land, an old barn alone in a field. This simple imagery is often what charges my creativity and inspires new designs. Watching the way water flows down a hill may inspire the lines of a necklace. Appreciating the beauty in nature and the world around me, whether farmland or the city always shapes the creativity that comes from within.
  Art teachers have made a huge difference in my life - I think it's fabulous that you are an art teacher. Tell us about it.My desire to teach art started at a very young age. There was always something intriguing about art teachers: their carefree attitudes, the way they were always so kind and full of encouragement. My career path has taken me from Daycare Assistant to sixth grade Art Teacher and currently, to Director of a non-profit childcare center. My program emphasizes on the arts and hands-on lessons more so than academics. There is so much we can learn from a child, if we just take the time to listen and observe. Working with children has taught me to be kinder and honest to others – and myself.
  Once while painting with the children I wasn't happy with my end result. Discouraged, I quickly tossed my painting in the trash. Upon seeing this, one of my students, reminding me of my own words, looked up at me and said, "Ms. Jen, 'make masterpieces out of mistakes'", a phrase I started using due to a serious lack of supplies and funding. Hearing my own words from this child made me value the lesson I'd been trying to teach. Rather than toss what I thought was a mistake in my design, I was able to see it in a whole new light; and conceive a new design better altogether than the original. This moment, this lesson – it has stuck with me in my approach to all of my art.
  
  
  
  
  http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• November 12, 2009
• 15:14

  Vintage Holiday Sale

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  If you like these....
  Or this....They are both on sale in my shop! In fact, all items in the Vintage Holiday section of my shop currently reflect 15% off the original price. Sale prices good through 11/18! Happy shopping!
  
  
  http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• November 11, 2009
• 14:27

  Interview with Flight Path Designs

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  The other day, while trying to demonstrate to Jeff, my partner, how limited the selection at Etsy is for men (I think he is envious of the great handmade finds I've been getting for myself) - I stumbled across an amazing shop that has products that are sure to appeal to both women and men.
  I found Flight Path Designs, home to gorgeous leather goods created by artist, Naomi Joy Yamamoto. As I perused her Etsy shop, I found myself completely enamored with not only the unique "tattoo process", but every illustration that graced her collection of stunning belt buckles, pendants, and handbags. When I fall this hard for anything, being the curious cat that I am - I need to know more.
  Naomi was kind enough to answer my questions about her art, her process, and business secrets. She has inspired and educated me with her answers, and if you find inspiration here, too - I hope you'll thank her:
  I'd like to know what your greatest source of inspiration for your work is? My wanderlust is kicked up ten notches looking at your art - I wonder if I'm onto something here?I find inspiration in all sorts of places, people and objects. I love to travel, and did quite a bit of wandering before beginning Flight Path as a full time venture. The aspect of traveling that informs my work is being out of my day to day context and immersing myself in the various textures, sounds and views of different cultures. I also love heading out for adventures in thrift stores, looking at the discarded objects of our past. The most mundane objects were produced with so much thought into function and design and that's something that I try and incorporate into my work as much as possible.
  Surely all artists struggle with creative blocks. I found a very inspirational quote on your web site:
  "Be careful what you water your dreams with. Water them with worry and fear and you will produce weeds that choke the life from your dream. Water them with optimism and solutions and you will cultivate success. Always be on the lookout for ways to turn a problem into an opportunity for success. Always be on the lookout for ways to nurture your dream.” - Lao Tzu
  How do you nurture your dreams? Any sources for creativity you would like to share?I love quotes-and that one in particular, as words offer me a lot of support and inspiration. Otherwise, I find that having a good support network around you is important, because more than often when you are acting out of passion you will be encountered with road blocks along the way. I do believe that anything a person wants to do with enough determination and conviction is possible; but in order to achieve that there has to be a great deal of positivity and optimism surrounding you, being 'careful what you water your dreams with'. As much as possible, I try and surround myself with creative, like-minded people, and I am fortunate to have a partner who provides me with a great deal of care and emotional support.
  I have also recently discovered the act of goal making and how the act of writing these down can actualize your present and future - magic, really!
  Perusing your business web site, I was very impressed with your level of professionalism: you have a brilliant media kit, a knock-out booth for shows, and have successfully had your product sold in numerous brick & mortars. What would you say was the most important component of reaching this level of professionalism and branding?Thank you! But at the same time, I feel like there is much to improve upon and perhaps this is something that keeps me striving to be more professional, more organized, and create a more cohesive identity for my work. Every show I try and work upon one element, whether that be adding a new design to my line, modifying my display, or streamlining the product line. Its never-ending! And that is partly why I enjoy this work so much: its always challenging and there is no time to get bored. I also think its super important to find your resources, which may vary from person to person; I've found it in some amazing books, peers and mentors.
  Who are your three biggest influences, artists or otherwise?

  • My parents who raised me surrounded with handmade objects and designs of their own making.
  • My friend, Kari Woo, who has been my roomate, employee, studio mate, collaborator and motivational speaker all rolled in one!
  • Countless designers and artists who fill our world with thoughtfully designed work.

  What are your other interests or unique talents?Prior to beginning this venture I was really into installation based art with a emphasis upon human rights. Part art and part activism - I'd like to be able to get back to that in the near future and possibly complete a masters in fine art/activism - if such a program exists! I also love to cook when I can, and would like to have more time and energy to create more elaborate meals and expand my culinary vocabulary.
  
  
  
  
  http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• November 09, 2009
• 10:08

  And the Winner Is.....

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  Thanks to everyone for entering my very first Giveaway! You have all given me great feedback about my shop, some of which I've already implemented in my shop, others which will take more work. Your gift to me was invaluable, and I wish it were possible to give you all something back. The lucky winner is edmontonjb! [elanvitalanthology.etsy.com]
• November 04, 2009
• 8:33

  And the Survey Says....GIVEAWAY

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  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 [elanvitalanthology.etsy.com]
• November 01, 2009
• 17:55

  Limited Edition Herbal Eye Pillows

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  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?http://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
• 10:55

  Toddlers and Photoshoots

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  So I just spent the better part of a half hour trying to get my adorable daughter, Marley, to cooperate with the camera. She must've sensed that her cuteness was being exploited for my Etsy shop, because while normally a ham, she was completely uncooperative for the pinafore shoot. I so wish that the photos would've come out better - because apparently, lots of you think this Wool Birdie Pinafore is the cutest thing ever; but the original photos on the hanger just didn't translate well. Alas, I'll probably have to subject her to another shoot. Just wanted to share the outtakes as I'm sure many of you have experienced the similar celebrity-paparazzi relationship with your wee ones. Not to mention, I still think she's entirely too cute, even when all you can see is how she doesn't want to be seen [elanvitalanthology.etsy.com]
• October 28, 2009
• 0:20

  "Quotes + Notes" Giveaway @ Akane Designs!

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  I'm excited to share with you the giveaway Akane is hosting this week. It is a giveaway from Etsy seller "Quotes and Notes", an accidental artist with great products. I'm a huge fan of her coffee cozies with the caffeine molecule diagram. Science junkie here.
  Anyhoo, take a peek at Akane's blog, not only for this giveaway - but for regular features that are fun, resourceful, illuminating, and of course, exciting giveaways [elanvitalanthology.etsy.com]
• October 26, 2009
• 15:46

  Photo Tag, You're "IT"!

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  It's funny how powerful images are. They've the power to evoke moods, memories, nostalgia, and sensory details we thought we overlooked. This simple photograph is no different. From January 12, 2009 - only a few months ago - and yet, a lifetime ago. My daughter and I were on our afternoon walk from our cookie-cutter condo in Alameda, CA to the shoreline for the sunset. Sitting on a bench at the shore, Marley ate one of her first "solid" meals - homemade, pureed yams. We rested with the intensity of the falling sun warming us from the cool, crisp sea breeze. Gulls and other seabirds sang and chattered while diving through the air to their underwater morsels. As we sat, absorbing all of the wonders this ordinary winter afternoon had for us, I knitted the "softie" seen in the photo. I was moved by the way the light and the wind danced through the stitches of the rainbow colored stitches - and snapped this photo before gathering ourselves up for a swift walk home.
  Since taking this photo, our family has moved across the country two times. We have lived in Brooklyn, NY with family, and now reside in Bend, OR. The story of this photo reminds me that while our surroundings have changed radically in this year, our simpler traditions such as afternoon walks - are truly what creates our sense of home.
  This post is in response to Cabin + Cub's blog post about "Photo Tag", a game I didn't know existed; and am so glad now that I've played. If your name is below, or, if you just want to play - the rules are as follows:
  1. Open your first photo folder.2. Scroll to the 10th photo.3. Post the photo on your blog and tell the story behind it.4. Tag people to do the same.
  Who's "IT":ArtTalesHappy BanyanFall into PinkTchotchkesSparkle Powerhttp://elanvitalanthology.etsy.com